Lair's getting pretty good at stuff like this, no?
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Heavy Rotation
Here's what we've been loving the past week or so-ish
WAYNE
1. Black Breath "Heavy Breathing"
2. Misery Index "Pulling Out the Nails"
3. Weedeater "God Luck and Good Speed"
4. Trap Them "Filth Rations EP"
5. Faith No More "King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetime"
6. Ludicra "The Tenant"
WAYNE
1. Black Breath "Heavy Breathing"
2. Misery Index "Pulling Out the Nails"
3. Weedeater "God Luck and Good Speed"
4. Trap Them "Filth Rations EP"
5. Faith No More "King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetime"
6. Ludicra "The Tenant"
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Top 6 Artists/Bands You Would Like to See Live for the First Time (that aren’t dead or disbanded with a very low likelihood of reforming):
MYCHE
1. Saint Vitus
2. Billy Joe Shaver
3. Immortal
4. Big Star
5. Nevermore
6. Burning Spear
WAYNE
Let's just assume that Led Zeppelin reunion ain't in the cards. That said:
1. Pink Floyd either as a unit (fingers crossed) or seeing Waters and Gilmore separately, which I have yet to do
2. Faith No More
3. ZZ Top
4. Pig Destroyer
5. Soundgarden
6. Napalm Death
1. Saint Vitus
2. Billy Joe Shaver
3. Immortal
4. Big Star
5. Nevermore
6. Burning Spear
WAYNE
Let's just assume that Led Zeppelin reunion ain't in the cards. That said:
1. Pink Floyd either as a unit (fingers crossed) or seeing Waters and Gilmore separately, which I have yet to do
2. Faith No More
3. ZZ Top
4. Pig Destroyer
5. Soundgarden
6. Napalm Death
MP3 Randomization: 02-23-10
Been a long time. What the hell...
MYCHE
Whitesnake "Give Me All Your Love"
Todd Rundgren "Mountaintop"
Genesis "Frustration"
Frank Zappa "Dupree's Paradise"
Cheap Trick "Oh Boy"
Wolves In The Throne Room "I Will Lay Down My Bones Among the Rocks and Roots"
WAYNE
Mayhem "Life Eternal"
Autopsy "Ridden with Disease"
Nine Inch Nails "Demon Seed"
Helmet "Tic"
High on Fire "Speedwolf"
Marduk "As a Garment"
MYCHE
Whitesnake "Give Me All Your Love"
Todd Rundgren "Mountaintop"
Genesis "Frustration"
Frank Zappa "Dupree's Paradise"
Cheap Trick "Oh Boy"
Wolves In The Throne Room "I Will Lay Down My Bones Among the Rocks and Roots"
WAYNE
Mayhem "Life Eternal"
Autopsy "Ridden with Disease"
Nine Inch Nails "Demon Seed"
Helmet "Tic"
High on Fire "Speedwolf"
Marduk "As a Garment"
Thursday, February 11, 2010
In case you're wondering how many times I've listened to Iron Maiden since signing up for a last.fm account
Look what I just discovered on my last.fm page:
For an accurate impression of my reaction when I saw this, skip to 1:18.
For an accurate impression of my reaction when I saw this, skip to 1:18.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Myche's 2009 Wrap-up
Top Albums
1. Baroness "Blue Record"
2. Devin Townsend “Ki”
3. Queensryche “American Soldier”
4. Chickenfoot “Chickenfoot”
5. Immortal “All Shall Fail”
6. Napalm Death “Time Waits For No Slave”
Baroness just improved on “Red Album” with “Blue Record”, which I did not think possible. Dev was supposed to release all four albums in his current series in 2009, which would have probably been overwhelming. I prefer “Ki” over “Addicted” at this point, can’t wait for the next two. Queensryche is the sentimental pick here, but they ignited something in me with this album. I was nervous when it was coming out, but the absolutely exceeded my expectations and had me listening to them almost non-stop this summer. Chickenfoot? Really? Yes. I just had to put it on here. It is such a fun, solid rock record. Very well done. If Van Halen ever gets around to putting something out, they better space it out from anything Chickenfoot does to avoid comparisons. I was shocked how good it was. Lastly, Immortal and Napalm Death brought it in a big way with their releases, leveling everything in their paths…
HMs: Hot Leg “Red Light Fever”, Bang Camaro “Bang Camaro II”, Mastodon “Crack The Skye”, Allen Toussaint “The Bright Mississippi”, Devin Townsend “Addicted”, W.A.S.P. “Babylon”
Top Live Shows
1. Baroness/Earthless/U.S. Christmas/Admiral Of Black @ Reggie’s – What a special night this was – the night before Thanksgiving. Oh, was I ever giving thanks after this one. All four bands rocked my socks off, and each one was better than the last. Earthless blew me away with their improvisational instrumental jam and were a great warm up for Baroness. Then Baroness did what they do and just finished me off (interesting that this was the third time I’ve seen them and by far the best – where to go from here?). I didn’t want to listen to any heavy music the next day, I was spent. Right on.
2. Todd Rundgren @ Park West – I’m not a total TR disciple, but I was so glad to have gone to this show. He did “A Wizard, A True Star” in entirety, and opened the show with Utopia. Big time showmanship.
3. Father’s Day Funk Fest @ Arie Crown Theatre – Front row center balcony seats provided unobstructed viewing of the Funk. Eye candy galore. I had to sort things out in my head the next day…
4. Wolves In The Throne Room/A Storm Of Light/Krallice @ Bottom Lounge – Didn’t know a great deal about any of the bands going into this show, but each one was mesmerizing. Pretty damn intense.
5. Gojira/The Chariot @ Logan Square Auditorium – I love this venue, and the intensity from both bands was stellar. Gojira could go head-to-head with about anyone in my book.
6. Raul Malo @ Martyr’s – My son’s first concert (in utero, but still…). It was the perfect show for the occasion.
HMs: It was a record year for me in the amount of shows, so it’s always hard to narrow it down – Electric Six/Bang Camaro/Leslie @ Double Door, Jeff Beck @ Park West, Leonard Cohen @ Chicago Theatre, Napalm Death @ House of Blues, Melvins @ Double Door, Styx/REO/.38 Special @ Charter One, Judas Priest/Whitesnake @ Charter One, Dethklok/Mastodon/High On Fire @ Aragon, Shrinebuilder/Rwake @ Empty Bottle
Disappointments of 2009
1. The only real “festivals” I went to were big ones in Grant Park: Lollapalooza & Jazz Fest. Would have liked to hit some of the smaller ones.
2. Immortal did not tour the U.S., and when they plan a short tour for 2010, they exclude Chicago. Not happy about that at all.
3. Only seeing Tin Lynott six times. Got get that up in 2010. Ha ha…
Highest Hopes for 2010
1. New albums that are supposed to come out: Two more Devin Townsend releases, Y&T finally?, maybe Queensryche?
2. Concerts scheduled: P-Funk, Merle Haggard/Kris Kristofferson, W.A.S.P., Kreator
3. Concert hopefuls: I heard a rumor that Roger Waters is planning to tour “The Wall” in 2010-2011. Adding to the rumor was that it might be a Pink Floyd reunion. I would be ecstatic with the former, the latter would be the biggest tour imaginable only topped by a Zeppelin reunion. I’m not holding my breath. Also, a headlining tour by Devin Townsend (I’d like to see that occur at Bottom Lounge or Empty Bottle, by the way). And lastly, bring back Doom Fest!!!!!
4. I need to hit some quality Chicago music festivals that I did not get to in 2009: American Music Festival @ Fitzgerald’s, Hideout Block Party, Reggae Festival.
Top Pre-2009 Music Discovered in 2008
1. Big Star! – I have had their “Third/Sister Lovers” for about 15 years, but with this year’s release of the “Keep An Eye On The Sky” box set, I really sunk my teeth in to the genius that is Big Star. I’ve played them a ton and am not tiring.
2. Lid “In The Mushroom” – Eric Wagner from Trouble’s project from 1997. Don’t know why it took me so long, but glad I ran into a fellow Trouble fan who set me straight.
3. Loudon Wainwright III
4. Solitude Aeturnus
5. John Cale “Fragments of a Rainy Season”
Top DVDs
May not be 2009 releases, but I first saw them in 2009:
1. Fish “NEARFest”
2. David Gilmour “Live in Gdansk”
3. David Gilmour “Remember That Night”
4. Wattstax
Top Music-related Books Read
1. Richard Thompson “Shoot Out The Lights” 33 1/3 series
2. White Bicycles – Joe Boyd
3. Please Kill Me – Legs McNeill
4. For The Record – George Clinton and P-Funk (Oral History) – Dave Marsh (editor)
5. For The Record – Sly & The Family Stone (Oral History) – Dave Marsh (editor)
1. Baroness "Blue Record"
2. Devin Townsend “Ki”
3. Queensryche “American Soldier”
4. Chickenfoot “Chickenfoot”
5. Immortal “All Shall Fail”
6. Napalm Death “Time Waits For No Slave”
Baroness just improved on “Red Album” with “Blue Record”, which I did not think possible. Dev was supposed to release all four albums in his current series in 2009, which would have probably been overwhelming. I prefer “Ki” over “Addicted” at this point, can’t wait for the next two. Queensryche is the sentimental pick here, but they ignited something in me with this album. I was nervous when it was coming out, but the absolutely exceeded my expectations and had me listening to them almost non-stop this summer. Chickenfoot? Really? Yes. I just had to put it on here. It is such a fun, solid rock record. Very well done. If Van Halen ever gets around to putting something out, they better space it out from anything Chickenfoot does to avoid comparisons. I was shocked how good it was. Lastly, Immortal and Napalm Death brought it in a big way with their releases, leveling everything in their paths…
HMs: Hot Leg “Red Light Fever”, Bang Camaro “Bang Camaro II”, Mastodon “Crack The Skye”, Allen Toussaint “The Bright Mississippi”, Devin Townsend “Addicted”, W.A.S.P. “Babylon”
Top Live Shows
1. Baroness/Earthless/U.S. Christmas/Admiral Of Black @ Reggie’s – What a special night this was – the night before Thanksgiving. Oh, was I ever giving thanks after this one. All four bands rocked my socks off, and each one was better than the last. Earthless blew me away with their improvisational instrumental jam and were a great warm up for Baroness. Then Baroness did what they do and just finished me off (interesting that this was the third time I’ve seen them and by far the best – where to go from here?). I didn’t want to listen to any heavy music the next day, I was spent. Right on.
2. Todd Rundgren @ Park West – I’m not a total TR disciple, but I was so glad to have gone to this show. He did “A Wizard, A True Star” in entirety, and opened the show with Utopia. Big time showmanship.
3. Father’s Day Funk Fest @ Arie Crown Theatre – Front row center balcony seats provided unobstructed viewing of the Funk. Eye candy galore. I had to sort things out in my head the next day…
4. Wolves In The Throne Room/A Storm Of Light/Krallice @ Bottom Lounge – Didn’t know a great deal about any of the bands going into this show, but each one was mesmerizing. Pretty damn intense.
5. Gojira/The Chariot @ Logan Square Auditorium – I love this venue, and the intensity from both bands was stellar. Gojira could go head-to-head with about anyone in my book.
