Starring: Jimmy Buffett
Release Date: June 19, 2012
Number of Discs: 2
Tracks: 15
Running Time:
Label: Mailboat Records

Blu-ray Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars
CD Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have been a life-long Jimmy Buffett fan, although only seeing him live for the first time earlier this year. Living in Florida, there is also no shortage of Jimmy Buffett mentality but I will take more wherever I can. Jimmy Buffett is also a rare act that can constantly produce live albums and DVDs and still manage to excite fans and deliver a fantastic time worth re-purchasing. Jimmy Buffett concerts are unlike any concert I have ever been to. The energy is so unique and what better than to watch it from the best seat in the house! So crack open that Margarita mix, get that blender ready and party it out with Jimmy and friends.

This release marks the first time that Jimmy is available in high definition Blu-ray. If that isn’t enough this comes as a two disc set with a CD of the show as well. The concert featured here includes the best of from his 2011 Las Vegas shows. I am not sure why the entire concert wasn’t included though since all of his concert is really a best of. Also included on the Blu-ray only is a never before released music video of “Elvis Presley Blues”. I just love the fact that this come with both Blu-ray and CD, since one can stay in my car and one in my Blu-ray player! 24 hours of Jimmy Buffett.

It is funny because when I think of Vegas, I immediately think of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at the Flamingo Hotel. Las Vegas seems to be an awesome venue to catch one of his concerts. This concert contains combined performances from 2 incredible Saturday night shows at the MGM. The audio/video on the Blu-ray is just superb and makes you feel like you are there in the audience. Of course there is nothing like a live show, this will hold you over until Jimmy’s next go-round in your town. Inquirers who are curious about what a Buffett concert is like will enjoy this personal and intimate view. But obviously, hardcore fans of Jimmy, this purchase is a no-brainer.

Track Listing:
1. Viva Las Vegas
2. Brown Eyed Girl
3. License to Chill
4. Off To See The Lizard
5. Life Is Just A Tire Swing
6. Bama Breeze
7. Gypsies In The Palace
8. It’s Midnight And I’m Not Famous Yet
9. Knee Deep
10. Back Where I Come From
11. Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes
12. One Particular Harbour
13. Fins
14. Defying Gravity
15. Elvis Presley Blues (Blu-ray only)

Related Content

• CD Review: Lions Lions “To Carve Our Names”
• CD Reviews “Chelsea Grin, Spider Rockets and White Chapel”
• CD Reviews “Architect UK, Miss May I and Rise to Remain”
• CD Review: Sophie B. Hawkins “The Crossing”
• CD Review: Foreigner “Alive & Rockin’”

Composer: Henry Jackman
Label: Sony Classical
Release Date: July 3, 2012
Tracks: 22
Running Time: 41 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you watch the trailer to “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter“, you find yourself with a nerdy smiling peaking out the whole time.  That is what I also found myself doing while listening to this score.  From the moment it starts it is super intense, scary and really thrilling.  Henry Jackman did a really amazing job on this score, easily one of my favorites from the entire year.  His score work is not the most notable featuring the likes of “X-Men: First Class” and “Puss in Boots” but it really packs a punch and delivers.  Honestly each track gets better and better as it progresses.

I am big fan of film scores, always have been.  I feel that the score is really the heart and soul of a film.  Especially for a film like this, if the score isn’t right the film will pay for it.  Jackson did just such an amazing job right from the opening track, which starts slow and gets haunting very quickly, all the way to the last track.  “Vampires”  is also a very interesting track, it really drags you in and doesn’t let go.  “The Horse Stampede” is also such a powerful track, I had to listen to it twice back-to-back. I am a huge fan of Hans Zimmer, who is also a mentor for Jackman,  you can hear his work come through here a little but that is not a bad thing at all.  Learning from the best is what I call that!

I think that this score will not only resonate to horror fans but also action fans as well.  The score also captures the film’s period in some tracks put also puts a modern twist on it with some kick-ass guitar riffs and powerful percussion. The only downside to the album is that it is a little short just coming in over 40 minutes but there still is a lot packed in during that time.  If you enjoyed this stylish horror/action film then you are going to love this album and it really brings the film to life and delivers a very entertaining and thrilling experience. I will definitely be keeping this score on loop for a few weeks easy.

