Bands

Happy New Year to everyone by the way.
And indeed for me, New Years came with many gifts.
Not the least of which was hearing that Soundgarden are coming back in 2010.

A post came out over the Inter-tubes the other day directing traffic and prying eyes to a new website for the band. On the whole, I am very excited for this and it really solidifies my thinking about great bands and the fragility of making music.

If you go back in time to 1997 when they split up, Soundgarden seemingly could do no wrong. Along with Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam, Soundgarden were the owners of the new rock space. Grunge had given way to a whole new sound that (in my opinion) Soundgarden defined. “Down on the Upside” provided a view into where rock was headed. Huge riffs, pounding rhythms, Chris Cornell’s banshee scream, and time signatures a plenty. On top of this, was a layer of melody that was both sophisticated and interesting. Frankly had they continued, I think Soundgarden would have become the biggest hard rock band walking the planet. I was interested to see where they were headed and then…..well, they broke up not being able to agree where they were going.

So now, we get the chance to see where they would have gone.
I hope they take it seriously and deliver a sonic slab worthy of being called “Soundgarden”.
Because frankly, the only redeeming thing any of them has done since is Matt Cameron joining Pearl Jam.
I can’t consider Audioslave music but hey, that’s me.

C’mon guys, deliver the goods.

I mean…

I’m glad that Toadies are back together and Vaden Lewis has rediscovered that great band’s power again.

But, his short alliance with Taz (from Reverend Horton Heat) and partners in Burden Brothers was poised for kickassdom. I’m still kind of surprised nobody caught on to them.

Here’s a video for “Shadow” from their first record.

I highly recommend an investigation into both their records if you dig this.
Well worth the coin for some kick ass rock with amazing vocals.

Currently, I am obsessed with Jeff Beck’s recent live album entitled “Performing this week – at Ronnie Scott’s, Jeff Beck”.

Aside from the sound quality (absolutely stellar), the ungodly playing of all in the band, it’s a uniquely satisfying listen.

As a musician I am astounded when I hear playing like this and the physical abilities of the players. Doesn’t hurt that my man Vinnie Colaiuta is on the tubs making Beck’s music breathe and jump like I don’t think it ever has.

Here’s a great clip from the DVD of “Nadia” to get a taste.

Somehow, someway, at least once every 2 weeks or so I am reminded of the time I spent living in Kansas City, Missouri in the late 90’s. It’s a good thing mind you, not a bad thing.

But invariably the reminder is in the form of music, a band, something.

Today, I am reminded of one of the most overlooked and undervalued 90’s KCMO rock bands: Molly McGuire.

Check out this clip from 1996 recorded at the Whiskey doing “Stand Up” from their first major label disc called “Lime”.

The power they had onstage was incredible but Jason “Meatsuit” Gerken was the engine of the band. Check out his amazing groove and drumming ability.

Because it’s Friday, and well…this song still rocks.

Enjoy.

How can Nine Inch Nails go away when they play this fiercely?

I’m bummed I will miss this tour but I think Trent might want to reconsider the notion of retiring the live show.

Just watch this interview from 1981 with Tom Snyder.

We need bands to have integrity again:

Bring em back!

Oh man. What a month already for music.

First, U2 come back with their strongest album in almost 20 years and now comes word that Devo are putting out a new record, their first in 19 years (I wonder if there is significance to the 19 year theme)!

According to this article in Rolling Stone today, the flower pot men are hard at work on a new disc.

They are also hitting the road with gigs and special one off performances.
Wow, how totally devo.

No.
I’m not dealing with a drinking issue.

I’m on the wagon of positive reviews for U2’s “No line on the horizon” which came out this week.

To put this comment in perspective -
U2 mean more to me personally and musically than probably any other band. They have been with me since I was a strapping young teenager when they first came here on the Boy tour (actually I was 12), and, with each record and tour they have continued to blow my mind. I challenge anyone to name a band that has consistently dared themselves and their audience to change with every single record.

So, with that said, I was beyond depressed at how much I didn’t like their last record (How to dismantle an atomic bomb). It was a totally new event to NOT like a U2 record. It felt half finished to me. And honestly I still feel the same about it. So I was rather skeptical about this new one especially with the usual “this is better than anything we’ve done in years” stuff that band’s usually say before a release.

I’m proud to say that I not only agree with the hype, but “No line…” is far away the best thing since “Achtung Baby”. It’s an immediate listen but like their greatest records it unravels new layers of cool and complexity with each listen. I’m thoroughly impressed but more relieved that my pillar of musicianship delivered the goods again.

To top it off, they played EVERY NIGHT this week on Letterman.

Here’s the 3rd track called “Magnificent” from Letterman:

KILLER!

According to Rolling Stone, the new U2 album has leaked but more important than the leak is the source of said leak.

Supposedly the Australian division of UMG put the album on the GetMusic website (Australian division of course) 2 weeks before the release date. Additionally, this was done without consent from the band and management? I’m sorry but how does that happen?

If I’m U2 or Paul McGuiness I am looking for blood and heads. Its not like this record needs any more hype than it has already so what’s the point of early release?