Saturday, December 31, 2011

Best Albums of 2011 - Final List

It is last day of this year and that means I've finished my list of best albums of this year. Of course, there were many more great albums than those on my list, but I can't listen to every new record that comes out. Anyway, what were your favorite albums of 2011?

Best Albums of 2011:

Frank Turner - England Keep My Bones
Ben Howard - Every Kingdom
Jane's Addiction - The Great Escape Artist
PJ Harvey - Let England Shake
Chris Cornell - Songbook
Arctic Monkeys - Suck it and See
Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You
The Subways - Money And Celebrity
Bon Iver - Bon Iver
The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?
Cults - Cults
White Lies - Ritual
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Blink-182 - Neighborhoods
The Wombats - This Modern Glitch
The Black Keys - El Camino
Beatsteaks - Boombox
Metallica/Lou Reed - Lulu
The Strokes - Angles
The Kills - Blood Pressures

Best Albums of 2011: Frank Turner - England Keep My Bones


Frank Turner is british folk-punk singer and England Keep My Bones if his fourth studio record. He released it on June 6 this year and since its release Frank Turner has been busy guy. He toured a lot and more and more people start liking him because this record is just awesome.

Turner's sound is based on acoustic guitar, but that doesn't mean his music doesn't have balls. He makes catchy, fast, easy-to-remember tracks and I gotta say that this record doesn't feature bad song. His lyrics are also great. For example chorus of second track of the album called "Peggy Sang The Blues" is great and very inspiring:

"It doesn’t matter where you come from
It matters where you go
No one gets remembered
For the things they didn't do"
Most of his songs are like this - powerful and inspiring. I don't know this artist for a long time, but he has quickly become my favorite one.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Friday, December 30, 2011

Song of the day: Cults - "Abducted"

These guys are great. In fact, their self-titled debut album made it to my list of Best Albums of 2011. Anyway, great performance of a great song.

Best Albums of 2011: Ben Howard - Every Kingdom


Ben Howard is young songwriter and singer who released his debut album Every Kingdom in September this year. Even though he's very young, he is very talented and this album is just great.

All songs on this record are so calming because they are mostly based on acoustic guitar and his voice. Beautiful guitar at the beginning of the first song "Old Pine" suggests in what spirit this album will continue.

Ben Howard is very talented and I admire him for making such good debut record. I think that we will hear about this guy a lot in the future.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Best Albums of 2011: Jane's Addiction - The Great Escape Artist


Jane's Addiction is legendary band. Dave Navarro is considered one of the best guitarist (he also played in Red Hot Chili Peppers and recorded One Hot Minute with them) and singer Perry Farrell is creator of one of the best festivals - Lollapalooza.

The band was founded in 1985. They released two records and split up in 1991. They reunited for couple of times and then finally in 2003 recorded new album called Strays. It was quite successful and single "Just Because" was even nominated for Grammy Award. However, after release of Strays, they split up again.

But they are back now with full force and new album The Great Escape Artist. Singer Perry has described the record quite accurately. He said: "it's a strange mixture of that post-punk Goth darkness that Jane's had, with what's going on today with groups like Muse and Radiohead. As much as I want to appease fans and make old Jane's fans love me, I just can't help myself from moving forward." I think he is absolutely right.

New record isn't so raw anymore because it's much more modern. Of course, there are Jane's Addiction fans who don't like this change, but I gotta say that the album is really powerful and beautiful. Main single "Irresistable Force" is in my opinion the best song of the album. In fact, this track describes the whole album. If you don't like this song, you won't probably like the album either.

Song of the day: Peter Gabriel - "Biko"

"Biko" is probably the most powerful song I've ever heard. It is about Stephen Bantu Biko who was a South-african piece and human rights fighter. He established South African Students' Organisation (SOSA). Later he was chased and many times imprisoned. In September 1977, police tortured him and that consequently caused his death. However, truth about his death wasn't revealed until 20 years later, in 1997...

Paramore's Hayley Williams: "I thought Taylor York would leave the band too"


Brothers Josh and Zac Farro who left the band in December 2010 have immediately formed new band called Novel American. Therefore, three members stayed in Paramore - Hayley, Taylor and bassist Jeremy Davis.

Hayley, who were strongly criticized by Josh Farro thought that Taylor will also leave the band. She was very surprised when he decided to stay in Paramore (Taylor played with Farro brothers before Paramore was formed).

Hayley told Alternative Press: "We weren't as close with Taylor as with Jeremy. I was worried that Taylor will leave us, too. One time when we went out together he told me that he's not leaving the band. Then I went to car and cried and I told to myself that everything will be fine again."

Paramore are currently working on their fourth studio album, which should be out in early 2012. They also recently released three singles (Singles Club) - "Renegade", "Hello Cold World" and "In the Mourning".

Listen to new Frank Turner song


Frank Turner has announced that he has recorded new song called "Happy New Year". You can listen to it and actually download it for free. Based on the titled itself, the song celebrates the new year. Turner collaborated with Jon Snodgrass on this new track.

I like the track a lot. It brings you good mood. It also kind of make me forget all the bad things, which happened in 2011 and enter next year with fresh mind.

You can listen to "Happy New Year" here. For download, head here.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Sinead O'Connor ended marriage after 16 days


Irish singer Sinead O'Connor has ended her fourth marriage after just 16 days. Yes, her marriage lasted only 16 days! How ridiculous is this?

