July 25 - 31

Feedback...
I rarely receive feedback about this blog. I would love to know what you think, if you have any suggestion, if you think things need to be added or taken away. I put things on this site to educate and for entertainment. If I don't know what you like I can't meet your expectations. Please email me with comments. Thanks for the ongoing support. ssullivannc@gmail.com I also added a link where you can subscribe to this blog and get email updates (or at least that is how I think it works) Give it a try.

Reflection...

As you know we lost a popular artist this week in Amy Winehouse. Amy was a key figure in the neo-jazz movement. She had only put out two albums, the second of which won her five Grammy Awards; Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Unfortunately as talented as she was, she also had her troubles with drugs and alcohol. In the end she succumbed to these demons. As a music fan, I ask that you remember her for her talents and not for the endless jokes and references made about her troubled life in the past couple years. We lost her at the young age of 27, the same age as Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Janis Joplin.

9/14/83 - 7/23/11

With new releases...

July 26th;
Wu-Tang Clan
Legendary Weapons

I had posted a few weeks ago that this album was being released. I am not sure if I was misinformed or the release date was postponed. Either way, this album is slated to be released on Tuesday. This is a compilation album and is supposed to be a follow up to Chamber Music. The problem I am going to have with this album is that GZA does not make an appearance. For my money, he is the best lyricist of the bunch and his absence should be noticeable. I plan on getting this because it is Wu-Tang but I don't expect this to be as good as prior releases.

Joss Stone
LP1

As with the previous album, I had reported that this album was set to be released earlier. Again, I am not sure what happened but it is now set to be released on Tuesday. This marks her first album that will be put out on her own label, Stone'd Records. The co-wrote and co-produced the album with David Stewart, half of the Euro-pop due, the Eurythmics. This album took only 6 days to record. always puts out a good product and I don't expect this to be any different.

Kelly Rowland
Here I Am

This is Kelly's third album and will be her first after firing her manager and leaving Columbia Records. It is slated to be a mix of R&B, Pop and Dance. She has help with production from David Guetta and already has spawned a single, Motivation f. Lil Wayne. 

Vanessa Carlton
Rabbits On the Run

I had read that Vanessa Carlton was not sure if she wanted to write another album. She had intended on concentrating on writing film scores. However, she did write her fourth album. She stated that she wanted to capture a creepy, dreamy sound inspired by Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time and Richard Adams's Watership Down.

Eric Church is also releasing an album entitled Chief

With music...

Bad Meets Evil
Hell the Sequel

I get worried when I here about rap collaborations. Usually it is two or more rappers with giant egos trying to shine brighter than each other. This collaboration works. I think Royce da 5'9 naturally gives way to the giant ego that is Eminem. Their styles are different but similar enough to make sense and make the album fluid. This album has already reached #1 on several charts and has spawned three singles. If you are a rap fan or an Eminem fan, get this album, I think you will enjoy it. This also makes me want to check out Royce da 5'9's work as well. He holds his own.

Rating: 4/6


Theory of a Deadman
The Truth Is...

I expected to like this album, but I was surprised at how much. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire CD.  This is an album that you can listen to and enjoy every track and don't have to worry about skipping any. I can hear many potential singles and even a couple of radio anthems in Bitch Came Back and The Truth Is... You can pick this album up risk free. I don't have much to say really....good band...good music....good album....'nuff said. This album gets one of the highest ratings ever given on this site.

Rating: 5/6

Incubus
If Not Now, When

This is another band that puts out consistently good music. This album is no exception. This album is a lot more chill than I was expecting. The entire album is done at a much slower pace than I am used to but it works. This album also sounds like the most professional piece put together by the band. Incubus always had a raw characteristic within their music and I think that is missing with this album. This is not a bad thing as I enjoyed every track on the album. I think this is another safe buy for anyone who enjoys this style of music. I am not sure that this album will spawn any singles in addition to Adolescents but we will see.

Rating: 4.5/6


This weeks throwback albums...

Ja Rule
Venni Vetti Vecci

Do you remember when Ja Rule appeared on Jay-Z's Can I Get a...? Everyone was like who is that? Then Ja Rule released his debut album. Everyone was blown away. This album is very good and I recommend getting it. I think you will be surprised at how different it is compared to the "sold out" Ja Rule who became very soft and seemed like he wrote songs strictly for the radio. This album contains a bunch of singles, good beats, descent lyrics and good production. One of the best rap albums of the late 90's and I don't mind taking slack for saying that. Listen and see if you agree.

