What the hell are you listening to...2011 Edition

[Ksyrup]

New Opeth leaked. Loving it. This is going to be the album that breaks them into the indie/hipster scene, I think. No death metal growlly vocals, a clear 70s prog rock vibe, kinda like a Jethro Tull/Pink Floyd version of bands like Witchcraft who do 60s/70s throwback metal and become hipster darlings.

[Young Drachma]

<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TvkIYGMUaX0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I saw Two Gallants the other night, but The Mumlers were on the tour with them. I'd heard of them in passing, but they're just a great band and this song is so good. Their lead singer has a great voice and when you see them live, it's especially apparent.

Two Gallants are out of this world, incidentally.

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[Bigsmooth]

Lovin Blind Pilot right now. Their 1st album "3 Rounds and a Sound" is amazing. This is from their new album coming out Sept. 13th:

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xU_QivY9pjI" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" width="560"></iframe>

[JonInMiddleGA]

It never really hit me until last night but the Canadian active rock and alternative rock charts (http://americasmusiccharts.com/?rtmref=americasmusiccharts)would probably add several otherwise unnoticed bands a year to the listening of some of the regulars in this thread. YouTubing the bands I don't know on thoses charts usually leaves me torn between sending a sympathy card to rockers north of the border and tearing off my ears and feeding them to fire ants, but it really does seem like a good match for the quasi-folky stuff that shows up here fairly frequently. It's certainly an eclectic mix of songs (if most of them are playing on the same station at least).

For a change I actually found at least a couple of things that I liked this week, including better-than-average lyrics with a light Nickelback sound turns out to be pretty catchy with State of Shock Have A Nice Day. This really deserves some U.S. airplay right now, although I'd be pleasantly surprised if it gets any
<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9AvexJZhrCA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Matthean]

It never really hit me until last night but the Canadian active rock and alternative rock charts (http://americasmusiccharts.com/?rtmref=americasmusiccharts)would probably add several otherwise unnoticed bands a year to the listening of some of the regulars in this thread.

Looking at the chart, if someone had bet me 12 years earlier that Britney would have a number one single 12 years later, I would have lost money.

I went and listened to State of Shock on grooveshark just because the sound quality in the video wasn't that great. They are a pretty solid rock band. The problem for them is that radio stations have limited room for new acts, and the ones that do get through get on massive rotation so very few actually break through even if there is little difference between certain bands.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The problem for them is that radio stations have limited room for new acts, and the ones that do get through get on massive rotation so very few actually break through even if there is little difference between certain bands.

Eh, I dunno if I'd go along with that entirely, at least not in terms of the chart closest to what I listen to which is the rather misnamed "active rock" format.

Just looking at this week's chart, Pop Evil was hardly anywhere a year ago but Monster You Made looks like their breakthrough. 5FDP wasn't a heavy rotation staple until Bad Company broke them through, before that we saw A7X go from underplayed to (arguably) overplayed. The overspins from heavy rotation that you mention are definitely there (although justifiable perhaps since TSL isn't great) but at least we're seeing newer artists getting to that point. It isn't entirely stagnant in that sense.

The other fine point I'd probably argue is that I don't believe there's a hard & fast rule about "new acts". Stations (or their consultants) typically work with what's out there & what gets into their hands with enough push behind it to catch their attention enough to at least be considered. New vs old really isn't something I'd say is a conscious factor that much, although you're definitely going to get a closer listen as an established artist.

The upside of the new music landscape is that it's easier to record, distribute and (with some luck) sell product as an unknown artist. The downside is these acts also go without a lot of hype & harkening back to my days as a reporting MD, having getting a solid push can make a difference when it comes down to that decision of who gets the last add for the week.

Other problems I see , for active/hard rock at the moment, seem to be (not necessarily in order):

-- ill defined format. Damned if I understand how Foo Fighters, RHCP, Breaking Benjamin are on the same chart with Jasta & Trivium. I don't know of a planet where that makes sense, certainly not Earth. More accurately I suppose, I do know "how", I just can't fathom "why". "Active Rock" seems too often to be drifiting into what would have been AOR at one point, which is theoretically what the straight-up "Rock" chart ought to be covering. Instead, "Active" stations (or those designated as such for reporting purposes) seem afraid to rely on what what makes them distinctive & rely too much on taking the safer road.

-- not enough stations truly in the format. With the Mediabase chart as an example, airplay on as little as five stations is enough to get into the top 50. That's nice, but it devalues the meaning of charting in the first place and makes it easier to ignore songs that might make a broader playlist. Hell, a Bob & Tom novelty song (Turtles & Whores) just spent several weeks in the chart and I seriously doubt there was much airplay for it outside of affiliates. *This is actually as much a symptom of what you were talking about as well as my previous point to a lesser extent*

Those two things combine to create a situation like Project 96-1 in Atlanta, where, if I'm lucky, maybe half the songs on the weekly chart are even in rotation at all. And of those that are, half are uninteresting crap (to me). Does much to explain why I'll use the charts to help find songs/artists I might have missed (a sign that the issue isn't entirely about a lack of new music) but end up doing the majority of my listening these days to custom built playlists on YouTube, Playlist, etc.

