Long time no blog...

Apologies for my lack of posts as of late. Where do I even start when there is so much to discuss? My recent absence from the site has in no way reflected a minimal level of auditory intake on my behalf. Au contraire. I've been quite busy catching up on a plethora of tuneage - both new and recycled. With this particular post, I've decided to share a couple personal highlights, and plan to do so with plenty of name-dropping and hyperlinking.

Men Women and Children - I recently heard of this group via Do it Old Maid and was a bit surprised that I had been out of the loop, beings that ex-Glassjaw guitarist Todd Weinstock is at the helm. MW&C finds Todd taking a very similar path as the Long Island hardcore band's vocalist, Daryl Palumbo, who currently fronts the eclectic Head Automatica. Like Palumbo, Weinstock's new work ditches hardcore in favor of Latin rhythms, hip-hop beats, and the excess of disco and funk. In my opinion, MW&C's new studio track 'Dance in My Blood' describes the band best: "You don't need a reason, to get out on the dancefloor" This band definitely finds me wanting to put on my boogie shoes to shake my groove thing on disco mountain.

Stereogum recently posted the mp3 of Elbow's 'Teardrop' cover. As one of my all-time favorite Massive Attack songs, I have been looping this track repeatedly.

Collisions, the fourth and most recent album from Calla has also been receiving recognition on my iTunes lately. Tracks like 'Swagger' and 'It Dawned on Me' are two of my favorites from a well-rounded album that should appeal to old and new fans alike.

Currently, my most-played track is one that I found while digging through the archives on Between Thought and Expression. Dating back to July - a stellar mash-up between The Prodigy's 'Smack My Bitch Up' and Prince's 'When Doves Cry.' The end product? A well-blended remix; titled none other than 'Smack My Bitch Up When Doves Cry.' Not only does it invoke a need to break out a pair of glow sticks, but it also seems to provide an interesting association between violent relationships and questioning lost love - a lyrical connection that many mash-ups seem to ignore.

And lastly on tonight's list of mentionables... Pearl Jam's rare Mtv Unplugged album. Having recently acquired the full two-disc recording, I have been pleased to be able to hear the show in it's entirety (disc one is the band's soundcheck). Recorded in 1992, when their debut Ten was still new, the band is heard performing powerful acoustic versions of songs from that album, plus b-side 'State of Love and Trust' and a cover of Neil Young's 'Rockin in the Free World.' Eddie Vedder's signature vocals are on point and continue to grow in intensity throughout the performance - occasionally finding him spinning out of his emotional limits. On 'Porch', the band erupts into a full-out jam session, and in the process creates my favorite guitar solo of the album. With random tunings and banter thrown in between songs, Pearl Jam: Mtv Unplugged is an insider's look at a fifteen year-old rock juggernaut during their rise to fame.

Giant - 'I'll See You In My Dreams'

As promised, here's Giant's 'I'll See You In My Dreams.' This is really quite something else, and it makes me laugh almost everytime. Founded by former Christian rockers, Giant was an attempt at secular sucess. This song is the closest they ever came:

And So the Holiday Season Begins

Well, another Thanksgiving has passed, and Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/(insert culturally relevant holiday here) is upon us. Having this last week off from school was nice, although I've spent most of it conducting research for a final research paper, in addition to slaving away for the Man at work. Musically, however, I've spent time catching up on some CDs I hadn't had the chance to listen to, and as it turned out, much of this music seemed to be carbon copies of their more famous counterparts.

On Tuesday I acquired the Fort Minor album. Fort Minor is Mike Shinoda's band, and it basically sounds exactly like Linkin Park sans Chester--which makes sense since Linkin Park is Shinoda's band too. Their disc isn't all that bad---it just sounds like Linkin Park recycled.

Al Stewart was one of my new-old finds of the week. Hearing 'Year of the Cat' on XM, I decided to check out the man's Greatest Hits disc since that particular song struck me in quite a positive way. In addition to 'Year of the Cat,' 'Carol,' and 'Lord Grenville' were a couple of other songs I found I possessed quite an affinity for. Critics of this artist may brand him a David Bowie copycat, but at least All Music Guide gave this album a full four and one half stars.

Finally, Giant's 'I'll See You in My Dreams' proved to be my cheesy listen-to of the week. Nevermind any of their other songs; I was content to to play this power ballad in repeat mode on Windows Media Player for days at a time. So all of you can enjoy this Foreigner decoy, I'll post the stream in the next post.

That's my week in a musical nutshell, and I hope to catch up on more music here in the near (a reliable source tells me Five Bolt Main is a band worth checking out). I'll keep you posted.

Pearl Jam - 'In Hiding'

With a new Pearl Jam disc on the horizon, I've decided to dig through the archives and find one of my older favorites by the band.

Off of 1998's Yield, here's 'In Hiding:'

Unowned: Pearl Jam Redux

Pearl Jam is almost set to finalize their new album. Pondering a play on Soundgarden’s Superunknown, the band says one possible title for the new disc includes "Superun-owned:"

[Eddie Vedder] added he had been mulling an album title that was a play on Soundgarden's Superunknown: "I was thinking of the word 'un-owned' -- not owned by anybody," he said. "The sky is un-owned. The moon is un-owned. We're un-owned. We want to remain un-owned. The title was Superun-owned."

Said to be aggressive, the grunge band’s newest work is supposed to be the band’s hardest effort and is tentatively set to release in April 2006.

2006 Coldplay Tour Dates

A must-see tour for myself, Fiona Apple and Richard Ashcroft will split opening duties for Coldplay's upcoming North American tour. Fiona will open for dates falling between January 25 and March 5, while the former Verve frontman will open the remaining dates.

