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CD Review: Rush “Clockwork Angels”

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

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: angels, cd, clockwork, review, rush

CD Review: Sophie B. Hawkins “The Crossing”

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)

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, crossing, hawkins, review, sophie

CD Review “Men in Black 3”

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

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: 3, black, cd, men, review

CD Review: Otherwise “True Love Never Dies”

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

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, dies, love, review, true

CD Review: The Great Commission “Firework EP”

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)

CD Review: The Cory Smoot Experiment “When Worlds Collide”

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

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, collide, cory, experiment, review, smoot, ...

CD Review: Foreigner “Alive & Rockin'”

Foreigner
Alive & Rockin’
Eagle Rock Entertainment
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Tracks: 9

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I would like to consider myself a huge Foreigner fan. I recently saw them perform this past Spring and SeaWorld Orlando and they put on a hell of a live show.
This album was recorded at the 2006 Bang Your Head Festival in Balingen, Germany. This 9-track concert was released previously on DVD but never as an audio CD. I feel that it is definitely missing the energy of the live show. The instruments seems a little bit toned down or muted during the songs. I still have a few original Foreigner albums on my iPhone and I re-listened to those track (of course a different singer), they just sound so much more energetic.

The line up for the concert includes Mick Jones (guitars), Kelly Hansen (vocals), Jason Bonham (drums), Jeff Jacobs (keyboards), Tom Gimbel (guitars, saxophone, flute) and Jeff Pilson (bass). Let me tell you after seeing Kelly Hansen perform live this year, I totally love this voice and he is able to belt out these songs well. This release though didn’t really show that wonderful aspect.

The set list, of course includes the classic crowd-pleasing tracks including U.S. Top 20 hits like “Juke Box Hero”, “Cold As Ice” and “Hot Blooded.” There is even a little tribute to Zeppelin with “Whole Lotta Love”. I have never been a mega big fan of “Starrider and I feel it slows down the album a bit as well. Overall if you are a fan of Foreigner, I would honestly say skip this album, re-listen to your classic vinyls or CD’s and catch these guys live.

Track Listing:
1) Double Vision
2) Head Games
3) Dirty White Boy
4) Cold As Ice
5) Starrider
6) Feels Like The First Time
7) Urgent
8) Juke Box Hero / Whole Lotta Love
9) Hot Blooded

CD Review: Tenacious D “Rize Of The Fenix”

Tenacious D
“Rize Of The Fenix”
Produced by: John Kimbrough
Label: Columbia
Tracks: 16 (including bonus tracks)
Running Time: 45 minutes
Release Date: May 15, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have been a loyal ‘D’ fan since 1997 going all the way back to the HBO TV series. I remember being in college back in 2001 and seeing flyers everywhere for their album and that just sealed the deal of my lifelong fandom. I know people did not like the film “Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny” but I was a huge fan…and no I am not a stoner either. I have had the album on my iPhone since it was released. “Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown)” is truly the great song in the world…but I later found out it was just a tribute. Oh well, let’s get to “Rize of the Fenix”, the third album from Tenacious D. I listened to this album for about three weeks before writing this review. In that short period of time, this album grew on me quite a bit and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since. “Rize of the Fenix” is a travel back to the bands roots and without a doubt delivers the goods. The D is back and better than ever!

The title track, “Rize of the Fenix” is a fantastic opener and really leads the album for success. It is long and doesn’t let up from the moment it begins, while changing tempos and pace throughout. The band even goes back to their skits with “Classical Teacher” and Flutes and Trombones”. Though “Classical” is a little too long for me and “Flutes” has potential but its punchline falls a little short. Overall I still enjoyed them but I do find myself occasionally skipping them to get back to the kick-ass music. “To Be the Best” always gets me pumped but only runs a minute, I wish it was longer because it would be my new pump up song like the ‘Your the Best Around’ from “The Karate Kid”. Two of my favorite tracks is “Deth Star” and “Roadie”, the first being a fast sci-fi kick-ass track and the latter is more soft yet reminiscent of “Wonder Boy”. “Ballad of Hollywood Jack and Rage Kage” is also a really great track. All the tracks just seems to really shine and delivers what the D does best, belt out fun silly songs.