[Young Drachma]

Lovin Blind Pilot right now. Their 1st album "3 Rounds and a Sound" is amazing. This is from their new album coming out Sept. 13th:

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xU_QivY9pjI" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" width="560"></iframe>

If you can see them live, do so. I saw them open for Laura Veirs a few years back and it was very good. I'd never heard of them prior to that and they do great work.

[Easy Mac]

Looks like the music for 2011 is finally starting to heat up. New albums have dropped or are dropping soon from Wilco, The Rapture, Girls, St. Vincent, Blitzen Trapper. The new Girls album is spectacular. Anyone who saw that one coming based on their prior output is crazy. They were basically a step above stoner/surf rock before. It's also nice to see Blitzen Trapper come back to the sound they had on Wild Mountain Nation.

[korme]

I have a friend of a friend who knows Mark Hoppus personally, so I was able to acquire an advanced copy of Blink-182's album "Neighborhoods"... it definitely leans on the self-titled side of their albums, and it is great... can't wait for it to hit YouTube so I can post my favorite song here for you guys.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Seems like as good a place as any to link this, live stream of Staind's 9/11 Benefit show from the Best Buy Theater in NYC tonight at 9pm EST/6pm PST

You can watch it on their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Staind) via Ustream Live Tab or STAIND (http://staind.com/)

[Julio Riddols]

If the first two songs out there are any indication, the Janes Addiction album might be the best thing to happen in 2011.

[lcjjdnh]

The new Wild Flag album lives up to its reviews. Excellent stuff.

[Young Drachma]

The new Wild Flag album lives up to its reviews. Excellent stuff.

:+1:

[johnnyshaka]

It never really hit me until last night but the Canadian active rock and alternative rock charts (http://americasmusiccharts.com/?rtmref=americasmusiccharts)would probably add several otherwise unnoticed bands a year to the listening of some of the regulars in this thread. YouTubing the bands I don't know on thoses charts usually leaves me torn between sending a sympathy card to rockers north of the border and tearing off my ears and feeding them to fire ants, but it really does seem like a good match for the quasi-folky stuff that shows up here fairly frequently. It's certainly an eclectic mix of songs (if most of them are playing on the same station at least).

Might not your cup o' tea, JIMGA, but Mother Mother are certainly a breath of fresh air as all three of their albums are tremendous and different than anything else out there at the moment.

"Touch up", their first album, is solid from top to bottom with a very unique sound...heck, I couldn't even recommend one track to listen to because I really enjoy the entire album. Their 2nd album, "O My Heart", probably got them more play on radio stations up here with tracks like "Hayloft" and the title track and now I think their latest offering, "Eureka", could really put them on the world stage...finally.

Here's one from their latest album: "Baby Don't Dance"

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nmoX5RQvTkk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

From their 2nd album: "Hayloft"

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0npq1MKg-MA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And from their first album: "Polynesia"

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xyOt_jga3Ss" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

One last one, another from the first album: "Tic Toc"

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qEJ89csr9rc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Young Drachma]

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I heard this last night on the MPR web stream.

[johnnyshaka]

First You Get The Sugar...you can listen to the entire album right now:


<iframe width="400" height="100" style="position: relative; display: block; width: 400px; height: 100px;" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/album=2444984647/size=venti/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0"><a href="http://music.firstyougetthesugar.com/album/first-you-get-the-sugar">First You Get The Sugar by First You Get The Sugar</a></iframe>

My favs are tracks 2 and 7.

[johnnyshaka]

BTW, I've wasted most of the day in this thread...thank you, FOFC music lovers!

[Suicane75]

Though I dug a lot of Mayer Hawthorns first album I pretty much considered him a gimmick but I heard a few tracks from his new album this morning and I was mightily impressed.

[Young Drachma]

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[kurtism]

I'll second DC's nomination of the new fun. song - could have used more prominent Janelle, but even with less of her than I wanted, it is still an excellent pop song of the sort that Nate Reuss seems to create with ease.

New Jayhawks out today as well, this time with Louris and Olson back together in the group for the first time in more than a decade. Gorgeous harmonies abound. Free listen at spinner:

Play Full Music Albums Free - Spinner (http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/spinner#/6)

[johnnyshaka]

I've bought every Jayhawks album since "Tomorrow The Green Grass" and have enjoyed them all.

I know what I'll be listening to today...thx!

[Suicane75]

Jayhawks album certainly harkens back to their earlier work, that's for sure. Very sparse album.

[Young Drachma]

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The new Thrice album Major/Minor is awesome. It's out today.

[DanGarion]

I'll second DC's nomination of the new fun. song - could have used more prominent Janelle, but even with less of her than I wanted, it is still an excellent pop song of the sort that Nate Reuss seems to create with ease.

