Tuesday, May 18. 2010
Photos and review by Michael Hurcomb - Staff Photographer club.kingsnake.com
What a difference a few months make. 7 months ago the new supergroup Them Crooked Vultures played to a sold out crowd at Toronto's Sound Academy. Sold out being around 3,000 people which is pretty good considering their debut CD release was a month away and only some song clips had been heard at that point. What brought 3,000 people to a club was the chance to see legends - John Paul Jones, Dave Grohl and Josh Homme. The intimacy of a club coupled with the thunder they created was an unbelievable experience. But what happens if you put the same band in a stadium holding 12,000 die hard fans? You get almost the same experience but not quite as magical. Why?
Well it certainly has nothing to do with musicianship. They rhythm section have aged a year since their last Toronto show (Grohl recently turned 41 and JPJ 66) and play at a level unattainable by any musician in their 20's. And Josh "Ginger Elvis" Homme is a great vocalist and guitar player, albeit an occasionally awkward lead singer. These guys really play off each other and enjoy every second of it. They're a much tighter unit than they were when they began the tour and are much more comfortable with the songs. But the songs are the problem. In a club this type of jam band material works. The crowd is at your feet and it creates an energy in the room. But when you drop the same few guys onto a blank stage (with bad sound) and the same club light show they just seem lost. These aren't stadium anthems that the crowd stomps their feet to and sings along. Them Crooked Vultures play and you watch in awe but don't feel as engaged. Don't get me wrong; this is fantastic material and the two new songs they played show the promise of what will come from their followup CD. Being a photographer I was thrilled to be down front when they started the show with "Nobody Loves You and Neither Do I" (Best on the CD in my opinion) but it might have been better used toward the end of the show to bring the crowd to their feet.
Them Crooked Vultures are still an act you need to see and not just hear on a CD or on the radio. No one plays or sounds like them right now and that's saying a lot. See them while you can because their day jobs (Foo Fighters / QOTSA) will steal them away soon enough.
Click here to check out the rest of the Them Crooked Vultures photos by Michael Hurcomb Staff Photographer
Wednesday, November 25. 2009
World Painted Blood
Slayer
American Records 2009
I said it in July and I will say it again. The new Slayer just plain kicks ass. While what I heard in July was almost the final mix (or perhaps it was) it included 2 additional songs, so when I bought the CD recently I was still pretty much in the dark.
One of the most common things I have heard from folks is "Dude the new Slayer sucks, it sounds just like everything else they ever do" Umm shyeah. That is somewhat the point to me. I do prefer when a band keeps its sound. That is also primarily the reason I could not wait to get my chubby little fingers on the CD. This album returns to the darker side of things. Songs like "Snuff" which is about those lovely and illegal snuff films and "Americon" which tackles the current state of affairs in the Middle East, Slayer has returned to their tried and true history.
One thing that stands out is the fact that Jeff Hanneman is writing again. For the past several albums, the vast majority of writing belongs to Kerry King, but this time Jeff is back. The best example of why I missed Jeff writing is "Beauty Through Order". This song is truly class Slayer. From the tempo, to the solos and lyrics, this is the Slayer template.
Another one of my favorites is "Not Of This God" Its the classic questing of Christianity that Kerry is known for. The change from fast and furious thrash to the rhythmic middle groove and back to the speed again is what gets me. This is the ultimate pit song. Mental insanity with a small breather in the middle. Perfect for their aging fans in the pit.
The 20 minute short film by Mark Brooke would best be described as a Gein-esque comic book set to songs from the new Slayer Album. Initially it reminded me of an older video game/comic book type set up and that lost me in the beginning, but as you watch you will see things tie together nicely in the end. My hopes is that in any videos slayer makes, perhaps they can make this a live action theme. Definately a story entertaining enough to replicate.
Personally a true test has been passed. I have managed to clean the snake cages in record time with this album cranked. The Tarantulas like it as well, becoming excessively active. Always a good sign to me for my heavier music.