The 2006 tour dates are below:

Jan. 25: Seattle (Key Arena)
Jan. 26: Vancouver (GM Place)
Jan. 30: Sacramento, Calif. (Arco Arena)
Jan. 31: Oakland, Calif. (Oakland Arena)
Feb. 1: San Jose, Calif. (HP Pavilion)
Feb. 3: Las Vegas (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Feb. 19: Denver (Pepsi Center)
Feb. 20: Omaha, Neb. (Qwest Center)
Feb. 22: Auburn Hills, Mich. (Palace of Auburn Hills)
Feb. 23: Louisville (Freedom Hall)
Feb. 25: Houston (Toyota Center)
Feb. 26: Dallas (American Airlines Center)
Feb. 27: Oklahoma City (Ford Center)
March 2: Washington, D.C. (MCI Center)
March 4: Orlando, Fla. (TD Waterhouse Center)
March 5: Tampa, Fla. (Ford Pavilion)
March 20: Cleveland (Quicken Loans Arena)
March 22: Toronto (Air Canada Centre)
March 25: East Rutherford, N.J. (Continental Airlines Arena)
March 26: Uniondale, N.Y. (Nassau Coliseum)
March 30: Chicago (United Center)
April 3: Manchester, N.H. (Verizon Wireless Arena)
April 4: Uncasville, Conn. (Mohegan Sun Arena)
April 6: Philadelphia (Wachovia Center)

New Enya Track List

Here is the track list for the new Enya album:

'Less Than a Pearl'
'Amarantine'
'It's in the Rain'
'If I Could Be Where You Are'
'The River Sings'
'Long Long Journey'
'Sumiregusa'
'Somebody Said Goodbye'
'A Moment Lost'
'Drifting'
'Amid the Falling Snow'
'Water Shows the Hidden Heart'

Tae's Halloween Favorites, Vol. I

Inspired by the upcoming celebration of All Hallow's Eve, I have decided to post about one of my favorite ghastly ode's to the supernatural - a tune so frightful it will leave you trembling with fear. Yes, I am talking about none other than Bobby Brown's 'On Our Own', the theme to Ghostbusters II. Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

By 1988, with the release of his hit album Don't Be Cruel, Bobby Brown was no longer a new edition to the music scene. Having departed his colleagues Bel, Biv, and even Devoe, Brown found himself reaching a new level of national stardom as a solo artist. With the making of 1989's Ghostbuster's II, Brown decided to expand his prerogative. Seeing a chance to secure his position as an artist and at the same time, help boost his street cred, Brown did the only thing natural and laid down the groove. No longer would he simply be busting moves on stage - now he would also be busting ghosts via his lyrical wit. I guess you could almost say he decided to take a risk and "cross the streams." His contribution to the soundtrack, 'On Our Own', became the main theme to the film, and contained such insightful rhymes as these:

Too hot to handle, too cold to hold
They're called the Ghostbusters and they're in control
Had 'em throwin' a party for a bunch of children
While all the while the slime was under the building
So they packed up their group, got a grip, came equipped
Grabbed the proton packs off their back and they split
Found about Vigo, the master of evil
Try to battle my boys? That's not legal


Vigo: Not a fan of Bobby Brown's music








Bobby Brown remained a national treasure well into the early nineties, but his music career slowly fell apart after he started 'humpin around' in 1992. He later regained his infamous persona through the media's attention to his numerous drug accusations and spousal conflicts with wife, Whitney Houston. But way back in 1989, a much simpler time, taking down ghosts and drinking Ecto Cooler was all that really mattered.

A Pin Drops at the Lonely Note---And You Can Hear It

OK. It's been silent at the Lonely Note lately. As a graduate student I’ve spent less time listening to bands like Socratic and more time studying Socrates’ opposition to the Sophists instead---more time examining Cicero’s Pro Milone and less time jamming out to Beck’s ‘E-Pro’---more time performing manual usability tests and less time absorbing The Used. You catch my drift…and unfortunately, my lame play on words.

In order to give our dedicated readers some sort of fodder to chew on until the rest of us have more free time, here are some tunes I’ve been listening to as of late. Enjoy:

Type O Negative – ‘Creepy Green Light’

Appropriate and festive Halloween themed song

All-American Rejects – ‘Move Along’

This song is delightfully catchy, despite the band's mall-punk preface


Franz Ferdinand – ‘You Could Have it So Much Better’

Title track is one of the rowdiest songs on the dance-rock band’s sophomore effort

The Killers Release Another Edition of Hot Fuss

I dig The Killers, but they are really starting to annoy me with their recent marketing ploys. Not only did they release an expanded version of their debut Hot Fuss, featuring more songs than the original pressing a few months ago, but now they are releasing a boxed set of the same album. Meant as a collector's album for "true" fans, the boxed version will be limited to only 5000 copies worldwide and will feature 7" vinyls for each song on the album. Each single is complimented with a cover, rarity or b-side.

