Mudhoney is a grunge band from Seattle and was a part of the whole grunge scene alongside bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Screaming Trees or Soundgarden. Their self-titled debut album came out in 1989 and since then they've put out eight studio records. What is admirable about this band is the fact that they've been together all this time and more importantly they've been releasing new albums frequently.
Couple of days ago, they've announced that their ninth studio album will be released on April 2. It is entitled Vanishing Point and it was recorded during April and September at Seattle’s famed Avast! Recording Co.
More information such as tracklisting or cover art are yet to be announced, but what we know is that tracks entitled "What to Do With the Neutral" and "Douchebags on Parade" will be on the album.
Exactly a month ago (November 13), the band released live DVD entitled Live in Berlin 1988. It obviously features the footage of the whole performance form this concert back in 1988. Check out performance of "I Think" from this DVD below.
Today, English hardcore band Gallows revealed new music video for track called "Cross of Lorraine". It is also their new single from their latest self-titled record, which came out in September of this year.
The album is actually not bad and I think that their lineup change really did them well. Former singer Frank Carter left the band in July of 2011 and was replaced by ex-Alexisonfire singer Wade MacNeil. Many fans were sceptical, but it works out really well I think.
Anyway, the video is just simple live music video showing the band and the fans going crazy during one of their typical shows in a small venue. Check it out below.
I just wanted to share with you guys this funny video in which Jimmy Fallon imitates Bob Dylan while singing track "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells". It's short but its funny. Enjoy.
You all probably know that last night concert for hurricane Sandy relief entitled 12-12-12 Concert took place at New York's Madison Square Garden. I didn't get the chance to watch it live because I live in Europe and the concert started at 1:30 am of my time. However, today I watched it and I summarised the most interesting performances of the night for you. So here we go.
Nirvana reunion with Paul McCartney
It was previously announced (one day before the concert I think) that this is happening, but nobody probably didn't know what to expect from this. Living members of Nirvana and ex-Beatle Paul McCartney together played one new song called "Cut Me Some Slack"and it was actually not bad at all. It was heavy and the sound was like Nirvana as we know it. Of course, Paul's voice is different from Kurt's, but still, it was really nice to see Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear perform together.
Roger Waters & Eddie Vedder performed "Comfortably Numb"
Legendary musician and member of even more legendary band - Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, performed four tracks ("In The Flesh", "Another Brick In The Wall Part 1", "Money" and "Us and Them") before he was joined by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. They performed together "Comfortably Numb" and it was one of the most powerful and memorable performances of the night.
The Who's seven-song set
The Who's performance was really long (unlike The Rolling Stones'), but I don't think anybody minded. They performed seven tracks "Who Are You", "Bell Boy", "Pinball Wizard", "See Me, Feel Me", "Baba O’Riley", "Love, Reign O’er Me", and "Tea and Theatre". I really like the setlist. Especially, performance of my favorite song by The Who - "See My, Feel Me" made me really happy.
Chris Martin & Michael Stipe - "Losing My Religion"
Coldplay' frontman Chris Martin made an solo performance. First he played "Viva La Vida". After that, he was joined onstage by R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe and they together performed classic tune "Losing My Religion". It was really nice moment. Martin then finished his set with "Us Against The World".
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performance
The boss and his band kicked off the night with performances of 4 tracks. He played "Land of Hope and Dreams", "Wrecking Ball", "My City of Ruins" and "Born to Run". During the last one, he was joined onstage by Jon Bon Jovi.
Eric Clapton's performance of "Nobody Knows When You're Down and Out"
Eric Clapton performed three songs ("Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out", "Got to Get Better in a Little While" and "Crossroads"), but the best was performance of firstly mentioned.
Last week, The Gaslight Anthem appeared on Conan and performed song "Here Comes My Man" taken from their last album Handwritten. Yesterday, I actually put this awesome record on my list of best albums of 2012, so check out what I wrote about it.
Although I usually say that The Gaslight Anthem are awesome live, I have a feeling that this wasn't Brian's best night. His singing is off the tune several times during the performance. Anyway, check it out below because it is still better than performances of most of the today's bands.
Muse have a new music video for their current single called "Follow Me". Song obviously comes from their latest effort. The music video is typical live video capturing band performing live during their current tour. Sound is not live though. But it is entertaining music video to watch and it makes you really wanna see this band live. Check the video below.
Since Muse released their very anticipated sixth studio record entitled The 2n Law, they've been pretty busy touring. They've been touring in Europe only so far. However, they have 5 more EU dates to go (December 13 - Riga, Latvia; December 15 - Hamburg, Germany; December 17 - Amsterdam, Netherlands; December 18 - Antwerp, Belgium and December 19 - Strasbourg, France) and after that, they're heading to Japan where they are playing two arena shows at Saitama Super Arena (January 11 & 12).
Their recently extended North American tour kicks off on January 23 in San Diego, California and ends on April 26 in Quebec City, Quebec. After that, they're heading back to the old continent before their appearance at Rio De Janeiro's Rock in Rio festival. It is expected that more South American tour dates are yet to be announced. To check out all their tour dates, visit their website.