New Jayhawks out today as well, this time with Louris and Olson back together in the group for the first time in more than a decade. Gorgeous harmonies abound. Free listen at spinner:

Play Full Music Albums Free - Spinner (http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/spinner#/6)
Personally, I miss The Format and although I like fun. it just doesn't connect with me the same as Interventions and Lullabies did.

[Matthean]

Queen's drummer has launched a talent search for vocalists to tour in a big Queen tribute show. Marc Martel of Downhere did the most obvious thing in vocal talent searches ever. He auditioned. As somebody who has seem Downhere live, the dude can flat out sing.

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dREKkAk628I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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[johnnyshaka]

Arkells - The Ballad of Hugo Chavez

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-PhRfxSbGsw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[johnnyshaka]

The Sheepdogs - I Don't Know

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-4JR6aw_Uqo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[QuikSand]

I'll second DC's nomination of the new fun. song - could have used more prominent Janelle, but even with less of her than I wanted, it is still an excellent pop song of the sort that Nate Reuss seems to create with ease.

Intriguing video here:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nq2ekIMMYXA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Matthean]

Interesting idea. Too bad Lou Reed sings just above Bob Dylan.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8LWtb621DRg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Draft Dodger]

I made it 43 seconds on the Loutallica thing, and I honestly felt like I was being generous

[Matthean]

The likes/dislikes is not being kind to it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Metallica live from Rock In Rio should be streaming on YouTube shortly.
Can't be soon enough, enduring more than a half hour of Sepultura recorded live earlier was pretty hard to take

www.youtube.com/rockinrioeuvou?feature=ticker
(or just hit up youtube, there should be a link right at the top of pretty much every page)

[Ksyrup]

I'd rather listen to Pat Boone's metal album than Lou Reed's anything. Holy hell that was an abomination. I didn't even get to 30 seconds.

[JonInMiddleGA]

What's amazing is how good Metallica can be & how insistent they are about doing something incredibly stupid every so often.

[Ksyrup]

Just want to give another shout-out for the new Opeth, which came out last week. This album has cemented Opeth as my favorite band, and it's not even close. I know they pissed off a bunch of metal fans with this new album, but despite the genre they've loosely inhabited for the past 15+ years, Opeth has never really been a true metal band. With this album, there's no escaping it.

http://<IFRAME height=315 src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ndWUtmGOFRo" frameBorder=0 width=560 allowfullscreen></IFRAME> (http://<iframe width=)


http://<IFRAME height=315 src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G1pi7Dn87mY" frameBorder=0 width=420 allowfullscreen></IFRAME> (http://<iframe width=)

http://<IFRAME height=315 src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PQRzfdkZ_FA" frameBorder=0 width=420 allowfullscreen></IFRAME> (http://<iframe width=)

http://<IFRAME height=315 src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oy9ci7e5bs0" frameBorder=0 width=420 allowfullscreen></IFRAME> (http://<iframe width=)

Love this observation from the SF Examiner's review of the album - spot-on:



The more time one spends with HERITAGE, the more he/she comes to realize that Opeth is no longer a heavy metal band – it is an amorphous musical unit that has transcended to the curious aural plane inhabited by the likes of Pink Floyd and Queen; bands that are capable of incorporating anything into their music while retaining their singular identities. HERITAGE is cinematic in its lavish scope.

[Lonnie]

I'm really enjoying Opeth's Heritage as well. Been listening to it on Spotify all day.

[Matthean]

Off to see MuteMath.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cv2mjAgFTaI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Matthean]

If MuteMath is on tour and they aren't the headlining act, I would hate to be the act to follow them. Great stuff.

[samifan24]

I'm excited for the new Noel Gallagher solo project and the latest Ryan Adams album).

Noel Gallagher - If I Had a Gun
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/q0QMhSLg0t0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Ryan Adams - Dirty Rain
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A-Zcwdsl9fc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Ksyrup]

Hey, JIMGA, here's a band for you to try, if you haven't already heard of them - Kyng. I've been hearing their demos on XMLM for it seems like over a year, but they finally released their debut album this week. They are a good solid hard rock/metal band on the stoner-sounding end of the spectrum, with a vocalist who channels Chris Cornell in the upper registers. The thing I like about them is there's enough melodic sensibility that I could hear some of this on the radio, although admittedly it's pretty heavy most of the time. The song I Don't Believe could be a rock hit, IMO.

Strangely enough, as great as their promotion was on XMLM, they don't have a single clip on YT from the album. They only thing I see is some live clips, and as bad as the recordings are, they don't do it justice. It's on iTunes and Amazon, though, so you can hear clips. Their website is basically their FB page, although it's blocked from here, so I don't know if they've got clips there as well. Highly recommended.

[Fidatelo]

I'm excited for the new Noel Gallagher solo project and the latest Ryan Adams album).

That Gallagher song sounds great.

[johnnyshaka]

Always liked the Noel sung songs better than the Liam sung ones on any Oasis album.