Track Listing:
1. Childhood Tragedy
2. Vampires
3. What Do You Hate?
4. Power Comes from Truth
5. You Are Full of Surprises
6. Mary Todd
7. The Horse Stampede
8. Henry Sturgess
9. Adam
10. Rescue Mission
11. Inauguration
12. All Slave to Something
13. Emancipation
14. Haunted by the Past
15. Battle at Gettysburg
16. Forging Silver
17. 80 Miles
18. The Burning Bridge
19. Not the Only Railroad
20. The Gettysburg Address
21. Late to the Theater

Composer: James Horner
Label: Sony Classical
Release Date: July 3, 2012
Tracks: 20
Running Time: 73 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “Spider-Man” the score is very important. The film is a big-budget super-hero action film but it also has a very senitive side to it, especially with this film going back to the beginning. Danny Elfman composed the past scores from “Spider-Man 1 & 2” and they are pretty amazing. But this one comes pretty close for sure and definitely trumps all over the mess that is “Spider-Man 3“. James Horner is one of my favorite composers, I mean the guy scored freaking “Titanic”, one of the best scores ever! He really delivered a score that I totally not expecting and I ended up really enjoying it.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” definitely ranks up their as one of Horner’s best compositions. It is powerful yet original and has this really unique feel. It definitely portrays the super-hero angst and action without coming off as a loud and pushy with over-the-top orchestrations. Some of the tracks really bring the action and but their is also a very soft side to the score, especially with the piano in “Ben’s Death”. “Metamorphosis” was also an incredible track. For powerful yet subtle tracks like “Making a Silk Trap”, I feel it completely captures the essence of the genre.

Fans of super-hero comic book movies will definitely want to give this score a listen, especially if they enjoyed the film. James Horner really captures the film in his score and I think it shows. . This is also one of those scores that gets better and better with each listen, so Danny Elfman get ready to move over. I also want to comment that the score really does not rush itself, it runs well over 70 minutes and that is definitely a major plus for me personally.

Track Listing:
1. Main Title – Young Peter
2. Becoming Spider-Man
3. Playing Basketball
4. Hunting for Information
5. The Briefcase
6. The Spider Room – Rumble in the Subway
7. Secrets
8. The Equation
9. The Ganali Device
10. Ben’s Death
11. Metamorphosis
12. Rooftop Kiss
13. The Bridge
14. Peter’s Suspicions
15. Making a Silk Trap
16. Lizard at School!
17. Saving New York
18. Oscorp Tower
19. “I can’t see you anymore”
20. Promises – Spider-Man End Titles

Vampires Everywhere!
“Hell Bound and Heartless”
Hollywood Waste Records
Producer: Cyanide Productions
Tracks: 16

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Hell Bound and Heartless” is the second first full length release from the gothic infused metal band Vampires Everywhere! The album is being released on Hollywood Waste Records and features 16 tracks that were produced by Cyanide Productions which consists of Mike Sarkisyan and Spineshank guitarist Tommy Decker.

Following on the heels of the bands successful 2011 release “Kiss the Sun Goodbye” “Hell Bound and Heartless” showcases a much darker and more personal side of the band. In your face lyrics tinged with eerie industrial arrangements made this album a really enjoyable listen. After being turned on to this band by a friend a few months back I really couldn’t wait to hear what was in store on the new album. Needless to say I was instantly a fan. Tracks such as “Star of 666” and “Anti-Hate” stuck out as my own personal favorites. I also think fans will definitely enjoy the cool rendition of the controversial Nirvana song “Rape Me”. Cyanide Productions did a great job mixing in some eerie elements which helped take each of the 16 tracks to a whole new level.

2 parts 80’s glam and 2 parts Marilyn Mason that is what you get from Vampires Everywhere! The latest offering from the band builds on their foundation and showcases a really solid progression. I highly recommend picking this album up as you won’t be disappointed. For those wanting to see the band live you can check them out on their upcoming headlining tour as well as on this summer’s Vans Warped Tour.

