Music Nerd

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.