[johnnyshaka]

They Might Be Giants got a lot of play from me 20 years ago and I just saw this today...I just might try to dig up my old cassettes this weekend.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vRNLBAISU2g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Easy Mac]

Pitchfork's Guide to upcoming releases (for hipsters):

The Pitchfork Guide to Upcoming Releases | News | Pitchfork (http://pitchfork.com/news/44131-the-pitchfork-guide-to-upcoming-releases/)

Not much coming for the cool kids this fall. Only things I really see are Cymbals Eat Guitars, Cass McCombs, and finally getting that definitive document of the Beach Boys "Smile" sessions.

[CraigSca]

Huge Stone Roses fan, so this song from Sulk (used to be called the Ruling Class) piqued my interest.

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8zEc3keqX1E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[path12]

Pitchfork's Guide to upcoming releases (for hipsters):

The Pitchfork Guide to Upcoming Releases | News | Pitchfork (http://pitchfork.com/news/44131-the-pitchfork-guide-to-upcoming-releases/)

Not much coming for the cool kids this fall. Only things I really see are Cymbals Eat Guitars, Cass McCombs, and finally getting that definitive document of the Beach Boys "Smile" sessions.


Thanks for linking that. I think I'm way too old for hipsterness anymore, but will be interested in the Andrew Bird, James Blake, Kurt Vile and Los Campesinos! stuff, and I know my wife can't wait for the new Ryan Adams.

[korme]

This cd came out last year... but I'm posting it. My brother's bride walked down the aisle to this song yesterday. It's so great.

MURDER BY DEATH
FOXGLOVE
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ofz3wecTe_0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

[Matthean]

Album finally came out. I think my issue is it's so subdued compared to seeing them live.
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5YT52vDzZjQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Matthean]

The Dirty Guv'nahs found via Noisetrade's 30 song Fall Sampler. They have a nice southern rock vibe to them and they certainly fall in the fun kind of band.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rJWnDD5h6uE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/g3N6x47UPV8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/50VE5-FKi9U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Vince, Pt. II]

Buddy of mine tossed me a really eclectic mix CD, and I'm digging this track by Parov Stelar:

<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9xsoCki4pTk?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9xsoCki4pTk?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Edit: Here's the link while I try to make the embed work: Booty Swing (http://youtu.be/9xsoCki4pTk)

[JonInMiddleGA]

After talking about the musical direction change for Opeth, I got a big chuckle out of this headline "Opeth Cover Bon Jovi"

It appears to be nothing more than Mikael Akerfeldt clowning around with an Orlando, FL crowd for about a minute but I got a kick both out of him doing it and at the crowd kind of laughing at themselves for singing along.

<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Oe65yrvlEDo?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Oe65yrvlEDo?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></object>

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hey, JIMGA, here's a band for you to try, if you haven't already heard of them - Kyng.

Can't believe I almost missed this post (saw it tonight when adding the Opeth clip).

Not only have I heard of them, I've seen them live & even hung out with them for a few minutes after the show. I bragged about them pretty strongly in my blog review of the show (http://jonsthreecents.wordpress.com/2011/07/23/concert-review-72111-bscpop-evilkynglansdowne/) & you can get my take on their music there but the best part was what I referenced a few days later in another post.

LA-based hard rock trio Kyng may not be big names (yet) but bassist Tony Casteneda is probably considered about the coolest guy in the world around my house right now. Couldn’t have asked for anyone to be nicer to an old(er) guy & his teenage son when we met him & the band at a recent show, proving (among other things) that having considerable talent & simply being a good human being aren’t mutually exclusive.

Long story short, it was your standard club-show-band-at-the-merchandise-table chit chat opportunity, except that it was my son's first up close & personal brush with musicians he'd just watched on stage. They picked up on him wearing an 80's era t-shirt of mine & struck up a good enough conversation with him that he pretty much forgot to be nervous or starstruck and just basically shot the shit with them, talking about old bands (my kid can hang pretty good), music & whatnot. I damned near wept at getting to see him have that moment in his life. I was ready to build a shrine to them after what happened later.

Small club & the layout is such that unless you're the headliner (who gets a better location) then you have to wind your way through the crowd to get from the gimmick table to the backstage area. Tony walks by where we're parked against wall, says Hi or whatever & disappears into the room packed with roadies & gear. Not a minute later he pops out with a couple of bottled waters from a cooler in the back, hands 'em to us & whispers to me "I'll swap this for a beer if you want, I just figured you were doing the driving. Since I can't buy you both a drink, I wanted to do something & this was the best I could think of". To see my son's face you would have thought that Hendrix had returned from the grave with a bottle of fresh unicorn tears & asked if we needed anything else. If that wasn't the single coolest thing I've ever experienced at a show, it's definitely in the top few.

Made me a fan for life. I was the first person to congratulate them on their FB page the day Falling Down hit the Active Rock chart, nobody at the moment I hope to see enjoy some success more than them.


Strangely enough, as great as their promotion was on XMLM, they don't have a single clip on YT from the album. They only thing I see is some live clips, and as bad as the recordings are, they don't do it justice.