Track Listing:
1.) I:Hellbound
2.) I Can’t Breath
3.) Beauty Queen
4.) Drug of Choice
5.) II: Inferno
6.) Star of 666
7.) Kiss of Death
8.) Rape Me
9.) Plastic
10.) III: The 7th Grade
11.) Unholy Eyes
12.) Social Suicide
13.) Anti-Hate
14.) Hell on Earth
15.) Amanda’s Song

Spineshank
“Anger Denial Acceptance”
Century Media
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Anger Denial Acceptance” is the latest release from the Grammy nominated metal band Spineshank. The album is being released via Century Media Records and features 13 new tracks. “Anger Denial Acceptance”is the follow up release to the bands 2003 album “Self-Destructive Pattern”.

Releasing an album 8 years after your last can sometimes be tricky. Over this time bands change as well as listeners and the music business. Spineshank’s latest release pushes that all aside and shows everyone they can still rock. Each of the 13 tracks featured on “Anger Denial Acceptance” pull no punches. The albums opening track “After the End” sets the stage with its brutal approach while the track “I Am Damage” starts off with a techno drum beat that quickly leads into growling versus and catchy choruses.

Diehard fans of Spineshank will surely be happy with what has been captured on “Anger Denial Acceptance”. However fans that have moved on from the band during their hiatus may find this album lacking and a bit stock.

Track Listing:
1.) After the End
2.) Nothing Left For Me
3.) Anger Denial Acceptance
4.) I Want You to Know
5.) Murder-Suicide
6.) I Am Damage
7.) The Endless Disconnect
8.) Ploratio Morbus
9.) Everything Everyone Everywhere Ends
10.) The Reckoning
11.) God Complex (Anger)
12.) Motive Method Opportunity (Denial)
13.) Exit Wound (Acceptance)

Shadows Fall
“Fire From the Sky”
Razor & Tie
Producer: Adam Dutkiewicz
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Fire From the Sky” is the 7th release from Massachusetts metalers Shadows Falls. The album is the follow up to the bands 2009 release titled “Retribution”. “Fire From the Sky” is being released via Razor & Tie and features 10 new tracks that were produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz.

Having followed Shadows Falls since the late 90’s it was great to hear that the band would be putting out a new album as the bands last release was in 2009. It goes without saying that I was quite anxious to dive in to the new material. The songs feature some really great playing and a heightened intensity however I really couldn’t find anything else that really grabbed me. In my opinion the song structures were very similar to those hear on the bands last 3. Producer Adam D. did a great job getting the most out of the songs and the albums intensity proves that. I really felt that a majority of the riffs on this album were a bit stock. There were a few tracks that did rise above the other on the album. “Divide and Conquer” was just a sheer metal track while the album’s title track “Fire From the Sky” had a brutal slugging feel to it which made you want bang your head and pump your fist

Long time Shadows Fall fans expecting something new and fresh with this release may not find what they are looking for. However if you can appreciate the album solely based on intensity and skill then you will surely want to pick up a copy of this album.

Track Listing:
1.) The Unknown
2.) Divide and Conquer
3.) Weight of the World
4.) Nothing Remains
5.) Fire From the Sky
6.) Save Your Soul
7.) Blind Faith
8.) Lost Within
9.) Walk the Edge
10.) The Wasteland

Lions Lions
“To Carve Our Names”
Hollywood Waste Records
Producer: Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“To Carve Our Names” is the latest release from the post-hardcore band Lions Lions. The album is being released via Hollywood Waste Records and features 11 tracks that were produced by Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta. Lions Lions consists of Joshua Herzer- Vocals, Brandon Davis- Guitar, Jon Kay- Bass/Vocals and Isaac Vigil- Guitar. Together the band puts forth their own blend of melodic infused hardcore which I felt had a really upbeat feel.