To be made available for purchase November 22, here is the track listing for the box (with the B-sides included):

'Jenny Was a Friend of Mine' / 'Somebody Told Me' (Josh Harris remix)
'Mr. Brightside' / 'Under the Gun'
'Smile Like You Mean It' / 'Show You How'
'Somebody Told Me' / 'The Ballad of Michael Valentine'
'All These Things That I've Done' / 'Why Don't You Find Out for Yourself'
'Andy, You're a Star' / 'Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town'
'On Top' / 'Mr. Brightside' (Thin White Duke remix)
'Change Your Mind' / 'Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll'
'Believe Me Natalie' / 'Smile Like You Mean It' (acoustic)
'Midnight Show' / 'Who Let You Go'
'Everything Will Be Alright' / 'Get Trashed'

Radiohead's Recent Oxfordshire Sessions

In Oxfordshire Radiohead has been plugging away on new material. The band’s seventh album is currently in the works and is scheduled for release sometime next year. Songs that have been developed and considered for the new recording include ‘Pay Day,’ ‘Burn the Witch,’ ‘Videotape,’ ‘Solutions,’ ‘House of Cards,’ ‘Down Is the New Up,’ ‘Last Flowers,’ ‘Skirting on the Surface’ and ‘Morning Mi Lord.’

New Madonna Here!

Listen to the leaked single here (Abba backbeat and all!):

Madonna - 'Hung Up'

All Songs Considered

For those who listen to National Public Radio on a regular basis, you are undoubtedly familiar with their flagship news program All Things Considered. A spin-off of this award winning show is All Songs Considered, an eclectic look into groundbreaking music---new and old.

You can now subscribe to the All Songs Considered podcast here, along with a vast collection of other programs. Or you can download the latest episode in MP3 format here.

Electric Six's Third Album

In February, Electric Six released Senor Smoke, a boisterous disc full of your typical garage-band-revival tunage. Now, only eight months later, there is talk of a new, third disc in the works.

Singer Tyler Spencer (aka Dick Valentine) says recording for the third album will begin in November:

“We’ve got most of it written but we haven’t rehearsed it as a band yet… The songs are really strong and I think they’re more complex and more mature and I think if we nail this thing the way it’s supposed to come off, it’ll be the best one yet.”

Prince - 'I Wanna Be Your Lover'

While we're on the subject of Prince, here's one of his first hits. It's off the self-titled sophomore album.








Prince - 'I Wanna Be Your Lover'

Prince Needs New Hip

Who would-a thunk it? Minnesota’s Purple One is supposed to undergo hip replacement surgery. Decades of dancing and flailing around in platform shoes have battered the entertainer’s body to the point his joints are beginning to provide him with pain. Yet, because Prince is a Jehovah’s Witness, he is refusing to get the surgery. The religion does not allow for the necessary blood transfusion.

In the meantime, the Artist has been prescribed painkillers which, for now, allow him to maintain his energetic shows. Perhaps he should follow his own advice and purify himself in the “waters of Lake Minnetonka?”

Nickelback Earns First #1

Only since Bachman-Turner Overdrive did it in 1974 has a Canadian band debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Nickelback's All the Right Reasons moved 325,000 copies its first week, with first single 'Photograph' receiving significant airplay in the recent month.

Dandy Warhols - 'Down Like Disco'

The Dandy Warhols' newest album, Odditorium or Warlords from Mars, may have received a measly 1 out of 5 stars from Rolling Stone, but being a big fan of such hits as 1997's 'Not if You Were the Last Junkie on Earth (Heroin is So Passe)' and 2000's 'Bohemian Like You,' I felt I should at least give the band the benefit of the doubt. Although the album as a whole might not rank among the band's best work, I wouldn't go so far as to say that there is nothing of substance present.

The track 'Down Like Disco' features a sound reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots' 'Sour Girl'. While one guitar plays rhythmically alongside the percussion, the other squeals away above the more subtle keyboard textures and vocal harmonies. The song may be fairly repetitive for as long as it is; it narrowly avoids overextending its 6 1/2 minute welcome by keeping the addictive, psychadelic guitar and chorus circulating throughout.

Maybe the few key tracks on Odditorium won't salvage the entire album, but at least a song like this one is able to cohabitate well with some of the band's stronger material from their decade-long career.

The Dandy Warhols - 'Down Like Disco'

Ambulance LTD - 'Sugar Pill'

Working a late shift tonight, I decided to listen to some “old” favorites on my iPod. Ambulance LTD’s April 2004 debut was one such choice album I decided to tune in to. In my opinion, I'd have to say LP is one of last year's greatest discs. In fact, AMG reviewer Tim Sendra seems to agree with its importance to the world of rock and roll when he describes it as a “guided tour through the last 20 years of guitar rock.”

While songs like ‘Ophelia’ and ‘Swim’ are enough to help Stella get her groove back, my favorite cut off this particular selection is ‘Sugar Pill.’ I am not sure if it’s the Smiths-esque opening guitar or the neo-psychadelic vocals of hobo look-alike Marcus Congleton. All I know, though, is that as soon as the first measure of the chorus hits my ears I become a very happy man.

Listen for yourself below:

Ambulance LTD - 'Sugar Pill'

Story of the Year - In the Wake of Determination

Story of the Year - In the Wake of Determination
3.5 out of 5 stars

Story of the Year may not conjure thoughts of rough and tough, but on their sophomore effort In the Wake of Determination the St. Louis based band sounds more like Papa Roach than they do Dashboard Confessional. All previous associations with the weak and cheesy mall-punk scene evident on their debut Page Avenue are no longer prevalent. Instead, the band seems to emulate The Used in order to create more of a methodic metal sound.

In the Wake is by far brasher than its predecessor. While Page Avenue may have provided the perfect emo soundscape for deep introspection, this new disc spawns a soundtrack more appropriate for a fast night out on the town. It is likely that this sophomore effort may alienate fans of the band’s original sound, but it is just as likely Story of the Year have gained just as many new ones with this new musical course.