Sunday, April 19. 2009
Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Records
Year of the Cyco
Released April 2009
OK, I admit, I have been lazy and haven't actually written this review. It doesn't mean I haven't been listening to the CD. I think I was just keeping it as my own personal secret. At the Suicidal Tendencies show in December I went loaded with a good chunk of change, and I proceeded to spend most of it. One of my purchases was the tour release of "Year of the Cyco" which is a CD containing new, old and live releases by ST, Infectious Grooves and Cyco Miko. A teaser if you will as all three bands should be releasing albums in 2009. This is like GOLD to me. With nothing new hitting the world from any of the bands since '01 (and that was Infectious), this was just short of glory. It's almost like a marriage. A little old, a little new, a little borrowed and the cover has blue...
The thing that I loved the most about this album is that each band had its own sound. Suicidal was back to its punk roots. Infectious is hanging over in its funky groove area and Cyco Myko is just plain off. Over the years the groups merged in some extent to their sound as ST evolved into IG with CM just kinda going off and doing its own thing. I like that the lines seem much straighter between ST and IG. Rather than another off shoot sounding a little different, they now sound like two totally different projects. The best way to see hear this is the ST song "The Future is Now" and the IG song "Funny Farm". Two totally different bands.
For fans who have been there over the years, there are updated version of ST "Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right" and a live version of "Cyco Vision" as well. There is also a lovely track, "Crazy But Proud" by No Mercy.
My personal faves from the album are "Big Man" and "My Summer Vacation/All Goes to Hell" My Cyco Miko, "The Future's Now" by ST and "Funny Farm" by IG. Not that I have any reason, but these just happen to be the songs that get me going the most. "Big Man" is classic Miko rambling on the state of society and I think that is my current total favorite off the album.
Something spiff if you actually take the time to read liner notes, there is a break down of each and every song, its origins, what's new or just new to us. Reading the liner notes, I realized why I liked "Funny Farm" so much actually. It is from the final recording with Robert Trujillo. It is good to read liner notes, especially when they have nifty little tidbits like that!
OK so here is the good news. This was a tour release only, but alas, now that the loyal Cycos like me know every song forward and backward, the stragglers (or those not fortunate to have an ST show with in several hundred miles like I did) can play catch up. Of course it is only available on their website. Personally I think I will order the Vinyl copy as well.
Now the only question I have remaining is when are my full releases from all three bands coming out?
Thursday, February 19. 2009
It always made me mad that Phil Lynott died at what was probably long before the peak of his career. Sure he and Thin Lizzy released some classic hits but I suspect that they would have gained much from the rise of metal in the 80's, would have seen a long career in the industry, and over time released a tremendous amount of great music. The story of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy has to be as much about what we never got to see or hear from the band due to Phil's death as it is about the legacy that he left behind. With such an incredible voice its sad to know that what is out there is all we will ever have.
Luckily every once in a while gems appear to shine a light on what was and what could have been, and such is the case with the newly released Still Dangerous.
Recorded live in 1977 some of the material sounds a bit dated but Phil's voice sounds crisp and clear, the band sounds exceptionally tight, and in the guitar work you can hear the runs that would inspire countless rock and metal guitarists to explore further. It literally gave me a chill to hear some of these songs again live, like "Cowboy Song" and "Jailbreak". I never saw Thin Lizzy live so this is the closest I will ever get.
On March 3rd VH1 Classic Records will release Thin Lizzy’s Still Dangerous: Live At The Tower Theatre Philadelphia 1977, on CD, digitally and limited edition vinyl.
Wherever you are Phil Lynott you are missed.
Still Dangerous Track Listing:
1) Soldier Of Fortune
2) Jailbreak
3) Cowboy Song
4) The Boys Are Back In Town
5) Dancing In The Moonlight
6) Massacre
7) Opium Trail
8) Don’t Believe A Word
9) Baby Makes Me Cry
10) Me And The Boys
Sunday, November 23. 2008
So 15 years. The joke was always that China would be a democracy before the album was released, but alas, the album came first. I scurried my behind over to best buy today. Every other album release by GNR I got the day of release. In fact I once waited in line for 4 hours after skipping school to get my copy of Use Your Illusion I only to learn II was out! I once camped out for tickets to the opening day of the Use Your Illusion tour which kicked off here in WI at Alpine Valley. There was no way I wasn't getting "Chinese Democracy" today.