6. Raul Malo @ Martyr’s – My son’s first concert (in utero, but still…). It was the perfect show for the occasion.
HMs: It was a record year for me in the amount of shows, so it’s always hard to narrow it down – Electric Six/Bang Camaro/Leslie @ Double Door, Jeff Beck @ Park West, Leonard Cohen @ Chicago Theatre, Napalm Death @ House of Blues, Melvins @ Double Door, Styx/REO/.38 Special @ Charter One, Judas Priest/Whitesnake @ Charter One, Dethklok/Mastodon/High On Fire @ Aragon, Shrinebuilder/Rwake @ Empty Bottle
Disappointments of 2009
1. The only real “festivals” I went to were big ones in Grant Park: Lollapalooza & Jazz Fest. Would have liked to hit some of the smaller ones.
2. Immortal did not tour the U.S., and when they plan a short tour for 2010, they exclude Chicago. Not happy about that at all.
3. Only seeing Tin Lynott six times. Got get that up in 2010. Ha ha…
Highest Hopes for 2010
1. New albums that are supposed to come out: Two more Devin Townsend releases, Y&T finally?, maybe Queensryche?
2. Concerts scheduled: P-Funk, Merle Haggard/Kris Kristofferson, W.A.S.P., Kreator
3. Concert hopefuls: I heard a rumor that Roger Waters is planning to tour “The Wall” in 2010-2011. Adding to the rumor was that it might be a Pink Floyd reunion. I would be ecstatic with the former, the latter would be the biggest tour imaginable only topped by a Zeppelin reunion. I’m not holding my breath. Also, a headlining tour by Devin Townsend (I’d like to see that occur at Bottom Lounge or Empty Bottle, by the way). And lastly, bring back Doom Fest!!!!!
4. I need to hit some quality Chicago music festivals that I did not get to in 2009: American Music Festival @ Fitzgerald’s, Hideout Block Party, Reggae Festival.
Top Pre-2009 Music Discovered in 2008
1. Big Star! – I have had their “Third/Sister Lovers” for about 15 years, but with this year’s release of the “Keep An Eye On The Sky” box set, I really sunk my teeth in to the genius that is Big Star. I’ve played them a ton and am not tiring.
2. Lid “In The Mushroom” – Eric Wagner from Trouble’s project from 1997. Don’t know why it took me so long, but glad I ran into a fellow Trouble fan who set me straight.
3. Loudon Wainwright III
4. Solitude Aeturnus
5. John Cale “Fragments of a Rainy Season”
Top DVDs
May not be 2009 releases, but I first saw them in 2009:
1. Fish “NEARFest”
2. David Gilmour “Live in Gdansk”
3. David Gilmour “Remember That Night”
4. Wattstax
Top Music-related Books Read
1. Richard Thompson “Shoot Out The Lights” 33 1/3 series
2. White Bicycles – Joe Boyd
3. Please Kill Me – Legs McNeill
4. For The Record – George Clinton and P-Funk (Oral History) – Dave Marsh (editor)
5. For The Record – Sly & The Family Stone (Oral History) – Dave Marsh (editor)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Wayne's So Late It's Almost Not Worth Doing, But To Hell with It, Here It Is Anyway Best Albums and Other Odds and Ends List of 2009
Favorite Albums of 20091. Baroness "Blue Record"
2. Kylesa "Static Tensions"
3. Converge "Axe to Fall"
4. Mastodon "Crack the Skye"
5. Napalm Death "Time Waits for No Slave"
6. Struck by Lightning "Serpents"
Honorable Mention a.k.a. Albums That Could Easily Sneak Into the List, Depending on What Day You Ask Me (no particular order):
Slayer "World Painted Blood"
Cobalt "Gin"
Revocation "Existence is Futile"
Goatwhore "Carving Out the Eyes of God"
The Red Chord "Fed Through the Teeth Machine"
Keelhaul "Keelhaul's Triumphant Return to Obscurity"
Burnt By the Sun "Heart of Darkness"
Skeletonwitch "Breathing the Fire"
Doomriders "Darkness Come Alive"
Coalesce "Ox"
Album That I Got Around to in 2009 That Would Pretty Much Destroy a Good Number of the Above, but it Came Out in 2008, So Said Albums Listed Above Lucked the Fuck Out
Trap Them "Seizures in Barren Praise"
Classic Band Not Named Judas Priest or Iron Maiden That I Listened to a ShitTon of in 2009
Thin Lizzy
Favorite Live Shows of 2009
1. Dethklok/Mastodon/Converge/High on Fire at the Aragon Brawlroom
2. Judas Priest at Northerly Island
3. Baroness at Reggie's on Black Wednesday
4. Keelhaul at Beat Kitchen
5. Gojira at Logan Square in May
6. Metallica with Machine Head and The Sword at Allstate Arena
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The AV Club's 30 Best Metal Albums of the Decade
Not only is it about time for Best of the Year lists to start popping up, we've got some Best of Decades to look forward to, as well.
Here's the first, courtesy of The Onion's AV Club. Discuss.
(alphabetical)
Here's the first, courtesy of The Onion's AV Club. Discuss.
(alphabetical)
- Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Frozen Corpse Stuffed With Dope (2002)
- Amon Amarth, Twilight Of The Thunder God (2008)
- Anaal Nathrakh, The Codex Necro (2001)
- Baroness, Blue Record (2009)
- Blut Aus Nord, The Work Which Transforms God (2003)
- Boris, Pink (2005)
- Converge, Jane Doe (2001)
- Deftones, White Pony (2000)
- The Dillinger Escape Plan, Ire Works (2007)
- Earthless, Rhythms From A Cosmic Sky (2007
- Electric Wizard, Dopethrone (2000)
- Goatwhore, Carving Out The Eyes Of God (2009)
- Harvey Milk, Life… The Best Game In Town (2008)
- High On Fire, Blessed Black Wings (2005)
- Isis, Oceanic (2002)
- The Mars Volta, Frances The Mute (2005)
- Mastodon, Leviathan (2004)
- Melechesh, Djinn (2001)
- The Melvins, (A) Senile Animal (2006)
- Meshuggah, Catch Thirtythree (2005)
- Opeth, Watershed (2008)
- Orthrelm, OV (2005)
- Pelican, The Fire In Our Throats Will Beckon The Thaw (2005)
- Pig Destroyer, Phantom Limb (2007)
- Queens Of The Stone Age, Songs For The Deaf (2002)
- Skeletonwitch, Breathing The Fire (2009)
- Slayer, Christ Illusion (2006)
- Sleep, Dopesmoker (2003)
- The Sword, Age Of Winters (2006)
- System Of A Down, Toxicity (2001)
Hook of the Day - The Hidden Hand "The Key, Travesty As Usual"
Been a little while since we've posted anything. On such a gloomy day here in Chicago, thought a little Doom would hit the spot...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Album (P)review: W.A.S.P. "Babylon"
by Myche
I just want to get this off my chest before I start reading any reviews that tell me otherwise: the new W.A.S.P. album is very good - their best for as long as I remember. Admittedly, I'm the guy who always throws W.A.S.P. around when talking about underrated metal bands - and I've been listening to them ever since seeing them as an opener for KISS on the Asylum tour (W.A.S.P. was supporting my still favorite of theirs, The Last Command).
So no big surprise that I checked this out. Well, I'm glad I did. It's the classic W.A.S.P. sound through and through. Big sound. Similar in slam-potential to "Mercy" from Dominator. One knock some people will have is that out of nine tracks, two are covers. But the original songs are so strong, I'm not complaining at all. Hats off to Blackie if he felt that he wrote seven good songs and didn't want to screw it up with more filler. You could probably make the argument that he may have painted himself in a corner for volume with The Neon God.
I doubt this will win over new fans or people that never really liked W.A.S.P. But old fans need to make sure not to miss this.
Here's the first two tracks on the album, "Crazy" and "Live To Die Another Day".
P.S. Pretty kick-ass album art as well...
I just want to get this off my chest before I start reading any reviews that tell me otherwise: the new W.A.S.P. album is very good - their best for as long as I remember. Admittedly, I'm the guy who always throws W.A.S.P. around when talking about underrated metal bands - and I've been listening to them ever since seeing them as an opener for KISS on the Asylum tour (W.A.S.P. was supporting my still favorite of theirs, The Last Command).
So no big surprise that I checked this out. Well, I'm glad I did. It's the classic W.A.S.P. sound through and through. Big sound. Similar in slam-potential to "Mercy" from Dominator. One knock some people will have is that out of nine tracks, two are covers. But the original songs are so strong, I'm not complaining at all. Hats off to Blackie if he felt that he wrote seven good songs and didn't want to screw it up with more filler. You could probably make the argument that he may have painted himself in a corner for volume with The Neon God.
I doubt this will win over new fans or people that never really liked W.A.S.P. But old fans need to make sure not to miss this.
Here's the first two tracks on the album, "Crazy" and "Live To Die Another Day".
P.S. Pretty kick-ass album art as well...
Friday, October 09, 2009
Hook of the Day - The Gates of Slumber "Ice Worm"
Not much of a video, but no matter, the song rules.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Hook of the Day: Converge "Axe to Fall"
Do yourself a favor and buy Converge's "Axe to Fall" when it comes out later this month.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Hook of the Day - Alice in Chains "Check My Brain"
Yes, I know you feel guilty for liking this song so much. Just enjoy it. Layne would have wanted it that way.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Favorite Iron Maiden Songs Since 1990
MARK
1. Dream Of Mirrors
2. Paschendale
3. Fear Of The Dark
4. Brighter Than A Thousand Suns
5. The Age Of Innocence
6. Chains Of Misery
WAYNE
1. The Wicker Man
2. Thin Line Between Love & Hate
3. The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg
4. Tailgunner
5. Brave New World
6. Be Quick Or Be Dead
MYCHE
1. The Wicker Man
2. Dream Of Mirrors
3. Fear Of The Dark
4. For The Greater Good Of God
5. Ghost Of The Navigator
6. Brave New World
1. Dream Of Mirrors
2. Paschendale
3. Fear Of The Dark
4. Brighter Than A Thousand Suns
5. The Age Of Innocence
6. Chains Of Misery
WAYNE
1. The Wicker Man
2. Thin Line Between Love & Hate
3. The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg
4. Tailgunner
5. Brave New World
6. Be Quick Or Be Dead
MYCHE
1. The Wicker Man
2. Dream Of Mirrors
3. Fear Of The Dark
4. For The Greater Good Of God
5. Ghost Of The Navigator
6. Brave New World
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Happy 60th Birthday, Phil Lynott!
I highly recommend watching every bit of this 10 minute clip. Lock your door and focus. It's worth it...
Monday, August 17, 2009
Hook of the Day - Jeff Loomis "Jato Unit"
by Myche
I regretably took Jeff Loomis' "Zero Order Phase" off of my Top 6 Albums of last year at the last minute. I'm kind of kicking myself since I play this shredfest more than any on my list. Here's an attempt to make it right. I think there is a fine line between what's good and what's crap on a heavy instrumental piece. To me, this easily falls into the former group. It's not all about speed, but it has that. But there's a groove as well that you certainly can sink your teeth into.
