May 27 - June 2

With new releases...

Death Cab for Cutie
Codes and Keys

This Indie band has been growing in popularity, especially within the Emo culture. They burst onto the scene with singles like, Soul Meets Body and I Will Follow You Into the Dark. The band claims that this album will be less centered around guitars as previous albums. They have already released their first single, You Are a Tourist, available online and on Itunes. Since the acoustic guitar sound is one of the things I like most about this band, I will be cautious about running out to get it. I hope that reducing their guitars won't be a Death-trap for Cutie.

Eddie Vedder
Ukulele Songs
This will be Vedder's second solo album, following Into the Wild. Last album had a strong folk/grass roots sounds, which is somewhat of a departure from the more rock oriented Pearl Jam. Last album was for the movie of the same title. I would expect this album to be more of an acoustic, folk driven sound. The album is said to be a mix of original work and covers. I have been a huge Pearl Jam fan since the first time I heard them and will always support Vedder's solo projects.

Flogging Molly
Speed of Darkness
Of course, being Irish, this is the album I am most looking forward to this week. For those of you who have never listened, they are an interesting blend of traditional Irish music and modernized punk. Who doesn't like bagpipes and electric guitar....wait don't answer that...just check them out...you may be surprised... They are often considered an inferior version of Dropkick Murphy's. However, I think Flogging Molly is equally as good and contributes their own bit to music. HOMETOWN SHOUTOUT! This album was recorded at Echo Mountain, an old church building in Asheville, NC. It was produced by Ryan Hewitt who has worked with Red Hot Chili Peppers and our very own Avett Brothers.

Other popular artists with releases this week; Jordan Knight, Kate Bush, and My Morning Jacket


In music...


Tyler the Creator - Goblin

I reviewed this album on the recommendation of one of my few faithful followers. I am glad I did. I guess to sum up this album in one word...sinister. The album is basically produced by Tyler himself which is refreshing by today's hip-hop standards. The material is definitely raw and often times dark. It is refreshing to hear hip-hop with some substance instead of all the flish-flash that is in rap culture today. I must admit, at first it struck me as a little odd, but as I listened it grew on me. Check this album out as it is a return to some of the rawness of where hip-hop came from. Tyler is also a member of Odd Future which recently made their debut on the Fallon Show. If you like Tyler the Creator you will like Odd Future who should be putting out a studio album in the near future.

Tinie Tempah - Disc-Overy
Everyone is probably familiar with the single, Written In the Stars, which I included below. Tinie Tempah is one of the upcoming artists out of the UK. Personally, this is not my style of music. This is exactly what I think is wrong with "rap" these days. You can hear that Tempah has some potential with his delivery but lacks substance. The whole album is definitely relevant to the trend in music today, I just have no use for high energy rap-ish artists. Most likely, if you like the current music of today and its relevance to club music, you might like this. However, if you are like me, and like the more traditional hip-hop music, this album falls well short. Purchase the single from Itunes and move on. Check out more authentic UK hip-hoppers like The Streets. This to me was more like Career-Overy.

Christina Perri - Lovestrong

Christina Perri was a struggling musician out of Philadelphia. She got her big break when her song, Jar of Hearts, was featured on So You Think You Can Dance. Since that time, she has continued to gain popularity and her single has skyrocketed up the charts. I have included the video for it below. Her album shows her potential as a haunting song writer. She has obviously been through some tough times in her life as outlined in the lyrics on the album. As always, I encourage you to support a "starving artist." Always remember, her hit is called Jar of Hearts, not Jar O' Farts....that goes over poorly when making requests.

This weeks throwback albums...

Lost Boyz - Legal Drug Money

This week I bring you another classic hip-hop album. These guys had a rough New York style groove to them. This album brings you classics like Renee; Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz; Music Makes Me High and Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless. Mr. Cheeks was always the lyrical poet of the group, but the loss of Freaky Tah took away the grit and grime that gave the group their edge. If you haven't heard this album. give it a listen.....I have included the video of Renee.

*please excuse the half-naked chick at the beginning of the video. I didn't know she was there when I posted this.

Silverchair - Frogstomp

When these guys came on the scene in the mid 90's there was little like them. This Australian group was young, talented, and rocked just as hard as anyone in the industry. This album was put together when these guys were just 15. 15!!! Listen and tell me that doesn't blow your mind. For those of you who are more familiar with the newer Silverchair, ie; White Lines, this album shows you just how different they used to be. They definitely rocked. They fell off in popularity for a while and I am glad they are regaining some of their fame. Check out Pure Massacre, Tomorrow and Israel's Son.

