July 18-24

Corrections...

I will be switching when I post my blogs. I was trying to get them posted by Wednesday of each week so that you would be aware of information over the weekend and throughout the next week. It is just getting too hard to keep up with during the week. Therefore, I will be posting everything on Sunday. That way you will have information for the upcoming week.

I try my best to keep you updated about new releases in music and with local music events. So I get frustrated when I miss something. I regret to inform you of an album release of importance that I missed. On June 14th, Bad Meets Evil released Hell the Sequel.

For those of you who are not familiar with what this is, I will tell you. Bad Meets Evil is a collaborative effort between two prominent Detroit rappers, Eminem and Royce da 5'9. I will be the first to tell you that I am not familiar with much of Royce da 5'9's work. I am however very knowledgeable about Eminem's. I plan on reviewing this album in the upcoming week, so I hope to give you more insight on the quality of the product. I can say that Eminem is one of the 10 best lyricists of all time. Even further, he may be the best at word play that I have ever heard. This alone will keep me buying his product. Even if Royce is weak, I am sure Eminem can carry the album. If you like Eminem's music, get the album. I am sure it will be more of what you are used to.

Since I've been gone...

Since I have been gone there have been some significant music releases. I will do my best to accurately update what we have missed...

On July 5th, Birdman released Bigga Than Life...

Birdman a.k.a. Baby was one half of the duo, Big Tymers. Big Tymers had some success in the early 2000's. He is also co-founder of Cash Money records. Cash Money has produced, Lil' Wayne and Juvenile to name a couple. Birdman refers to Lil' Wayne as his son but this is not biologically so. All of this being said, I don't really care for his music. I think this is exactly what is wrong with the current state of rap music. Rap used to say something. Cash Money definitely contributed to the deterioration of rap. It kills me to know that he is estimated at a net worth of around 100 million. If you decide to buy this album....good luck. I don't expect it to be worth the money you spend.

On July 12th,

Theory of a Deadman

The Truth Is...

This is the fourth studio album by this Canadian band. All of their previous albums have reached the top 10 in Canada and have done increasingly better in the United States. I personally enjoy their music and think they deserve a little more recognition. I would put these guys in the top three hard-rock bands of today. I would highly recommend checking them out. I don't have any reason to think this album won't be as good as their last three.

Incubus

If Not Now, When

This is another album I would highly recommend checking out. This is their seventh studio album. The band had taken a hiatus in order to prevent burn out and then decided to come together to produce this album. This prompted the title of the album. The album has already produced a largely popular singe in Adolescents. These guys always put out a good product and I suspect this will be more of the same.

Sublime with Rome

Yours Truly

Sublime just hasn't been the same since Bradley Nowell's death in 1996. He was the lead guitarist and vocalist. Their chart success backs this up. Finally, in 2009, they decided to team up with Rome Ramirez. The group originally began playing Sublime songs. This album marks the first musical escapade by the group. From the bits and pieces I have heard, I was pleasantly surprised at how good they sounded. I am still on the fence on whether or not I want to check this album out. I may wait to hear a little more before I decide to purchase this outright.

With new releases...

July 19th;

3 Doors Down

Time of My Life

This is the fifth studio album from this very successful band from Mississippi. Each of their first four albums has reached the top ten in the United States with the first three going at least platinum. They have been pumping out steady hits since 2000. I would expect more consistency out of the band. These guys are always a safe bet. Give it a listen.

They Might Be Giants

Join Us

I think you either like They Might Be Giants or you don't. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of in between with these guys. Their music is a little nerdy and a little quirky but I have come to like it a lot. However, this is their 15th studio album, so their style must be resignating with a large number of people. This also marks their first non-children's album since 2007. I think this one is pretty straight forward...if you like them get this...if not....probably not.

311

Universal Pulse

This is the band's 10th studio album. The band's style has changed very little during their career. I have always loved this band and tend to like the unique style. They have invited Sublime with Rome to open up for them on the new tour. The band's first single off of this album, Sunset In July, is very good and shows how consistent these guy's sound really is. I admit that their sound is not for everyone but I think they warrant at least a listen.

Also releasing albums this week...

DJ Khaled, Fink, Attack!Attack!, Basement Jaxx, Cold, Portugal the Man

In music...

Due to my hiatus, I haven't had time to listen to much music. I also have a lot of information to catch up on. Therefore, I will only be reviewing one album this week. I will review more next week....Sorry for the disappointment.

Limp Bizkit

Gold Cobra

OK, most people I have talked to who are Limp Bizkit fans seem to like this album. For me, I am still on the fence. I think the return of Wes Borland is obvious as the quality and sound of the music has returned and is very reminiscent of old Bizkit. I guess my problem falls with Fred Durst. I don't think he sounds bad on this album I think he lacks some enthusiasm. Durst presented a cool swagger that border lined on angry and unstable. I felt that was missing on this album. I never felt he was angry or ready to break something. I miss that. For that alone, the album loses some marks for me. If he can gain some of that back, the band could be back in business.

Rating: 3.5/6

This week's throwback albums...