I mean, I really like her. I like her music and I also like that she has always been doing her own thing even though many people hate her for that. She has always criticized organized religion, war, women's rights and child abuse.

However, O'Connor may have crossed the line several times with her strong opinions. For example, she basically ended her famous career after she ripped picture of pope John Paul II during her live performance at Saturday Night Live in 1992. I really understand why many people started hating her, but I also understand her and there is no doubt that she is brave for doing that.

Anyway, her 16-day long marriage is in my opinion just very, very weak attempt to become famous again. She even went through divorce one time this year, so this is her second divorce of 2011. I just think it's freaking ridiculous.

Best Albums of 2011: PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

Let England Shake is PJ Harvey's tenth studio record. When this album came out in February this year, people started immediately loving it. This album has a strong anti-war message.

British artist lyrically focuses on England and its current situation on this record. She criticizes british political scene and England's involvement in war conflicts. I don't think that she could stress these issues better in any different way as she did on Let England Shake.

The album is so beautiful (Harvey started playing autoharp on this record) and sad at the same time. The melodies are simply great. There is no wonder that PJ Harvey won several awards for this record. It is probably the best "war album" of all times.

PJ Harvey is an extraordinary artist and she once again proved it on this album.

Song of the day: Lana Del Rey - "Blue Jeans"

Awesome song from this young artist. I especially love the guitar in this version.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Song of the day: Girls - "Honey Bunny"

Song taken from Girls' latest album Father, Son, Holy Ghost, which came out earlier this year. Awesome video, too.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Best Albums of 2011: Chris Cornell - Songbook


Songbook is Chris Cornell's fourth solo album. However, this one isn't really new one, it's just collection of songs recorded acoustically during his solo acoustic tour which took place from March to May 2011 in US. The album, which was released only last month, contains tracks from Cornell's whole career.

That means, it features the most important songs from Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog and Cornell's solo albums. It also features two covers - Led Zeppelin's "Thank You" and John Lennon's "Imagine.

I think that this album is great collection which captures Cornell's awesome career. He is an extraordinary artist and songwriter and many of his songs sound even better acoustically. I love especially "Call Me a Dog" (yesterday's song of the day). It is just so powerful song. Of course, I like the whole album a lot because all songs sound great.

Song of the day: From Our Hands - "The Noise"

I am going to see this guys live tonight. They're awesome.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Best Albums of 2011: Arctic Monkeys - Suck it and See


Suck it and See is fourth record from these british indie rockers. I think they got back to the roots with this record because they used similar guitar sounds like on their first two records Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not and Favourite Worst Nightmare.

In fact, I was kind of worried about this band after release of their third LP Humbug. It just didn't work for me. It wasn't so bad album, but I just felt these guys aren't what they used to be.

However, Suck it and See just blew my mind. Right after release of "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair" I just knew this record will be awesome. And it is. There may not be so many kick-ass hits like on debut ("I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor", "Fake Tales of San Francisco" or "When the Sun Goes Down"), but this record's got many great tunes, which I really enjoy.

Song of the day: Chris Cornell - "Call Me A Dog"

This song was originally written for Temple of the Dog. It was a band which released only one self-titled record in 1991. This album was tribute to Andrew Wood, singer of Mother Love Bone, who died of drug-overdose. Chris Cornell, good friend of Andrew Wood, who was already in Soundgarden asked former Mother Love Bone members to form Temple of the Dog. They also took Mike McCready to be a lead guitarist and Eddie Vedder to sing backing vocals. This band was in fact start of Pearl Jam - former Mother Love Bone members plus McCready and Vedder formed later Pearl Jam that celebrated their 20th anniversary with great documentary movie Pearl Jam 20 this year. I highly recommend you to watch this movie.

Anyway, "Call Me a Dog" is my favorite song from this record. It is even better performed by Chris Cornell only. He actually released acoustic record this year called Songbook, which also features this song.

Best Albums of 2011: Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You

Red Hot Chili Peppers are legends. There's no doubt about it. I'm With You is their first album since their double-record Stadium Arcadium, which came out in 2006. It is also first album with new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, multi-instrumentalist and former Warpaint guitarist. He replaced John Frusciante who was the most famous guitarist of RHChP - he recorded the most band's albums.

It started all in 1989 with Mother's Milk. Then they recorded probably their best album ever - Blood Sugar Sex Magik in 1991 with Frusciante. However, then he was forced to leave the band because of his drug addiction. But he returned with mega successful record Californication in 1999. By The Way and Stadium Arcadium were last two albums recorded with Frusciante, because in 2009 he left the band.

Like I already said, Josh Klinghoffer replaced him and this year in august, they finally released new record with him. Of course, you can hear different, more abstract guitar style of Josh. He doesn't really make up catchy riffs, but instead he adds abstract guitar sounds to already made up music. Therefore, Flea's bass is dominant on this record. It doesn't mean it is bad though.

I think that departure of Frusciante helped Red Hot Chili Peppers to move forward. They moved to the next level as a band. I'm With You is different a little, but it is stil the same band who makes funky music with crazy bass riffs. I like this new fresh sound of this band. It's got many awesome songs such as first single "The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie", second single "Monarchy Of Roses", slow "Brendan's Death Song" or "Happiness Loves Company".

I'm With You is great album. Of course, Blood Suger Sex Magic and Californication eras are gone, but this band still has something to offer. I hope I get to see them finally live in 2012.