In Charlotte...

Bojangles Coliseum

No current music events

NC Music Factory

Fountain Plaza

Friday, May 27th;

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

These guys were part of that Big Band resurgence in the late 90 early 00's. They are comparable to the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Squirrel Nut Zippers. You may recognize Go Daddy-O or You and Me and a Bottle Makes Three Tonight. They were also featured in the epic movie Swingers with Vince Vaughn and John Favreau. So Zoot Suit it up and go see 'em. I included a live sample of when they performed on Dancing with the Stars.....I don't watch that show...I swear.....

 

The Fillmore

Tuesday, May 31st;

Panic! At the Disco

These guys are another popular band within the Emo movement. They have had chart success with Nine In the Afternoon and I Write Sins Not Tragedies. They should put on a pretty good show. Check them out if you get the chance.

Wednesday, June 1st;

Primus

These guys are weird....for my taste anyway.....the music is different and is very reliant on the bass guitar. They have had hits with Wynona's Big Brown Beaver, Jerry was a Racecar Driver, and My Name is Mud. They are also responsible for singing the opening theme for South Park. I can only imagine that this show would be highly entertaining.

Uptown Amphitheater

Thursday, June 2nd;

ZZ Top

I am not gonna talk too much about these guys....If you don't know who ZZ Tops is, you are too young. Anyone who lived through the 80's knows these guys. In addition, I heard it was a law that if you have a beard, you have to go support these guys. By now, they should know how to entertain a crowd.....should be fun.

Ovens Auditorium

No current music events

Time Warner Cable Arena

No current music events

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Thursday, June 2nd;

Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney is one of the biggest country music stars in the world.....period.....His albums always go number one and sell a gazillion copies.....I do get tired of him showing off his belly button though...STOP. I have heard his shows are really good. Go see him. I am sure you will have a good time....He may be Jimmy Buffet's illegitimate son.

Amos' Southend

Friday, May 27th;

Sugar Glyder

  

I have no idea what kind of music these guys perform. If you go, please write in and let us know how they were.

Thursday, June 2nd;

Steel Pulse

 

Again, I have no idea what kind of music these guys do....I would guess that do to the Steel in their name, it could be Caribbean or Calypso. Let me know.

May 20-26

With new releases...

This week I could only find two significant record releases.

On May, 23rd, the much anticipated...
Lady Gaga
Born This Way

Am I going to go buy this album? Pfff...probably, as much as I hate to admit it. Lady Gaga has been labeled as a music genius whose talents are not only unique but have set the bar for other pop artists. That alone will make me check it out. I imagine that the music may be too "clubby" for me but oh well. This album has already produced three successful singles, Born This Way, Judas and The Edge of Glory.









...and on May, 24th, country superstar...

Brad Paisley
This Is Country Music


I personally think Brad Paisley is one of the more respectable country artists in the game today. His new album has already sparked interest with two singles, This Is Country Music and Old Alabama. I look forward to getting this album.







In Music...


Ok, maybe I miss the old days of Pablo Honey and The Bends, but to me, Radiohead is making a swing from cool rock to "artsy." In March, Radiohead released, The King of Limbs. This album is definitely comparable to Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows in the sense that it is electronic and mechanical. When I listened to it, it made me either want to walk or sand floors. I am not sure which. Little By Little is the only track that really jumped out at me. Lotus Flower was alright and the rest was very similar. If you liked the last few albums by Radiohead, you will like this. If you are an old school Radiohead fan, you might want to listen first. It is interesting to note that this album possibly was recorded at Drew Barrymore's home in CA.

The Foo Fighters release Wasting Light which may be their heaviest album yet. This album was recorded in Dave Grohl's garage, instead of their home-built Studio 606. I would say this album is closest to The Colour and the Shape. The first tracks that jumped out at me were Bridge Burning, Rope, These Days, Back & Forth and A Matter of Time. The Foo Fighters have never put out a weak album and they continue to meet expectations. At some point, people may actually admit that they are better than Nirvana......OH NO!!!!! He didn't...yes I did.

Ok, I admit that I hadn't heard of these guys until recently. I feel cheated that I didn't get to listen to these guys sooner. Fleet Foxes bring us Helplessness Blues and it is amazing. If you haven't heard them, stop reading and go listen, you won't be sorry. If you have heard of them, lucky you, you are blessed. I am hoping that some of the delay in receiving this music is due to their Northwest origin. I really can't compare this sound to anything else I know. It is truly unique. It is a blend of harmony, folk and minstrel. That may sound ridiculous but it works. When I first heard it, I thought of a modernized renaissance fair but with better musical talent and the ability to harmonize. Go get this album and give it a listen. You won't be sorry. This is the best album I have heard in a long time. I am officially on their bandwagon.