I regretably took Jeff Loomis' "Zero Order Phase" off of my Top 6 Albums of last year at the last minute. I'm kind of kicking myself since I play this shredfest more than any on my list. Here's an attempt to make it right. I think there is a fine line between what's good and what's crap on a heavy instrumental piece. To me, this easily falls into the former group. It's not all about speed, but it has that. But there's a groove as well that you certainly can sink your teeth into.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hook of the Day - The Devin Townsend Project "Coast"
Okay, time to take a break from all this grindcore I've been jamming. Howsabout we chill out with a new Devin tune?
Thanks to MetalSucks for the heads up!
Thanks to MetalSucks for the heads up!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Hook of the Day - Entombed "Wolverine Blues"
I'm reading an excellent book called Choosing Death: The Improbable History of Death Metal & Grindcore by Decibel Magazine editor-in-chief Albert Mudrian. I just read an interesting bit about Swedish death metal badasses Entombed.
Apparently, the title track to their classic Wolverine Blues album was NOT a reference to the Marvel Comic character of the same name, but rather to a killer in a James Ellroy novel who had an obsession with the, you know, animal.
That didn't stop the geniuses at Columbia Records from gettin' on the horn and doing a tie-in.
Jeez.
Apparently, the title track to their classic Wolverine Blues album was NOT a reference to the Marvel Comic character of the same name, but rather to a killer in a James Ellroy novel who had an obsession with the, you know, animal.
That didn't stop the geniuses at Columbia Records from gettin' on the horn and doing a tie-in.
Jeez.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Brutal Legend Video Game
This game looks pretty awesome. I may have to finally breakdown and get a gaming console.
I've only watched the first of these developer walkthroughs, but it was most promising. The dudes that bang their head against the wall with the thick necks are awesome. Rob Halford motivational slogans. Guitar solos galore. It appears that this was created by fans of metal.
Looks like a winner...
I've only watched the first of these developer walkthroughs, but it was most promising. The dudes that bang their head against the wall with the thick necks are awesome. Rob Halford motivational slogans. Guitar solos galore. It appears that this was created by fans of metal.
Looks like a winner...
Friday, July 17, 2009
How about some metal at Wrigley?
by Myche
Elton John and Billy Joel at Wrigley Field this year? The promoters are playing it way too safe. For next year, I propose the (1st annual?) Campbell's Soup Mmmm Good Metal Spectacular (CSMGMS for short). The show kicks off with (Yngwie) Malmsteen shreding the National Anthem on a rooftop out in left field. Then we create an opening band wave from all the rooftops moving towards right field with Metal Church, Macabre, Machine Head and Meshuggah.
The show then moves into Wrigley and kicks off with Megadeth, then Motorhead. Manowar takes the stage next, playing every song they've ever written and ending their set with a 30-minute fireworks display in which each propulsion is shot from a secretly installed mortar under each seat in the stadium. Joey DeMaio then comes back on the stage and launches his bass in the air, piercing a hyrdogen-filled blimp flying overhead which explodes on impact.
Amongst the smoke and wreckage, Melvins close the show.
Who's with me?
Elton John and Billy Joel at Wrigley Field this year? The promoters are playing it way too safe. For next year, I propose the (1st annual?) Campbell's Soup Mmmm Good Metal Spectacular (CSMGMS for short). The show kicks off with (Yngwie) Malmsteen shreding the National Anthem on a rooftop out in left field. Then we create an opening band wave from all the rooftops moving towards right field with Metal Church, Macabre, Machine Head and Meshuggah.
The show then moves into Wrigley and kicks off with Megadeth, then Motorhead. Manowar takes the stage next, playing every song they've ever written and ending their set with a 30-minute fireworks display in which each propulsion is shot from a secretly installed mortar under each seat in the stadium. Joey DeMaio then comes back on the stage and launches his bass in the air, piercing a hyrdogen-filled blimp flying overhead which explodes on impact.
Amongst the smoke and wreckage, Melvins close the show.
Who's with me?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
More Over-The-Top News from Manowar
by Myche
I just couldn't make this stuff up:
Obviously Eric Adams had his work cut out for him singing in 16 languages, but I bet Joey DeMaio worked twice as hard translating bass for each song...
I just couldn't make this stuff up:
Obviously Eric Adams had his work cut out for him singing in 16 languages, but I bet Joey DeMaio worked twice as hard translating bass for each song...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Mike Jackson
Yup. I called him Mike.
A big thumbs up to my fellow 'Hooks so Big' brethren for their kind words about Michael Jackson. There is no way to deny it. I don't know anyone who can dispute his legacy. We were all there.
Its taken me a long time to put my thoughts down. This death has shocked and depressed me more than I could have ever imagined. I cried more than a few times over this loss. It's funny how, I never met the man, yet he affected me so much.
I have never given up on him. I bought 'Dangerous' when it was released. I bought 'Invincible' when it was released. You HAD to!! it was Mike Jackson!! I have never not had his whole discography on my MP3 player, and I listen to it whenever I wanted something upbeat and fun. He about covers it. I bought the Thriller tape on the same day I bought 'Love at First Sting.' I remember walking past Magoo's and seeing all those posters of the cover of the album and that little tiger he was holding, and just thought..."That guy HAS to be cool if he hangs out with tigers...."
"P.Y.T" Written by James Ingram (another favorite)
"Smooth Criminal"
"Unbreakable"
Jamming with Meredith.
Love is a feeling.
Nothing I'm writing is going to be new. We all know this stuff. As Meredith said to me over Text..."He was ours."
He was so beyond anything that we could comprehend. He reached a level of fame that few see. I feel so bad for all the scrutiny of him. He had to do the best he could with what he had. I'm not going to entertain any negative press about him. I'm just not going to. He became weird because of him reacting to the press and everyone who wanted a piece of him. He didnt deserve that, and doesnt deserve negativity after his premature passing. His contribution to the world is more than any of us could imagine in giving. And he gave what he could to make us all happy. He gave back to the world. He thrilled us all.
and I called him Mike.
A big thumbs up to my fellow 'Hooks so Big' brethren for their kind words about Michael Jackson. There is no way to deny it. I don't know anyone who can dispute his legacy. We were all there.
Its taken me a long time to put my thoughts down. This death has shocked and depressed me more than I could have ever imagined. I cried more than a few times over this loss. It's funny how, I never met the man, yet he affected me so much.
I have never given up on him. I bought 'Dangerous' when it was released. I bought 'Invincible' when it was released. You HAD to!! it was Mike Jackson!! I have never not had his whole discography on my MP3 player, and I listen to it whenever I wanted something upbeat and fun. He about covers it. I bought the Thriller tape on the same day I bought 'Love at First Sting.' I remember walking past Magoo's and seeing all those posters of the cover of the album and that little tiger he was holding, and just thought..."That guy HAS to be cool if he hangs out with tigers...."
"P.Y.T" Written by James Ingram (another favorite)
"Smooth Criminal"
"Unbreakable"
Jamming with Meredith.
Love is a feeling.
Nothing I'm writing is going to be new. We all know this stuff. As Meredith said to me over Text..."He was ours."
He was so beyond anything that we could comprehend. He reached a level of fame that few see. I feel so bad for all the scrutiny of him. He had to do the best he could with what he had. I'm not going to entertain any negative press about him. I'm just not going to. He became weird because of him reacting to the press and everyone who wanted a piece of him. He didnt deserve that, and doesnt deserve negativity after his premature passing. His contribution to the world is more than any of us could imagine in giving. And he gave what he could to make us all happy. He gave back to the world. He thrilled us all.
and I called him Mike.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Michael at his peak...
by Myche
Excellent post Wayne - very appropriate.
I was just about to post something myself. What the hell, this is worthy of double coverage. In fact, I know that Mark is probably the biggest Michael fan of all of us, so maybe he will come up with his own as well...
I must admit, all of the extra-curricular activities surrounding MJ in the last 15 or so years have made it very hard to embrace how much I loved him at one time. It's complicated to say the least. I don't think anyone can imagine what kind of life he was thrown into or how that affects a person. Similar things happened to Elvis, and while each of them would have to take responsibility for themselves, I think the pressures are endless when you reach that level of superstardom.
But before the controversies, man, I was into Thriller big time. I also picked up Off The Wall because I wanted MORE (and that album is a JAM). I remember opening my bedroom window, placing one of my JCPenney speakers in it and cranking my stereo to 10. Then I rode my bike down the street to see how far I could still hear it (about a block). Personally, I settled into "P.Y.T." as my favorite off of Thriller. There are two parts of that song that I used to pump out a completely exaggerated pelvic thrust to like I MEANT it (if you know the song, you know what I'm talking about).
So for my video remembrance of Michael, I'm going for a pretty obvious pick. In my opinion, it is Michael at his peak. He looks great - it's kind of hard for me to remember when he looked this "normal." This performance is just downright fierce, and is probably up there with Elvis and the Beatles on Sullivan as far as music moments of TV go (I love the screams you hear when he introduces his signature move). Just a huge performance. He looks young, hungry and healthy. This is how I would like to remember the man...
Excellent post Wayne - very appropriate.
I was just about to post something myself. What the hell, this is worthy of double coverage. In fact, I know that Mark is probably the biggest Michael fan of all of us, so maybe he will come up with his own as well...
I must admit, all of the extra-curricular activities surrounding MJ in the last 15 or so years have made it very hard to embrace how much I loved him at one time. It's complicated to say the least. I don't think anyone can imagine what kind of life he was thrown into or how that affects a person. Similar things happened to Elvis, and while each of them would have to take responsibility for themselves, I think the pressures are endless when you reach that level of superstardom.
But before the controversies, man, I was into Thriller big time. I also picked up Off The Wall because I wanted MORE (and that album is a JAM). I remember opening my bedroom window, placing one of my JCPenney speakers in it and cranking my stereo to 10. Then I rode my bike down the street to see how far I could still hear it (about a block). Personally, I settled into "P.Y.T." as my favorite off of Thriller. There are two parts of that song that I used to pump out a completely exaggerated pelvic thrust to like I MEANT it (if you know the song, you know what I'm talking about).
So for my video remembrance of Michael, I'm going for a pretty obvious pick. In my opinion, it is Michael at his peak. He looks great - it's kind of hard for me to remember when he looked this "normal." This performance is just downright fierce, and is probably up there with Elvis and the Beatles on Sullivan as far as music moments of TV go (I love the screams you hear when he introduces his signature move). Just a huge performance. He looks young, hungry and healthy. This is how I would like to remember the man...
Hook of the Day - Michael Jackson & Freddie Mercury "State of Shock"
Everyone of a certain age has a positive, non-controversial early Michael Jackson memory, and mine was seeing Michael and his brothers on the 1984 Victory Tour at Knoxville's Neyland Stadium. It was my second concert ever (1st was Air Supply), and it blew my mind. The opening act was a juggler who got good-natured jeers when he did a routine with "Purple Rain" as his background music. (My first exposure to artistic rivalries, years upon years before Vince Neil v. Axl Rose or Tupac v. Biggie) The Jacksons also did a pretty sweet-ass King Arthur scene onstage.