What does this all mean? Only one thing - now is the best time to go and see this awesome band live. I mean, their shows are just incredible because they are not just about the music. I've seen them live during their Resistance tour. However, it was only festival appearance, but I can confirm that this band is really currently the best live rock band in the entire world.
As you probably know, awesome Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro is releasing new album on January 28, 2013. It will be a double album and it is entitled Opposites. For more information, head here.
Far back in the summer, they revealed first track of the album. It is called "Stingin' Belle" and you can check it out here (also along with music video).
However, first official single of the record was revealed only last month. It is entitled "Black Chandelier" and you were able to hear it on my blog right after it was revealed. The single will be digitally released on January 14 and it will feature two non-album tracks - "The Rain" and "Thundermonster".
Today, the band also uploaded music video for this track on their YouTube channel. It was directed by Big TV production duo, which consists of Andy Delaney and Monty Whitebloom.
There is really nothing unusual about the video, but the song's really good like I previously said on my blog. Anyway, check out the video below
The Killers just now revealed new music video for track "Miss Atomic Bomb". The song obviously comes from their last and very anticipated fourth studio record entitled Battle Born, which came out in September of this year.
British band The XX, which released new album this year entitled Coexist, announced first three gigs of their Night + Day series of gigs. It is a series of tour dates that will take place at really unusual places. Also, these shows won't be usual concerts, but mini festivals.
The band said about their plans following:
"Night + Day is a series of events, curated by us, to start in the summer of 2013. We searched high and low for unique and beautiful locations to stage these shows and picked the artists that we most respect and admire to join us. The events will run from early afternoon, with some of our favourite music (and food) to take you from day into night."
So far, three dates has been announced, but it is expected that more dates will be added. First, the band will perform at waterfront park in Portugal that has 4.7 hectares of gardens, right on the edge of Lisbon's waterfront Jardim da Torres de Belëm.
Then, the band will perform at an abandoned Berlin theme park with rusty roller coasters, broken rides, crumbling dinosaurs and a 45m ferris wheel.
Finally, The XX will come back to their home city London. They'll perform at Osterley Park & House, which is one of the last surviving country estates in London. It is set to be their biggest headline show to date with capacity of 10,000.
I really like this idea and I am sure that these gigs will be unforgettable for both, the band as well as fans.
Night + Day tour dates:
May 5 - b]Jardim da Torres de Belëm, Lisbon
May 18 - Spreepark, Berlin
June 23 - Osterley Park & House, London
Last night, Jack White made an appearance on Conan TV show. However, it wasn't an ordinary performance of this guitar magician because he performed track "I'm Shakin'" taken from his debut solo album Blunderbuss (one of my best albums of 2012 + review here) for the first time ever.
Jack White this time performed with his all-female band Peacocks (he has one all-male band and one all-female band, which is really cool). As usual, the performance is awesome and the track maybe sounds even better than the studio version. Check it out below.
These rockers from New Jersey have been on the scene since 2006 and during that time they've released 4 studio LPs. They've built quite a big audience and become respected band on the rock scene during their career. Their musical style could be best described as punk mixed with stadium rock (similar to Bruce Springsteen's style).
Their last effort Handwritten came out on July 20, 2012 and I gotta say, it is their best album so far. I've said it many times on this blog and I'll say it again - I think they've found a perfect combination of their punk roots and that huge stadium sound on this record.
Actually, I had no doubts this album will be good after they revealed first track of the album - "45". It is such an awesome song. It's got this really big sound. Other tracks on the album continue with spirit of the opener. However, I wouldn't say tracks on this album are too similar. No, I don't think that's the case because every track has slightly different style.
Vocals are typically incredible like we are used to when listening to this band. But what I like maybe even little more is the guitar work on this album. I don't mean really hard and fast guitar solos that last longer than 5 minutes. No, you won't find these on this LP. I mean emotional guitars that can be heard throughout the entire album. In the background, there is always one guitar playing some riffs in addition to the rhythm guitar. Just listen to it and you'll find out for yourself.
Tracklisting of Handwritten:
1. ''45''
2. "Handwritten"
3. "Here Comes My Man"
4. "Mulholland Drive"
5. "Keepsake"
6. "Too Much Blood"
7. "Howl"
8. "Biloxi Parish"
9. "Desire"
10. "Mae"
11. "National Anthem"
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:
12. "Blue Dahlia"
13. "Sliver" (Nirvana cover)
14. "You Got Lucky" (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers cover)
As I informed you last month, Dave Grohl is recording drums with Josh Homme's The Queens Of The Stone Age. And it is really cool that he will appear on another record of QOTSA (he has previously recorded drums on 2002' Songs for the Deaf - in my opinion the best album from QOTSA).
Even though, this fact is really awesome, many people (including me) were wondering if he will actually appear live with Homme and cos. However, in an interview with CBS Local, he ruled out this option.