I actually mentioned this very thing to them at the show, since it was the CD rips turned to videos for Lansdowne that tipped me over the edge into going to the show in the first place. The reaction was kind of, well, let's just say that I felt like it was probably not an accident that there's nothing uploaded. Wasn't quite like I'd farted in church but it was kind of a moment of awkward acknowledgment & a quick change of the subject. I'm guessing it's a sales/copyright thing with them, so I've resisted the urge to rip a track & post it my damned self (although I've been meaning to do that & block them totally as private just so I can put them into the playlists that have been my primary way of listening to music lately)

[SackAttack]

I'm waiting for next week to see if the new William Shatner CD shows up in here.

Then I'll laugh. Hard.

[Matthean]

Love the build up around the last 1/3 of the song.

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[Ksyrup]

I actually mentioned this very thing to them at the show, since it was the CD rips turned to videos for Lansdowne that tipped me over the edge into going to the show in the first place. The reaction was kind of, well, let's just say that I felt like it was probably not an accident that there's nothing uploaded. Wasn't quite like I'd farted in church but it was kind of a moment of awkward acknowledgment & a quick change of the subject. I'm guessing it's a sales/copyright thing with them, so I've resisted the urge to rip a track & post it my damned self (although I've been meaning to do that & block them totally as private just so I can put them into the playlists that have been my primary way of listening to music lately)

Huh. Well, on the boards I post at, the other option is just upload the damn CD so people can try it out. I don't know anyone who actually rips songs from YouTube. If they really want it and won't pay, they'll find a blog or torrent site to D/L the entire album. Posting a YT clip is a quick and easy way to sample music. The other option is to try to record something from the soundboard so it doesn't sound so damn bad, I guess. Oh well.

[Matthean]

A magazine is coming out with a cover album of U2's Achtung Baby. Here's Jack White's entry.

Check Out: Jack White covers U2′s “Love is Blindness” « Consequence of Sound (http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/10/check-out-jack-white-covers-u2s-love-is-blindness/)

[Vince, Pt. II]

Saw Wild Beasts (http://www.wild-beasts.co.uk/) tonight at the Rio in Santa Cruz. I had actually never even heard of them, but my Aunt had an extra ticket, and I am totally down to sample new music live. They put on a phenomenal show, and I'm extremely glad I went. The two singers have absolutely ridiculous range on their vocals, and the drummer hit some ridiculously complex beats without batting an eye.

It was quite a contrast to their opening act, which may have been the worst live music I have ever seen performed.

[CrimsonFox]

Best sax ever!

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WkS169P_Eeo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Ksyrup]

Lou Reed needs to be trapped under ice. That's all I'll say about Lulu.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Lou Reed needs to be trapped under ice. That's all I'll say about Lulu.

Lou Reed needs to Ride the Lightning

[Ksyrup]

Too bad he didn't do a collaboration with Torsofuck. Then he could be Raped by Elephants.

[Qwikshot]

Best sax ever!

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WkS169P_Eeo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yeah I like that, but Foreigner's "Urgent" has a great sax solo.

[Matthean]

Jay Nash (http://www.jaynash.com/music/)

Samples of Jay Nash's music.

Online File Folder (https://www.onlinefilefolder.com/1s1w1AmiCOYcP0)

Free download of The Things You Think You Need.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And finally the first official video from Kyng, for the lead single Falling Down is released. Naturally it's a Revolver mag exclusive at the moment so I can't embed, but here's the linkage for the curious (also includes upcoming dates).

Exclusive: Kyng Premiere Video for “Falling Down,” Announce Tour Dates with Black Tusk and Monstro - Revolver Magazine (http://www.revolvermag.com/news/exclusive-kyng-premiere-video-for-falling-down-announce-tour-dates-with-black-tusk-and-monstro.html)

[Ksyrup]

I believe they are also touring with Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity during the holidays, which is a fantastic tour for them to be on.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I believe they are also touring with Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity during the holidays, which is a fantastic tour for them to be on.

Interesting (in a "that's odd" kind of way) that the article refers to Kyng on tour with Clutch but makes no mention of CoC. Sure enough though, CoC recently Tweeted the exact same dates & cities as being with Clutch, so I'm sure you're right here.

Just seems odd that the Revolver piece doesn't mention (what I have to believe) is the bigger of the two bands that they'd be doing dates with.

[Ksyrup]

Odd as it may seem, the two of them toured earlier this year, and COC supported Clutch. I love me some Clutch. Especially Blast Tyrant. The last couple have got a bit too much of a Southern boogie vibe to them. BT is a straight-out kick in the ass.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I don't think I've posted this before. Hell in the Club is an Italian band that must have some genetic tie to the LA club metal scene circa the 80's. Damn I'm digging this song right now. NSFW lyrics, scantily clad women (filmed in an Italian strip club apparently), what's not to love?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sJWz9QtYd2w?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Ksyrup]

Singer looks like a cross between Taime Downe and Steve Riley.