At first listen, I was mildly let down. All these years (15 of them) awaiting this, and the edge isn't there. I knew what I expected, dreamed and hoped for. It wasn't there. The edge is gone. The raw grit is missing. Now at second listen, trying to separate the GNR I worshipped as a child. Its an oddly mellow CD. Axl's voice sounds more refined and less gravelly. The list of musicians involved in the project is totally mind boggling. Buckethead, Bumblefoot, Brain. All amazing artists in their own respect collaborated on this project. This is the first album I have ever looked at liner notes and each song had a list of people playing instruments and who did what on arrangements.
Some songs give touches of old GNR. "Scraped" and "Riad n' the Bodouins" are songs with hints of the old guard. "IRS", while a more mellow selection is most definately a Guns song. Songs like "Sorry" have in my taste too much processing on vocals, almost to the point that Rose's voice is unrecognizable.
I think die hard GNR fans like me may need more than one listen to get into the CD. When not comparing it to what I expect, the CD is ok. Just remember its the new Guns.
Wednesday, November 12. 2008
![]() I really regret the fact that I have seen so many Static X shows and this is the first one I actually watched. I also further regret the fact that it took Jeff starting this website for me to actually listen to this band.
Released on October 14, 2008 "Cannibal Killers Live" is a cool little collection of a live show, both the video and audio, shot in Spokane Washington on the Cannibal Tour, 12 of their made for TV Videos (which for me was the true highlight) and a ring tone feature. Your One Stop Static shop if you will.
There are very few live CDs that I ever find fault with and this one definitely lived up to my expectations. For those who haven't seen Static X, I have no clue where to start. The video is shot with at least 10 different camera angles including a few from the sound board and the wings. It gives you an almost 360 degree view of the band. While at times, I wish the camera shots were a bit longer in positions, the switches actually coincide nicely with the tempo of the music. Brian has been telling me that drummer Nick Oshiro is one of the most animated drummers around, and despite the fact that I have seen X at least 4 times in the past 2 years this is the first time I ever actually got to see how animated he really is. Wayne Static is almost so much of a geek that he is cool. He postures like a rooster, he has some of the most entertaining facial expressions and never fails to make me laugh during a show. He loves what he is doing and it comes through. Even with some of the sound issues with the venues I see them at regularly they sound near perfect and that comes across on both the CD and DVD.
The video portion is cool for a Johnny Come Lately fan like me. I missed the peak of their MTV times, and seeing older videos was just plain cool. It sounds cheesy, but I just fell in love with the aura of fun that this band puts forth.
Personally I cant wait to load the CD portion on my IPod for the gym. Nothing gets me going better on the bike than a little evil disco. LONG LIVE EVIL DISCO!
Tuesday, September 2. 2008
 Sluruuuuuururururururrrrppp.
That giant sucking sound is the new release by the band Staind called Illusion of Progress, and a more aptly named release I could not suggest. What the fuck happened?
I love Staind. I have worn out my copies of Dysfunction, Break The Cycle, and Chapter V, much to the chagrin of my friends that think all I listen too is hard and fast. I have listened to this over and over and I can find absolutely no re-deeming qualities about this disc at all. Not a single song worth mentioning. In fact I don't think it would even make a good coaster for my coffee table. Maybe I can use it like a mirror to signal low flying aircraft.
No wonder The Jonas Brothers beat em to #1.
Saturday, August 30. 2008
 Ok... I liked this disc - right up until they tried to go mainstream with the vocals. All the tracks where they try to go mainstream suck. All the tracks that don't go mainstream go crunch in a big way and are worth buying.
Tracks I liked include "Gematria" and "Sulfer". "Psychosocial" has a real grind to it to start but then really wimps out. "Dead Memories" is just wrong. Sounds like Breaking Benjamin. Not that I don't like Breaking Benjamin, it's just that it doesn't sound like Slipknot.
This is definitely a disc to cherry pick your downloads.
Thursday, July 24. 2008
Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe - more photos
photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer |
Mötley Crüe
Hometown: Los Angeles, Ca.
http://www.motley.com/
Mötley Crüe Concert Photos
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater(Selma, Texas)
Also: Trapt, Sixx:A.M., Papa Roach, Buck Cherry
Angry clouds boiled and brewed, the outer bands of Hurricane Dolly breaking against the drought stricken hill country, raised a pissing intermittent rain, driven by bursts of wind and pelting concert goers as they filed into the covered protection of the Verizon's "shed" in Selma. The wind driven attack by the weather paled in comparison to aural and visual assault they were about to experience.