MJ wrote our Hook of the Day with Queen's Freddie Mercury. Ultimately, the version that went on the Jacksons' Victory album had MJ and Mick Jagger on lead vox, but here you have that rare demo version. You can listen to the Jagger version here. (Sorry, couldn't find an embeddable clip)
RIP MJ...thanks for the tunes
Devin Townsend Preview!
So we are all digging the first installment of Devin Townsend's 4-CD project, entitled Ki. Devin has said in interviews that the next CD will be the heaviest of the lot. Sounds like that is true judging for this clip (the song is "Universe"):
I can't wait. In the meantime, I'll snack on Ki.
Sweet-ass guitar, by the way...
I can't wait. In the meantime, I'll snack on Ki.
Sweet-ass guitar, by the way...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
MP3 Randomization: 06-24-09
MYCHE:
Manowar "Kill With Power"
W.A.S.P. "The Invisible Boy"
Gov't Mule "Which Way Do We Run?"
Billy Joe Shaver "Good Christian Soldiers"
Gov't Mule "New World Blues"
Savoy Brown "Stay While The Night Is Young"
WAYNE
Converge "No Heroes"
Motorhead "I'm Your Man"
Foo Fighters "Hell"
AC/DC "Rocking All the Way"
Frank Zappa "Scrutinizer Postlude"
Jimi Hendrix "Crosstown Traffic"
MARK
Meshuggah "ObZen"
Slayer "Reborn"
Indigo girls "Shame on you"
Teenage Fanclub "Can't feel my soul"
Devin Townsend Band "Life is All Dynamics"
Devin Townsend Band "Physicist"
Manowar "Kill With Power"
W.A.S.P. "The Invisible Boy"
Gov't Mule "Which Way Do We Run?"
Billy Joe Shaver "Good Christian Soldiers"
Gov't Mule "New World Blues"
Savoy Brown "Stay While The Night Is Young"
WAYNE
Converge "No Heroes"
Motorhead "I'm Your Man"
Foo Fighters "Hell"
AC/DC "Rocking All the Way"
Frank Zappa "Scrutinizer Postlude"
Jimi Hendrix "Crosstown Traffic"
MARK
Meshuggah "ObZen"
Slayer "Reborn"
Indigo girls "Shame on you"
Teenage Fanclub "Can't feel my soul"
Devin Townsend Band "Life is All Dynamics"
Devin Townsend Band "Physicist"
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Hook of the Day - Napalm Death "Time Waits for No Slave"
Dammit. I shouldn't have let the searing pain of an ear infection influence me to skip that Napalm Death show last month.
NAPALM DEATH - Time Waits For No Slave
NAPALM DEATH - Time Waits For No Slave
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Hook of the Day - Skid Row w/ Rob Halford "Deliverin' the Goods"
Muchas gracias to the gents of MetalSucks for posting this great clip of Skid Row jamming with Rob Halford on Judas Priest's "Deliverin' the Goods." Not sure about the exact year of this performance, but seeing as Halford's wearing flannel instead of leather, I'm guessing 1992-93 ish.
Rawk.
Rawk.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hook of the Day - Mastodon "Oblivion"
There are tons of reasons why Mastodon rule. One of them is that they make kick ass videos that play like short films. It's so nice to see a band put some thought into it instead of just turning on some rain machines and calling it a day after a couple of run-throughs.
Here's the 2nd video from the stellar Crack the Skye.
Mastodon "Oblivion"
Here's the 2nd video from the stellar Crack the Skye.
Mastodon "Oblivion"
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
MP3 Randomization: 06-03-09
One more of these before I leave for Alaska...
MYCHE:
The Band "The Rumor"
The Sword "Fire Lances Of The Ancient Hyperzephyrians"
Blue Oyster Cult "Career Of Evil"
Black Sabbath "Paranoid"
Dwight Yoakam "The Heart That You Own"
Canned Heat "Anphetamine Annie"
WAYNE
Led Zeppelin "Celebration Day"
Napalm Death "Fallacy Dominion"
Middian "The Blood of Icons"
Pig Destroyer "Strangled with a Halo"
Brutal Truth "War is Good"
Kyuss "Phototropic"
MARK
I'm late. I was probably listening to Queensryche
MYCHE:
The Band "The Rumor"
The Sword "Fire Lances Of The Ancient Hyperzephyrians"
Blue Oyster Cult "Career Of Evil"
Black Sabbath "Paranoid"
Dwight Yoakam "The Heart That You Own"
Canned Heat "Anphetamine Annie"
WAYNE
Led Zeppelin "Celebration Day"
Napalm Death "Fallacy Dominion"
Middian "The Blood of Icons"
Pig Destroyer "Strangled with a Halo"
Brutal Truth "War is Good"
Kyuss "Phototropic"
MARK
I'm late. I was probably listening to Queensryche
Monday, June 01, 2009
Hook of the Day - Pink Floyd "One of these Days"
Last night, I popped in the Director's Cut DVD of Floyd's classic 1972 "concert" film, "Live At Pompeii". Per the suggestion of many, MANY Netflix reviewers, I opted for the original 1972 cut (included on the disc as a special feature), which sticks to the Pompeii footage along with some Paris soundstage footage to round it out. Many viewers complain about the director's cut's added cheeseball effects, and faux-Dark Side of the Moon studio footage. (The band were already mixing the actual album when they shot his material)
It's a hell of a performance, and you can really see the effect Floyd had on bands ranging from Tool to Neurosis all the way down to Mastodon's recent material. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
**See if you notice one of the best drumstick fumble saves of all time in this clip**
It's a hell of a performance, and you can really see the effect Floyd had on bands ranging from Tool to Neurosis all the way down to Mastodon's recent material. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
**See if you notice one of the best drumstick fumble saves of all time in this clip**
Friday, May 29, 2009
Hook of the Day - .38 Special "Caught Up in You"
I heard that .38 Special's show had to be cancelled the other night because a lighting rig fell or something. Scary shit. Also got me thinking about this video.
I've always dug this song. It was also featured in a wacky scene in one of my favorite teenage sex movies "Spring Break." Why isn't that classic romp available on DVD? Maybe they are waiting to finish up a Criterion Collection version of it...
Try to count all of the dated/ridiculous/unnecessary aspects of this video. There are 1,083 of them.
Unfortunately I can't embed the video, so here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXQDWuitMZc
Ok, it's summer - why not post some clips from the movie, Spring Break:
Watching this singer kick-started me into puberty:
I've always dug this song. It was also featured in a wacky scene in one of my favorite teenage sex movies "Spring Break." Why isn't that classic romp available on DVD? Maybe they are waiting to finish up a Criterion Collection version of it...
Try to count all of the dated/ridiculous/unnecessary aspects of this video. There are 1,083 of them.
Unfortunately I can't embed the video, so here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXQDWuitMZc
Ok, it's summer - why not post some clips from the movie, Spring Break:
Watching this singer kick-started me into puberty:
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Hook of the Day - Immortal "One By One"
It's possible that I've been subliminally reading articles about these guys getting back together, but just last night I decided to put some of their stuff on my mp3 player - then this morning I read that they've finished a new album! Cross your fingers for a North American trek by the Blizzard Beasts coming through Chicago in January when it's about 30 below zero...
Monday, May 11, 2009
Hook of the Day - Gojira "Vacuity"
These guys are fantastic. They pull all of this live perfectly, too. Easily one of the best metal bands out there right now. I feel a bit sorry for the bands who are on the same bill as them, as they have triumphed on every stage that I have seen them on. Sorry, Behemoth.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
MP3 Randomization: 04-30-09
Let's see if anyone randomly comes up with any songs from bands at tonight's concert. I think that would be good luck...
MYCHE:
Willie Nelson "In The Garden"
Ian Gillan "Men Of War"
Baroness "Isak"
Nick Cave "Messiah Ward"
Mastodon "Ghost Of Karelia"
Queensryche "Unafraid"
[I swear, I didn't fix this...]
WAYNE
Tool "Mantra"
Pantera "Drag the Waters"
Municipal Waste "Pre-Game"
Watain "The Light That Burns the Sun"
Bruce Springsteen "Stolen Car"
TV on the Radio "Staring at the Sun"
MYCHE:
Willie Nelson "In The Garden"
Ian Gillan "Men Of War"
Baroness "Isak"
Nick Cave "Messiah Ward"
Mastodon "Ghost Of Karelia"
Queensryche "Unafraid"
[I swear, I didn't fix this...]
WAYNE
Tool "Mantra"
Pantera "Drag the Waters"
Municipal Waste "Pre-Game"
Watain "The Light That Burns the Sun"
Bruce Springsteen "Stolen Car"
TV on the Radio "Staring at the Sun"
Thursday, April 23, 2009
MP3 Randomization: 04-23-09
MYCHE:
Torche "Speed Of The Nail"
Nick Drake "Pink Moon"
Merle Haggard "Big Time Annie's Square"
Electric Six "Germans In Mexico"
Nick Cave "Fable Of The Brown Ape"
W.A.S.P. "My Wicked Heart"
WAYNE
Cult of Luna "Beyond Fate"
Yakuza "Congestive Art-Failure"
Kylesa "Motion and Presence"
Enslaved "Reogenesis"
Foo Fighters "Stacked Actors"
Van Halen "I'm the One"
Torche "Speed Of The Nail"
Nick Drake "Pink Moon"
Merle Haggard "Big Time Annie's Square"
Electric Six "Germans In Mexico"
Nick Cave "Fable Of The Brown Ape"
W.A.S.P. "My Wicked Heart"
WAYNE
Cult of Luna "Beyond Fate"
Yakuza "Congestive Art-Failure"
Kylesa "Motion and Presence"
Enslaved "Reogenesis"
Foo Fighters "Stacked Actors"
Van Halen "I'm the One"
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Fucking Day
RECYCLE!!
If that doesnt work then go here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2n45Sutwig
the drummer is fucking hot
If that doesnt work then go here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2n45Sutwig
the drummer is fucking hot
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Kick Ass Possible Tour News of the Day
dillingerescpln thats good. Look out for some Dillinger/High on Fired dates surrounding Bonnaroo.
----Dillinger Escape Plan's Twitter
----Dillinger Escape Plan's Twitter
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hook of the Day - Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, & Scott Gorham "Emerald"
Hey, this is fun! Mastodon guitar gods Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher sit down with Thin Lizzy's Scott Gorham for an acoustic run-thru of Lizzy's "Emerald" , which Mastodon is known for busting out live from time to time.
According to Blabbermouth, Mastodon is hoping Gorham will join them onstage at the UK's Sonisphere this August for a balls-out, triple guitar'd take on the song.
You gotta sit through a trailer for "Observe & Report" first, but it looks awesome, so no worries.
According to Blabbermouth, Mastodon is hoping Gorham will join them onstage at the UK's Sonisphere this August for a balls-out, triple guitar'd take on the song.