[Young Drachma]

The new Kittie LP "I have failed you" is getting some airplay here. Also enjoying Florence and The Machine's latest Ceremonials. Real Estate - Days album is one of the best albums of the year. Other stuff too...the second half of the year has been better than the first half in the new albums department for me.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Last Vegas has a new song The Other Side and a new video featuring an old familiar face: Sybil Danning. Who could forget her performance in Werewolf Women of the SS.

Better than pretty good song IMO but it's the campy return of a B-movie legend that makes this a definite share. Almost a "what are you YouTubing" post but I really do like the song, moreso musically than lyrics/vocals really. Got a sort of lighter Faster Pussycat vibe or something along those lines.

The embedding seems kind of wonky to me, if it screws up the thread I'll come back & take it down/put up a link instead of embed.

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[lcjjdnh]

Been out for a few months now, but Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks "Mirror Traffic" is quite good. Probably my favorite album by Malkmus since Pavement ended.

[DataKing]

Digging me some Depeche Mode today...Songs of Faith and Devotion.

[korme]

MARGOT AND THE NUCLEAR SO & SO'S
German Motor Car
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/S4CyfUWYm8k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Buccaneer]

Ok, this is going to sound stupid. But I was reading the article on how the Lions fans really don't want Nickleback to be playing halftime at the Thanksgiving game. Even though I recognize the name, I never heard the music. So I checked out about 6-7 youtube videos and wondered why every one of their songs sounds exactly the same? Same tempo, same vocalization, same chord progressions, etc. And then I see tens of millions likes on youtube. Just like Bieber, I don't get it, Nickleback doesn't sound good to me. Are they really that popular and why?

[JonInMiddleGA]

And then I see tens of millions likes on youtube. Just like Bieber, I don't get it, Nickleback doesn't sound good to me. Are they really that popular and why?

I'm taking this as a serious question, so I'll try to answer as such.

I think of N'back kind of like Creed version 2.0, in that it's quite trendy & cool to knock them, same as it was with Creed.

What makes them work, I think, is the ability to write several basic types of songs that are all very accessible.

They can do light rock: "Breathe", "Photograph", "Far Away", "If Today Was Your Last Day"
They can do 18-24 drunk rock: "Burn it to the Ground", "Bottoms Up"
They can do some simple hard rock: "Side of a Bullet" is probably a fair example
They can do raunchy horny teen male rock: "Animals", "Something In Your Mouth"

They aren't the best musicians, they aren't the best songwriters, they aren't the best anything ... but they're competent at a number of things & they are particularly adept at coming up with catchy hooks. That versatility, and handlers that do a good job of juggling the release schedule of their singles, means that they can hit a huge number of people with a steady barrage of heavily played songs. And it works, over 21 million albums sold in just a little more than a decade.

Does their catalog have a striking similarity between the songs in each niche? You're damned straight it does, and that's probably the most valid criticism of them I can find. It's not remotely true when people say something like "if you've heard one Nickelback song you've heard them all" (see above) but it's probably quite fair to say that "if you've heard 5 or 6 Nickelback songs you've heard them all".

I've got no beef with them, I have no real problem saying that I enjoy quite a bit of what they do, at least their work in the styles I enjoy. Hell, I'll tell you without the least bit of hesitation that I think "Burn It to the Ground" is probably the single best arena rock song of the past decade or more.

But like Creed before them, their success makes it cool to hate them (or claim to). There hasn't been a shortage of people that like to play "hipster" (sub your own pejorative term here if you like) and bash success. {shrug} They're rarely great, but often enough they're at least pretty good & they're very easy to listen to. They've proven that can have consistent value, which no doubt pisses off the cool kids even more.

Hope that helps, I'm sure you'll find plenty of other p.o.v.'s if it doesn't ;)

[Matthean]

Very early Nickleback was even more so copy/paste. Somebody made a mp3 of two of their songs that literally were as identical as they could be but separate and had them playing at the same time just to hammer home the point. Lyrically, they are utterly and completely juvenile rock 'n' roll lifestyle. Musically, there's not much there either.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Lyrically, they are utterly and completely juvenile rock 'n' roll lifestyle. Musically, there's not much there either.

The former has been working pretty well for a lot of bands for a long time.
So has the latter, now that you mention it.

I mean, AC/DC (just to pick on someone, not comparing them directly to NB) isn't exactly known for being the most diverse musical group in history but the success is a bitch to argue with.

[Grover]

Getting extremely excited to see Noel Gallagher in Boston next weekend. I've been a huge fan since I was about 11, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? was the first album I ever owned. Drove to Toronto in 2006 to see him do a solo show.

His new album is quite good and the set-lists have been a great mix of the new songs and his Oasis-penned classics.

[Buccaneer]

Thanks Jon, that's a good and informative response.

[Draft Dodger]

The former has been working pretty well for a lot of bands for a long time.
So has the latter, now that you mention it.

I mean, AC/DC (just to pick on someone, not comparing them directly to NB) isn't exactly known for being the most diverse musical group in history but the success is a bitch to argue with.