Sample 'Pay Your Enemy' below:

Audio Minute with Steve: The Oranges Band - 'Believe'

The Oranges Band seemed to have been on hiatus for a few years when The World and Everything in It surfaced. The band is relatively simple and lo-fi, and they remind me quite a bit of Elbow. Their Track One song off of The World has been played on several indie stations as of late, and is available for streaming below:



The Oranges Band - 'Believe'

Ozzy Osbourne Under Cover

Ozzy's new album called Under Cover sounds awesome:

Newly recorded covers of John Lennon's "Woman," Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way" and the Moody Blues' "Go Now" will be found on the Ozzy Osbourne collection "Under Cover," due Nov. 1 as a Dualdisc via Epic. The remaining 10 cuts were released earlier this year on the "Under Covers" disc of the Ozzy boxed set
"Prince of Darkness."

Among them are Mountain's "Mississippi Queen," which features that band's guitarist, Leslie West, King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man," the Jeff Beck Group's "Hi Ho Silver Lining," Mott The Hoople's "All the Young Dudes" and the Rolling Stones's "Sympathy for the Devil."

Audio Minute with Steve - 'Crackerman'

Nothing helps top off a long day at the office like Stone Temple Pilots's grunge-era anthem 'Crackerman.' The crunchy guitars and adrenaline inducing beat make one wanna live hard and drive fast. While never released as a single, this song is by far one of my favorites in the STP catalog. However, don't take my word for it, listen on below:



Lyrics are here.

In the Studio: Murder By Death

Murder By Death have gone into the studio to begin work on their third album, set for release in the spring of 2006. The Bloomington, IN four-piece have enlisted former Jawbox frontman and noted producer J Robbins (The Promise Ring, Dismemberment Plan, Jets To Brazil) for the follow up to the critically acclaimed "Who Will Survive and What Will be Left of Them?" and will record in his studio The Magpie Cage, in Baltimore, MD. A demo track entitled “Dynamite Mine” can currently be heard on the band’s website.

The band, who are currently unsigned and looking for a label to partner with on the new release, has also announced an East Coast tour to preview their new material. After a year of heavy roadwork with artists as diverse as Lucero, Against Me!, The Weakerthans and Thursday, Murder By Death will headline two weeks of dates beginning beginning November 4th in Chicago, IL.

Impossible to categorize, Murder By Death’s haunting mix of gritty rock-n-roll, broodingly narrative lyrics, and dark, enchanting piano and cello has inspired a cult following. Their second album, “Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of Them”, a whiskey-soaked concept album about the devil wreaking havoc on a small town, was declared "perhaps one of the most beautifully crafted records...ever" by Alternative Press, with Stuff Magazine saying "You'll like it if you like Johnny Cash, Radiohead and homemade blood."

For their third release, titled "In Bocca Di Lupo", Murder By Death has created a different kind of concept album, inspired by Dante's Inferno. In true Murder By Death style, the songs are incredibly diverse - there is a tango, a seafarer's chant, waltzes, and heavy hitting rock songs. "In Bocca Di Lupo" will feature an array of additional musicians throughout the songs, including upright bass, a horn section, and a gospel choir.

Disturbed, Ill Nino, and 10 Years

Tuesday, August 30th, 2005 -- Val Air Ballroom -- W. Des Moines, IA

"Music is supposed to be about intensity and feeling, but there's no thinking
behind the music that's out there today

-Jesse Hasek


I won't lie: I was a little late to the show (good 'ol school) so I missed a good portion of 10 Years, the opening band on this very special Lazer 103.3 birthday bash. The Val Air was still borderline unbearable, making me almost (but not quite) wish it was winter, which is amazing considering an Iowa winter is pretty unbearable itself. If you've heard 10 Years' single "Wasteland" on the radio, you wonder what they are doing opening for Disturbed and Ill Nino. After listening to the end of their set, I still wonder. 10 Years is an alternative rock band sounding similar to bands like lo pro, Sinch, Submersed, and No Address, a band I previously saw and reviewed. This 5-piece, based out of Knoxville, TN, formed in 2002 and just released their major label debut Autumn Effect, which is in stores now. After hearing some of their songs, like "Prey" and "Through the Iris," I could easily see the comparison to No Address: Easy-listening rock and roll with good solid chords and a soulful lead singer, being Jesse Hasek. Much of Autumn Effect was written about the culture-shock the band went through after relocating to Los Angeles. Jesse sang about topics such as possessions, the overtly-rich Beverly Hills area, and "walled-in human existence." After listening to him sing and preach, I now saw why this band was included with Disturbed -- Mr. Hasek is very much like Mr. Draiman, in that he is very passionate about music and believes in the spirituality of his music. This is total speculation, but my guess is that David wanted this band on tour with them! 10 Years in on tour through November 13th, so check them out!

"We all pushed each other and refused to hold back. I feel like this is the first real Ill Niño record. We busted our asses on this one. This is what
Ill Niño should have been since the very beginning."
-Christian Machado

Having already seen Ill Nino once before (opening for Sevendust in 2003), I knew exactly what to expect when this 6-piece took the stage. Lightning fast riffs and a frenetic pace highlight this band from Brazil. With 2 percussionists, these Sepultura-disciples are able to have a full-time tribal percussionist, which helps define their sound. Christian Machado's vocals slice through each song, with an incredible ferocity and urgency. Formed in 1999 and signing with Roadrunner in 2000, they released their first two albums "Revolution/Revolucion" and "Confession" in 2001 and 2003, respectively. They churned through favorites such as "This Time's for Real," "What Comes Around," and "How Can I live." With their new album dropping this Tuesday (September 27th) titled One Nation Underground, they played some new material in support. One song that caught my ear was "What You Deserve," a catchy song that really stuck with me for a while. I found out later it will be there first single, so look for the video soon! Machado described the album as natural and unconventional. He said they listened to Salsa, Merengue, and Santeria to get ready to make this record. And as you can tell by his quote, he is incredibly proud of it. So when you go to the store TODAY to buy the new System of a Down and Index Case, make sure you pick up Ill Nino's One Nation Underground as well. Check them out!

