August 15-21

With new releases...

Jewel
The Merry Goes 'Round

This album only gets a neutral rating because the readers of this blog probably won't purchase a children's album, but the content is probably good. This is set to be a follow-up of her first children's album, Lullabye. She said that she wanted to make an album that was fun for kids and adults. I am not sure if adults are going to run out and buy a CD full of childrens' songs, but I could be wrong. Jewel has proven herself to be a good song writer but I think the response to this album will be divided; if you want a great album to play for your kids....."thumbs up"........if you want an adult contemporary album......probably not what you are looking for.

Blue October
Any Man In America

This is the sixth studio album by rock band, Blue October. This album was produced by Tim Palmer who has produced for some industry heavy hitters like, U2, David Bowie, The Cure, Robert Plant and Pearl Jam. For me, one of the appeals of Blue October is the lead singer, Justin Furstenfeld. He is very good at writing about real life and his past experiences. This new album is based around his divorce and custody battle over his daughter.

Jeff Bridges
Jeff Bridges

Most people don't know that Jeff Bridges was a musician before he was an Academy Award winning actor. In 2009, Bridges played a fallen country music star in the film Crazy Heart. He sang 5 of the 16 tracks off of the album. He signed with famed jazz label Blue Note records for his debut album. Coincidentally, he won an Academy Award for his role in Crazy Heart. I have no reason to think that this album won't be very good. I think it will be worth checking out.

Amos Lee
Live at Soho

This is an EP album recorded live at the Apple store in Soho NY. This album contained music from his most recent album, Mission Bell, which debuted at #1. Amos Lee is a quality artist who continues to gain popularity. If you don't feel like getting this live set, pick up Mission Bell. You will enjoy!

Breaking Benjamin
Shallow Bay: The Best of Breaking Benjamin

If you refer to the information provided in the last post, you will remember that this album was released without lead singer Benjamin Burnley's permission. Because of this, he is suing his band mates. So, this may be the last product released from the band. Let's hope not because they have been one of the best and most consistent rock bands of the last decade.

Frank Sinatra
30 Grandes de Frank Sinatra

This is what it is, a compilation release of Frank Sinatra classics. I give this a neutral rating because this doesn't stand out from the others in any way. If you don't have a Frank Sinatra compilation album, you may want to check this out. I don't really think it matters. Bottom line, just get some Frank Sinatra music, the man is a legend for a reason.

With musical review...

Royce da 5'9
Success Is Certain

I ended up liking this album. I am hoping I am able to give you an unbiased opinion. I have been on Royce's bandwagon since hearing him on Bad Meets Evil. I am very sorry I had not listened to his music before now. The album was as expected, less consciencious than I like but better than most crap that is on the radio nowadays. It sucks that this album won't get the air play or the medio hype that it should. In one aspect, I am happy because that leave his music to true rap fans. If you want a rap album that is much better than most, give it a listen.

This weeks throwback albums...

De La Soul
3 Feet High and Rising

This was the debut album from rap group De La Soul. De La Soul were affiliated with Native Tongues, rap groups who were positive-minded and culturally aware. This album always gets voted into the top 100 rap albums of all time. This album is fun and playful and a must have for any collector. It is hard to comment on this album because in many ways it is unlike anything else I have heard. Give it a chance.

Concrete Blonde
Bloodletting

I don't think Concrete Blonde ever got the recognition they deserved or developed the following they warranted. I, myself, overlooked these guys during the early nineties. I am sorry I did. Concrete Blonde was producing Gothic rock way before it was popular or cool. This album is vampire driven and has a dark and eerie undertone. The lyrics are haunting, yet poetic. If you have never heard them, they are highly worth checking out. I just heard this album recently and I don't think it is dated. This album only sparked one single, Joey, which in rare form, is by far not the best track on the album. Check out the songs, Bloodletting (The Vampire Song), The Sky Is a Poisonous Garden and Lullaby.

You oughtta know...