You can pretty much replace the word "Nickelback" in your description with "AC/DC" and it would hold up. AC/DC recycled a lot of riffs and weren't exactly diverse lyrically (note: AC/DC is one of my all-time faves)

I too like Nickelback and not sure I get the hate. I suspect it may be because they come across as a tad pretentious - you know, they are serious hard rockers. Maybe if they lightened up a little and ditched some of the cheesy ballads?

[Ksyrup]

At least I'm consistent - I don't like Nickleback or AC/DC. :)

[Passacaglia]

At least I'm consistent - I don't like Nickleback or AC/DC. :)
I notice you didn't mention Creed...

[JonInMiddleGA]

The previously discussed Kyng gets their biggest opportunity to date, announced today as an opener for the In Flames/Trivium co-headlining tour in Jan & Feb 2012.

Dates & venues here
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=165750

[Ksyrup]

I notice you didn't mention Creed...

I thought that one was a given.

They stopped in Tallahassee on The Douchebag's Jim Morrison trek across the country, and that was their last stop before they made it big. So he had a reputation before they went national. I probably disliked him more than their music, which tbh, I never heard that much of.

[Matthean]

The former has been working pretty well for a lot of bands for a long time.
So has the latter, now that you mention it.

I mean, AC/DC (just to pick on someone, not comparing them directly to NB) isn't exactly known for being the most diverse musical group in history but the success is a bitch to argue with.

AC/DC at least has Angus. KISS is very much in the same mold, but gets credit for it's live show and marketing.

[Ksyrup]

The people have spoken, and declared Lulu to be the shit sandwich it is - they sold like 12-14K of that album in the first week. Megadeth, OTOH, sold about 3 times that many. Finally, Dave outsells Metallica on something!

[JonInMiddleGA]

The people have spoken, and declared Lulu to be the shit sandwich it is - they sold like 12-14K of that album in the first week. Megadeth, OTOH, sold about 3 times that many. Finally, Dave outsells Metallica on something!

But but but "it's not a Metallica record"
;)

[Matthean]

?uestlove on The Roots new album, which is a concept one.

SPIN Mobile - News - ?uestlove Explains How SPIN and Sufjan Inspired the Roots' 'undun' (http://m.spin.com/articles/uestlove-explains-how-spin-and-sufjan-inspired-roots-undun)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8zrQAf8PT6k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Grover]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_UJ-rVvy_lU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Not generally a big fan of David Bowie covers, but this is spot on.

[Passacaglia]

Digging me some Depeche Mode today...Songs of Faith and Devotion.

Missed this earlier...great album. Tough call as to which is better between that and Violator, IMO.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Started hearing some of the tracks from the new Nickelback album tonight. The formula still works quite well, Gotta Get Me Some is classic NB sleaze (God almighty, look at that body ... she's a scene from a Baywatch rerun), This Means War is NB bad-ass, Trying Not To Love You is the AC side of NB.

Love it, hate it, their streak ain't gonna be ending any time soon.

[Passacaglia]

Kate Bush released a new album yesterday -- I was thinking that I didn't like her "recent stuff", but then I realized that before this, she'd only released one album in the last 18 years, so really, I was just thinking of one album that I didn't like. This one seems okay -- not classic Kate Bush, but I could see it somewhat growing on me.

NPR Media Player (http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=142133269&m=142188918)

[Fidatelo]

Getting extremely excited to see Noel Gallagher in Boston next weekend. I've been a huge fan since I was about 11, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? was the first album I ever owned. Drove to Toronto in 2006 to see him do a solo show.

His new album is quite good and the set-lists have been a great mix of the new songs and his Oasis-penned classics.

I may not qualify as a huge fan (I've always enjoyed Oasis but never really placed them as a favorite of mine) but The High Flying Bird's album is really good. How was the live show?

[Matthean]

New Five Iron Frenzy Album!!!! by Dennis Culp — Kickstarter (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fiveironfrenzy/new-five-iron-frenzy-album?ref=live)

FIF's Kickstarter page. Goal met in under an hour.

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8sb2S13C3yg" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

[QuikSand]

<object height="81" width="100%"><param name="movie" value="https://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F28353367&"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="https://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F28353367&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed></object><span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/leonardcohen/show-me">Show Me The Place</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/leonardcohen">leonardcohen</a></span>

[Grover]

I may not qualify as a huge fan (I've always enjoyed Oasis but never really placed them as a favorite of mine) but The High Flying Bird's album is really good. How was the live show?

The show was excellent, included 9 Oasis tunes with his acoustic stylings. Crowd singalongs, all that great stuff.

Eurovision Culture (http://www.eurovisionculture.tv/eurovisionculture/site/index.html)

HFB is streaming live starting at 2:30 eastern from the Melkweg in Amsterdam.

[Julio Riddols]

I'm digging the new Black Keys album quite a bit, along with the Radiohead King of Limbs Remix album and the new one from Sharon Jones and the DAP Kings.