Listen to new Paul McCartney song


Below you can check new Paul McCartney's song entitled "My Valentine". It features Eric Clapton on guitar. It is a beautiful song that gets you in Christmas atmosphere.

Also, McCartney's, yet untitled, new record will be out on February 7 next year. According to McCartney, the album will have feel of 20s and 30s. Except Eric Clapton, the album will also feature Stevie Wonder and Diana Krall.

Listen to The Kills cover "Silent Night"

Below you can hear The Kills covering "Silent Night". The lyrics is little bit changed (Alison Mosshart is going to eat you...) in this version. Anyway, it's a beautiful cover of classic Christmas carol. Alison's got great voice for this one. Enjoy.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Song of the day: Radiohead - "Codex"

Awesome performance of "Codex" live From The Basement.

Best Albums of 2011: The Subways - Money And Celebrity

Money And Celebrity is third record from these british indie rockers. In compare to their two previous records (Young For Eternity and All Or Nothing), this one is little more pop. However, in this case, it doesn't necessarily mean a bad thing.

These guys have more energy than any other similar band. Their every second song has potential to be a single. The Subways really know how to make catchy energy songs that have even more guts live.

In overal, Money And Celebrity is one of the best albums of 2011 because it is careless and it always get you in a party mood. Especially two first songs "It's A Party" and "We Don't Need Monet To Have A Good Time" have youthful spirit.

Best Albums of 2011: Bon Iver - Bon Iver

I think that this is the most beautiful record of 2011. This second self-titled album from Bon Iver has such nice melodies, maybe little sad but still full of joy. This album is more layered, more diverse and more interesting than their debut For Emma, Forever Ago, which came out in 2008.

Beautiful guitar at the beginning of first song "Perth" suggests you in what spirit this album will continue. Bon Iver isn't beautiful just in instrumental way, but in lyrical as well. I think that this record moved folk music to another level. Nobody has ever done something like this and that makes this record even better.

I enjoy listening to this album a lot because it always calms me down and makes me wanna just chill and forget about my problems. How do you feel about this record?

Jon Bon Jovi disproves news about his death

American singer Jon Bon Jovi had to disprove news about his death after such information were spreading over the internet. He posted photo on his Facebook in which he stands in front of the Christmas tree and holds paper with note saying: "Heaven looks just like New Jersey".

Jon Bon Jovi will celebrate his 50th birthday next year in March. His whole career was linked with band Bon Jovi, which he formed in 1983. The band has recorded 11 studio albums and hits such as "You Give Love a Bad Name", "Livin' on a Prayer", "Wanted Dead or Alive", "Keep the Faith", "Bed of Roses", "Always", "It's My Life" or "Have a Nice Day". They have sold over 130 million of copies of records so far.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Blur to perform at Brit Awards

Blur will receive an Outstanding Contribution to Music award at this year's Brit Awards. Previous winners of this category are Paul McCartney, U2, Oasis, Queen, Van Morrison, and Fleetwood Mac, so Blur will be in fancy company. However, they will also perform on the ceremony.

Speaking to British station XFM, bass player Alex James revealed:

"I saw the guys this week, we had a Christmas cuppa, we're going to play, which is brilliant, it's like putting the Blues Brothers back together."

Blur last performed in 2009 at Glastonbury festival and at London's Hyde Park. Maybe they will perform more than once this year, too, but things are uncertain so far. James stated:

"Well, let's hope. I wish I could tell you more. I'm sure it will happen one day but I don't know when. It's quite nice to keep it special."

Are you excited about Blur getting together again? What songs do you think they'll play? Below you can watch some performances of them performing at Glastonbury in 2009 to remind how awesome these guys are.

Song of the day: GoodBye Lenin - "Teenage Crush"

Awesome song from one Slovakian band. These guys are basically unknown even here in Slovakia and that is kind of shame.

Cancer Bats to release new record


Cancer Bats have announced that they will release new record entitled Dead Set On Living in April via Hassle Records. It will be these hardcore rockers' fourth album. The band also posted one-minute long video teaser, wich doesn't really reveal a lot though. However, it features some cool footage of Cancer Bats' recording proces. You can watch it here on vimeo.

Best Albums of 2011: The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?


The Vaccines are one of the latest UK sensations. Their debut LP What Did You Expect From The Vaccines has kind of good title. Because really, what did you expect from The Vaccines?

Well, they are another british band sounding very similar to many bands (Ramones, Interpol, Pixies, Joy Division, etc). However, is it really bad to sound like other bands? I mean, they basically took all the good stuff from these bands a made from it their sound. And I like their sound even though it is not quite unique.

The Vaccines remind you many bands you love, but I have to admit these guys' music has more guts than any other band. First song "Ra Ra Ra" is just so cool even though it may remind you The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop". Other songs such as "If You Wanna", "Wetsuit" or "Post-breakup Sex" may feel kind of "borrowed", but they're still awesome and I still enjoy listening to them.

We'll have to see what these guys bring us next, but this record is more than enjoyable to listen. I still like coming back to it.

Best Albums of 2011: Cults - Cults


Cults is a indie band from New York and their self-titled album is just their debut. However, they sound like experienced band. This duo knows how to get attention and they kick it off right at the beginning of the album. Their catchy and simple melodies of first two songs "Abducted" and "Go Outside" just have to get attention of any listener.

Spirit of these two songs is present in every song of the record. Many tracks are just so addictive and you have to listen to them over and over again. Charismatic voice of lead singer Madeline Follin gets probably everybody.

