What the hell are you listening to...2011 Edition

[Vince, Pt. II]

Buddy of mine tossed me a really eclectic mix CD, and I'm digging this track by Parov Stelar:



Edit: Here's the link while I try to make the embed work: Booty Swing

[JonInMiddleGA]

After talking about the musical direction change for Opeth, I got a big chuckle out of this headline "Opeth Cover Bon Jovi"

It appears to be nothing more than Mikael Akerfeldt clowning around with an Orlando, FL crowd for about a minute but I got a kick both out of him doing it and at the crowd kind of laughing at themselves for singing along.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Hey, JIMGA, here's a band for you to try, if you haven't already heard of them - Kyng.

Can't believe I almost missed this post (saw it tonight when adding the Opeth clip).

Not only have I heard of them, I've seen them live & even hung out with them for a few minutes after the show. I bragged about them pretty strongly in my blog review of the show & you can get my take on their music there but the best part was what I referenced a few days later in another post.

LA-based hard rock trio Kyng may not be big names (yet) but bassist Tony Casteneda is probably considered about the coolest guy in the world around my house right now. Couldn’t have asked for anyone to be nicer to an old(er) guy & his teenage son when we met him & the band at a recent show, proving (among other things) that having considerable talent & simply being a good human being aren’t mutually exclusive.

Long story short, it was your standard club-show-band-at-the-merchandise-table chit chat opportunity, except that it was my son's first up close & personal brush with musicians he'd just watched on stage. They picked up on him wearing an 80's era t-shirt of mine & struck up a good enough conversation with him that he pretty much forgot to be nervous or starstruck and just basically shot the shit with them, talking about old bands (my kid can hang pretty good), music & whatnot. I damned near wept at getting to see him have that moment in his life. I was ready to build a shrine to them after what happened later.

Small club & the layout is such that unless you're the headliner (who gets a better location) then you have to wind your way through the crowd to get from the gimmick table to the backstage area. Tony walks by where we're parked against wall, says Hi or whatever & disappears into the room packed with roadies & gear. Not a minute later he pops out with a couple of bottled waters from a cooler in the back, hands 'em to us & whispers to me "I'll swap this for a beer if you want, I just figured you were doing the driving. Since I can't buy you both a drink, I wanted to do something & this was the best I could think of". To see my son's face you would have thought that Hendrix had returned from the grave with a bottle of fresh unicorn tears & asked if we needed anything else. If that wasn't the single coolest thing I've ever experienced at a show, it's definitely in the top few.

Made me a fan for life. I was the first person to congratulate them on their FB page the day Falling Down hit the Active Rock chart, nobody at the moment I hope to see enjoy some success more than them.

Strangely enough, as great as their promotion was on XMLM, they don't have a single clip on YT from the album. They only thing I see is some live clips, and as bad as the recordings are, they don't do it justice.

I actually mentioned this very thing to them at the show, since it was the CD rips turned to videos for Lansdowne that tipped me over the edge into going to the show in the first place. The reaction was kind of, well, let's just say that I felt like it was probably not an accident that there's nothing uploaded. Wasn't quite like I'd farted in church but it was kind of a moment of awkward acknowledgment & a quick change of the subject. I'm guessing it's a sales/copyright thing with them, so I've resisted the urge to rip a track & post it my damned self (although I've been meaning to do that & block them totally as private just so I can put them into the playlists that have been my primary way of listening to music lately)

[SackAttack]

I'm waiting for next week to see if the new William Shatner CD shows up in here.

Then I'll laugh. Hard.

[Matthean]

Love the build up around the last 1/3 of the song.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

I actually mentioned this very thing to them at the show, since it was the CD rips turned to videos for Lansdowne that tipped me over the edge into going to the show in the first place. The reaction was kind of, well, let's just say that I felt like it was probably not an accident that there's nothing uploaded. Wasn't quite like I'd farted in church but it was kind of a moment of awkward acknowledgment & a quick change of the subject. I'm guessing it's a sales/copyright thing with them, so I've resisted the urge to rip a track & post it my damned self (although I've been meaning to do that & block them totally as private just so I can put them into the playlists that have been my primary way of listening to music lately)

Huh. Well, on the boards I post at, the other option is just upload the damn CD so people can try it out. I don't know anyone who actually rips songs from YouTube. If they really want it and won't pay, they'll find a blog or torrent site to D/L the entire album. Posting a YT clip is a quick and easy way to sample music. The other option is to try to record something from the soundboard so it doesn't sound so damn bad, I guess. Oh well.