Crüefest, the raunchy rowdy tattoo emblazoned tour headlined by the notorious Mötley Crüe was about to leave a mark on their eardrums and leave them seeing tracers long after they closed their eyes to sleep.
It was an early show and as Gary and I pulled up the parking lot in Selma was filling rapidly. Traffic on the intestate slowing us down, we arrived just in time to collect our badges and head down to the stage. Rounding the corner from the ticket office I got a most pleasant surprise. Just inside the gate was the ever so delectable Avery "Babicator" from the Austin band the Applicators. Running up to me and giving me a big hug we got to talk as we walked down to the stage, making the other photographers jealous. I was jealous of me too!. Getting to hang out with a hot babe AND getting to shoot the Crüe. Alas my dreams of a perfect concert experience were to come to naught as Avery had a pit ticket and I was relegated to shooting from the area by the sound boards, thus she went one way and I the other when we got to the entrance.
Continue reading "Concert Review: Mötley Crüe at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Selma, Texas"
Sunday, July 20. 2008
 Testament
The Formation of Damnation
Nuclear Assault Records
I cant tell you how very long I have waited for this. Yeah I have all the other CDs that Testament has put out, but to have the band back together is beautiful. Magical even. To have Alex Skolnick back where he belongs on lead, the planets were aligned this year.
"Formation" merges the many sounds of Testament flawlessly. From the classic thrash sound that Testament is known for on "More Than Meets the Eye" to the Chuck Bill's death metal vocals on the title track "The Formation of Damnation." The chemistry that was the original line up is still present on this release, although they are short Louie Clemente. "Leave Me Forever" about the only song that really stands out as something new style wise. Switching between a jazzy funkiness on the guitar to a thrash sound, it is a definite highlight on the album.
I am so very much in love with this album, I have a hard time putting it to words. It inspires memories of the many times I have spent with the band over the years and to have them back with most of the original line up is amazing.
Testament is currently on tour promoting the album as well as hooking up on the Masters Of Metal Tour with Motorhead, Heaven and Hell, and Judas Priest. Club Kingsnake will be catching them on a solo show at The Rave here in Milwaukee on August 1.
Thursday, May 22. 2008
 Thrashing Like a Maniac - Compilation
Earache Records
As a general rule, I don’t really like compilations. I’ll listen to them, but I tend to only half listen. Most of the time it is a rehashing of best of clips from the summer tour I picked the CD up at as a free be. However “Thrashing Like A Maniac� does what compilations should do, bring you the best new titles in the genre. This genre being the sleeping Thrash. With old skoolers like Testament and Exodus seeing renewed interest, its great to see a groundswell of new thrash coming on their heels. Thrash is gaining some momentum again with acts like Bonded By Blood, Fueled By Fire and Warbringer receiving support from the major labels. It seems almost as though most everyone on this disc hails from CA, which after all is appropriate since thash was born in the Bay Area. I do also have to give props to fellow cheese heads Lazarus. We first covered them in September of 2006 and I was taken with them then. Heavy as hell chunk with the classic noodle solos, there is some new feel to it, but listening, I can pick out who inspired each act. Old Skool inspiration shows, but it doesn’t diminish the new sounds. I cant give each band a real review with a single song, this isn’t AI. Ill just tell you who were my faves , in no particular order.
Bonded By Blood
Dekapitator
Fueled by Fire
Decadence
Deadfall
Lazarus
Violator
This CD brought back a whole lot of old day memories. Memories of when I fell in love with the heavier side of music. It also gave me a whole new batch of possible new favorite bands.
Friday, May 16. 2008
 Lean, mean, raw, this is probably R.E.M.'s best work in a decade or more.
Returning to a stripped down sound reminiscent of a younger, hungrier R.E.M. this is a buzzy, guitar heavy disc with an edge. With 11 tracks clocking in at just 35 minutes, it's almost like they took a page from The Ramones, short songs with lots of hooks delivered rapid fire. With a "garage like" sound production by Jacknife Lee (co-producer of U2, The Hives and Snow Patrol), this disc goes far to capture the energy I felt during their sold out Stubb's appearance during this years SXSW.