I think we will yet hear about this band much more and I can't wait until their sophomore album is out.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

The Beach Boys reunion


American band The Beach Boys is planning to reunite for their 50th anniversary. Members of this band - Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston anf David Marks, are set to release new studio album and go on world tour. There are no official dates, however, they will be headlining New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which will start on April 27, 2012.

We have already Black Sabbath reuniting in 2012, now we have also The Beach Boys. Which reunion are excited more about? I think I'll go with Black Sabbath even though I'm worried about Ozzy's voice...

Best Albums of 2011 - White Lies - Ritual


Ritual is only White Lies' second album, but they have already become quite successful during this short period of time. These british dark indie rockers released their great debut To Lose My Life in 2009. Since then they've played on every major European festival and I gotta say they deserve it.

After release of Ritual in January 2011, people didn't get excited as much as with their debut though. Mainly reason for this is probably the fact that they didn't really bring anything new to the table. However, I consider their loyalty to their sound the key reason to their previous success. So why change it? I think that it is good they keep doing their thing only with minor changes in their sound (guitars are more quiet and keyboards are louder) because their dark style is quite unique.

Only disadvantage of Ritual is lack of real single. To Lose My Life has several singles and they proved their potential in charts ("Death", "To Lose My Life", "Farewell to the Fairground", and "Unfinished Business"). "Bigger Than Us" is probably the only real single from Ritual.

Despite that, their sophomore record has consistent sound that just can't betray you in any way.

Song of the day: Ozzy Osbourne - "Dreamer"

Awesome song from a legend.

Side project of Trent Reznor will finally release LP


Trent Reznor's side project How To Destroy Angels will finally release full-length album. It should be out  in early 2012.

Reznor formed this band with his wife Mariqueen Maandig and his writing partner Atticus Ross. They previously released EP.

Reznor told Rolling Stone:

"[We are] finishing our full-length record, which has fully matured our sound into something that is very unique. I can’t wait for that record to come out, actually probably [in the] first quarter of next year. Really, why I stopped Nine Inch Nails as a live entity was because it started to feel like I've done it, I've done it, and I've done it again. I started to feel like I needed reinvention and I needed to force myself into that," he added. "

Hopefully, he won't forget about NIN entirely...

Best Albums of 2011: Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

I don't even know if I should mention why this record is one of the best ones of 2011. Basically, this was Foo Fighters' year. They released this record in the same year as legendary Nirvana's Nevermind was celebrating its 20th anniversary. Producer of this album was Butch Vig (producer of Nevermind) and Kirst Novoselich played bass guitar part in "I Should Have Known" - song dedicated to Kurt Cobain.

There is a lot of symbolisms regarding Nirvana and Nevermind. This record is so powerful. It was recorded using completely analogue equipment. So the sound is obviously raw and as rock and roll as it can be. I think that three guitars together never sounded so badass on any other record ever. Wasting Light has the power to blow your mind.

I think that this album doesn't feature bad song. Each song has its own atmosphere and is different. In case you haven't heard this album, you should really listen to it and give it a try because I think that it is probably the best album of this year...

Friday, December 16, 2011

Best Albums of 2011: Blink-182 - Neighborhoods


Fans had been waiting for this record for too long. Since the band's reunion in February, 2009 and their first show together since 2004 in May, 2009, everybody has been expecting new Blink-182 album. In fact, people were getting skeptical because they postponed the release date several times and also the fact that they do not work on this record together, but separately and emailing stuff to each other did not create much trust either.

However, Neighborhoods finally came out on September 27 this year. Many fans bitch about it that it just doesn't sound like old Blink-182, but people need to look at it this way: they all have been in different bands (some of them still work on other projects) and 8 years since their last record is just too much to make their new album sound the same. Tom, Travis, Mark all went through hard times during the band's hiatus, too. It just has to reflect somewhere, Of course, it reflected on this record.

Neighborhoods in much more mature record than any other their previous album. However,it's got some songs sounding like the old Blink-182, too("Hearts All Gone" or "M.H. 4.18.2011"), which is a good thing. I like this album because it is still Blink with new ideas and new sound. Although I think one or two songs aren't good enough to be on the album, but maybe that's just my opinion.

Anyway, it is worth to check this album. I just admire these guys' work they've done throughout the years. Not everybody has achieved what they did.

Song of the day: Oasis - "Live Forever"

I just love this Oasis classic from their debut Definitely Maybe. Definitely one of their best songs.

First three Pulp records to be reissued


Legendary brit-poppers have reunited for reunion tour last summer. They played festivals like Glastonbury or Leeds/Reading. Now they have decided to reissues their first three records It (1983), Freaks (1987), Separations (1992).

Each reissues will feature remastered tracks, bonus tracks, new artwork and new liner notes written by music critic Everett True. These reissues are set to explore Pulp's career before they got really huge.

Watch Wild Flag perform on Letterman


Supergroup Wild Flag released earlier this year their debut self-titled record. On Tuesday (December 12) they made a TV debut when they performed their single "Bad Romance" on Letterman. Watch the performance below.

Foo Fighters rock!


Geologists have now confirmed that Foo Fighters really do rock - they found out that the band causes seismic effects.

They made the Earth move during their recent gig in New Zealand. The band and 50,000 people in the audience made the earth move as much as volcanic activity. Two stations located near the concert venue noticed seismic events during the concert. There is no doubt that the band caused these effects because between songs, there were no vibrations noticed.