Everything is not so bad though. He pointed out that his side band Them Crooked Vultures (which he formed with QOTSA's Josh Homme and Led Zeppelins' John Paul Jones) will reunite at some point in the future.
He explained:
"We’ve talked about it, I know that someday we’ll get back together and do stuff, because we love playing with each other."
Dave Grohl is currently preparing for premiere of his directorial debut Sound City, which is set to premiere Sundance Film Festival, which takes place from January 17 – 27 in Park City, Utah. Worldwide premiere is set to be on February 1 of the next year.
Alabama Shakes is a band from Athens, Alabama. They were formed in 2009 and this album entitled Boys and Girls is only their debut album. And I gotta say, this band is the best new act of 2012 for me. The passion this band puts into the music and also incredible skills of every member of this group creates the best combination for awesomeness.
The album was released on April 9, 2012 and I almost immediately got my greedy little hands on these 11 tracks (plus one bonus). I knew this band a little since the beginning of 2012 and based on those couple of songs I had heard ahead of its release, I thought they are pretty good band.
However, after Boys and Girls came out, it blew my mind. Seriously, there is no track that sounds bad or at least not as good as the other tracks on this record. What I like about all those tracks is the incredible voice of singer and also main song writter Brittany Howard. Her voice is perfect addition to already incredible music and together they create something really unusual. The best way to describe their music is probably 'blues rock with badass female singer'.
Of course, Alabama Shakes aren't typical modern today's band because they just aren't, but they make real music with passion and that's what I like. I can listen to this album over and over again and it still sounds awesome, coherent and fresh. The opener "Hold On" may be even the best track of the entire year.
Their live performances are incredible as well - to prove for yourself just check their entire performance from KEXP at the bottom.
Tracklisting of Boys and Girls:
1. "Hold On"
2. "I Found You"
3. "Hang Loose"
4. "Rise To The Sun"
5. "You Ain’t Alone"
6. "Goin’ To The Party"
7. "Heartbreaker"
8. "Boys & Girls"
9. "Be Mine"
10. "I Ain’t The Same"
11. "On Your Way"
As I informed you in November, Blink-182 will release new music in form of a new Christmas EP. It is entitled Dogs Eating Dogs and it will be out next week (December 18) as digital download. In fact, there are three different packages, which you can order along with the digital download. To see all the possible packages and to order them, visit their website.
Couple of days ago, somehow it got leaked that the band will reveal first song of the album on December 10 (today). All the Blink-182 fans can tonight get a good sleep because the rumours were true and new track was really revealed.
It was presented to the world via BBC 1. New track is called "Boxing Day" and I gotta sadly admit that it is not so good. It is highly influenced by Tom's band Angels and Airwaves. I really miss there typical Blink-182 sound. The only thing I can do now is to hope that the entire EP won't sound like this.
Anyway, check out the track below.
The cover should look like it is shown at the very top of this post. The band was revealing it as puzzles. However, first when the album was announced, the cover was supposed to look like this:
Me personally, I like the older cover much better than the new one. I think the new one is too dark.
You probably saw this coming, right? I mean, really, this was Jack White's year and his album just had to make the list.
Form White Stripes's frontman's debut album entitled Blunderbuss came out on April 23 and many people had been anticipating it ahead of its release. And I gotta say, Jack White didn't let us down. Not at all.
People who expected that this album will be raw and fast (like The White Stripes) were wrong. Probably, they are the only people who don't like it...
In fact, Jack White's debut record is all over the place. He really mixed his favorite music genres together and put them all on the record. But he did it very well. There are jazz tracks, rock'n'roll tracks, country tracks and of course songs that sound like The White Stripes. And I like the variety of different sounding tracks because I think there would be no point in making a new record that would sound completely like his former band.
If you wanna read the full review of the record, head here. You'll read there everything I had to say about it.
To conclude, the record is an awesome sounding mixture of songs driven by Jack White's awesome guitar skills. Jack White once again proved why he is so respected in the music world - for music like this.
So I'm back and I hope I will have the time to finish my list of best albums of 2012 until the end of year. I tend to post mini review of one album every day from now on.
Anyway, first album I'm going to write about is Enter Shikari's A Flash Flood Of Colour. It was released in January of this year and it's been basically soundtrack of my whole year. It was playing in my car, on my laptop and also in my headphones pretty much all the time. Basically, I've been coming back to this album constantly.
This album is really great because these guys have learned how to move their music to the next level. Their previous efforts (2007's debut Take To The Skies and 2009's Common Dreads) weren't bad at all. Music and style they brought with these albums was quite unique and in fact, still is.
However, this one.. it is completely new level for me. It may not be as unique as Common Dreads, but the lyrics, the music and also music videos made for tracks from this album really create the uniqueness of this album.
If you want to read full review of it, click here. You can find out there about this album's flaws as well as great points. I just love it and it really have grown on my over time (I love it even more now than I did during writing the review). I definitely recommend you to check it out and fully emerge into Enter Shikari. I think they fight for good stuff and definitely come to one of their shows! They're great live.