The albums opening track “Milestones” set the stage perfectly for what was to come with the following 10 tracks. Tracks such as “Grounded” with its anthem like choruses and the acoustic filled “Our Colors” were personal stand outs for me as I really couldn’t find a bad song on the album. The album features a straight forward production which is something I like to hear when listing to an album in the genre. I would have liked the album to have ended on a more powerful track as I feel the difference between a good album and a great album is a solid finish that leaves the listener wanting more.

Fans of bands like A Day to Remember and Silverstein will surely want to pick up a copy of “To Carve Our Names”. The band will also be out on tour this summer in support of the album so be sure to be watching for dates in your area.

Track Listing:
1.) Milestones
2.) The Undertow
3.) Stable as Stone
4.) White Flag
5.) The Right Steps
6.) Carry On
7.) Losing Balance
8.) Grounded
9.) Rescue
10.) Letting Go
11.) Our Colors

Adam reviews the latest releases from Spider Rockets, Chelsea Grin and White Chapel

Adam talks about the latest albums from Architect UK, Miss May I and Rise to Remain

Rush
“Clockwork Angels”
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Label: Roadrunner Records
Tracks: 12
Running Time: 67 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of Rush for many many years and I have also seen them perform live more times than I can count. They are easily one of my favorite bands ever! Rush is just one of these bands that can be around for 40 years and yet make hit after hit. I saw David Gilmour from Pink Floyd during his solo tour in 2006 and when he played tracks from his latest album “On an Island”, everyone took a bathroom/beer break. But I don’t know how to explain it but when Rush releases a new album, it is like instant GOLD!…and when they play their new material live, forget it, the crowd goes insane. I call that the power of Rush!

“Clockwork Angels” is Rush’s first album at Roadrunner Records. It is produced by Grammy Award winner Nick Raskulinecz, who also collaborated with the band on their last studio album, “Snakes and Arrows”.  The album is not just any ‘ole album, it has an amazing story behind it.   It  chronicles a young man’s quest, through Neil Peart’s lyrics, across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he aims to follow his dreams.  I really enjoyed the story overall and there is even a novel adaptation of the album coming out later this year from ECW Press.

Let’s get to these new songs for Rush’s 20th studio album “Clockwork Angels.  “Caravan” easily kicks the album off with a bang.  I had heard and already loved “BU2B” from their live album “Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland” (which was also amazing!).  I loved how on the studio album version, they set the song up with a quiet prologue and then blew it up.  It also really sets the tone for the whole album and its story.  The production on the track “Clockwork Angels” is so amazing and well-done. “Halo Effect” is a sweet song, along relatable to a love song.  “Headlong Flight” flies way over the 7 minute marks and channels its inner-Floyd. “The Garden” is an interesting yet perfect ending to this album.  Rush really delivers amazing song after song here,  I mean each one is honestly gold.

I can’t wait to see this year’s tour to back this album.  It is going to be a really visual and amazing journey to see how this story is told out live.  Also there is a little Easter egg for super-Rush fans on the album’s cover. Take a look at the clock, put it in military time and what do we get… 21:12, OH YEAH! I mean if that doesn’t scream super cool…I do not know what does! This band never shows any signs of slowing down, especially if they keep making albums like “Clockwork Angels”. After 20 albums, it only seems to get better…hears to 20 more guys!

Track Listing:
1. Caravan
2. BU2B
3. Clockwork Angels
4. The Anarchist
5. Carnies
6. Halo Effect
7. Seven Cities Of Gold
8. The Wreckers
9. Headlong Flight
10. BU2B2
11. Wish Them Well
12. The Garden

Sophie B. Hawkins
“The Crossing”
Release Date: June 19, 2012
Label: Lightyear
Tracks: 17
Running Time: 67 minutes

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

Whew, this CD was hard to get through just one. I don’t know how they let this one be released. I am definitely a fan of Sophie B. Hawkins’ earlier work. I mean who doesn’t like “Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover” or “As I Lay Me Down”. But I was cringing at her voice in these songs. The album feels like a 90’s pop star that is trying to stay in the 90’s…oh wait a sec it’s exactly what this is. Stay away for this if you don’t want to shatter your memory of Sophie B. Hawkins.