Well, this is interesting and funny, but I think we all knew even before scientists confirmed it that Foo Fighters rock!

The Shins to record new album in 2012


The Shins have announced that they will release new album in March, 2012. It will be called Port Of Morrow and it will be their first album since 2007's Wincing The Night Away. It will feature 10 songs (tracklisting is down below) and the exact release date should be revealed in next few months.

Tracklisting of Port Of Morrow:

1. “The Rifle’s Spiral”
2. “Simple Song”
3. “It’s Only Life”
4. “No Way Down”
5. “September”
6. “Bait and Switch”
7. “Fall of ’82″
8. “For A Fool”
9. “40 Mark Strasse”
10. “Port of Morrow”

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Best Albums of 2011: The Wombats - This Modern Glitch

This Modern Glitch is just The Wombats' second record and in compare to their debut A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation it has much more electronic sound and less guitars. However, there is still energy and melody in their every song. First record was really raw and basically recorded live. Second album is different - it's got many different sounds and it sounds much more colorful. Different sound is obvious right after hearing synthesizer at the beginning of the first track "Our Perfect Disease".

This record has some slow and maybe boring passages (e.g. "Anti-D", many people like this song, but not me), which is kind of shame because otherwise this record is great with many enjoyable songs ("Our Perfect Disease, "Techno Fan", "1996" or "Last Night I Dreamt"). However, as a whole, it's a great album and it definitely belongs to the Best Albums of 2011 list.

Watch new Lana Del Rey's leaked music video


Lana Del Rey's new music video for her title track of her new album "Born To Die" has leaked online. You can now watch it on russian Web site. The video cost much more money than low-budget, but great-looking video for "Video Games". However, was it worth the money?

Anyway, the singer herself wrote on Facebook about her video leaking following:

"Generally, I'm a man of few words, but I will say that this video is the most beautiful thing I've ever done. I hope you like it - this isn't the time or way I wanted to show you the video but I'm in Beijing with no access to social media, and the videos been leaked from Russia so someone is posting this for me."

Her debut album Born To Die will be out on January 30, 2012.

Best Albums of 2011: The Black Keys - El Camino

I know that this album came out only last week (December 2), but I fell in love with it after first listen. And now I just can't stop listening to this great record. I gotta admit that I got to this band only like 6 months ago, but that doesn't mean I don't know them well.

This blues-rock duo have been on the scene 10 years now and they are getting bigger and bigger (they are set to go on tour next year and they've sold out Madison Square Garden in 15 minutes!). One of the reasons these guys are successful is their really catchy style. They don't play too difficult songs (maybe they used to on their first records), but now they play songs that just go straight to the point. They recently added keyboards on their last two records and I like this change in compare to their previous records, It makes their sound better.

El Camino is fast and short record, but it isn't monotonous. It's got slow songs and also fast songs and great atmosphere. Whole record just make you wanna go to rock concert, drink and just have fun. The most favorite songs on this album for me are "Lonely Boy" (probably the catchiest song), "Gold On The Ceiling" and "Run Right Back", which has awesome guitar.

This record is really fun to listen. It is easy record, but very enjoyable.

Trent Reznor nominated for Golden Globe


Yes, Trent Reznor with his writing partner Atticus Ross are nominated for 69th Golden Globe Award for soundtrack to movie The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. In fact, it wasn't surprising because we all know that this soundtrack will be f***ing amazing. Among other nominees in this category are Ludovit Bource for The Artist, Abel Korzeniowski for W.E., Howard Shore for Hugo and John Williams for War Horse.

Ceremony itself will be held on January 15, 2011 in LA. To see all information about Golden Globe Awards, visit their Web site.

Song of the day: John Butler Trio - "Zebra"

Probably their biggest hit. This is such an awesome band. I've seen them this summer and I gotta say that it was really beautiful performance :)

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Cults announced 2012 tour dates


Cults have released their self-titled debut album this year, which people liked. They had really successful year also because of their hit "Go Outside". They have already started making plans for 2012. They are set to go on tour, which will start on New Year's Eve in W. Hollywood, California and will end on April 29 in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Cults 2012 tour dates:

December

31 – W. Hollywood, Calif. @ The Standard West (with Jenny and Johnny)

January

13 – Philadelphia, Pa. @ Union Transfer
14 – Washington, D.C. @ The Black Cat
19 – New York, N.Y. @ Webster Hall
28 – Brisbane, Australia @ Laneway Festival
30 – Auckland, Australia @ Laneway Festival

February

4 – Melbourne, Australia @ Laneway Festival
5 – Sydney, Australia @ Laneway Festival
10 – Adelaide, Australia @ Laneway Festival
11 – Perth, Australia @ Laneway Festival
12 – Singapore @ Laneway Festival
15 – Tokyo, Japan @ Unit

March

2 – Hoboken, N.J. @ Maxwell’s
3 – Baltimore, Md. @ Ottobar
4 – Carrboro, N.C. @ Cat’s Cradle
6 – Atlanta, Ga. @ The Earl
7 – Birmingham, Ala. @ Bottletree
9 – Orlando, Fla. @ The Plaza
10 – Baton Rouge, La. @ Spanish Moon
11 – Houston, Texas @ Fitzgerald’s (with Of Montreal)
17 – El Paso, Texas @ Lowbrow Palace
18 – Tucson, Ariz. @ Club Congress
21 – Solana Beach, Calif. @ Belly Up
23 – Pomona, Calif. @ The Glass House
24 – Santa Barbara, Calif. @ Velvet Jones