Jack Black and Kyle Gass recorded this album in a garage on a budget of only $600 dollars and even though the album still sounds freaking sweet. If you put the first album and this one on random, I would have a hard time distinguishing the two if I never heard them before. The music sounds great and, of course, even has Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) tearing up those drums on the album. Overall the D has never broken any musical standards but it is just a really fun 45 minutes. Also make sure to pre-order the album on iTunes before May 15th, so you can score the super rare D Track, “5 Needs” which was from Tenacious D’s cameo in the 1996 movie “Bio-Dome”.

Track Listing:
1. Rize of the Fenix
2. Low Hangin’ Fruit
3. Classical Teacher
4. Senorita
5. Deth Starr
6. Roadie
7. Flutes and Trombones
8. Ballad of Hollywood Jack and the Rage Kage
9. Throwdown
10. Rock Is Dead
11. They Fucked Our Asses
12. To Be The Best
13. 39
14. Quantum Leap (Bonus Track)
15. Rivers of Brown (Bonus Track)
16. 5 Needs (iTunes Pre-Order Track)

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, fenix, review, rize, tenacious

Rick Hornyak talks about his new CD

What makes a hard working union man in Pennsylvania suddenly decide to chuck everything aside and head to Texas? That’s one of the things I made sure I asked Rick Hornyak when we spoke. A singer/songwriter with a great gift for lyrics, Hornyak is currently embarking on one of several short tours planned for 2012 in support of his new CD, “Marigold.” I recently talked to Rick about his music, his passions and, of course, why Texas?

Mike Smith: How long had you been writing songs before you decided to pursue music as a career?
Rick Hornyak: I guess I started writing songs when I was about 19. I used to work in a steel mill and that kept me pretty busy so there weren’t a lot of songs from age 20 to 27, when I finally had a dozen or so that I was kicking around. When I was 27 I moved to Austin (Texas) and I’ve written a lot more since. So probably when I was around 19 or 20 years old was when I started coming up with original songs.

MS: How was it adjusting from quiet, sleepy Pennsylvania to wild and crazy Austin?
RH: I have to tell you it was really terrifying for the first six months. I really am from one of those middle-of-nowhere, one traffic light towns in Pennsylvania. I was afraid of the city. My parents had lived in Pennsylvania as did their parents and we grew up thinking that the city was dangerous. I was always afraid I would end up in the bad part of town or that something was going to happen to me. But as soon as I learned the names of a few main roads I discovered I could get where I needed to go. I’d have to say it was terrifying, but exciting, at the same time.

MS: “Marigold” is your first full length CD. Is there a deliberate tone to the album? You have a nice collection of ballads mixed in with some up-tempo tunes.
RH: We actually sent around a pre-release survey to friends and family and people we already knew who were familiar with the band. We sent them mixes of the songs and tried to get an idea of the order to put the songs in…what were their strong points. We went through about 30 of those. I’m so happy that people took the time to fill them out. To listen to the songs and fill them out. The song “See This Through” was a very popular one. Another song that people were really leaning towards is “Right in Front of Me.” As for any kind of theme, I’ve recently just discovered that I was reaching a kind of inner peace when I was writing. I fell in love again after ten years of sort of being single and a little bit bitter. My life was starting to get a little more stable. I wanted to start taking care of my body more…to be a little less self destructive. So that’s really the kind of general tone…it captures a time of my life when I did a lot of reflecting.