This weeks throwback albums:

I always thought Our Lady Peace was a great band that is under appreciated. Clumsy gave the band their biggest initial success with hits like, Clumsy and Superman's Dead. Realistically, the whole album is good and their whole catalog is very good. They are still pumping out great music, they just don't get a lot of airplay. David Cook, from American Idol fame, claims that Our Lady Peace is his favorite band and has influenced him in his musical career. Give them a chance, you may like them.








This week I bring you another classic hip-hop staple, Main Source's Breaking Atoms. This marks the beginning of Large Professor's career. This album is solid and every true hip-hop fan should give it a listen if you don't already own it. This album produced a couple of charting singles, with Looking at the Front Door and Just Hangin' Out, but the other tracks warrant listening. They never followed up their success of this album but I am glad that they were able to produce one gem before they disbanded.









In Charlotte...

Bojangles Coliseum

No music events

NC Music Factory

Friday Live!

Friday, May 20th
Cowboy Mouth

For those of you who don't know them, Cowboy Mouth is a rock band from Louisiana. They became popular with the hit, Jenny Says. During live performances of Everybody Loves Jill, audience members are known to throw red spoons on stage. I have heard these guys can get crazy and give some interesting performances. Check 'em out.

The Fillmore

Friday, May 20th;
Neon Trees

Neon Trees gained popularity as the opening act for rock band, The Killers. They released their own album, Habits, which spawned the hit, Animal. This track reached #1 on some charts. I have included the video for this below. Go see them and let me know how they are live.

Thursday, May 26th;
The Deftones

This is one of the concerts that I want to check out. To me, the Deftones were much harder, better musicians and much edgier than Limp Bizkit. They were Limp Bizkit before and after Limp Bizkit. Their entire catalog is very good and I always recommend them to people. If you get a chance, go check them out. They always rock and if you like hard rock, you will not be sorry.

The Saloon

Friday, May 20th;
Simplified

Okay, I will be honest. I don't know who these guys are and I couldn't find any information on them. I don't even know what kind of music they perform. If anyone goes to see them, please let me know how they are.







Wednesday, May 25th;
The Memorials

I don't know much about these guys either. This band contains a drumming prodigy named Thomas Pridgen. Pridgen performed with The Mars Volta before forming his own band. Check them out and let me know how they were.







Ovens Auditorium

Sunday, May 22nd;
Steve Martin w/ Steep Canyon Rangers

Everyone knows Steve Martin from his movies and comedy work. But, not everyone know that he is a world-class banjo player. This guy is seriously good. His new album, Rare Bird Alert, was inspired by one of his upcoming movies in which he plays a competitive bird watcher. For me, he is one of the best bluegrass groups performing today. If I had to pick one concert to see this week, it would be this one, hands down. I included a clip of them performing on Letterman.

Time Warner Cable Arena

No current musical events

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

No current music events

Amos' Southend

Friday, May20th;
Crossfade
Crossfade is a rock band who has had minor success on the charts. Perhaps their biggest hit was Cold in 2004. I have included a sample of that song for you.

Saturday, May 21st;
The Maine & Augustana

I have never head of The Main but Augustana had a sufficient hit in 2006 with Boston. Check it out below.

Thursday, May 26th;
"A Brutal Payback" f. Burnstitch, Merzah, Concept of Structure, Signals the Sky and Alas We Breath

This seems to be a collection of hard rock bands. If you attend, let me know how the show was.














all information was gathered from venue sites, or is public or personal opinion. All images were gathered from Google images or from venue websites.

My first post May 13-19

With New Releases...
What I intend to do in this section is to list major upcoming releases for the week. I will give a review on these albums the week after their release. As always, I encourage anyone to provide additional information about any albums listed.

May 17th;

Ben Harper    
Give Till It's Gone

Moby

Destroyed

Seether
Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray












In Music...
In this section, I will discuss new music, give some input and throw you a small sample of some music from yesteryears.