“The Crossing”, the latest studio album from legendary singer/songwriter really takes her far from her past success. If I was her I would have liked to be remembered the way I was. The only real draw of the album for me was the acoustic version of her classic songs but Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover” or “As I Lay Me Down”, though the vocals are still painful. But if I had to comment on the new songs, I guess “Betchya Got a Cure for Me” was ok and “Missing” was also ok but definitely not the acoustic version…Yikes.

Track Listing:
1 Betchya Got a Cure For Me
2 Sinner Man
3 Land The Sea And The Sky
4 Georgia
5 Missing
6 Heart & Soul Of A Woman
7 Life Is a River
8 Miles Away
9 I Don’t Need You
10 Gone Baby
11 Child
12 Dream St
13 Red Bird
14 Betchya Got A Cure For Me (Long)
15 Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover (Acoustic)
16 Missing (Demo)
17 As I Lay Me Down (Acoustic)

Composer: Danny Elfman
Label: Sony Masterworks
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Tracks: 22
Running Time: 54 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Danny Elfman is one of my favorite composers of all-time. He has such a unique sound and when you hear his scores you know right away it is his work. It is only right that Danny Elfman composed the score for this film, especially since he scored the two previous “Men In Black” movies. In his third time around it this franchise, he is still able to deliver an entertaining score and even packs a bit of heart.

One of my favorites tracks on the album has to be the relaxing yet comforting “Under the Bridge”.  Believe it or not I was not a fan of “Men in Black 3 – Main Titles”.  I love the theme to “Men in Black” but the added electric guitars on these main titles did not sit right with me and left me wanting to skip to the next track.  I feel that Danny Elfman has really matured though over on this score and after two films he really understands what to deliver for “Men in Black”.

Like in most of Eflman’s work he continues to blend orchestral and electronic sounds.  The album is itself runs just shy of 60 minutes and really sums up the whole film from the moment it starts.  If you are a fan of the “Men in Black” series and Elfman’s past scores you will not be disappointed with this release.  Also if you haven’t seen this film it really kicks you in the mood to watch it for sure.

Track List:
1. Men in Black 3 – Main Titles
2. Spiky Bulba
3. The Set-Up
4. Headquarters
5. Regret
6. Wrong
7. Not Funny
8. Big Trouble
9. Out on a Limb
10. Time Jump
11. Bad Fortune
12. Forget Me Not
13. Into the Past
14. Griffin Steps Up
15. True Story
16. The Prize-Monocycles
17. Boris Meets Boris
18. Under the Bridge
19. The Mission Begins
20. Mission Accomplished
21. A Close One
22. Men in Black 3 – Main Title Revisited

Otherwise
“True Love Never Dies”
Century Media
Producer: Jay Baumgardner
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“True Love Never Dies” is the debut release from the hard rock band Otherwise. The 5 piece Las Vegas based band consists of Adrian Patrick- Lead Vocals, Ryan Patrick- Guitar/Vocals, Flavio Ivan- Bass/Vocals, Corky Gainsford- Drums/Vocals and Vassilios Metropoulos- Guitar/Vocals. “True Love Never Dies” is being released via Century Media Records and was produced by acclaimed producer Jay Baumgardner (Godsmack, Bush, Papa Roach).

A straight forward rock album is what you get from the debut release from Otherwise. Standard straight forward production allows the 5 piece band be just that. The no frills album gets right to the point. Producer Jay Baumgardner created a solid mix which gives each of the 14 songs an intense musical feel. Tracks such as “Die For You” and “Scream Now” feature catchy sing along choruses while songs like “I Don’t Apologize (1000 Pictures)” and “Soldiers” feature slightly softer arrangements which showcases the bands diversity.

Though I found the album to be a little generic in its approach it was still an enjoyable listen. Otherwise is not reinventing the hard rock wheel with their debut release but who cares! Each of the 14 songs showcased a band that appears to have a bright future in the ever changing rock world. “True Love Never Dies” is a good foundation and I will be curious to see what is next for Otherwise.