April

3 – Santa Ana, Calif. @ Constellation Room
4 – San Francisco, Calif. @ Great American Music Hall
5 – San Francisco, Calif. @ Slim’s
6 – Portland, Ore. @ Wonder Ballroom
7 – Seattle, Wash. @ Neptune
9 – Vancouver, B.C. @ Venue
11 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ Urban Lounge
12 – Denver, Colo. @ Bluebird Theater
13 – Boulder, Colo. @ Fox Theater
14 – Lawrence, Kan. @ Granada Theater
16 – Minneapolis, Minn. @ First Avenue
17 – Madison, Wis. @ Majestic Theater
18 – Milwaukee, Wis. @ Turner Hall
20 – Chicago, Ill. @ Metro
21 – Bloomington, Ind. @ Rhinos
22 – Ferndale, Mich. @ The Magic Bag
23 – Buffalo, N.Y. @ Mohawk Place
25 – Toronto, Ontario @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
26 – Montreal, Quebec @ Corona Theatre
27 – Burlington, Vt. @ Higher Ground
29 – Northampton, Mass. @ Pearl Street

The Subways announced 2012 tour dates


The Subways recently finished their tour in support of their latest record Money and Celebrity. Now they revealed their first tour dates for 2012. Royal Republic and Turbowolf will be Subways' support bands for this tour.

The tour will start in Belfast on April 27. It will end on May 10 in Manchester. Check all the dates below:

April:
27 - BELFAST The Limelight
28 - DUBLIN Academy 2
29 - CARDIFF University
May:
01 - BOURNEMOUTH Old Fire Station
02 - MIDDLESBOROUGH Empire
03 - COVENTRY Kasbah
05 - LEEDS Live At Leeds
06 - EDINBURGH Liquid Rooms
08 - MANCHESTER HMV Manchester Ritz
10 - MANCHESTER O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

Song of the day: Ben Howard - "Old Pine"

First song of Ben Howard's debut record Every Kingdom called "Old Pine". Awesome album. I think we will hear about this guy more in the future.

Best Albums of 2011: Metallica/Lou Reed - Lulu


Yes, I consider this album to be one of the best ones that came out this year. I know that many people hate it and, in fact, I am not surprised, because many Metallica fans feel betrayed. However, this isn't regular Metallica record. This is something different, something weird, shocking and maybe little odd, but I like it.

Anyway, I reviewed this record. Check out my review to see what I think of Lulu.

Best Albums of 2011: Beatsteaks - Boombox


This German band isn't really famous outside of Europe even though they formed in 1995. It is shame though because these punk rockers know how to make good energic music. Their seventh album Boombox isn't exception. In compare to their previous records, this one is little slower, but it still kicks some serious ass.

What I like about this record is its overall sound. Especially third song - "Cheap Comments". It is catchy and raw at the same time and what I like the most about it is Arnim's singing. In fact, his charisma is present in every song on this record and it is probably one of main factors of their music.

I think that this band is underrated and I don't know why. They play music like million other bands, but you can hear right away it's Beatsteaks. You can't make a mistake because they have unique, great style. If you haven't heard them, it is worth checking them out.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Song of the day: Kings Of Leon - "Use Somebody"

Probably their biggest hit. It is really awesome.

Metallica to release new EP


Metallica were celebrating their 30th anniversary last week. They played every night during that week. They revealed three previously unheard songs from Death Magnetic recording sessions, which didn't make it on the album. They are called "Hate Train", "Just A Bullet Away" and "Hell And Back" (you can listen to them all at the bottom).

However, that is not everything. Metallica have decided to release these three songs + "Rebel Of Babylon"(you can hear live version below) on EP entitled Beyond Magnetic.

Metallica said about the EP:

"During the Death Magnetic album sessions in 2007 and 2008, we originally recorded 14 songs. When it came time to pick the songs for the final album, we decided on 10 songs that you’ve all come to know over the last three years… Some of you may have heard bits and pieces of those other songs on ‘Mission Metallica’ (remember ‘Mission Metallica’?!) or heard rumors about them during the recording process, and wondered, ‘What ever happened to those other four songs???.’ We kept them in the vault and decided to pull them just for this special celebration, so here are the four leftover tracks from the Death Magnetic sessions. They are ROUGH mixes, unfinished to their original degree of mixing from March ’08. These four songs were released as gift to our closest fans, the members of our Fan Club, to enjoy. Now they’re being made available to you."

Tracklisting of Beyond Magnetic:

1. “Hate Train”
2. “Just A Bullet Away”
3. “Hell And Back”
4. “Rebel Of Babylon”

Sinéad O' Connor to release new record next year


Irish singer Sinéad O' Connor will release her 9th record in two months. It will be called How About I Be Me (And You Be You)?. She announced it one week after celebration of her 45th birthday during which she married Barry Herridge. She did so two months after she met him.

How About I Be Me (And You Be You)? will officially be out on February 20, 2012. It will be her first new album in long five years. She is also set to tour in support of this new album. O' Connor will also release reissue of her debut The Lion and the Cobra in 2012.

Best Albums of 2011: The Strokes - Angles


The Strokes is a band, which showed everybody back in 2001 after releasing their debut Is This It that guitar scene is not dead. I think that it is one of those memorable, unique albums that will still kick your ass even after 10 years after its release. There is no doubt that they will never release as good record as Is This It, however, this band shouldn't be considered dead and they proved it when Angles came out this year.