The Offspring
Smash

This album was the Offspring's break-out success. It seemed like everyone had this album and rightfully so. Every track could be a single and it marked the start of the punk, F the world movement that continues today. The Offspring are a staple among the X-games and alternative crowd. This album sold 12 million copies worldwide! If you don't have it....you are the only one....borrow it from anyone.....I think the Pope even has it. Seriously, if you don't have it get it before anyone finds out.

You oughtta know...

Citizen Cope

Citizen Cope, or, Clarence Greenwood is a musician originally from Washington, DC and later Brooklyn, NY. Greenwood grew up listening to Sly Stone, Al Green and Willie Nelson to name a few. Washington referred to Greenwood as their "most soulful export since Marvin Gaye." He is multi talented as he plays guitar, keyboard and drums as well as leading in production on his own music. I will be honest; he doesn't get a lot of airplay but his music is fantastic. It is hard to tie-down what his musical style is as every song is vastly different. He definitely has influences of Blues, Soul, Jazz, Rock and Folk, probably even more. If you have never heard of Citizen Cope, give him a listen. Spread the word and help educate people about a true hidden gem.  

This week in music...

2001

Tha Eastsidaz
Duces 'N Trayz: The Old Fashioned Way

Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton

Judas Priest
Demolition

Prince
The Very Best of Prince

1991

Widespread Panic
Widespread Panic

1981

Stevie Nicks
Bella Donna

The Ramones
Pleasant Dreams

Eddie Rabbitt
Step By Step

Miles Davis
The Man with the Horn

Foghat
Girls to Chat and Boys to Bounce

Pat Benatar
Precious Time

Electric Light Orchestra
Time

1971

The Who
Who's Next

The Allman Brothers
Live at Fillmore East

Deep Purple
Fireball

Elvis Presley
C'mon Everybody

Donovan
H.M.S. Donovan

Helen Reddy
I Don't Know How to Love Him

Glen Campbell
The Last Time I Saw Her

Isaac Hayes
Shaft

Country Joe McDonald
War War War

Joan Baez
Blessed Are

Happy Birthday...

July 25th

Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth)
53

July 26th

Wayne Wonder
39

Mick Jagger
68

Brenton Wood
71

Dobie Gray
71

July 27th

Pete Yorn
37

Juliana Hatfield
44

Maureen McGovern
62

Bobbie Gentry
67

July 28th

Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
21

Jacoby Shaddix (Papa Roach)
35

Stephen Lynch
40

Jonathan Edwards
65

July 29th

Rodney Jerkins
34

Afroman
37

Wanya Morris (Boyz II Men)
38

Martina McBride
45

Geddy Lee (Rush)
58

July 30th

Neal McCoy
53

Kate Bush
53

Frank Stallone
61

Paul Anka
70

Buddy Guy
75

July 31st

Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim)
48

Gary Lewis
65

In Charlotte...

Amos' Southend

Friday, July 29th;

Sevendust

Saturday, July 30th;

Sequoyah

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
No current music events


Bojangles Coliseum
No current music events


NC Music Factory


The Fillmore

Tuesday, July 26th;
Cinderella

The Fountain Plaza

Friday, July 29th;
Simplified

Ovens Auditorium
No current music events


Time Warner Cable Arena

Thursday, July 28th;
American Idol Live

Sunday, July 31st;
Sade f/John Legend

Tremont Music Hall

Tuesday, July 26th;
Tech N9ne

Wednesday, July 27th;
Ocean Is Theory

Friday, July 29th;
500 Miles to Memphis

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Thursday, July 28th;
Vans Warped Tour '11

Friday, July 29th;
Rascal Flatts f/Sara Evans

Visulite Theater

Friday, July 29th;
Southern Culture On the Skids

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

July 1-7

Hey everyone. I have been trying to keep up with everything on the music scene for the past few weeks. It can be a daunting task. Unfortunately this week, there will be no post. I have been ill and am going on vacation at the end of the week. I will catch everyone up on new releases during the next post. Sorry for the inconvenience.