Paul Simon released his album So Beautiful or So What. I am happy to see a resurgence in success of singer/songwriters. James Taylor and Carol King have seen a similar resurgence in popularity. Maybe people are starting to realize the ability to write songs doesn't fade with age. Simon again proves that he is a timeless songwriter. His more recent material is not as pop-catchy as in the past but he continues to show his clout as a writer. If you want to listen to great song writing, lyrics and song structure, I highly recommend this album. If you have not listened to much Paul Simon, stop reading this and get to it. He is one of the all time best. If you like this you may also like, James Tayor and Carol King






Adele released her new album 21 recently. One word....WOW! Her first album, 19, was good, but this album is awesome. She is definitely making her mark on the scene as one of the new stars in the biz. This album tells a great story and seems very intimate and somewhat haunting. It engages you and shows her growth into womanhood. Having already won a Grammy for 19, I would certainly hope she will at least be considered for another. Go get this album, seriously, you will not be sorry. It is good from front to back, first listen. If you like this, you may also like Duffy and Joss Stone.

Paper Airplane is the newest album from Alison Krauss & Union Station. These guys have been doing this for such a long time. To me, they are the poster children for great modern bluegrass. Union Station supplies flawless music and Alison Krauss supplies her angelically haunting voice. It is a great combination and if it ain't broke don't fix it. Alison's last project was with Robert Plant. It was uniquely entertaining, but I am glad to see her return to her bluegrass roots. Anything you get by Alison Krauss is phenomenal. Even if you don't like or think you like bluegrass, give it a listen, you may be surprised. If you like this, you may also like Steve Martin and Bela Fleck/Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.






Next week I will post three more albums for review. Please submit any comments or opinions you may have about the albums.

This weeks throwback albums:

Alanis Morrisette's Jagged Little Pill was an epic album of the early 90's. Everyone and their mother owned this album, and for good reason. This was Alanis' breakout into maintstream music. The album is solid from beginning to end. No skips. Even the hidden song is great. If you don't own it...you should....if you haven't heard it....well there may be no hope for you....GO GET IT!!!!!

Souls of Mischief released 93 'til Infinity in the early 90's. This album is a true hip-hop staple, often overlooked or forgotten about. The title track is amazing and it is highly worth checking out. It will bring you back to the good 'ol days of rap. Any fan of hip-hop music should already own this album, but if not, go get it before anyone finds out.









In Charlotte...
In this section I would like to give an outline of concerts coming to the queen city. I will include the major venues in the city as well as any concerts of interest I hear about in other locations. I do not intend to include any events that are not music related. I have included links to all the venue sites so you can browse for yourself or possibly purchase tickets. Anyone who attends these events is encouraged to submit their opinions of the show. As always, I encourage everyone to support the artist.

Bojangles Coliseum

Sat. May 14th; Charlie Wilson and Joe

Charlie Wilson is a four time Grammy nominated R&B artist and former lead singer of the Gap Band. His song, "There Goes My Baby,"reached number one on the Urban Adult charts. Wilson is also the national spokesman for the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF).

NC Music Factory

The Fillmore

Sun. May 15th; The Wailers
The Wailers are slated to perform music from their 1980 album, Uprising. This was the last studio  album compiled before the death of Bob Marley one  year later. This album reached top 50 Billboard success and spawned two well know singles, "Redemption Song" and "Could You Be Loved." If you want classic reggae or roots reggae, the Wailers are a must see.

 


Tue. May 17th; The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips have been doing their own thing since 1983. Forming in Norman, OK, they have not been commercially successful in the United States but have managed to draw a strong cult following. They finally broke through with a mainstream US hit in 1993 with "She Don't Use Jelly." Since then, they continue to produce psychedelic/space rock that is both unique and interesting. They haven't managed to crack the top 100 since but made some noise with the single, "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (With All Your Power)," which provided some video airplay.


It is rumoured that Steve Burns of Blue Clues, claims that a Flaming Lips show changed his life, so much so, that he left the show shortly after and embarked on his own music career with heavy Lips influence.


                                                                                         

                                                                                          Wed. May 18th; Blue October

Formed in 1995 in Houston, TX by the Furstenfeld brothers, Blue October broke through with mainstream success in 2006 with the platinum album, Foiled. This album sparked two singles, "Hate Me," and "Into the Ocean," the first of which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard charts.

Amos' Southend

Fri. May 13th; 42 (Coldplay Tribute)

Sat. May 14th; Zoso (Led Zeppelin Tribute)

Tues. May 17th; Apocalyptica w/ Soul's Harbour

Wed. May 18th; Memphis Mayfire

Thur. May 19th; Mac Miller w/Rapsody

Time Warner Cable Arena

No current events

*All opinions are my own or considered public knowledge unless otherwise noted. All images were collected from Google Search.