"We like coming to Des Moines because this is a very pissed-0ff part of the
country. We hope we can give you a place to vent your rage" - David Draiman

When I saw Disturbed at the U.S. Cellular Center in 2003, I said bluntly it was the best concert I had ever seen. This statement was made not based on their music, but the show they put on. They carried themselves on stage as Gods, and thus I regarded them as. Whenever I see a band carry themselves like this AND back it up (ie Black Sabbath), it sends shivers down my spine. They did this very well in 2003. Now let's fast forward to 2005. They nearly blew the roof off of the U.S. Cellular Center, so I was anxious to see what they would do to the diminutive Val Air. After seeing them for the second time, one thing is very clear to me: they sound much better in an arena. This is not to say they didn't play well, their sound is just muted in such a small place. They are built for large 10,000+ stadiums (hence their third album, 10,000 Fists, which dropped last week). Nevertheless, David Draiman was up to his old tricks, stopping every few songs to spit some politics and his own brand of spirituality, calling his audience his brothers and sisters (and making sure we knew we weren't Maggots). He even called out one fan in the audience who was flipping him off. I am a slightly religious guy who definitely believes in God, but I can't help thinking He is talking whenever David speaks to the audience. He has this incredible presence about him, and his deep, spiritual voice always captivates me. I also love his incredible articulation and intelligence (he wasn't a two-time panelist on ABC's "Politically Incorrect" for nothing). Seems kind of odd for a guy who was kicked out of five boarding schools before joining the band in 1997. And don't forget that growl, or studded tank tops! He only smiled once the entire show, and that was during an encore when the crowd stomped for more. The Chicago-based band, formed in 1996, was called "the future of metal" by none other than Ozzy Osbourne. The band sights bands such as Pantera and Iron Maiden (yes, Bruce Dickinson) as their early influences, and more recent bands such as Korn (sans Brian "Head" Welch) and one of yours truly's fav bands, Soundgarden. They played a tribute to Dimebag Darrel Abbot's family just to show their appreciation.

They opened the show with "Guarded," following that up with "Voices" off of their multiplatinum debut, The Sickness. My favorite song of the night was "Intoxication" off of their second CD Believe. They played all of their favorites including, "Prayer," "Believe," and "Down With the Sickness." They played my new favorite song "Stricken" out of the encore and closed off with "Stupify." One thing I noticed with their new songs was more solos by guitarist Dan Donegan, something you can easily hear in "Stricken." I also noticed the tats on the new bassist (John Moyer formerly of The Union Underground), in direct contrast to the rest of the band which boasts no tats (at least not that I could see). Overall, it was again a good show, with the crowd more interested in soaking in Draiman and Co. instead of moshing and crowd surfing. In fact, there were no mosh pits and ONE singular crowd surfer the ENTIRE show. I chuckled and thought to myself that I saw a wilder crowd for the Goo Goo Dolls and Tonic when I saw them in Dubuque, IA in 1999! Look for Disturbed to appear on an upcoming Faith No More tribute album. They start a European tour in October, start up again back in the States in November, and are on the Jagermeister Tour beginning in December. Make sure to get out and see them and pick up their new album! Check out the rest of the pictures from the concert at Lazer 103.3

Next Week: Billy F$#*^ing Idol @ the Val Air Ballroom

Sly and the Family Stone - 'Hot Fun in the Summertime'

Listening to XM’s Deep Tracks for a few hours the other day, I was privy to their “Two Cool Old 45s” segment. For those who are unfamiliar, Deep Tracks is a channel that proclaims itself as being “dedicated to careers.” As a result, the station plays mostly deeper album cuts, reprises, live stuff, rare covers and longwinded jams. It is not a rarity to hear 12 minute long Frank Marino guitar solos or an obscure Charlie Daniels protest song (back when he was still a liberal). The channel has an old-school AM feel to it, and employs several slow talking, baritoned DJs just for good measure.

The “Two Cool Old 45s” segment, however, breaks the regular mold of the station and features two former A-sides from two classic bands in a row. Usually, these former hit songs abide by a unifying theme. For the particular segment I listened to, the theme was “summertime” and both ‘Hot Fun in the Summertime’ and ‘I Get Around’ were featured. While I certainly have always enjoyed the Beach Boys tune, it was Sly and the Family Stone's ‘Hot Fun in the Summertime’ that struck my fancy. In fact, I must ashamedly admit I had never heard the song until this time. Part of that, though, was due to my limited exposure to such hits as ‘Everyday People’ via television car advertisements---I resultantly just sort of wrote the band off and paid them little heed.

I like a number of things about ‘Hot Fun in the Summertime.’ The fact that it opens up with a gruvis piano lick goes a long way in my book. The Motownesque rhythm and harmonization, supplemented by a full brass and woodwind orchestra is appealing too. The refrain is whimsical and easy going, embodying the true spirit of summer. The song is relatively simple and innocent, and it clocks in at an amazingly short two-and-a-half minutes. I also swear that Genesis borrowed the background bass-beat and implemented it in their hit single ‘Misunderstanding.’ I suppose the timing surrounding me hearing the song was a factor as well. Considering that another summer has slowly fallen through the cracks, this Sly and the Family Stone number aroused feelings of longing and remembrance of the most recent June, July and August months.