Track Listing:
1.) I
2.) Die For You
3.) Lighthouse
4.) Scream Now
5.) Don’t Be Afraid
6.) Vegas Girl
7.) II
8.) Silence Reigns
9.) I Don’t Apologize (1000 Pictures)
10.) Crimson
11.) Full Circle
12.) Soldiers
13.) III
14.) Heaven

The Great Commission
“Firework EP”
ANGR/Century Media
Tracks: 6

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The “Firework EP” is the latest release from the Riverside, California band The Great Commission. The EP features 5 acoustic renditions of songs which were originally included on the bands 2011 full length album titled “Heavy Worship”. The EP also features a beefed up metal version of Katy Perry’s song “Firework”. Being a huge fan of the bands full length album I was really excited to hear what was in store on the new EP. From the opening vocal lines of “When It Rains It Pours” I was completely blown away! Each member of the band shows a whole new side of their music abilities. Lead vocalist Justin Singh unveiled an entirely different vocal styling that what fans are a custom to. Singh voice coupled with guitarist Angelo Razo’s angelic back-up vocals really brought the acoustic tracks to life. The bands upbeat cover of “Firework” wasn’t bad however it just wasn’t to my liking. I think the song would have been more to my liking if they had gone either full pop or full metal. Not teeter between the two styles.
Bottom line The Great Commission is more than just another faith based scream-o type band and the “Firework EP” proves that.

Track Listing:
1.) When It Rains It Pours
2.) Draw The Line
3.) Weight Of The World
4.) Road To Damascus
5.) Came To My Rescue (Be Lifted…)
6.) Firework (Katy Perry Cover)

Related Content

• CD Review: The Cory Smoot Experiment “When Worlds Collide”
• CD Review: Hung “Hung”
• CD Review: Jeff Loomis “Plains of Oblivion”
• CD Review “Brendon Small’s Galaktikon”
• Concert Review “Shadows Fall, Station 58, Syracuse, NY”

The Cory Smoot Experiment
“When Worlds Collide”
Metal Blade Records
Producer: Cory Smoot
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“When Worlds Collide” is the posthumous album release from former GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot aka “Flattus Maximus”. Smoot passed away earlier this year while on tour with GWAR from a pre-existing heart condition. The 12 tracks contained on this album were originally intended for a concept album that was to feature a variety of guest vocalists however, due to time constraints this never happened resulting in Smoot recording all of the vocals himself. The album is now being released via Metal Blade Records under the name The Cory Smoot Experience. 100 percent of the proceeds from this album will go to the Smoot Family fund which was set up by GWAR and Metal Blade Records to support Cory’s wife and child.

Having talked with Cory about this album in the past I am so glad that we are finally getting to hear it. Packed with ripping guitar solos and guttural vocals each of the 12 tracks on “When Worlds Collide” are exactly what you would expect from one of the masterminds behind GWAR’s crushing sound. Turn the intensity up to 10 and the skill up to 11 and that’s what you are going to hear when listening to this album. The track “Brainfade” features some intricate acoustic work which I found to be really cool. I always enjoy when artists show a different side of their musicality. Another notable track from the album is “Countdown to Purgatory”. The track starts off with a 5,4,3,2,1 countdown and could easily be the soundtrack to an actual rocket launch. The song features a great build up which only adds to its excitement. The album features great production and despite the down tuned instruments all of the low end tonal characteristics are still present making the album that much heavier.

I encourage both fans of Cory’s work and those not as familiar with Cory’s previous releases to go out and get this album. All of the proceeds will be going directly to Cory’s family so not only will you be directly helping Cory’s family but in return you will get a crushing metal album. All hail Flattus Maximus!

Track Listing:
1.) The Blood Red
2.) Fortunate Son
3.) Religion is Fiction
4.) Rebirth
5.) Brainfade* acoustic riffing
6.) Mandatory Purgatory
7.) Countdown to Oblivion
8.) The Gauntlet
9.) When Worlds Collide
10.) Mutilation
11.) Hollow Tree
12.) Sloth Loves Chunk