You gotta sit through a trailer for "Observe & Report" first, but it looks awesome, so no worries.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
MP3 Randomization: 3-21-2009
WAYNE:
Motley Crue "Red Hot"
Zeke "Long Train Runnin'"
TV on the Radio "Ambulance"
Opeth "Funeral Portrait"
Gojira "In the Wilderness"
Entombed "Out of Hand"
MYCHE:
Dead Boys "Not Anymore"
The Kinks "Uncle Son"
Scorpions "Where The River Flows"
Electric Wizard "Barbarian"
Drive-By Truckers "Days Of Graduation"
Strapping Young Lad "Monument"
Motley Crue "Red Hot"
Zeke "Long Train Runnin'"
TV on the Radio "Ambulance"
Opeth "Funeral Portrait"
Gojira "In the Wilderness"
Entombed "Out of Hand"
MYCHE:
Dead Boys "Not Anymore"
The Kinks "Uncle Son"
Scorpions "Where The River Flows"
Electric Wizard "Barbarian"
Drive-By Truckers "Days Of Graduation"
Strapping Young Lad "Monument"
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Hook of the Day - Queen "Another One Bites the Dust"
This one doesn't really require commentary, does it? Kinda speaks for itself.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Hook of the Day - Whitesnake "Slow An' Easy"
This came up the other day off-blog, so let's rock it here. Don't just automatically label these guys as just another "hair metal band". They were rocking pre-Tawny, and they are still rocking. Case in point:
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
All I Needed to Know About the New Chris Cornell Album, I Learned from Trent Reznor's Twitter
Hook of the Day - Mastodon with Scott Kelly of Neurosis "Crystal Skull"
Here's Blood Mountain's "Crystal Skull" with Scott Kelly of Neurosis from the recent Scion Rock Fest in Atlanta.
Mastodon feat: Scott Kelly CRYSTAL SKULL from Yahoo! Serious on Vimeo.
Mastodon feat: Scott Kelly CRYSTAL SKULL from Yahoo! Serious on Vimeo.
MP3 Randomization: 03-11-09
MYCHE:
John Lennon "Crippled Inside"
Joy Division "Isolation"
Scorpions "My City My Town" (nice!!! mh)
David Bowie "God Know I'm Good"
The Kinks "Phenomenal Cat"
Al Green "Just For Me"
WAYNE:
Queens of the Stone Age "Long Slow Goodbye"
Melvins "Night Goat"
Motorhead "On Your Feet or On Your Knees"
Mastodon "Slickleg"
Devin Townsend "The Death of Music"
Melvins "Roman Bird Dog"
MARK
WEEN "Sketches of Winkle"
Vince Guaraldi "Peppermint Patty"
Dokken "Just Got Lucky"
Bette Midler "I love being here with you" (I'm gay, what do you want from me?)
Rival Schools "World Invitational"
Erykah Badu "Ye Yo"
John Lennon "Crippled Inside"
Joy Division "Isolation"
Scorpions "My City My Town" (nice!!! mh)
David Bowie "God Know I'm Good"
The Kinks "Phenomenal Cat"
Al Green "Just For Me"
WAYNE:
Queens of the Stone Age "Long Slow Goodbye"
Melvins "Night Goat"
Motorhead "On Your Feet or On Your Knees"
Mastodon "Slickleg"
Devin Townsend "The Death of Music"
Melvins "Roman Bird Dog"
MARK
WEEN "Sketches of Winkle"
Vince Guaraldi "Peppermint Patty"
Dokken "Just Got Lucky"
Bette Midler "I love being here with you" (I'm gay, what do you want from me?)
Rival Schools "World Invitational"
Erykah Badu "Ye Yo"
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Friday, March 06, 2009
Hook of the Day - Mastodon "Divinations"
What do ya want, a written invitation? It's a new Mastodon video. Come n' get it.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Hook of the Day - Nine Inch Nails + Dillinger Escape Plan "Wish"
I know we've posted Dillinger covering this NIN classic before, but here they are doing it with Trent and Company this past weekend in Australia. Check out Ben Weinman...that motherfucker is EXCITED. Can't say as I blame him.
--Wayne
NIN Wish w/ Dillinger Escape Plan Adelaide Soundwave 2.28.09 from Sarah on Vimeo.
--Wayne
NIN Wish w/ Dillinger Escape Plan Adelaide Soundwave 2.28.09 from Sarah on Vimeo.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Hook of the Day- Napalm Death "Life and Limb"
New Napalm Death is good. Very good. Go get it. Here's some.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
MP3 Randomization: 2-12-2009
WAYNE
Ozzy Osbourne "Dee"
Hall n' Oates "Out of Touch"
Down "Eyes of the South"
Krallice "Wretched Wisdom"
Queens of the Stone Age "Into the Hollow"
Withered "Purification of Ignorance"
MYCHE
Napalm Death "On The Brink Of Extinction"
Thin Lizzy "Banshee"
David Gilmour "Red Sky At Night"
Fish "Favourite Stranger"
Savoy Brown "Leavin' Again"
Trouble "The Eye"
Ozzy Osbourne "Dee"
Hall n' Oates "Out of Touch"
Down "Eyes of the South"
Krallice "Wretched Wisdom"
Queens of the Stone Age "Into the Hollow"
Withered "Purification of Ignorance"
MYCHE
Napalm Death "On The Brink Of Extinction"
Thin Lizzy "Banshee"
David Gilmour "Red Sky At Night"
Fish "Favourite Stranger"
Savoy Brown "Leavin' Again"
Trouble "The Eye"
Hooks of the Day - Dillinger Escape Plan "Setting Fire to Sleeping Giants" and "Wish"
On Sunday, Dillinger Escape Plan played what appears to have been scorching set in some dude's basement in New Jersey. Here's the encore..."Setting Fire to Sleeping Giants" and a cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Wish"
Wish I coulda been there. Looks nuts.
Wish I coulda been there. Looks nuts.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Hook of the day
This album still gets me. Never really one of my favorites in the "heyday," but DAMN this song is good.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Hook of the Day - Mother's Finest "Fire"
by Myche
I was reading a book the other day on Parliament/Funkadelic. The book was an oral history - comprised only of quotes from various band members and managers, etc. Anyway, about three members of the band admitted that a band called "Mother's Finest" blew them off the stage one night. This piqued my interest. After a little research, it was evident that they were a band that never hit it really big, but had a reputation of stealing the show from headlining acts.
Here's a taste of their jam...
I was reading a book the other day on Parliament/Funkadelic. The book was an oral history - comprised only of quotes from various band members and managers, etc. Anyway, about three members of the band admitted that a band called "Mother's Finest" blew them off the stage one night. This piqued my interest. After a little research, it was evident that they were a band that never hit it really big, but had a reputation of stealing the show from headlining acts.
Here's a taste of their jam...
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
MP3 Randomization: 02-04-09
MYCHE
Willie Nelson "Lonely Little Mansion"
Testament "Eyes Of Wrath"
Tom Waits "Road To Peace"
Gov't Mule "Sco-Mule"
Gov't Mule "Catfish Blues"
Devil In A Woodpile "When I'm Drinkin'"
MARK
Myracle Brah "I'd Rather Be"
Weezer "My Name is Jonas"
Ben Folds "Cologne"
Blake Babies "A million Years"
Arlo "Little American"
Hall and Oates "One on One"
WAYNE
Taint "What the Crow Saw"
A Perfect Circle "Renholder"
Mastodon "Workhorse"
Lamb of God "Ruin"
Rush "Far Cry"
Withered "Clamor Beneath"
Willie Nelson "Lonely Little Mansion"
Testament "Eyes Of Wrath"
Tom Waits "Road To Peace"
Gov't Mule "Sco-Mule"
Gov't Mule "Catfish Blues"
Devil In A Woodpile "When I'm Drinkin'"
MARK
Myracle Brah "I'd Rather Be"
Weezer "My Name is Jonas"
Ben Folds "Cologne"
Blake Babies "A million Years"
Arlo "Little American"
Hall and Oates "One on One"
WAYNE
Taint "What the Crow Saw"
A Perfect Circle "Renholder"
Mastodon "Workhorse"
Lamb of God "Ruin"
Rush "Far Cry"
Withered "Clamor Beneath"
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
MP3 Randomization: 1-28-2009
WAYNE:
Tool "Crawl Away"
Sam Cooke "Cupid"
Blacklisted "Canonized"
Sleep "Jerusalem (Pt. 2)"
Napalm Death "Work to Rule"
Cult of Luna "And With Her Came the Birds"
MYCHE
Richard Thompson "Should I Betray"
Y&T "Love Don't Come Easy"
Tom Waits "Train Song"
Judas Priest "Electric Eye"
Drive-by Truckers "Plastic Flowers On The Highway"
W.A.S.P. "Shadow Man"
Tool "Crawl Away"
Sam Cooke "Cupid"
Blacklisted "Canonized"
Sleep "Jerusalem (Pt. 2)"
Napalm Death "Work to Rule"
Cult of Luna "And With Her Came the Birds"
MYCHE
Richard Thompson "Should I Betray"
Y&T "Love Don't Come Easy"
Tom Waits "Train Song"
Judas Priest "Electric Eye"
Drive-by Truckers "Plastic Flowers On The Highway"
W.A.S.P. "Shadow Man"
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Amazing Cover Artwork Update
Well......John Baizley and Paul Romano have been busy. New Kylesa and Mastodon artwork.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Randomization: 1-20-2009
WAYNE
Jesu "Weightless & Horizontal"
Sepultura "Clenched Fist"
Tomahawk "God Hates a Coward"
Melvins "Creepy Smell"
Foo Fighters "Hell"
Fleet Foxes "Your Protector"
(Guess my iPod was for McCain hahahaaa...at least until the end there)
MYCHE
Cream "Dance The Night Away"
Faster Pussycat "Cathouse"
The Kinks "Johnny Thunder"
My Dying Bride "The Deepest Of All Hearts"
Nevermore "Ambivalent"
Black Sabbath "The Thrill Of It All"
MARK
Counting Crows "hangin around'"
STRAPPING YOUG LAD "Track 8"
Blake Babies "Grateful"
Prince "WORK THAT FAT" Let me guess, you like it like that, you like it like that..
Y & T "STILL FALLING!!"
Joe Jackson "Is she really going out with him?"
What a kick ass random!!!
Jesu "Weightless & Horizontal"
Sepultura "Clenched Fist"
Tomahawk "God Hates a Coward"
Melvins "Creepy Smell"
Foo Fighters "Hell"
Fleet Foxes "Your Protector"
(Guess my iPod was for McCain hahahaaa...at least until the end there)
MYCHE
Cream "Dance The Night Away"
Faster Pussycat "Cathouse"
The Kinks "Johnny Thunder"
My Dying Bride "The Deepest Of All Hearts"
Nevermore "Ambivalent"
Black Sabbath "The Thrill Of It All"
MARK
Counting Crows "hangin around'"
STRAPPING YOUG LAD "Track 8"
Blake Babies "Grateful"
Prince "WORK THAT FAT" Let me guess, you like it like that, you like it like that..
Y & T "STILL FALLING!!"
Joe Jackson "Is she really going out with him?"