I realize that I may be somewhat out of the loop, as many of you have assuredly heard ‘Hot Fun in the Summertime’ many a time before. However, I feel that even a discovery for only myself can serve as a rediscovery for the rest. With that said, dust off your vinyls and give ‘Hot Fun in the Summertime’ one more spin before the last of the warm season passes.

Audio Chat With Steve - September 23, 2005

Click below to hear some random musings by Yours Truly, Steve.

Artist Spotlight: Faunts

More than six hours north of the Montana border lies the Canadian city of Edmonton, home to the hazy music of Faunts. The quartet's dreamscapes in the song 'Memories of Places We've Never Been' are painted with airy synthesizers layered over pensive guitar strummings. The vocals remain thin and delicate throughout; even when the beat picks up and the flute-like keyboards kick it up a notch. Gorgeously introspective, melodies like these are practically born to soundtrack a thoughtful drive through the middle of nowhere in the early morning hours.

Fans to the sleepy sounds of Iceland's Sigur Ros who are looking for a slightly more pop-oriented sound would be likely converts to the calm, collected musings of Faunts. The indie/electronic band's debut album, High Expectations/Low Results, is available October 18th through New York's Friendly Fire Recordings. Visit the group's website to hear music from this forthcoming album.

Franz Ferdinand Track Guide

Our friends at Soundgenerator have released a track-by-track guide to Franz Ferdinand's new album. If you can't wait for the album, read the comprehensive synopsis here.

World Leader Pretend - 'Bang Theory' Continued

In a recent post I mentioned how I was falling in love with World Leader Pretend and their new tune 'Bang Theory.' Click below to stream the song.

One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back

I believe in a thing called love. I also believe that Justin Hawkins and company, falsetto and all, are soon to release their second studio effort. The Darkness' One Way Ticket to Hell...And Back should hit stores November 28. The first single, 'One Way Ticket,' will be available to the DJs November 14.

Oasis Receives Five Q Nominations

Manchester alt-rock icons Oasis have garnered five nominations for the 2005 Q Awards. The band will be competing with Coldplay, James Blunt, Green Day and U2 for such awards as Best Track and Best Album.

The awards, which will be hosted at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday October 10, are voted for by the public.

World Leader Pretend - 'Bang Theory'

World Leader Pretend orginates from New Orleans, Louisiana, and it has been said they culled their name from an R.E.M. song. Their latest album Punches contains a number of stimulating tunes, yet it has been their latest single, entitled 'Bang Theory,' that has peaked my interest as of late.

The band's sound resembles many others that have come before them, with Better Than Ezra and The Verve easily coming to mind. In fact, I think it is safe to say that 'Bang Theory' contains many elements comprable to 'Bittersweet Symphony,' if only for its symphonic touch (rather redundant, I realize). Coming from a city deeply rooted in musical flourishment, 'Bang Theory' reflects many different styles and movements. Don't be surprised if this catchy and hooky song is broadcast on an alternative/indie radio station near you in the near.

Institute - Distort Yourself

Institute - Distort Yourself: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Over the weekend I had the immense pleasure of listening to Institute's Distort Yourself several times over. Well, "immense pleasure" may be somewhat of a stretch, considering that I find the album good more for its comedic qualities than its overall rockability.

That's right, this album is funny; hilarious, in fact. Nevermind that this disc is chock full of rabble rousing guitar riffs and cathartic vocals that made both Bush and Helmet famous. If one only listens to the tunes and melodies, this release comes across as one of rock's greatest.

However, what satirizes this supergroup's legitimate attempt at rockin' the casbah are its lyrics. Yes, it is true that the words to many of the songs on Distort Yourself are juvenile to say the least. Afterall, aren't many an 8th grader capable of lines such as "this boombox needs batteries," "There are only so many ambulances to go around. There are only so many accidents. It's the universe coming down" and "when animals attack you need fire?" The text, itself, may not seem all that unsophisticated, but as soon as you hear Gavin's vocals sing lines such as these you can only mutter, "Is he serious??"---especially after crooning the lines 4 or 5 times in one chorus!

To be fair, the album is not bad, and it has quickly grown on me. Despite this lyrical hilarity I speak of, by no means has Institute committed the faux-paux that Nazarath made with their song 'Hair of the Dog' ("Now you're messing with a son of a bitch!"). Fans of Bush and Helmet will immediately recognize each of those band's influences upon the new amalgamation known as Institute. However, whether or not Distort Yourself will be canonized as one of 2005's finest musical achievements, the answer can easily be determined right now to be "no."

Audioslave's Cuban Show Released on CD and DVD

Live in Cuba is a two-disc release that chronicles Audioslave's Cuban show a few months ago. The concert was the first outdoor free rock concert by a US band in the island nation.

The DVD will boast with a 30-minute documentary, concert footage and a TVspecial about the event with a total of 18 songs. Also included is a bonus live CD culled from an recent AOL Sessions performance. A single DVD version will also be sold, with the documentary and 14 live tracks.

The Cloud Room - 'Hey Now Now'

A subtle mix of both The Cure and Morrissey, The Cloud Room's 'Hey Now Now' could easily have rocked the airwaves of a 1980s college-indie playlist as much as it is beginning to rock them today. Single 'Hey Now Now' is sung by a vocalist whose voice seems to be constantly compared to David Bowie--not a bad thing!

Check out The Cloud Room's official site here and download the mp3 of 'Hey Now Now' here.

