In a strange way, I feel like the fact that my last post got enough attention to get taken down is worthy of being noted. So click here to see the email Blogger sent me to inform me thus.
So in spite of my best efforts, there are still bits and pieces from the music world that end up slipping under my radar and don't get the coverage they deserve here. So I'm devoting this post to giving those stories at least some of what they're due.
=Guns N Roses may yet get to fill out a tax form this year, and the American people may yet get a free Dr. Pepper. Sources close to the band confirm that retail outlet Best Buy has scored exclusivity rights to the release of Chinese Democracy, which may well be out around Thanksgiving (Rolling Stone says mark November 25th on your calendars) if sources are to be believed. It's already been confirmed that a song called "Shackler's Revenge" is on Rock Band 2 and that another song entitled "If The World" will be featured in the new Leonardo DiCaprio/Russell Crowe film Body of Lies. Word on whether or not either song will see a wider, digital release in the near future remains to be seen.
Damn, and here I thought Kevin Cogill had the exclusive rights to Chinese Democracy's release.
=Fall Out Boy are taking umbrage with the release of the video for "I Don't Care", claiming that the label tampered with the vid my adding meaningless product placement. Pete Wentz wrote a rant about it on his blog only to have it get removed by the record label, and having seen the clip in question, I can't say the band's claim is baseless. The editing of the cellphone shot is kinda shady and gratuitous, but since its only there for at best 3 seconds, not sure its worth the complaints. The video itself is fantastic though. Props for the cameos by Mark Hoppus and the fake Sarah Palin.
(The cellphone clip in question is at about 1:34 in this video, which I'm surprised I found given that last I heard it was getting pulled down left and right)
=Metallica is in an interesting jam regarding their new album Death Magnetic. There's been a bunch of complaints about the mastering of the CD, which apparently doesn't lend itself well to being played at loud volumes. Metallica is defending the mastering, saying it sounds exactly how they want it to sound. Likewise, someone went and remastered the album using the version released for Guitar Hero III. Props to Matt at Addicted to Vinyl for getting a copy out there. Since I'm still listening to my leaked copy I can't speak to the sound quality being bad, but anyone who knows for sure is welcome to offer their thoughts.
=Nickelback is offering their newest single "Gotta Be Somebody" for free on their website until 6AM EDT on September 30 (so for the next 6 hours from the time I'm typing this). Idolator hit it on the head when they called this track a prom song, but it's pretty good nonetheless. I can imagine this song scoring a scene somewhere near the end of this season of Smallville, what with the grandiose lyrics and Killers-esque synthesizers in the beginning of the track. Based on this and the fact that apparently Dark Horse might have a "Parental Advisory" tag on it, Nickelback may well be letting their balls drop a bit for this record, sales and spins be damned. This album might be worth the cash after all.
That's all I've got for now. The pulled post from earlier spooked me a bit, so no mp3s with this one. I'll make up for it tomorrow with a shitload of reviews and other goodies.
==TJ==
Showing posts with label Metallica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Metallica. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Mission: Metallica Launch Success Resembles Your Average NASA Undertaking
There's been all kinds of hubbub centered around Mission: Metallica, the online experience related to the forthcoming new Metallica album. Today I caved and decided to join the free version of the site and report back on what they're offering.
First, let's get something straight; I find it moderately offensive when someone tries to charge me for access to a specific website. Making me pay money to see what you put up on a website (on an internet that I already pay money to access) is just greedy and criminal. So no, I have no intention of taking part in this Mission: Metallica Platinum section of the site. Paying 25 bucks for a couple more videos and MP3s on the midnight release date is not a good investment in my eyes.
First, the bad about the site. For starters, it doesn't appear to work in Firefox. I tried putting in my information, and the site just kinda looked at me funny. Not cool. For more on my feelings, I direct you to this image. I've already gone into the absurdity of the platinum bit, but I have one more thought on the midnight MP3 release; the album, which earlier today earned it's name Death Magnetic, is currently listed as being released in September. No exact date is given. So at present, Metallica wants me to shell out money to get MP3s of an album that has no firm release date as of yet and is still subject to delays, setbacks, and other unforeseen circumstances that would cause me to not receive what I paid for.
Right now all those folks who pre-ordered Chinese Democracy back in 1995 are having PTSD-level flashbacks. I rest my case.
On the other hand, Metallica is also offering up some pretty kickass stuff to those who can't afford the Platium pass. At present there are 3 full concerts available as torrents for download, with promises of more on the way, up to and including this past weekends Bonnaroo. Game on. The fly on the wall videos also show some pretty candid, if perhaps a bit uninteresting, footage. And what bits of music they let slip in this experience (Yes, remember, this is all meant to support a new album) actually sounds really damned good. From someone who's only owned one Metallica album in my life, I'm actually a little bit excited to hear the rest of Death Magnetic, even if it's the frontrunner for Worst Album Name of the Year.