[Grover]

I'm digging the new Black Keys album quite a bit, along with the Radiohead King of Limbs Remix album and the new one from Sharon Jones and the DAP Kings.

Black Keys are fantastic. Even better live. They haven't made a bad album yet.

[Matthean]

NPR's First Listen of "undun" by The Roots.

First Listen: The Roots, 'undun' : NPR (http://www.npr.org/2011/11/28/142873013/first-listen-the-roots-undun?ps=cprs)

[JonInMiddleGA]

A link for my November 2011 YouTube playlist FWIW. That's about as thorough a list of "what I've been listening to" as you could come up with.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6B4F10A59435DDF3

[Julio Riddols]

Black Keys are fantastic. Even better live. They haven't made a bad album yet.

Agreed. Haven't seen them live, but if I ever get a chance.. Black Angels are also quite good.. Would love to see them both maybe with a band like Yeasayer or Menomena..

[StrangeWay]

Puscifer
SIXX Am.
New Foo Fighters

[Grover]

YES! Arctic Monkeys and Black Keys coming to Portland, ME in March. So excited.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Unlikely cover choice, but fairly well done from a West Virginia band that deserves more attention than they get. This year's album Hell In My Heart is a good bit better than what a lot of bigger names have been doing lately, I'd really like to see them find the song that gets them to the next level.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3bxWVz_4t6o?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[lcjjdnh]

Came out earlier this year, but just picked up Yuck's debut album. Really enjoying it. One SPIN editor described the band as "a magically seamless genetic splice of Teenage Fanclub, Dinosaur Jr., Pavement, the Vaselines, Sonic Youth, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Yo La Tengo, Nirvana, Elliott Smith, My Bloody Valentine, Sebadoh, Superchunk, Lush, Built to Spill (and a pinch of Beat Happening, among others)."

[Passacaglia]

I think you're looking for this thread: FOFC Recipe Box - Front Office Football Central (http://operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=69058)

[Ksyrup]

A band that mixes a bunch of 90s sounds is appropriately named Yuck.

[Passacaglia]

A band that mixes a bunch of 90s sounds is appropriately named Yuck.

All right, let's not get into decade wars again over here. We don't need that shitstorm again.

[Ksyrup]

Sorry. Just thought that was funny. I hated music for over half of the 90s.

[Young Drachma]

I like the Yuck album. But I would. Also enjoying Orrin Evans "Captain Black Big Band" LP in the jazz department, as well as Noah Preminger's new LP.

[Ksyrup]

I haven't heard it, I just thought the description and name combo were funny.

[Ksyrup]

Plus, this kind of thing is generally interesting to me from a generational perspective. We are getting to that 20ish year mark when we should expect the 90s to start coming back into favor with the kids. Soundgarden and Alice in Chains (sort of) reuniting, a new Jane's Addiction album, Primus reuniting, etc. It's about time.

[Ksyrup]

http://<IFRAME height=315 src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bvw0vbewH_Q" frameBorder=0 width=560 allowfullscreen></IFRAME> (http://<iframe width=)

[Julio Riddols]

Can't believe I hadn't heard this until tonight.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/clGpZdf3bwY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Edit: had to change it to the live version.

[Matthean]

NPR's First Listen of "undun" by The Roots.

First Listen: The Roots, 'undun' : NPR (http://www.npr.org/2011/11/28/142873013/first-listen-the-roots-undun?ps=cprs)

And I have to say as somebody who has nearly all of their stuff, I was underwhelmed by this. It feels like an incomplete thought. I know it made just about all of the top list of the year as well, but their last album felt like one of the best of the year. This feels disposable.

[Matthean]

From the "Where are they now?" file, The Verve Pipe put out a family album with song titles like "Cereal" and "Suppertime!" It's far better than it should be for what is essentially a one hit wonder band that hasn't been noteworthy for about a decade.

The Verve Pipe :: A Family Album (http://thevervepipe.com/family/)

[korme]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1kSm-rGvcls" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[terpkristin]

Time for a 2012 version I suppose. :)

I rarely post in here but I do like seeing what other people are listening to. I get any number of recommendations from here.

/tk

[Vince, Pt. II]

Just heard the Scorpions' cover of Tainted Love on the radio and really enjoyed it. Apparently they released "Comeblack" back in November, and it's half covers, half re-recordings of their own stuff. Here's the track list:

1. Rhythm of Love
2. No One Like You
3. The Zoo
4. Rock You Like a Hurricane
5. Blackout
6. Wind of Change
7. Still Loving You
8. Tainted Love
9. Children of the Revolution
10. Across the Universe
11. Tin Soldier
12. All Day and All of the Night
13. Ruby Tuesday

I'm super intrigued to hear their other covers.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Just heard the Scorpions' cover of Tainted Love on the radio and really enjoyed it. ... I'm super intrigued to hear their other covers.

Tainted Love seems to be getting some play and I like it ago but I think All Day and All of the Night is the best of the bunch, well-suited for them.