What a kick ass random!!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
MP3 Randomization: 01-14-09
MYCHE
Thin Lizzy "Don't Believe A Word"
Queensryche "An Intentional Confrontation"
Cynic "King Of Those Who Know"
Queensryche "Innuendo"
Little Feat "Snakes On Everything"
Meshuggah "Perpetual Black Second"
WAYNE
Iron Maiden "Iron Maiden" (Soundhouse Tapes version)
Pig Destroyer "Alexandria"
Neil Young & Crazy Horse "Mansion on the Hill"
Nine Inch Nails "The Line Begins to Blur"
Kyuss "Into the Void" (Black Sabbath cover)
Tool "The Grudge"
MARK
Indigo Girls "Watershed"
Devin Townsend Band "Ocean Machines"
Cinderella "Winds of Change"
Queensryche "Screaming in Digital"
Queensryche "Spreading the disease"
Geoff Tate "Off the TV"
Thin Lizzy "Don't Believe A Word"
Queensryche "An Intentional Confrontation"
Cynic "King Of Those Who Know"
Queensryche "Innuendo"
Little Feat "Snakes On Everything"
Meshuggah "Perpetual Black Second"
WAYNE
Iron Maiden "Iron Maiden" (Soundhouse Tapes version)
Pig Destroyer "Alexandria"
Neil Young & Crazy Horse "Mansion on the Hill"
Nine Inch Nails "The Line Begins to Blur"
Kyuss "Into the Void" (Black Sabbath cover)
Tool "The Grudge"
MARK
Indigo Girls "Watershed"
Devin Townsend Band "Ocean Machines"
Cinderella "Winds of Change"
Queensryche "Screaming in Digital"
Queensryche "Spreading the disease"
Geoff Tate "Off the TV"
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
Great News of the Day - Shrinebuilder enters the studio!
Looks like Shrinebuilder is FINALLY getting off the ground. The supergroup to end all supergroups (Wino + Scott Kelly of Neurosis + Al Cisneros of Om and Sleep + Dale Crover of The Melvins) is going into the studio today with Big Business guitarist Toshi Kasai producing.
Keep yer eye on Kelly's blog for updates as they get the album recorded.
FINALLY!
Keep yer eye on Kelly's blog for updates as they get the album recorded.
FINALLY!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Hooks Reader's Year-end Wrap-ups! Post Them Here!
Below you will find the year-end wrap-ups from the Hooks Gang, but we want to here from you! Post on as few or as many categories as you see that we've commented on (or create your own!). It would be criminal if we were the last word on this!
Wayne's 2008 Wrap-up
Top Albums
1. Torche "Meanderthal"
2. Nachtmystium "Assassins: Black Meddle Pt. 1"
3. Opeth "Watershed"
4. Made Out of Babies "The Ruiner"
5. U.S. Christmas "Eat the Low Dogs"
6. Harvey Milk "Life...The Best Game in Town"
Top Live Shows
1. Fests (DoomFest + Lollapalooza + Metal Masters + the non Disturbed/Dragonforce part of Mayhem Fest + the non-Dream Theatre parts of Progressive Nation)
2. Iron Maiden @ Allstate Arena
3. High on Fire in DeKalb, IL
4. Melvins/Big Business @ Reggie's
5. Boris/Torche/Nachtmystium @ Empty Bottle
6. My Morning Jacket @ Chicago Theatre
Top Songs
1. Torche "Healer"
2. Meshuggah "Bleed"
3. Big Business "The Drift"
4. Nachtmystium "Ghosts of Grace"
5. Melvins "Billy Fish"
6. Metallica "All Nightmare Long"
Top Album Covers
1. Torche "Meanderthal"
2. Samothrace "Life's Trade"
3. Origin "Antithesis"
4. Deadbird "Twilight Ritual"
5. The Gates of Slumber "Conqueror"
6. A Storm of Light "And We Wept the Black Ocean Within"
Disappointments of 2008
1. Guns N Roses "Chinese Democracy"
2. Judas Priest's "Nostradamus"
3. Juan Montoya leaving Torche
4. Not making it out to some of the big out-of-town shows I wanted to see (Neurosis/Mastodon in Brooklyn, ATP's Nightmare Before Christmas in the UK, Wacken Open Air, Dudefest, Bonnaroo)
5. Exodus marring an otherwise great set at the Pearl Room with a bunch of macho bullshit posturing
6. the cancellation of Enslaved's 2009 spring tour
Highest Hopes for 2009
1. Mastodon's "Crack the Skye"
2. The rumored Faith No More reunion
3. The next Baroness album
4. Lamb of God's "Wrath"
5. New ISIS
6. Amazing live shows (2008 raised the bar!)
1. Torche "Meanderthal"
2. Nachtmystium "Assassins: Black Meddle Pt. 1"
3. Opeth "Watershed"
4. Made Out of Babies "The Ruiner"
5. U.S. Christmas "Eat the Low Dogs"
6. Harvey Milk "Life...The Best Game in Town"
Top Live Shows
1. Fests (DoomFest + Lollapalooza + Metal Masters + the non Disturbed/Dragonforce part of Mayhem Fest + the non-Dream Theatre parts of Progressive Nation)
2. Iron Maiden @ Allstate Arena
3. High on Fire in DeKalb, IL
4. Melvins/Big Business @ Reggie's
5. Boris/Torche/Nachtmystium @ Empty Bottle
6. My Morning Jacket @ Chicago Theatre
Top Songs
1. Torche "Healer"
2. Meshuggah "Bleed"
3. Big Business "The Drift"
4. Nachtmystium "Ghosts of Grace"
5. Melvins "Billy Fish"
6. Metallica "All Nightmare Long"
Top Album Covers
1. Torche "Meanderthal"
2. Samothrace "Life's Trade"
3. Origin "Antithesis"
4. Deadbird "Twilight Ritual"
5. The Gates of Slumber "Conqueror"
6. A Storm of Light "And We Wept the Black Ocean Within"
Disappointments of 2008
1. Guns N Roses "Chinese Democracy"
2. Judas Priest's "Nostradamus"
3. Juan Montoya leaving Torche
4. Not making it out to some of the big out-of-town shows I wanted to see (Neurosis/Mastodon in Brooklyn, ATP's Nightmare Before Christmas in the UK, Wacken Open Air, Dudefest, Bonnaroo)
5. Exodus marring an otherwise great set at the Pearl Room with a bunch of macho bullshit posturing
6. the cancellation of Enslaved's 2009 spring tour
Highest Hopes for 2009
1. Mastodon's "Crack the Skye"
2. The rumored Faith No More reunion
3. The next Baroness album
4. Lamb of God's "Wrath"
5. New ISIS
6. Amazing live shows (2008 raised the bar!)
Mark's 2008 Wrap-up
Top Albums
1. Opeth “Watershed”
2. Amon Amarth “Twilight Of The Thunder God”
3. Erykah Badu “New Amerykah”
4. Meshuggah “ObZen”
5. Death Cab For Cutie “Narrow Stairs”
6. SlipKnot “All Hope Is Gone”
Honorable Mentions: Ben Folds “Way To Normal”, Torche “Meanderthal”, Weezer “Red Album”, Idina Menzel “I Stand”
Top Live Shows
1. Van Halen @ Allstate Arena
2. MAIDEN!!!! WORLD SLAVERY TOUR!!! @ Allstate Arena
3. Y&T @ Chicago City Limits
4. Swervedriver @ Metro
5. Amon Amarth @ House Of Blues
6. Jerry Seinfeld @ Chicago Theatre
Top Songs
1. Ben Folds "Cologne"
2. Weezer "The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived"
3. Harvey Milk "Motown"
4. Erykah Badu "Soldier"
5. Idina Menzel "Brave"
6. Madonna and Kanye West "The Beat Goes On"
HMs: Alphabeat "Fascination", Clutch "Electric Worry"
Top Album Covers
1. Meshuggah “ObZen”
2. Erykah Badu “New Amerykah”
Disappointments of 2008
1. Kanye West "808s and Heartbreak"
2. In Flames "A Sense of Purpose"
3. SlipKnot touring with Trivium and Coheed and Cambria
4. Janet Jackson "Discipline" Except for the song "Feedback"
5. Judas Priest "Nostradamus"
6. Exodus Live at the Pearl Room
Top Pre-2008 Music Discovered in 2008
1. SCORPIONS!!! “Humanity Hour 1.” Like you wouldn’t believe.....
2. Parliament "Funkentelechy Vs. The Placebo Syndrome"
3. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
4. Dinosaur Jr.
5. TOOL
6. Rihanna “Please Don't Stop the Music”....
Highest Hopes for 2009
1. New Y & T!!
2. New MASTODON!!
3. New QUEENSRYCHE!!
4. New Prince!!
5. New Devin?!?! Maybe?!
6. New Built to Spill please....
1. Opeth “Watershed”
2. Amon Amarth “Twilight Of The Thunder God”
3. Erykah Badu “New Amerykah”
4. Meshuggah “ObZen”
5. Death Cab For Cutie “Narrow Stairs”
6. SlipKnot “All Hope Is Gone”
Honorable Mentions: Ben Folds “Way To Normal”, Torche “Meanderthal”, Weezer “Red Album”, Idina Menzel “I Stand”
Top Live Shows
1. Van Halen @ Allstate Arena
2. MAIDEN!!!! WORLD SLAVERY TOUR!!! @ Allstate Arena
3. Y&T @ Chicago City Limits
4. Swervedriver @ Metro
5. Amon Amarth @ House Of Blues
6. Jerry Seinfeld @ Chicago Theatre
Top Songs
1. Ben Folds "Cologne"
2. Weezer "The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived"
3. Harvey Milk "Motown"
4. Erykah Badu "Soldier"
5. Idina Menzel "Brave"
6. Madonna and Kanye West "The Beat Goes On"
HMs: Alphabeat "Fascination", Clutch "Electric Worry"
Top Album Covers
1. Meshuggah “ObZen”
2. Erykah Badu “New Amerykah”
Disappointments of 2008
1. Kanye West "808s and Heartbreak"
2. In Flames "A Sense of Purpose"
3. SlipKnot touring with Trivium and Coheed and Cambria
4. Janet Jackson "Discipline" Except for the song "Feedback"
5. Judas Priest "Nostradamus"
6. Exodus Live at the Pearl Room
Top Pre-2008 Music Discovered in 2008
1. SCORPIONS!!! “Humanity Hour 1.” Like you wouldn’t believe.....
2. Parliament "Funkentelechy Vs. The Placebo Syndrome"
3. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
4. Dinosaur Jr.
5. TOOL
6. Rihanna “Please Don't Stop the Music”....
Highest Hopes for 2009
1. New Y & T!!
2. New MASTODON!!
3. New QUEENSRYCHE!!
4. New Prince!!
5. New Devin?!?! Maybe?!
6. New Built to Spill please....
Myche's 2008 Wrap-up
Top Albums
I always have to figure out just what was a 2008 release when I’m doing this. There will also undoubtedly be 2008 releases that I won’t discover until 2009 that will be worthy of this list.
1. Fish "13th Star" – A totally biased pick, and one that I would never recommend to anyone, most likely. But no doubt the 2008 release that I played the most…
2. Opeth “Watershed” – The only common choice on all of our lists, making it the Hooks Album of the Year, I would say. These guys just seem to get better and better.
3. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds “Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!” – Late entry to this list since my mp3 tag listed it as a 2007 release in error. Glad I got it right.
4. Testament “The Formation Of Damnation” – Just raw and kick-ass METAL.
5. Al Green “Lay It Down” – Probably his best album in 30 years.
6. Warrel Dane “Praises To The New Machine” – I’m surprised by this one myself. I didn’t really listen to it until recently, but loved it. It doesn’t break new ground, but reminded me how much I like Dane’s vocals and Nevermore in general. Only album on list that I didn’t see the artist live during the year, by the way.
Top Live Shows
1. Fish @ Shank Hall in Milwaukee – Easy choice: this was my previous #1 artist I wanted to see that I hadn’t yet, I delayed my honeymoon for the show, it is in my Top 10 shows of all time, and I saw him the next night at the Park West which was a seated show and not nearly as amazing as the Milwaukee show. Plus, I got to meet him before the show. Yes, it was a good day…
2. David Byrne @ Civic Opera House – I’m not even a huge Talking Heads/Byrne fan, but this show blew me away. Very original and captivating.
3. Derek Trucks Band @ Vic Theatre – I had seen him a week before with the Allman Brothers and was still not saturated by his playing. Susan Tedeschi joining for about four songs was a great bonus.
4. Y&T @ Chicago City Limits – I would have never guessed that I could get blown away like I did on my 9th time seeing a band (which tied Queensryche with the band I’ve seen the most times).
5. Doom Fest @ Double Door – So slow and heavy that my heart almost came to a complete stop. Very well-done Fest: Kongh, Somathrace and Beyond Oblivion were my highlights.
6. Bang Camaro @ Double Door – I’m not sure I’ve ever had more FUN at a show in my life. My cheeks hurt from smiling for about a week…
HMs: So many great shows this year - Hideout Block Party, Allman Brothers @ Charter One, Nick Lowe @ The Green Mill, Nick Cave @ Riviera, Ray Davies @ Chicago Theatre, The Holmes Brothers @ Buddy Guy’s, Scorpions/Alice Cooper @ Fort McCoy, WI, Melvins/Big Business @ Double Door, Van Halen @ Allstate Arena, Iron Maiden @ Allstate Arena, Trouble @ Nite Caps (possibly the last time I see them with Eric Wagner singing?)
Top Songs
I’m really bad at focusing on singles as opposed to whole albums, so here’s a list of a few songs that I thought rocked:
1. Bang Camaro "Push Push (Lady Lightning"
2. Bang Camaro “Pleasure (Pleasure)"
3. Whitesnake “Lay Down Your Love"
4. Al Green “Lay It Down”
5. David Byrne & Brian Eno “My Big Nurse"
6. Zimmer’s Hole – Take your pick: “We Rule The Fucking Land”, “Anonymous Esophagus”, or “Hair Doesn’t Grow On Steel”
Top Album Covers
I’m even worse at paying attention to albums covers these days. Here’s a few I liked:
1. Cynic "Traced In Air"
2. Testament “The Formation Of Damnation"
3. Amon Amarth “Twilight Of The Thunder Gods”
4. Whitesnake "Good To Be Bad”
Disappointments of 2008
1. Eric Wagner leaving Trouble
2. Every show I saw at The Pearl Room in Mokena. I like the venue, but three disappointing shows. Coincidence?
3. Judas Priest "Nostradamus" – Such a lack of quality control on this one. I must hold all members responsible. What are the repercussions from my standpoint? If you ask me to opine on Maiden vs. Priest, my decision just became very easy…
4. Sly Stone cancelling his show at the Vic. Why was I surprised?
Highest Hopes for 2009
1. New albums that are supposed to come out: Y&T (!!!), Queensryche, Heaven & Hell, Derek Trucks Band
2. New albums that I hope come out: anything Devin Townsend-related
3. Concerts scheduled: Messhugah/Cynic
4. Concert hopefuls: Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen, Patti Smith, David Shankle Group
5. Quality Chicago music festivals, just like 2008: American Music Festival @ Fitzgerald’s, Hideout Block Party, Doom Fest
Top Pre-2008 Music Discovered in 2008
This category flows for me, so it was hard to limit it to six…
1. Whitesnake “Come An’ Get It” – I would guess that I played this album more than about anyone in the world, besides maybe David Coverdale.
2. The Holmes Brothers
3. Gov’t Mule
4. The last two Scorpions releases
5. Merle Haggard
6. Willie Nelson “Who’ll Buy My Memories: The IRS Tapes” – I’ve had this two-disc set for at least ten years without really sinking my teeth into it. I always thought it was a sell-out to get money to pay his IRS debts, but it is fantastic. I love when I this happens with a CD I bought so long ago and forgot about.
7. Ravi Shankar
8. Two songs in particular off the debut Thin Lizzy album that are usually part of Tin Lynott’s set: “Look What The Wind Blew In” and “Things Ain’t Working Out Down At the Farm”
Top DVDs
I think only #1 was a 2008 release, so I guess that’s my best of 2008. The others were just ones I finally saw in 2008 that are noteworthy.
1. Lou Reed “Berlin”
2. Love “Forever Changes Concert”
3. Neil Young “Heart Of Gold”
4. Reggae Deep Roots Documentary Vol. 1-3
Top Music-related Books Read
1. Black Sabbath: Doom Let Loose, An Illustrated History – Martin Popoff
2. Willie Nelson: An Epic Life – Joe Nick Patoski
3. Funk – Rickey Vincent
4. I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead: The Dirty Life And Times Of Warren Zevon – Crystal Zevon
I always have to figure out just what was a 2008 release when I’m doing this. There will also undoubtedly be 2008 releases that I won’t discover until 2009 that will be worthy of this list.
1. Fish "13th Star" – A totally biased pick, and one that I would never recommend to anyone, most likely. But no doubt the 2008 release that I played the most…
2. Opeth “Watershed” – The only common choice on all of our lists, making it the Hooks Album of the Year, I would say. These guys just seem to get better and better.
3. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds “Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!” – Late entry to this list since my mp3 tag listed it as a 2007 release in error. Glad I got it right.
4. Testament “The Formation Of Damnation” – Just raw and kick-ass METAL.
5. Al Green “Lay It Down” – Probably his best album in 30 years.
6. Warrel Dane “Praises To The New Machine” – I’m surprised by this one myself. I didn’t really listen to it until recently, but loved it. It doesn’t break new ground, but reminded me how much I like Dane’s vocals and Nevermore in general. Only album on list that I didn’t see the artist live during the year, by the way.
Top Live Shows
1. Fish @ Shank Hall in Milwaukee – Easy choice: this was my previous #1 artist I wanted to see that I hadn’t yet, I delayed my honeymoon for the show, it is in my Top 10 shows of all time, and I saw him the next night at the Park West which was a seated show and not nearly as amazing as the Milwaukee show. Plus, I got to meet him before the show. Yes, it was a good day…
2. David Byrne @ Civic Opera House – I’m not even a huge Talking Heads/Byrne fan, but this show blew me away. Very original and captivating.
3. Derek Trucks Band @ Vic Theatre – I had seen him a week before with the Allman Brothers and was still not saturated by his playing. Susan Tedeschi joining for about four songs was a great bonus.
4. Y&T @ Chicago City Limits – I would have never guessed that I could get blown away like I did on my 9th time seeing a band (which tied Queensryche with the band I’ve seen the most times).
5. Doom Fest @ Double Door – So slow and heavy that my heart almost came to a complete stop. Very well-done Fest: Kongh, Somathrace and Beyond Oblivion were my highlights.
6. Bang Camaro @ Double Door – I’m not sure I’ve ever had more FUN at a show in my life. My cheeks hurt from smiling for about a week…
HMs: So many great shows this year - Hideout Block Party, Allman Brothers @ Charter One, Nick Lowe @ The Green Mill, Nick Cave @ Riviera, Ray Davies @ Chicago Theatre, The Holmes Brothers @ Buddy Guy’s, Scorpions/Alice Cooper @ Fort McCoy, WI, Melvins/Big Business @ Double Door, Van Halen @ Allstate Arena, Iron Maiden @ Allstate Arena, Trouble @ Nite Caps (possibly the last time I see them with Eric Wagner singing?)
Top Songs
I’m really bad at focusing on singles as opposed to whole albums, so here’s a list of a few songs that I thought rocked:
1. Bang Camaro "Push Push (Lady Lightning"
2. Bang Camaro “Pleasure (Pleasure)"
3. Whitesnake “Lay Down Your Love"
4. Al Green “Lay It Down”
5. David Byrne & Brian Eno “My Big Nurse"
6. Zimmer’s Hole – Take your pick: “We Rule The Fucking Land”, “Anonymous Esophagus”, or “Hair Doesn’t Grow On Steel”
Top Album Covers
I’m even worse at paying attention to albums covers these days. Here’s a few I liked:
1. Cynic "Traced In Air"
2. Testament “The Formation Of Damnation"
3. Amon Amarth “Twilight Of The Thunder Gods”
4. Whitesnake "Good To Be Bad”
Disappointments of 2008
1. Eric Wagner leaving Trouble
2. Every show I saw at The Pearl Room in Mokena. I like the venue, but three disappointing shows. Coincidence?
3. Judas Priest "Nostradamus" – Such a lack of quality control on this one. I must hold all members responsible. What are the repercussions from my standpoint? If you ask me to opine on Maiden vs. Priest, my decision just became very easy…
4. Sly Stone cancelling his show at the Vic. Why was I surprised?
Highest Hopes for 2009
1. New albums that are supposed to come out: Y&T (!!!), Queensryche, Heaven & Hell, Derek Trucks Band
2. New albums that I hope come out: anything Devin Townsend-related
3. Concerts scheduled: Messhugah/Cynic
4. Concert hopefuls: Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen, Patti Smith, David Shankle Group
5. Quality Chicago music festivals, just like 2008: American Music Festival @ Fitzgerald’s, Hideout Block Party, Doom Fest
Top Pre-2008 Music Discovered in 2008
This category flows for me, so it was hard to limit it to six…
1. Whitesnake “Come An’ Get It” – I would guess that I played this album more than about anyone in the world, besides maybe David Coverdale.
2. The Holmes Brothers
3. Gov’t Mule
4. The last two Scorpions releases
5. Merle Haggard
6. Willie Nelson “Who’ll Buy My Memories: The IRS Tapes” – I’ve had this two-disc set for at least ten years without really sinking my teeth into it. I always thought it was a sell-out to get money to pay his IRS debts, but it is fantastic. I love when I this happens with a CD I bought so long ago and forgot about.
7. Ravi Shankar
8. Two songs in particular off the debut Thin Lizzy album that are usually part of Tin Lynott’s set: “Look What The Wind Blew In” and “Things Ain’t Working Out Down At the Farm”
Top DVDs
I think only #1 was a 2008 release, so I guess that’s my best of 2008. The others were just ones I finally saw in 2008 that are noteworthy.