[Matthean]

A magazine is coming out with a cover album of U2's Achtung Baby. Here's Jack White's entry.

Check Out: Jack White covers U2′s “Love is Blindness” « Consequence of Sound

[Vince, Pt. II]

Saw Wild Beasts tonight at the Rio in Santa Cruz. I had actually never even heard of them, but my Aunt had an extra ticket, and I am totally down to sample new music live. They put on a phenomenal show, and I'm extremely glad I went. The two singers have absolutely ridiculous range on their vocals, and the drummer hit some ridiculously complex beats without batting an eye.

It was quite a contrast to their opening act, which may have been the worst live music I have ever seen performed.

[CrimsonFox]

Best sax ever!

[Ksyrup]

Lou Reed needs to be trapped under ice. That's all I'll say about Lulu.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Lou Reed needs to be trapped under ice. That's all I'll say about Lulu.

Lou Reed needs to Ride the Lightning

[Ksyrup]

Too bad he didn't do a collaboration with Torsofuck. Then he could be Raped by Elephants.

[Qwikshot]

Originally Posted by CrimsonFox

Best sax ever!

Yeah I like that, but Foreigner's "Urgent" has a great sax solo.

[Matthean]

Jay Nash

Samples of Jay Nash's music.

Online File Folder

Free download of The Things You Think You Need.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And finally the first official video from Kyng, for the lead single Falling Down is released. Naturally it's a Revolver mag exclusive at the moment so I can't embed, but here's the linkage for the curious (also includes upcoming dates).

Exclusive: Kyng Premiere Video for “Falling Down,” Announce Tour Dates with Black Tusk and Monstro - Revolver Magazine

[Ksyrup]

I believe they are also touring with Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity during the holidays, which is a fantastic tour for them to be on.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I believe they are also touring with Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity during the holidays, which is a fantastic tour for them to be on.

Interesting (in a "that's odd" kind of way) that the article refers to Kyng on tour with Clutch but makes no mention of CoC. Sure enough though, CoC recently Tweeted the exact same dates & cities as being with Clutch, so I'm sure you're right here.

Just seems odd that the Revolver piece doesn't mention (what I have to believe) is the bigger of the two bands that they'd be doing dates with.

[Ksyrup]

Odd as it may seem, the two of them toured earlier this year, and COC supported Clutch. I love me some Clutch. Especially Blast Tyrant. The last couple have got a bit too much of a Southern boogie vibe to them. BT is a straight-out kick in the ass.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I don't think I've posted this before. Hell in the Club is an Italian band that must have some genetic tie to the LA club metal scene circa the 80's. Damn I'm digging this song right now. NSFW lyrics, scantily clad women (filmed in an Italian strip club apparently), what's not to love?

[Ksyrup]

Singer looks like a cross between Taime Downe and Steve Riley.

[Young Drachma]

The new Kittie LP "I have failed you" is getting some airplay here. Also enjoying Florence and The Machine's latest Ceremonials. Real Estate - Days album is one of the best albums of the year. Other stuff too...the second half of the year has been better than the first half in the new albums department for me.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Last Vegas has a new song The Other Side and a new video featuring an old familiar face: Sybil Danning. Who could forget her performance in Werewolf Women of the SS.

Better than pretty good song IMO but it's the campy return of a B-movie legend that makes this a definite share. Almost a "what are you YouTubing" post but I really do like the song, moreso musically than lyrics/vocals really. Got a sort of lighter Faster Pussycat vibe or something along those lines.

The embedding seems kind of wonky to me, if it screws up the thread I'll come back & take it down/put up a link instead of embed.

[lcjjdnh]

Been out for a few months now, but Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks "Mirror Traffic" is quite good. Probably my favorite album by Malkmus since Pavement ended.

[DataKing]

Digging me some Depeche Mode today...Songs of Faith and Devotion.