The Decemberists

This is an indie folk rock band from Portland, Oregon. They have released six full length album to date. What makes these guys worth checking out is their lyrics, which often focus on historical events or folklore. In addition, their live shows are know to be eclectic and entertaining. They often involve audience participation or reenactments of historical events or regional lore. They are highly worth checking out and may be nothing like you have ever heard. If they come to a venue near you, definitely run out and see them. I have included one of the songs that they are known to perform in depth. (The Mariner's Revenge Song)

In memory...

This past week we lost Jani Lane, lead singer of hair-metal band, Warrant. JaniJani. It is rumoured that Jani hated the song Cherry Pie, so it would be unjust to put that on here. Instead, I chose to include Heaven, a power ballad and a fitting tribute to the end of a rocker's life.

In other music gossip, Hilary Duff and her husband will be expecting their first child. How old am I getting when Lizzy McGuire is pregnant...yikes. It is also rumoured that Britney Spears and Lady Gaga are teaming up.....for the first ever skank-off?....nope for a duet....sigh....

This week in music history...

1993
August 17th;
The investigation begins against Michael Jackson for alleged child abuse.

1991
August 15th;
Paul Simon plays Concert In the Park in Central Park, NY

1985
August 16th;
Madonna marries actor Sean Penn

1983
August 16th;
Paul Simon marries actress Carrie Fisher

1977
August 16th;
Elvis Presley died of an apparent drug overdose. He was 42.

1969
August 15th;
The Woodstock music festival begins.

August 20th;
This is the last time that all four Beatles are in the studio at the same time.

1968
August 19th;
The final TV show of the Monkees airs.

1965
August 15th;
The Beatles kick off their third tour with the famous Shea Stadium concert.

1964
August 19th;
The Beatles perform their debut US concert at The Cow Palace, San Francisco.

1962
August 16th;
Pete Best was fired from the Beatles. Rory Storm & the Hurricane's drummer Ringo Starr takes over.

August 18th;
Ringo Starr performs on stage with The Beatles for the first time at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight, Birkenhead.

1960
August 17th;
The Beatles perform for the first time using that name at the Indra Club in Hamburg, Germany. They play 4 and 1/2 hrs a night and 6 hrs a night on the weekend during a 48 night stay.


Albums from...

10 years ago...

2001

Adema
Adema

Christina Aguilera
Just Be Free

Juvenile
Project English

Rollins Band
Nice

Sugarcult
Start Static

3 6 Mafia
Choices: The Album

20 years ago...

1991

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Notorious

Spin Doctors
Pocket Full of Kryptonite

Vanessa Williams
The Comfort Zone

30 years ago...

1981

The Kinks
Give the People What They Want

The Pretenders
Pretenders II

Happy Birthday!!...

August 15th;

Joe Jonas
22

August 16th;

Vanessa Carlton
31

Walter Reed (Killah Priest)
41

Madonna
53

August 17th;

Donnie Wahlberg (New Kids On the Block)
42

Belinda Carlisle (The Go-Go's/Solo)
53

Eric Johnson
57

August 18th;

Elgin Taylor (Masta Killa-Wu-Tang Clan)
42

August 19th;

Percy Romeo Miller (Lil' Romeo)
22

Joseph Cartagena (Fat Joe)
41

Clay Walker
42

Lee Ann Womack
45

Peter "Ginger" Baker (Cream/Blind Faith/Solo)
72

August 20th;

Demi Lovato
19

Fred Durst
41

Lawrence Parker (KRS-One)
46

Robert Plant
63

August 21st;

Kelis Rogers
32

Serj Tankian
44

Jackie DeShannon
67

Kenny Rogers
73

In Charlotte...

As with last week, the place to be is going to Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheater. Jack's Mannequin will be hear on Friday. From what I have heard, they tend to put on an entertaining show. On Sunday, My Morning Jacket will be here. These guys are amazing and remind me a little bit of old Radiohead. I have heard some that feel their music is life changing. Either way check out one of these shows this week. I wouldn't be doing justice if I didn't at least mention that Journey, Foreigner and Night Ranger will be at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Sunday. Woowee!!!!! Break out the acid washed jeans, feather your hair, cut the sleeves off of your favorite rock t-shirt and rock on!!!!