1. Lou Reed “Berlin”
2. Love “Forever Changes Concert”
3. Neil Young “Heart Of Gold”
4. Reggae Deep Roots Documentary Vol. 1-3
Top Music-related Books Read
1. Black Sabbath: Doom Let Loose, An Illustrated History – Martin Popoff
2. Willie Nelson: An Epic Life – Joe Nick Patoski
3. Funk – Rickey Vincent
4. I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead: The Dirty Life And Times Of Warren Zevon – Crystal Zevon
Friday, January 02, 2009
Hook of the Day - Lamb of God "Contractor"
by Wayne
I think Myche and Mark are probably busy right now with their broken Zunes and their 2008 Wrap-ups....perfect opportunity to sneak in the new Lamb of God track as a HotD.
Awesome.
I think Myche and Mark are probably busy right now with their broken Zunes and their 2008 Wrap-ups....perfect opportunity to sneak in the new Lamb of God track as a HotD.
Awesome.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
First Hook of the Year - ISIS "20 Minutes/40 Years"
Hey all,
We'll have our Best of 2008 wrap up soon...in the meantime, here's a new song that ISIS debuted on their recent European tour. It'll be on their new album, out sometime this year.
Here's "20 Minutes/40 Years"
We'll have our Best of 2008 wrap up soon...in the meantime, here's a new song that ISIS debuted on their recent European tour. It'll be on their new album, out sometime this year.
Here's "20 Minutes/40 Years"
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Final MP3 Randomization of the Year
WAYNE
The Fantomas-Melvins Big Band "Terpulative Guns & Drugs"
TV on the Radio "Wear You Out"
The Fantomas-Melvins Big Band "The Bit"
Guns N Roses "Paradise City"
Melvins "The Stupid Creep"
Ozzy "Crazy Train" (live Randy Rhoads Tribute version)
MARK
I couldn't blog this as I was affected by Z2K!!! My 30g Zune froze!!!
MYCHE
Luckily my Zune 80G is working fine, but I didn't get around to this until January 5th...
Thin Lizzy "Emerald"
Thin Lizzy "The Holy War"
Spirit Caravan "Courage"
Aretha Franklin "That's All I Want From You"
The Kinks "Holiday In Waikiki"
Y&T "Rescue Me"
The Fantomas-Melvins Big Band "Terpulative Guns & Drugs"
TV on the Radio "Wear You Out"
The Fantomas-Melvins Big Band "The Bit"
Guns N Roses "Paradise City"
Melvins "The Stupid Creep"
Ozzy "Crazy Train" (live Randy Rhoads Tribute version)
MARK
I couldn't blog this as I was affected by Z2K!!! My 30g Zune froze!!!
MYCHE
Luckily my Zune 80G is working fine, but I didn't get around to this until January 5th...
Thin Lizzy "Emerald"
Thin Lizzy "The Holy War"
Spirit Caravan "Courage"
Aretha Franklin "That's All I Want From You"
The Kinks "Holiday In Waikiki"
Y&T "Rescue Me"
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Hook of the Day: Lemmy + Billy Gibbons + Dave Grohl "Run Rudolph Run"
by Wayne
I hope everyone enjoys the special day.....not Christmas, dummy, I mean Lemmy's Birthday, which is today, December 24th.
Here's Our Lord and Savior himself, along with ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and my man Dave Grohl on drums.
I hope everyone enjoys the special day.....not Christmas, dummy, I mean Lemmy's Birthday, which is today, December 24th.
Here's Our Lord and Savior himself, along with ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and my man Dave Grohl on drums.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Judas Priest
Okay, folks, I just finally sat through the double album Nostradamus. Here follows my review...
Nope.
Good try though.
Nope.
Good try though.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
MP3 Randomization: 12-17-2008
WAYNE
Candlemass "Bewitched"
TV on the Radio "Ambulance"
Big Business "Shields"
Pink Floyd "Seamus"
Hermano "Murder One"
Clutch "Small Upsetters"
MYCHE
King Diamond "Piece Of Mind"
Merle Haggard "Workin' Man Blues"
Allman Brothers Band "It Ain't Over Yet"
Judas Priest "New Beginnings"
Mastodon "Where Strides The Behemoth"
Queensryche "Blinded"
MARK
James Ingram "Just Once"
Pelican "Spaceship broken- parts needed"
The Lemonheads "Bit Part"
Judas Priest "Breaking the Law"
Juliana Hatfield "Bad Day"
Imagika "In your Shadow"
Candlemass "Bewitched"
TV on the Radio "Ambulance"
Big Business "Shields"
Pink Floyd "Seamus"
Hermano "Murder One"
Clutch "Small Upsetters"
MYCHE
King Diamond "Piece Of Mind"
Merle Haggard "Workin' Man Blues"
Allman Brothers Band "It Ain't Over Yet"
Judas Priest "New Beginnings"
Mastodon "Where Strides The Behemoth"
Queensryche "Blinded"
MARK
James Ingram "Just Once"
Pelican "Spaceship broken- parts needed"
The Lemonheads "Bit Part"
Judas Priest "Breaking the Law"
Juliana Hatfield "Bad Day"
Imagika "In your Shadow"
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
MP3 Randomization: 12-10-08
MYCHE
Symphony X "On The Breath Of Poseidon"
Exodus "Culling The Herd"
Blue Oyster Cult "Sinful Love"
AC/DC "Love Hungry Man"
The Band "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"
Merle Haggard "Better Off When I Was Hungry"
WAYNE
In Flames "Graveland"
Guns N' Roses "Sweet Child O Mine" (Live 1988 version)
U.S. Christmas "Silent Tongue"
Deathspell Omega "Obombration"
Whitesnake "Love Ain't No Stranger"
Mastodon "Colony of Birchmen"
MARK
Eminem "The Way I am"
Iced Earth "Winter Nights"
Skid Row "Rattlesnake Shake"
Swervedriver "Son of Mustang Ford"
3 Inches of Blood "Trial of Champions"
Sonic Youth "I Love You Golden Blue"
Symphony X "On The Breath Of Poseidon"
Exodus "Culling The Herd"
Blue Oyster Cult "Sinful Love"
AC/DC "Love Hungry Man"
The Band "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"
Merle Haggard "Better Off When I Was Hungry"
WAYNE
In Flames "Graveland"
Guns N' Roses "Sweet Child O Mine" (Live 1988 version)
U.S. Christmas "Silent Tongue"
Deathspell Omega "Obombration"
Whitesnake "Love Ain't No Stranger"
Mastodon "Colony of Birchmen"
MARK
Eminem "The Way I am"
Iced Earth "Winter Nights"
Skid Row "Rattlesnake Shake"
Swervedriver "Son of Mustang Ford"
3 Inches of Blood "Trial of Champions"
Sonic Youth "I Love You Golden Blue"
Monday, December 08, 2008
Hook of the Day - Metallica "All Nightmare Long"
by Wayne
This is flat-out the best Metallica song in years. End of discussion.
This is flat-out the best Metallica song in years. End of discussion.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Hook of the Day - St. Vitus "St. Vitus"
by Wayne
Here's IGN.com approved doom metal titans St. Vitus performing "St. Vitus"* at the Palm Springs Community Center on May 16th, 1986. (Do you know where YOU were when Vitus played at the PSCC?)
Some trivia:
1) This is Wino's very first gig with the band.
2) According to a commenter on YouTube, the gentleman sitting in the background next to the amps is bass God Scott Reeder, who would later join Vitus, Kyuss and tons of other bands, including yours.
3) The cameraman needs to cool out with the zoom ins-and-outs. Seriously. Thanks, but stop.
4) There's Cokes being sold over here.
* Mental note: We need to do a list of song titles which were also the name of the band. First two: Iron Maiden, St. Vitus
Here's IGN.com approved doom metal titans St. Vitus performing "St. Vitus"* at the Palm Springs Community Center on May 16th, 1986. (Do you know where YOU were when Vitus played at the PSCC?)
Some trivia:
1) This is Wino's very first gig with the band.
2) According to a commenter on YouTube, the gentleman sitting in the background next to the amps is bass God Scott Reeder, who would later join Vitus, Kyuss and tons of other bands, including yours.
3) The cameraman needs to cool out with the zoom ins-and-outs. Seriously. Thanks, but stop.
4) There's Cokes being sold over here.
* Mental note: We need to do a list of song titles which were also the name of the band. First two: Iron Maiden, St. Vitus
List For Us To All Get Our Panties in a Wad About of the Day - IGN.com's Top 10 Doom Metal Bands
by Wayne
Hooray for lists!
These are salad days for doom metal, so why not make a list of the best doom metal bands of all time. Here's the 10 according to IGN.com.
St. Vitus
Trouble
Candlemass
Witchfinder General
Type O Negative
Paradise Lost
Earth
Sleep
Pentagram
My Dying Bride
All things considered, not a bad list. If I were to get picky, I'd say that Earth is more of a drone metal group, and then there's the notable omission of Electric Wizard, but whatever, dude.....
What say you all?
Hooray for lists!
These are salad days for doom metal, so why not make a list of the best doom metal bands of all time. Here's the 10 according to IGN.com.
St. Vitus
Trouble
Candlemass
Witchfinder General
Type O Negative
Paradise Lost
Earth
Sleep
Pentagram
My Dying Bride
All things considered, not a bad list. If I were to get picky, I'd say that Earth is more of a drone metal group, and then there's the notable omission of Electric Wizard, but whatever, dude.....
What say you all?
Friday, December 05, 2008
Hook of the Day - Testament "More Than Meets the Eye"
by Wayne
This year was an embarrasment of riches for fans of thrash. The best of the bunch came from our old pals Testament, with the outstanding Formation of Damnation record. Here's the first video for that release, "More Than Meets the Eye."
WHOAAOOOOOO OOOOA OOA OOA OOOOOA!
This year was an embarrasment of riches for fans of thrash. The best of the bunch came from our old pals Testament, with the outstanding Formation of Damnation record. Here's the first video for that release, "More Than Meets the Eye."
WHOAAOOOOOO OOOOA OOA OOA OOOOOA!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
A Musical Ranking Of The United States
by Myche
I've thrown this question out to a few people, and it's time to get everyone on the record. Please list your Top 6 (in order) United States by their respective musical output.
In my analysis, some states shine based on sheer volume of output, others jump to the top due to being the home of some big names. Sometimes it's hard to determine where a band is from, generally assign them in your mind to the state they were formed in. For solo artists, I would use a similar rule. For instance, while Elvis was born in Mississippi, it's hard not to assign him to Tennessee.
You can use http://www.allmusic.com/ as a source if you don't know where bands are from.
Five states quickly came to mind for me, and I'm still wrestling with their ranking. The sixth spot is proving to be a little less obvious. I'll post mine as a comment a little later.
I've thrown this question out to a few people, and it's time to get everyone on the record. Please list your Top 6 (in order) United States by their respective musical output.
In my analysis, some states shine based on sheer volume of output, others jump to the top due to being the home of some big names. Sometimes it's hard to determine where a band is from, generally assign them in your mind to the state they were formed in. For solo artists, I would use a similar rule. For instance, while Elvis was born in Mississippi, it's hard not to assign him to Tennessee.
You can use http://www.allmusic.com/ as a source if you don't know where bands are from.
Five states quickly came to mind for me, and I'm still wrestling with their ranking. The sixth spot is proving to be a little less obvious. I'll post mine as a comment a little later.
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