[korme]

MARGOT AND THE NUCLEAR SO & SO'S
German Motor Car

[Buccaneer]

Ok, this is going to sound stupid. But I was reading the article on how the Lions fans really don't want Nickleback to be playing halftime at the Thanksgiving game. Even though I recognize the name, I never heard the music. So I checked out about 6-7 youtube videos and wondered why every one of their songs sounds exactly the same? Same tempo, same vocalization, same chord progressions, etc. And then I see tens of millions likes on youtube. Just like Bieber, I don't get it, Nickleback doesn't sound good to me. Are they really that popular and why?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

And then I see tens of millions likes on youtube. Just like Bieber, I don't get it, Nickleback doesn't sound good to me. Are they really that popular and why?

I'm taking this as a serious question, so I'll try to answer as such.

I think of N'back kind of like Creed version 2.0, in that it's quite trendy & cool to knock them, same as it was with Creed.

What makes them work, I think, is the ability to write several basic types of songs that are all very accessible.

They can do light rock: "Breathe", "Photograph", "Far Away", "If Today Was Your Last Day"
They can do 18-24 drunk rock: "Burn it to the Ground", "Bottoms Up"
They can do some simple hard rock: "Side of a Bullet" is probably a fair example
They can do raunchy horny teen male rock: "Animals", "Something In Your Mouth"

They aren't the best musicians, they aren't the best songwriters, they aren't the best anything ... but they're competent at a number of things & they are particularly adept at coming up with catchy hooks. That versatility, and handlers that do a good job of juggling the release schedule of their singles, means that they can hit a huge number of people with a steady barrage of heavily played songs. And it works, over 21 million albums sold in just a little more than a decade.

Does their catalog have a striking similarity between the songs in each niche? You're damned straight it does, and that's probably the most valid criticism of them I can find. It's not remotely true when people say something like "if you've heard one Nickelback song you've heard them all" (see above) but it's probably quite fair to say that "if you've heard 5 or 6 Nickelback songs you've heard them all".

I've got no beef with them, I have no real problem saying that I enjoy quite a bit of what they do, at least their work in the styles I enjoy. Hell, I'll tell you without the least bit of hesitation that I think "Burn It to the Ground" is probably the single best arena rock song of the past decade or more.

But like Creed before them, their success makes it cool to hate them (or claim to). There hasn't been a shortage of people that like to play "hipster" (sub your own pejorative term here if you like) and bash success. {shrug} They're rarely great, but often enough they're at least pretty good & they're very easy to listen to. They've proven that can have consistent value, which no doubt pisses off the cool kids even more.

Hope that helps, I'm sure you'll find plenty of other p.o.v.'s if it doesn't

[Matthean]

Very early Nickleback was even more so copy/paste. Somebody made a mp3 of two of their songs that literally were as identical as they could be but separate and had them playing at the same time just to hammer home the point. Lyrically, they are utterly and completely juvenile rock 'n' roll lifestyle. Musically, there's not much there either.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Matthean

Lyrically, they are utterly and completely juvenile rock 'n' roll lifestyle. Musically, there's not much there either.

The former has been working pretty well for a lot of bands for a long time.
So has the latter, now that you mention it.

I mean, AC/DC (just to pick on someone, not comparing them directly to NB) isn't exactly known for being the most diverse musical group in history but the success is a bitch to argue with.

[Grover]

Getting extremely excited to see Noel Gallagher in Boston next weekend. I've been a huge fan since I was about 11, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? was the first album I ever owned. Drove to Toronto in 2006 to see him do a solo show.

His new album is quite good and the set-lists have been a great mix of the new songs and his Oasis-penned classics.

[Buccaneer]

Thanks Jon, that's a good and informative response.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

The former has been working pretty well for a lot of bands for a long time.
So has the latter, now that you mention it.

I mean, AC/DC (just to pick on someone, not comparing them directly to NB) isn't exactly known for being the most diverse musical group in history but the success is a bitch to argue with.

You can pretty much replace the word "Nickelback" in your description with "AC/DC" and it would hold up. AC/DC recycled a lot of riffs and weren't exactly diverse lyrically (note: AC/DC is one of my all-time faves)

I too like Nickelback and not sure I get the hate. I suspect it may be because they come across as a tad pretentious - you know, they are serious hard rockers. Maybe if they lightened up a little and ditched some of the cheesy ballads?