If your a long time R.E.M. fan you'll like this disc and the band stands to attract some of the younger audience as well. Some of my favorite songs on the disc include "Living Well Is The Best Revenge", "Hollow Man", "Houston", and "I'm Gonna DJ". Hell I like the whole disc. I put the whole thing on my iPod.
Track list under the jump.
Continue reading "CD Review: R.E.M. - Accelerate"
Thursday, May 15. 2008
 Ok back in the 70's there were these huge progressive rock dinosaurs like ELP (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), Yes, and UK that made these sweeping orchestral epics that rarely came in under 8 minutes. I loved every one of them, but unfortunately making good music with long track lengths was not enough for FM radio success where 3 minute pop/rock songs ruled and made or broke careers.
Eventually these bands shed their members in various directions, some of them landing in other bands, some of them starting their own groups. Asia was one of those bands started up by former members. With vocalist John Wetton of UK, Yes guitarist Steve Howe, percussionist Carl Palmer of ELP, and pop keyboardist and former Buggle Geoff Downes, Asia was a progressive rock "supergroup" unloved by critics, yet still managing to sell 15 million albums or so to pop fans based on songs like "Heat Of The Moment". I actually owned all 3 of their original releases on vinyl at one point. The first one was alright but it just went downhill from there.
After much shuffling in the lineup the actual original 4 members of Asia have reformed 25+ years later to release a new album and a tour. Unfortunately the new album sounds like it was recorded 25+ years ago.
While that may please hard core Asia fans, it is unlikely that the new disc will attract many younger listeners. The band is still trying to stuff 12 minutes worth or talent into 3 minutes, and the band's sound just sounds so dated at this point. I hear Howe straining to confine himself, as well as Palmer, trying to sqyeeze themselves into the format. Progressive rock is not pop and throttling these musicians with a 3 minute pop song is like making thoroughbreds pull a beer wagon. It was a mistake 25 years ago, and time has only made it worse. I did not like any of the songs on this disc. Sorry. I would go see them if their tour was coming anywhere near me though. Incredible musicians. If you really want a glimpse of the future of progressive rock, see the Mars Volta review below. I would rather have seen a UK or an ELP reunion album and tour.
Track list under the jump.
Continue reading "CD Review: Asia - Phoenix"
Tuesday, May 13. 2008
 Bedlam In Goliath, the latest CD from The Mars Volta gave me a headache the first time I listened to it.
There was just so much musical information flying out of the little silver CD, my ears and my brain just couldn't keep up. An astoundingly rich melange of styles, sounds, and harmonics, that borrows from many, yet isn't derivative, sounds fresh, and is crunchy like a shovel to the face. Zeppelin, Zappa, ELP, Santana, Jeff Beck, there are hints of each interwoven into a whirling dervish of musical sights sounds and colors. My favorite songs included "Abernikula", "Wax Simulacra", and "Goliath". These guys play like they all have bees in their pants. If the Tasmanian Devil played in a band, this would be it.
Track list under the jump.
Continue reading "CD Review: The Mars Volta - Bedlam In Goliath"
Monday, May 12. 2008
 www.myspace.com/kicktothahead
Hometown - Springfield, IL
Turkey Vulture Records
Not the heaviest hardcore out there but a good taste of a lighter side, Kick to Tha Head's newest release is worth a listen for HC fans out there. The rhythmic guitar and blasting drums give it the classic sound. Kevin’s vocals sometimes have a bit of the Cookie Monster grumblings. The classic hc/punk sound that I remember from the area is the most evident on the songs “Fake� and “Heads Held High� and they are also my two favorite tracks. The almost march quality to the drums and guitar on “Fake� are classic and clean. “Heads Held High� holds a little extra after the music ends so hold out and don’t take the CD out. “Anthem� brings the speed down a notch to a slightly slower grind that has a very thrashy feel. However I suspect this one makes for the best pit on the album.
Over all, a classic hardcore release.
Track list under the jump.
Continue reading "CD Review: Kick to tha Head - "As we think...So We Are""
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