MS: I’m glad you mentioned “See This Through.” It’s one of the songs that I really took notice of on the CD. I’m a fan of great lyrics and that song definitely fits the bill. Were there any musicians that influenced you when you were growing up…made you say “Wow, this is what I want to be!”
RH: I have a really diverse music sense because I listened to everything growing up. When I was a kid I listened to 50s and 60s pop records that my parents had. I’ve loved music, as I’m sure you have, probably since I was 5 years old. It made me want to dance around the living room. I grew up listening to Tommy James and the Shondells…the Supremes…the Beatles. Those were my parent’s records. I don’t know how much of his actual style I picked up, but Bob Dylan, when I was in my early 20s, he showed me the power of what a songwriter could be. The way that somebody else’s words can make you think that song was written just for you. I’ve had people tell me that about a couple of my songs and it’s so flattering. The song we were just talking about…”See This Through”…a friend of mine was inspired by the song to put her bar up for sale and move to Hawaii. She gathered enough money for a couple of months, got an apartment and got a bartender job. She let her employees run the bar until it sold. I kind of got off the question (laughs)…I’d definitely have to say Bob Dylan was a real influence.

MS: You’re on the first leg of several short tours this summer. Do you have any plans to record again soon?
RH: I’ve got some songs in the works. All of the new candidates are here. A few that are done and about a dozen or so in the refining process. That’s something that’s tough to do when you’re on the road and touring. You’ve got so many things to do that you often lack that three hours you need to go in and try to write every day. But that’s what I’m doing in my free time. I’m trying to make sure that I’ve got a lot of new material ready. I feel I need to push myself. I want to top my next record in my own head. That’s how I felt with “Marigold.” I felt I had taken a big step. That I was getting better. I could hear it and that’s a great feeling for a song writer.

Rick concludes this leg of his 2012 tour with a stop Sunday night, May 13, at Ernie Biggs in Kansas City. For more tour information, or to order his new CD, go to www.rickhornyak.com

CD Review: Rick Hornyak “Marigold”

Rick Hornyak
“Marigold”
Produced by: Rick Hornyak
11 tracks
Running time: 45 mins

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It was about three songs in, on the second listening of Rick Hornyak’s new CD, “Marigold,” that I put my finger on how to best describe his sound. The Austin, Texas resident, by way of Clarks Mills, Pennsylvania, was spinning beautiful stories that made my mind wander. And then it hit me. Hornyak’s music is best described as Mike Nesmith (his solo stuff (“Different Drum”), not his Monkees years) meets Jimmy Buffett. Like Nesmith, who hailed from Houston, Hornyak has a smooth, folksy delivery that emphasizes the moods of each song. Like Buffett, his lyrics tell amazing stories. He is also an accomplished guitarist, starting of songs like “So Many Times Before” with some fancy guitar work. To me the standout song is “See This Through,” delivered so sincerely it could have been part of Bad Blake’s concert set in the film “Crazy Heart.” Other notable songs are “Foolish Love” (good for slow dancing) and the cheerfully delivered “The
Monkey Song.”

Track Listing:
1. So Many Times Before
2. See This Through
3. Right in Front of Me
4. Cigarettes
5. Homesick Blues
6. Don’t Hide Away
7. Foolish Love
8. Door to Your Heart
9. Far From Home
10. The Monkey Song
11. Moving On (Without You)

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, hornyak, marigold, review, rick

Andy Milonakis talks about new CD with Three Loco

Andy Milonakis is known best for his TV series “The Andy Milonakis Show” on MTV. Andy also loves rapping as seen in the movie “Waiting…”, which he co-stared and provided a single to the film. Andy has teamed up with MTV alumni’s Riff Riff and Dirt Nasty (aka Simon Rex) to form Three Loco. Andy took out some time to chat about this new group and their upcoming album.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get together with Riff Riff and Dirt Nasty?
Andy Milonakis: Dirt Nasty showed me Riff Raff on YouTube. Riff gave out his number on some funny video and Dirt called it. We both met up with Riff Raff, we stopped by the weed shop first to make sure he had a warm welcome. We met up with him and got fucked up and started recording videos. My favorite thing that riff raff did was off camera. We got burgers and I threw my lettuce on the ground, he got mad at me and was like “ahh man why did you waste that, I love lettuce”

MG: Who is the leader of the group?
AM: We don’t really have one, Dirt is good at organizing real life shit, like studio sessions and all that good stuff, he also is the only producer out of us 3… I’m the internet geek and I’ve been giving a lot of cool sample ideas to producers. Riff Raff is the funniest, I never thought I would play the straight man, but I feel like my rhymes are the most normal and least funny out of all of us. It kinda pisses me off but for some reason I’ve been writing less jokey shit lately.