The Strokes were almost done after their third record First Impression Of Earth, which was released in 2006. After the tour in support of this LP, band went on hiatus and many believed they may not come back. Some also thought that it wouldn't be worth it to come back because their last record didn't earn much success. I have to agree that it is probably their worst album, even though I like there a several songs like "Electricityscape" or "Vision of Division".

However, they started working on their fourth record in 2009 and released Angles in March, 2011. Band stated that it is their first album on which everybody from band contributed. Funny thing is that they communicated mostly via internet because they were away from each other. I really can't imagine such collaboration, but maybe some people like it that way. Anyway, the album is really diverse probably because almost all members of the band worked on different projects during the break. That way everybody brought something else to the table and you can really hear it.

I like diversity of this album a lot, but in my opinion, it is little short when we consider they were working on it almost two years. Despite that, there is nothing I can bitch about. I enjoy listening to every single song - it's got catchy songs ("Under Cover Of Darknes", "Taken For A Fool"), weird songs ("Machu Picchu", "Games"), slow song ("Call Me Back", "Life Is Simple In The Moonlight") and typical The Strokes tracks ("Metabolism", "Taken For A Fool").

They proved that they are not done yet and can still make a great record. We will have too see if they will continue in this trend with their next, fifth record.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Best Albums of 2011: The Kills - Blood Pressures


The Kills is alternative duo consisted of singer Alison Mosshart and guitarist Jamie Hince. They released their first LP called Keep On Your Mean Side in 2003. Since then they had achieved critical acclaim. Then they released No Wow in 2005 and Midnight Boom in 2008. They were both as successful as their debut.


Their fourth record Blood Pressures came out in April this year. I have to say that it is their best record. It is much more mature while still being The Kills record. The sound of this record is so full when we consider  they are just duo. Of course, there is much more instruments than just electronic drums and guitar, but there is still no bass. When I compare this record with other three, the sound have improved magnificently.

Also, Alison's voice is so rock and roll and sexy at the same time, especially in the third song "Heart Is A Beating Drum". It is probably my favorite one.

I need to mention Jamie's guitar skills, too. He has always used unique guitar style, but it sounds somehow more awesome on this album. He added more effects during the recording process and it really made magic.

Blood Pressures is definitely great record and I still enjoy coming back to it and listening to it. It's got guts and unique sound - perfect combination.

Best Albums of 2011

Like many other music bloggers and sites, I have also decided to create a list of best albums of 2011. I will put up one album (maybe two) and write something about it every day until the end of the year. I won't put them here in any order, just randomly. First one should be up later today.

The Black Keys have sold out Madison Square Garden in 15 minutes


The Black Keys have recently announced North American tour dates in addition to their already scheduled European tour dates. In fact, they surprised many people that they are set to play big arenas. They were skeptical and claimed that they will have difficulties with filling such big places.

However, they sold out New York's Madison Square Garden in 15 minutes! Well, I think they proved
everybody they are big enough to play arenas.

Drummer Patrick Carney tweeted on December 9:

"We sold out msg in 15 minutes, I feel like a Jonas brotha."

I think it's awesome they achieved this when we consider that they are rock-blues band and not some mainstream band. Way to go Black Keys!

Radiohead to release Live From The Basement performance + "The Daily Mail” and “Staircase”


Radiohead have decided to give really nice Christmas presents to their fans.

First, they will release two new songs - “The Daily Mail” and “Staircase”. They will be released digitally over the iTunes on December 19. You may have already heard them because the band played them both during their Live From The Basement performance (you can listen to them below).

Second, also on December 19, they are set to release digitally the whole Live From The Basement performance. There will also be DVD and Blue-ray available in 2012. It features all 8 tracks from The King of Limbs,  “The Daily Mail” and “Staircase” + "Supercollider" which will be bonus track of DVD.

Tracklisting of Live From The Basement:

1. Bloom
2. The Daily Mail
3. Feral
4. Little by Little
5. Codex
6. Separator
7. Lotus Flower
8. Staircase
9. Morning Mr. Magpie
10. Give Up the Ghost
11. Supercollider

The Stone Roses to record album in 2012


The Stone Roses has recently reunited. They are set to play several reunion shows. No information had been revealed about new music.

However, now they have confirmed that they signed two record deals. On Saturday (December 10) they revealed that they signed with Universal Records in the UK and worldwide, while Columbia, owned by Sony, have signed the band in the US.

The band is currently recording new material during their rehearsals for reunion shows.

They haven't released new record since 1994's Second Coming. Hopefully, new record will have as big significance on music as their first two records...

Song of the day: Uriah Heep - "Child In Time"

One of the most epic songs of all time ever written. I just feel like this is music at its best...

New Releases: 50th Week


Christmas is coming and that means that there are not a lof albums coming out this time of year. The only record I suggest you tu consider buying is from pop-punk band Bowling for Soup - Merry Flippin' Christmas Volumes 1 & 2.

I think I never get tired of these guys. They have been doing their thing for more than 15 years now without any changes. You just know what to expect from them. They can't betray you...ever.

Zooey Deschannel writing music for She & Him


Zooey Deschannel has been busy acting in new sitcom The New Girl, releasing She & Him Christmas album. But what about regular She & Him record? Well, she recently confirmed that she's been writing a lot of material for new She & Him record.

Speaking to Billboard.com she said:

"I've been writing a lot, so hopefully we'll be in the studio pretty soon."