[Ksyrup]

At least I'm consistent - I don't like Nickleback or AC/DC.

[Passacaglia]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

At least I'm consistent - I don't like Nickleback or AC/DC.

I notice you didn't mention Creed...

[JonInMiddleGA]

The previously discussed Kyng gets their biggest opportunity to date, announced today as an opener for the In Flames/Trivium co-headlining tour in Jan & Feb 2012.

Dates & venues here
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/bla...sitemID=165750

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

I notice you didn't mention Creed...

I thought that one was a given.

They stopped in Tallahassee on The Douchebag's Jim Morrison trek across the country, and that was their last stop before they made it big. So he had a reputation before they went national. I probably disliked him more than their music, which tbh, I never heard that much of.

[Matthean]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

The former has been working pretty well for a lot of bands for a long time.
So has the latter, now that you mention it.

I mean, AC/DC (just to pick on someone, not comparing them directly to NB) isn't exactly known for being the most diverse musical group in history but the success is a bitch to argue with.

AC/DC at least has Angus. KISS is very much in the same mold, but gets credit for it's live show and marketing.

[Ksyrup]

The people have spoken, and declared Lulu to be the shit sandwich it is - they sold like 12-14K of that album in the first week. Megadeth, OTOH, sold about 3 times that many. Finally, Dave outsells Metallica on something!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

The people have spoken, and declared Lulu to be the shit sandwich it is - they sold like 12-14K of that album in the first week. Megadeth, OTOH, sold about 3 times that many. Finally, Dave outsells Metallica on something!

But but but "it's not a Metallica record"

[Matthean]

?uestlove on The Roots new album, which is a concept one.

SPIN Mobile - News - ?uestlove Explains How SPIN and Sufjan Inspired the Roots' 'undun'

[Grover]

Not generally a big fan of David Bowie covers, but this is spot on.

[Passacaglia]

Originally Posted by DataKing

Digging me some Depeche Mode today...Songs of Faith and Devotion.

Missed this earlier...great album. Tough call as to which is better between that and Violator, IMO.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Started hearing some of the tracks from the new Nickelback album tonight. The formula still works quite well, Gotta Get Me Some is classic NB sleaze (God almighty, look at that body ... she's a scene from a Baywatch rerun), This Means War is NB bad-ass, Trying Not To Love You is the AC side of NB.

Love it, hate it, their streak ain't gonna be ending any time soon.

[Passacaglia]

Kate Bush released a new album yesterday -- I was thinking that I didn't like her "recent stuff", but then I realized that before this, she'd only released one album in the last 18 years, so really, I was just thinking of one album that I didn't like. This one seems okay -- not classic Kate Bush, but I could see it somewhat growing on me.

NPR Media Player

[Fidatelo]

Originally Posted by Grover

Getting extremely excited to see Noel Gallagher in Boston next weekend. I've been a huge fan since I was about 11, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? was the first album I ever owned. Drove to Toronto in 2006 to see him do a solo show.

His new album is quite good and the set-lists have been a great mix of the new songs and his Oasis-penned classics.

I may not qualify as a huge fan (I've always enjoyed Oasis but never really placed them as a favorite of mine) but The High Flying Bird's album is really good. How was the live show?

[Matthean]

New Five Iron Frenzy Album!!!! by Dennis Culp — Kickstarter

FIF's Kickstarter page. Goal met in under an hour.

[QuikSand]

Show Me The Place by leonardcohen

[Grover]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

I may not qualify as a huge fan (I've always enjoyed Oasis but never really placed them as a favorite of mine) but The High Flying Bird's album is really good. How was the live show?

The show was excellent, included 9 Oasis tunes with his acoustic stylings. Crowd singalongs, all that great stuff.

Eurovision Culture

HFB is streaming live starting at 2:30 eastern from the Melkweg in Amsterdam.

[Julio Riddols]

I'm digging the new Black Keys album quite a bit, along with the Radiohead King of Limbs Remix album and the new one from Sharon Jones and the DAP Kings.