MG: Are you jealous that you partners have all cool stage names?
AM: A little bit, I mean, a cool thing that goes along with rapping or being in a band is coming up with a cool name, and I just made it a choice to keep my own name, I thought it was cool. Also fuck those guys, I came up with the name Three Loco, so I have something to hold on to..

MG: What kind of fresh rhymes can we expect from this album?
AM: Super fresh, Riff Raff has been killing it with the hooks and we’ve been working with all kinds of dope producers. IDAP, Diplo, DJA, Rich Skillz, Sinden etc, sorry if I missed any, my brain is tired.

MG: Where they all freestyles or scripted songs?
AM: Mostly written, we did a few freestyle bits here and there, not sure what will make it on the album yet.

MG: How long did it take to complete and when is the second album coming out?
AM: Most of the work was done in 1 month. Not sure about the second album yet, damn, why are you rushing us [laughs].

MG: Is there going to be a remix album?
AM: We might, we’ll at least have people remix some of the songs, but possibly the whole album.

MG: How can we purchase this album when it drops? iTunes? Vinyl?
AM: iTunes definitely, we’ll probably print a few hard copy ancient shiny disc things and Vinyl would be cool just for the fuck of it.

MG: The band is all alumns from MTV, have you ever considered pitching reality show for Three Loco?
AM: Prob more interested in developing it as a sketch show more than reality

MG: Can we get you to record a song about MediaMikes.com?
AM: For about 10K we can make it happen. Thanks, and look out for our first video and live performance, should be both happening on Cinco De Mayo.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: andy, cd, loco, Milonakis, talks

Matt Skiba and the Sekrets “Babylon” CD Giveaway [ENDED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

To celebrate the release of Matt Skiba and the Sekrets debut album “Babylon” Media Mikes and Century Media Records want to giveaway 2 copies of the album and 1 signed poster. If you would like to enter to win one of these great prizes leave us a comment below or send us an email telling us the first album you ever owned. The giveaway will be open until Monday May 15th at Noon Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends Media Mikes will randomly select one of the winners and notify them via email.

“Babylon” is the album debut from Alkaline Trio founding member Matt Skiba’s solo venture. With a large variety of musical influences contributing to the impeccable album, similarities to Alkaline Trio’s trademark sound are highlighted and combined with 80’s post punk elements. The result being a ten-track offering of addictively dancy rock and sing-a-long melodies. The Sekrets are made up of AFI bassist Hunter Burgan and My Chemical Romance Drummer Jarrod Alexander who both played on the album.

CD Review: Rise Against “EndGame”

Rise Against
“EndGame”
DGC/Interscope
Producer: Bill Stevenson, Jason Livermore
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Endgame” is the 7^th studio album from the punk rock band Rise Against. The album is the follow up release to the bands successful “Appeal to Reason” album. Produced by Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore and released via DGC/Interscope “Endgame” features 12 high energy songs chocked full of great instrumentation and lyrical references to recent events around the world.

The latest album by Rise Against features everything fans of the band have come to know and love. From Catchy sing-along choruses to thought provoking lyrics front man Tim McIIrath takes the listener on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. “EndGame” seemed to have a much more polished approach compared to the bands previous release and even though it doesn’t seem to cover as much territory musically the group’s sheer intensity and in your face approach really grabs you. Songs such as “Help is on its Way” and “Disparity by Design” were instant favorites that I’m sure will garner some really great live performances. Crunchy guitars and catchy choruses consume almost all 12 tracks on the album making any one of the songs capable of becoming a hit.