Hot Hot Heat Tours Relentlessly

In an interview with Australian music publication Time Off, bassist Dustin Hawthorne of Canadian act Hot Hot Heat explains the method behind his band's madness of non-stop touring.

While such an unforgiving schedule may play havoc with the lives and sanity of some people, Hawthorne doesn’t seem to mind the lifestyle.

“No, it’s fine with me. I don’t really have any vested interest in going home,” Hawthorne says. “I don’t have a girlfriend or anything like that and my family lives in a different city than I do, so I don’t mind. There are times when it is trying but for the most part being on tour is fine.”

Currently in the middle of a European tour, Hot Hot Heat will hit the Land Down Under next week.

Gonzo Journalist's Suicide Note Published

"No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted. Boring. I am always bitchy. No Fun -- for anybody. 67. You are getting Greedy. Act your old age. Relax -- This won't hurt."

Hunter S. Thompson's suicide note is to be featured in the upcoming edition of Rolling Stone. The above is an excerpt. Thompson, widely acclaimed for his intoxicated musings and unique style of immersion journalism, shot himself in February.

Cream Will Play in New York

Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce intend on reuniting October 24-26 for a few shows at New York's Madison Square Garden. Collectively known as Cream, the band disbanded in 1969 proceeding the release of their now classic album Wheels of Fire and the playing of their final show at Royal Albert Hall soon after. Their aptly titled, final studio album Goodbye came out in 1969. Although the group were together for a mere two years, they helped to lay the foundation of blues based rock for decades to come.

American Express cardholders will be able to purchase tickets to the New York Cream shows a full week before they go on sale to the general public September 19.

Bloodsport Original Movie Soundtrack

Sunday night, in celebration of Labor Day, The Lonely Note crew and a couple friends got together to watch my favorite movie of all time - Bloodsport. This epic 1988 martial arts film not only showcases Jean Claude Van Damme at his best, but it is also a benchmark in musical scores. Van Damme's half-hour long flashback, serving to retell of his background training, could easily be one of the longest flashbacks in film history; however, it would seem like an eternity without the right musical accompaniment to move it along.

Luckily for us, composer Paul Hertzog was up to the task, and singer Stan Bush was able to perform two vital tracks, 'Fight to Survive' and 'On My Own - Alone.' The lyrics are appropriately mediocre, but when sung in an overly-dramatic way, over an overly-dramatic score, the results are, to say the least....overly-awesome. The movie's numerous fight sequences and Van Damme's recurring flashback problem would not be nearly as effective without this musical sidearm. The two aforementioned songs have an 80s rock ballad feel to them; which if you couldn't tell already from the names, 'Fight to Survive' is the pump-up track, and 'On My Own - Alone' is the glass-half-empty counterpart. The rest of the soundtrack is filled with variations of an Asian-inspired arrangement, which switch things up at key points of the plotline. For some reason, the song playing during the great chase scene, credited as Michael Bishop's 'Steal the Night', does not appear on the soundtrack.

Having grown up on this movie, I had looked to buy the soundtrack for years, but could never seem to find it in stores. After having given up almost all hope, I stumbled upon an unopened copy of it in an otherwise expensive music store for the ridiculously low price of $1. There was no debate as to whether I would soon own this soundtrack. Still quite the rarity and collector's item, I saw the cd listed at up to $80 on ebay this evening, with Amazon selling it for $50. Despite the absence of 'Steal the Night' from the soundtrack, I still hold firm that this was one of the best musical finds of my life. Great to wake up to in the morning, listen to before a big game/test/meeting, or just simply drive to, the uplifting Bloodsport soundtrack is surely one for the ages.

Gorillaz "Dare" to Storm to Number One

Animated rock act Gorillaz have finally garnered their first number one British single. 'Dare' leads the pack of pop hits followed by Rihanna and Daniel Powter for top songs on the island nation. The band is led by former Blur frontman Damon Albarn, and their latest album Demon Days was released in May.

Hurricane Katrina and Ways You Can Help

The Lonely Note is a music blog. We don't get involved in external matters very often. But when extraordinary events occur that rip out the hearts and souls of our entire nation, it's hard to turn a blind eye. In the near week since Hurricane Katrina ravaged our gulf coast, thousands of our fellow citizens have perished, lost their homes and had their entire livelyhoods destroyed. New Orleans, a pinnacle city in the development of jazz and blues, has been nearly wiped off the map. As we speak, thousands of residents of that magnificent city remain trapped in their homes or displaced in refugee areas.

It angers me very much to see the delayed response our federal government has given in aiding the gulf coast. The current administration finds no trouble in sending aid to tsunami victims half a globe away or thousands of troops to liberate Iraq, yet when faced with a domestic disaster like the recent hurricane they are slow to action. The Lonely Note is not a political blog. I do not wish to alienate any of our readers with my views. However, every single one of us possess an innate civic duty as residents of the world's greatest power to do everything in our capacity to help these people in whatever ways we can. Below, I have listed resources you and I and others can tap into to provide even just a minor amount of relief.

As John F. Kennedy once proclaimed in his famous innaugural address: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." This is our chance to do for our country.

Have a great Labor Day weekend (if you can), and thank-you for hearing me out. More music news and reviews soon to follow.


Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina:

Network for Good
FEMA List of Disaster Relief Organizations
American Red Cross
Hurricane Housing
MercyCorps

Rumor Mill: Team Sleep's Not-So-Secret Crush

This image was sent out yesterday via Team Sleep's Myspace.com account. Apparently Chino Moreno and the gang are secretly admired by none other than Destiny's Child. The autographed photo, which is reportedly authentic, reads "Team Sleep - We Love You!" and is signed by all three ladies. No word yet as to whether Team Sleep responded with a note asking "Will you go out with me? Yes No Maybe (Circle One)"

Who knows, Maybe Beyonce's trying to talk the sleeping team into helping her right-hand man, Jay-Z, milk one last mash-up out of his Black Album? Speculation ensues...

