May 14, 2010, 12:24 am : The best and most succinct Deftones album review ever
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Band Reviews, MusicDiscussion: C[0]mments
The best and most succinct Detones album review ever… And it’s not mine. By no means could I ever write an objective piece (in any sense) on the Deftones with any proper perspective. Not for most people to want to consume. And I know this. There is too much of a personal attachment. Meaning: It’s too personal for me to even want to articulate the value of Deftones and their work to any readers. Their music is about what it means to the person…To me, at least.
So it is important that I share this review of Diamond Eyes, by Chris Crowing, also a self-proclaimed Deftones nut. He puts to words what I think is a fair yet passionate assessment of Deftones’ new release.
http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/135132
July 9, 2009, 1:29 pm : Got Your Headphones? Enjoy We Were Pirates
Filed Under: Album Reviews, MusicDiscussion: C[0]mments
Mike Boggs of We Were Pirates was generous enough to allow me to post his debut album Cutting Ties. When the music is readily available, I prefer to let it speak for itself. What you hear is what you get; an indie pop/rock sound that has some good pace to it, and sets a very strong standard for Boggs to work from in the future. Boggs plays all instruments on the recording, and delivers soothing, classic pop vocals.
Keep TalkingAudio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Settle Down
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June 1, 2009, 11:53 am : The Cheaters Midnight Run Sneak Tracks
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Music, UncategorizedDiscussion: C[0]mments
I've been fortunate enough to wrangle the new album Midnight Run from The Cheaters. In case you haven't read, their album release party is this Friday at the 8X10 in Baltimore. Turn up your volume, get your coffee and dig to these two new tracks they just gave me permission to publish here. Here's to The Cheaters upcoming release produced by Frank Marchand, III.
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May 21, 2009, 9:26 am : Preview: The Cheaters Forthcoming Release – Midnight Run
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Genres and Styles, Interviews, Music, Upcoming ShowsDiscussion: C[0]mments
Are The Cheaters poised to stretch their wings far beyond their Baltimore stomping grounds? With the upcoming release of Midnight Run, this writer thinks that is a distinct possibility.
I interviewed drummer Kevin Shook and lead singer/guitarist Jason Morton for Baltimore Examiner recently to get their firsthand take on Midnight Run and the music life. Here’s what Shook had to say about Midnight Run:
Examiner: Can you give fans some insight about the new CD? What can we expect from your new music?
Shook: The new album is definitely a lot more straight-forward rock ‘n roll than the first disc. We have a couple of tracks that hint back to the southern-influenced material from the first record, but on the whole, this is really just a solid rock record. We also worked really hard on the songwriting this time around. We’ve added a lot more dynamics, like dueling leader guitars, key changes, and different song structures to help keep things fresh. We also brought in some guest musicians this time around, and added some harmonica, back-up singers, and organ on some tunes. We’re all really excited about the new disc, and feel that this is definitely our best effort yet.
Since then I received an advance copy of the album and got the chance to listen to it a few times. Slicing guitar, impressive arrays of drum beats that are finely varied and creatively timed, and vocals that are developed way beyond the typical abilities of a young singer are the elements in what makes Midnight Run the release of the year. The songwriting shows strong development and diversity, with a few amazing surprises for listeners.
To say it more succinctly, in rock terms, this album FREAKING RIPS! Ask yourself the last time you were blown away by a new rock release; real, authentic rock? Thank The Cheaters, because once Midnight Run hits the streets we’ll all have a reason to “Grab the whiskey (and) grab our friends.” Their CD release party is June 5th at the 8×10 in Baltimore. Be there. I will, there’s no chance I’m missing this.
Coming soon – I’ll post a couple of tracks off Midnight Run for an exclusive sneak peak.
April 23, 2009, 11:03 am : New Gig – Baltimore Band Examiner
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Band Reviews, Genres and Styles, Music, Show Reviews and Stories, Upcoming ShowsDiscussion: C[0]mments
As if one blog isn’t enough, I recently signed on to cover Baltimore bands for Examiner.com. Head on over and have a read of my first collection of posts. I suppose I shouldn’t call it an official blog; the editors were clear that we were to be “examiners,” self-proclaimed subject matter experts in our given areas. So yup, I’m your new Baltimore Band Expert. Actually, it is a natural fit. The Eds also let us know (when I say “us” I refer to all Examiners) not to post like its a blog, meaning no “I’s” or “me’s”. Fine. Newsworthy items with a news-coverage angle. There is one confusing aspect: having more than one band examiner for Baltimore. She seems like she’s off to a good start, but comon; following my post on free shows in and around the area with this? Oh well, this town can handle a duck and a martian. I suppose that is my welcome to the Baltimore Beehive. Ok. Well I just wanted to announce the new assignment and get that off my chest. Now back to regular programming.
Remember this episode? Duck diplomacy or get off my rock?