Straight forward and thought provoking “EndGame” is everything you could want from a punk rock album and more! The band appears to be at the top of their game and is showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon. If you haven’t done so already get to the store or your computer and add this album to your collection. Also be sure to check out the band on their current 2012 spring tour which will also feature special guests A Day to Remember.

Track Listing:
1.)    Architects
2.)    Help is on the Way
3.)    Make it Stop (September’s Children)
4.)    Disparity by Design
5.)    Satellite
6.)    Midnight Hands
7.)    Survivor Guilt
8.)    Broken Mirrors
9.)    Wait for Me
10.) A Gentleman’s Coup
11.) This is Letting Go
12.) Endgame

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, endgame, review, rise

CD Review: Sweet “New York Connection”

Sweet
“New York Connection”
Produced by: Andy Scott
11 tracks
Running Time: 40 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

From the moment this CD kicks off, it rocks mega hard and doesn’t let up until the CD ends. The Sweet are well known their Glam Rock during the 70-80’s and though still they sound just as good as they ever have. “New York Connection” is comprised 11 cover songs including the 2011 single “Join Together”. There is also a revamped original recording for their 1972 b-side “New York Connection”.

If you are a fan of 70-80’s rock, then you are going to love this album easily. The album kicks off with the great song “New York Groove” and just includes on great hit after another. Some of the other great cover tracks included are “You Spin Me Round”, “Because the Night” and “Blitzkrieg Bop”. All the covers sounds really kick-ass and get your toes tapping and head rocking.

Peter Lincoln takes lead on vocals on 8 out of the 11 tracks. Andy Scott takes lead vocal for “Sweet Jane” and is a great tribute to The Velvet Underground. Bruce Bisland belts out “Blitzkrieg Bop” and doesn’t let down the Ramones. Lastly Tony O’Hora puts a new spin on Patti Smith’s “Because the Night”. Overall, the guitars are well…sweet! The music is loud and sums up a great 40 minutes you will experience with this album.

Track listing:
1. New York Groove
2. Gold On The Ceiling
3. All Moving Faster
4. New York Connection
5. Shapes Of Things
6. You Spin Me Round
7. Because The Night
8. Sweet Jane
9. Blitzkrieg Bop
10. On Broadway
11. Join Together

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, connection, review, sweet, york

CD Review: Hung “Hung”

Hung
“Hung”
The End Records/ReThink Records
Producer: Andy Abel/Ryan Kelly
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Hung” is the debut release from the New York based progressive metal band Hung. The band consists of Dmitry Kostitsyn- vocals, Lyris Hung- electric violin, Evil Jon- guitar, Sam Roon- bass and Kenny Grohowski- drums. Together the group blends a variety of musical styles ranging from classical to full on metal. The self titled album is being released via ReThink Records which is owned by Chris Adler of Lamb of God and features 10 original tracks that were produced by Andy Able and Ryan Kelly.

The debut offering from Hung features unique instrumentation and melodic vocal passages but, don’t let the word melodic throw you though as the band is full on metal! Vocalist Dmitry Kostitsyn is part Jekyll and part Hyde in his performances which are further enhanced by the technical playing of the band behind him. Each song on the album is crafted to appeal to a variety of listeners. Songs such as “Left for the New Life” and “Sediment of War” cover so much musical ground that it almost makes your head explode just trying to take it all in. Andy Abel and Ryan Kelly did an excellent job at the production controls as they seemed to really capture each member’s performance on all of the albums 10 tracks.

The bottom line is I don’t think I can say enough good things about this album or the band. With this being the Hung’s debut album I really can’t wait to hear what’s next. Every once in awhile something new and fresh comes along and Hung are it!

Track Listing:
1.)    Eos
2.)    Desert of Sad
3.)    Maria
4.)    Progeny
5.)    Evil Tsar
6.)    Left for the New Life
7.)    Inertia
8.)    Infernal Redeemer
9.)    Matter of the Blood
10.) Sediment of War

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, hung, review

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Page 18 of 26

Tag: cd

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