...But I ain't one for gossip, so you didn't hear that from me.

Scorsese Doc Takes Introspective Look Into the Life of Dylan

Famed film director Martin Scorsese provides an indepth look into the mind and soul of one of America's biggest cultural icons. The two-part documentary No Direction Home features revealing interviews and a slew of unseen footage of famed folk-rock musician Bob Dylan.

Airing September 26 and 27 on PBS, the 3 1/2 hour documentary is part of the public televison network's "American Masters" series. Prior to this airdate Paramount Home Entertainment will release the film on DVD. The DVD package contains 45 extra minutes of footage that will not be aired.

In additon to the Dylan showing, PBS has an entire 60's music themed week planned, featuring documentaries on other pertinent bands of the era:

"No Direction Home" is PBS' fall tentpole event. The two-night broadcast, which focuses on Dylan's maelstrom of shape-shifting musical activity from 1961-66, keys a week of '60s-themed programing. Other shows include "Best of the Beatles," a two-part documentary about the Fab Four's early years, seen through the eyes of original drummer Pete Best; "Get Up Stand Up: The Story of Pop Music and Protest," a celebration of "message" music that encompasses Dylan's work; and "The Sixties: The Years That Shaped a Generation," a two-hour look at the decade's political and cultural tumult.

Chevelle, Index Case, and Waiting for the Fall

Tuesday August 16th, 2005 – Val Air Ballroom, W. Des Moines, IA

Thinking the concert was going to include 30 Seconds to Mars and/or Taproot, we all were surprised when Waiting for the Fall took the stage at the sweltering, 105 degree Val Air Ballroom. WFTF is a local Des Moines band formed out of the remnants of legendary 90’s local band 35 Inch Mudder in 2001. The band features local Lazer 103.3 radio dj Andy Hall on bass guitar. They impressed me with solid, slow-burning rock and roll. While singer Cory Brown may not sound exactly like Scott Weiland, he sure as hell looks like Scott, plus 100 pounds (and Mr. Brown looked like he weighed no more than 175). They played a good mix of songs from their 2003 six-song debut EP “Gift of Self” and their follow-up five-song 2004 EP “The Place Where Good Things End.” They played very listenable (is that a word?) hard rock. The best song of the night was “Almost Beautiful,” a very easy listening post-grunge-sounding song (hint: anything having to do with grunge scores points with me). They are heading back into the studio ASAP to record their next EP with producer Matt Sepanic (Slipknot, Murderdolls, Marilyn Manson) due in November.

If you’ve never heard of Index Case, you soon will. With Slipknot ready to step aside, the Indianola, IA-based Index Case will take over the title of “that band from Iowa.” Index Case features four guys who featured four different hair styles on this night (mohawk, dreds, bald, and short-cropped). This band brings an incredible amount of energy and darkness to their blistering sets. Joe Ansley sounds amazing, and when he screams out his lyrics he sounds eerily like Chino Moreno. And he may also be the only male on earth besides Rafael Nadal to pull off wearing Capri pants. They played tracks such as “Oxycontin,” “Arusall Analogy,” and “Why Dreams Bleed” off or their first two LP’s, Birth and Glass. But the best song (by far) of their set (and the entire night!) was their closing song, “Listen,” featuring Cory Brown from WFTF. They absolutely tore the song (and my soul) apart with searing guitars and quick tempo. My friend Ben and I were still awed by the song hours later over a few (many?) captain and cokes at Cabaret. So when you go to the store on September 27th to Buy System of a Down’s latest “Hypnotize,” make sure you also pick up Index Case’s major label, self-titled debut which also drops that day. After recently signing with Mortal Music, they tour with Bobaflex beginning September 14th. Also look for their first single and music video, “Deserver,” which was just recently filmed near their native town, 10 minutes from Des Moines.

After waiting (and sweating) for 45 minutes in the almost unbearable Val Air, Chevelle finally took the stage. After Booting Bleach-Blond Bassist-Brother Joe from the band, the remaining Chi-town band of brothers Pete and Sam (with former Filter bassist Gene Lenardo) blasted out of the gates with six straight songs off of their newest LP This Type of Thinking(Could Do Us In). This included “Vitamin R,” “Get Some,” “Still Running,” and “Tug-o-War.” They then went into six straight off of 2002’s Wonder What’s Next, including “The Red,” “Comfortable Liar,” “Forfeit,” and crowd-favorite “Send the Pain Below.” Pete Loeffler’s thick-as-molasses guitar riffs were only outdone by the blinding light show. This is the second time I have seen Chevelle, and they still keep away from most of their older material (why won’t they play MIA??). They did, however, come out of their first encore with the easily recognizable (and awesome) riff from pre-WWN “Point #1.” I was a little disappointed that Chevelle didn’t play my favorite song “Closure,” but they replaced it with the equally good (and new favorite) “Panic Prone.” Both these songs showcase Pete’s underrated (and emotional) voice, and serve to also bring out those lighters . After an hour and half of little talking and all playing (take note: Shinedown!), Chevelle ended the set well with “The Clincher.” Chevelle is on tour through the end of October, so make sure you check out the Loeffler Brothers, sans shirt-less Joe. Check out all the concert photos of all three bands here

Next week: Disturbed, Ill Nino, and 10 years @ the Val Air