Ultramagnetic MC's

Critical Beatdown

This Bronx-based rap group consisted of Kook Keith, Ced Gee, TR Love and Moe Love. This album was moderately successful upon its release but has been considered a hip-hop classic in the following years. This is a true hip-hop staple and a must have for any serious collection. The group's breakout hit, Ego Trippin' has been included for you below.

Lenny Kravitz

5

For me, this is the pinnacle of Kravitz's career. He began gaining some steam with several singles prior to this album and has had some success after it's release. This album however contains his best work to date. It is full of singles and creative guitar riffs that make this a very good album. This album went 3xplatinum, produced 6 charting singles and gave Lenny two Grammy Awards for his megahits, Fly Away and American Woman. I strongly recommend anyone who hasn't heard this album to check it out.

You oughtta know...

Umphrey's McGee

I am a huge fan of jam bands. There is something pure about a band that doesn't lose any sound quality playing live. It is nice to know a band can perform without hiding behind all the bells and whistles of a recording studio. A band that I have been hearing more and more over the last year is Umphrey's McGee. They formed at the University of Notre Dame in 1997 and are currently based out of Chicago. Bottom line is that these guys are really good. They are considered an "improg" band, which is a combination of improv. and progressive. They do have similarities to jam bands such as Phish and the Grateful Dead. Many people think that they are more similar to bands like Yes, Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa and Genesis. Others think they draw influence from Iron Maiden. They themselves have acknowledged drawing influence from the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and the Police. As you can see the references are to quite the eclectic variety of music. Anyone I have recommended them to has not been disappointed. I strongly encourage you to check them out; you won't be sorry.

From the fans...

I don't get a lot of feedback from my followers but when I do, I would like to acknowledge them. From time to time I get recommendation to review or listen to different bands and different albums. Most of the time it is stuff I am not familiar with. So I will do my best to let the people's voices be heard and to promote some of the stuff my followers are into.

Tamara S recommends:

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Tamara first head them on the Conan O'Brien show and then saw them open up for the Avett Brothers. She said they are very good. This band has ties to Canto, NY and St. Lawrence University. Give them a listen. Her sound is definitely worth it.

Jay B recommends:

Native Tongues

Native Tongues is a collective of hip-hop artists from the late 80's and early 90's. They were known for their positive-minded, fun Afrocentric lyrics, and for pioneering the use of eclectic sampling and later jazz-influenced beats. Pioneering members included A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, and De La Soul. Also tied to this movement were Chi-Ali, Black Sheep, Three Times Dope, Leaders of the New School and Queen Latifah. Even current members of the hip-hop scene draw from this, including Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Common. I have included a classic for you.

Beth G recommends:

The Sons of Sylvia

Revelation

Beth says these guys are awesome. These guys are country pop trio who formed from a family band called The Clark Family Experiment in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Ashley toured with Carrie Underwood and still have connections to her today. I agree with Beth. I really liked this album. It was different from most music I have heard lately. I guess if I had to pick a similar band, I would say Lady Antebellum, although, these gave more of a rock feel to them. Check 'em out.

Brian O recommends:

Trace Adkins - Just Fishin'

Brian said that it may be time for Trace Adkins to retire.....Give a listen and see. Personally, I agree with Brian. I have thought that for a while.

This week in music...

2001

July 24th;

Alice In Chains

Greatest Hits

N'SYNC

Celebrity

Avenged Sevenfold

Sounding the Seventh Trumpet

Cake

Comfort Eagle

Jimmy Eat World

Bleed American

1991

July 23rd;

DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

Homebase

Main Source

Breaking Atoms

Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch

Music for the People

1981

June 20th;

Journey

Escape

June 21st;

Bryan Adams

You Want It You Got It

June 24th;

The Go-Go's

Beauty and the Beat

1971

July 21st;

Black Sabbath

Master of Reality

July 23rd;

The Moody Blues

Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

In Charlotte...

Amos' Southend

Thursday, July 21st;

Bayside

Friday, July 22nd;

Ten (Pearl Jam Cover)

Core (Stone Temple Pilots Cover)

Saturday, July 23rd;

Dokken

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Saturday, July 23rd;

Amy Lavere

Bojangles Colisseum

No current music events

NC Music Factory

The Fillmore

Thursday, July 21st;

John Butler Trio

Friday, July 22nd;

100 Monkeys

Saturday, July 23rd;

Aaron Lewis of Staind

Uptown Amphitheater

Tuesday, July 19th;

A Perfect Circle

Wednesday, July 23rd;

Wiz Kalifa

Ovens Auditorium

No current music events

Time Warner Cable Arena

No current music events

Tremont Music Hall (Newly Added)

Thursday, July 21st;

Doctor Booshka and the Light Brigade

Friday, July 22nd;

106.5 Presents AWOLNATION

The Constellations

Redlight King

Saturday, July 23rd;

The First Annual Radok Fest

Sunday, July 24th;

Birds With Teeth + Lucky Five

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

No current music events

Visulite Theatre

Thursday, July 21st;

Reckless Kelly