Well, that's good news. Meanwhile, you can watch She & Him perform "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" on The Ellen Degeneres Show below:

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Queens of the Stone Age working on new record


Singer of Queens of the Stone Age posted on band's Facebook page that they are currently working on new album.

He wrote:

"Deep into makin' new album, locked away in the desert. & shit yeah. it. sounds. fuckin. killer."

The record should be finished by the end of 2011 and it should be out in early 2012. He also stressed that they do not have to prove anything, they just want to satisfy their fans.

I am looking forward for new QOTSA record and I hope it will be good.

Song of the day: Joe Cocker - "With A Little Help From My Friends"

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Hear Metallica - "Just A Bullet"

Metallica has revealed two previously unheard songs this week. On Monday, they released "Hate Train", which was recorded during Death Magnetic sessions and didn't quite make it to the album. Now they revealed another new song - "Just A Bullet Away".

Metallica said about these new songs:

"We’re pretty excited to be bringing these songs back to life nearly four years after they were recorded. Once again, this is the unpolished version of the song… the original rough mix from March of 2008 in its rawest, untouched form."

Listen to the song below:

Song of the day: Radiohead - "Creep"

Megahit from their very first record Pablo Honey, which came out in 1993. They have become famous right after its release. However, their direction have changed into more electronic sound and if I listen to this album after hearing their new stuff, I just can't stop wondering how much they changed. In fact, they change on every album because every Radiohead album is unique and that is what makes them so great. They always try to experiment and try new stuff. I like this approach a lot.

Anyways, "Creep" is one their most famous songs even though it's from their first album. Enjoy this great performance of this track at Reading Festival in 1994.

Listen to new Paramore song "In the Mourning"

Paramore have released last of the three songs from Paramore Singles Club. First song they released was "Renegade". Second song released was "Hello Cold World". Now they released song called "In The Mourning". It is not typical Paramore song. It's got acoustic guitar and very folky feel, but it's good. Check it out below.

Coldplay to tour North America in 2012


Coldplay have announced North American tour. They are set to play 21 shows in all North American major cities in 2012.

The tour kicks off in Edmonton, Canada on April 17. It will finish in St. Paul, Minnesota. All tour dates are liste below. If you want to purchase tickets, go to band's Web site.

4/17 – Edmonton, AB, Rexall Place
4/18 – Calgary, AB, Scotiabank Saddledome
4/20 – Vancouver, BC, Rogers Arena
4/24 – Portland, OR, Rose Garden Arena
4/25 – Seattle, WA, Key Arena
4/27 – San Jose, CA, HP Pavilion
5/1 – Los Angeles, CA, Hollywood Bowl
5/2 – Los Angeles, CA, Hollywood Bowl
6/22 – Dallas, TX, American Airlines Center
6/25 – Houston, TX, Toyota Center
6/28 – Tampa, FL, St. Pete Times Forum
6/29 – Miami, FL, American Airlines Arena
7/2 – Athens, GA, Philips Arena
7/5 – Philadelphia, PA, Wells Fargo Center
7/8 – Washington, D.C., Verizon Center
7/23 – Toronto, ON, Air Canada Centre
7/26 – Montreal, QC, Bell Centre
7/29 – Boston, MA, TD Garden
8/3 – E. Rutherford, NJ, Izod Center
8/7 – Chicago, IL, United Center
8/11 – St. Paul, MN, Xcel Energy Center

Watch new Beatsteaks video

German band Beatsteaks have released new music video for their song "House on Fire". Track comes from their latest record Boombox, which came out earlier this year. It is an awesome track, video and album, too.

Check out the video below:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame revealed 2012 inductees


Guns N' Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers finally made it to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There will be a lot of talk whether Guns N' Roses really deserve it. However, I think they do. Not for their current band in which the only founding member is Axl Rose, but before Chinese Democracy era.

Beastie Boys also made it to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I know they are rap band. It is kind of weird because they are not rock band at all. However, if ABBA and Genesis can be in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, why not Beastie Boys?

The official ceremony will take place in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 14, 2012.

To see full list of inductees for this year and also for previous years, head here.

Coldplay released new live video

Coldplay have released new live video for their new single "Charlie Brown" from their latest LP Mylo Xyloto. According to their Twitter, regular video will be made soon.

For now you can enjoy live video:

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Song of the day: Eddie Vedder - "Society"

Extraordinary song from Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. Track is part of a soundtrack from movie Into The Wild, which was completely written by Eddie Vedder. It is awesome soundtrack and movie. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

Paramore to record new songs in 2012


Paramore have posted on their Facebook note for fans. It is a note written by all three members and it basically says that they love playing their new song "Renegade". Also, they mentioned that they are set to record more new songs next year. Band have not released more info, but I hope they will soon...

Watch new The All-American Rejects music video

The band have released new music video for their new song called "Someday's Gone". You can also download the song on their Web site. Their new record is out on March 27.

Watch the video below:

Steel Panther will tour UK in 2012


Metal band Steel Panther, which strongly reminds hairy metal bands from 80's, have announced UK tour for 2012. They are set to play 4 arena shows in March, which will be their biggest gigs in UK so far.

Their mini tour start on March 27 at Birmingham's O2 Academy. It will end on March 31 in O2 Academy Brixton, London.

Steel Panther 2012 Uk tour:

O2 Academy Birmingham (March 27)
O2 Academy Glasgow (March 28)
Manchester Academy (March 30)
O2 Academy Brixton (March 31)