Death Magnetic is out in September. Check out missionmetallica.com if you're so inclined.
==TJ==
First, let's get something straight; I find it moderately offensive when someone tries to charge me for access to a specific website. Making me pay money to see what you put up on a website (on an internet that I already pay money to access) is just greedy and criminal. So no, I have no intention of taking part in this Mission: Metallica Platinum section of the site. Paying 25 bucks for a couple more videos and MP3s on the midnight release date is not a good investment in my eyes.
First, the bad about the site. For starters, it doesn't appear to work in Firefox. I tried putting in my information, and the site just kinda looked at me funny. Not cool. For more on my feelings, I direct you to this image. I've already gone into the absurdity of the platinum bit, but I have one more thought on the midnight MP3 release; the album, which earlier today earned it's name Death Magnetic, is currently listed as being released in September. No exact date is given. So at present, Metallica wants me to shell out money to get MP3s of an album that has no firm release date as of yet and is still subject to delays, setbacks, and other unforeseen circumstances that would cause me to not receive what I paid for.
Right now all those folks who pre-ordered Chinese Democracy back in 1995 are having PTSD-level flashbacks. I rest my case.
On the other hand, Metallica is also offering up some pretty kickass stuff to those who can't afford the Platium pass. At present there are 3 full concerts available as torrents for download, with promises of more on the way, up to and including this past weekends Bonnaroo. Game on. The fly on the wall videos also show some pretty candid, if perhaps a bit uninteresting, footage. And what bits of music they let slip in this experience (Yes, remember, this is all meant to support a new album) actually sounds really damned good. From someone who's only owned one Metallica album in my life, I'm actually a little bit excited to hear the rest of Death Magnetic, even if it's the frontrunner for Worst Album Name of the Year.
Death Magnetic is out in September. Check out missionmetallica.com if you're so inclined.
==TJ==
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Bonnaroo to Stop Sucking in 2008
The other day the REAL lineup for Bonnaroo hit the internet. Despite endless rumors to the contrary suggesting a Led Zeppelin appearance AND a botched report by NME that said they were in fact on the final lineup, the Zep sha'n't be playing. In their place will be all female tribute band Lez Zeppelin, as well as headliners Pearl Jam, Metallica, Kanye West, and Jack Johnson. Also on the lineup are OAR, Ben Folds, Rilo Kiley, and the Raconteurs, Jack White's side project when he's not dressed up like a matador.
In the past I've never been particularly impressed with the Bonnaroo lineup. Always a bunch of jam bands that you need to be positively shitfaced to appreciate. But this year there's actually something truly worth seeing in Pearl Jam and the strong likelihood of new stuff from Metallica (their new album is slated for a mid-2008 release). Don't know if this means I'll be hitchhiking down to Tennessee this summer (still holding out for a Foo Fighters concert...*sigh*), but definitely something to get intrigued by.
Back later with MP3s and stuff...just wanted to get that announcement out there.
==TJ==
In the past I've never been particularly impressed with the Bonnaroo lineup. Always a bunch of jam bands that you need to be positively shitfaced to appreciate. But this year there's actually something truly worth seeing in Pearl Jam and the strong likelihood of new stuff from Metallica (their new album is slated for a mid-2008 release). Don't know if this means I'll be hitchhiking down to Tennessee this summer (still holding out for a Foo Fighters concert...*sigh*), but definitely something to get intrigued by.
Back later with MP3s and stuff...just wanted to get that announcement out there.
==TJ==
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Can You Cover Up These Eyes?
Apologies on the 48 hours without updating. But this is a good one, I promise.
So AOL's music branch has started a project where they bring in current rock bands and have them do stripped-down covers of songs/artists that influenced them. It's actually a pretty good idea. The best example by far is AFI doing David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust":
(Video may not work on Firefox. If so, here's the link. I'm gonna try to upload an mp3 of it in the near future)
They have other covers from bands like Hellogoodbye (Frank Sinatra), 30 Seconds to Mars (The Police), and Rise Against (Buffalo Springfield). So that got me wondering about other bands and what covers I'd like to see them do. Here are 5 of my picks.
Bright Eyes - Like A Rolling Stone (Bob Dylan): A lot of people say artists like Dylan or The Beatles are untouchable and that their work is so perfect it shouldn't be redone by anyone. I disagree. No artist has reached such an echelon. As proof of how a cover can be done right, go youtube Jay-Z, Linkin Park and Paul McCartney's performance of "Numb/Encore/Yesterday" from the 2006 Grammys. Conor Oberst has already drawn Dylan comparisons, and the thought of him hearing him wail on the chorus to one of the greatest songs of the '60s makes me giddy. Odds of this one happening are slim, but it's still one a great musical fantasy of mine.
The Killers - Live and Let Die (Paul McCartney/Wings): I don't know if its The Killers' '80s revival sound, or the fact that the opening lyrics are "When You Were Young..." (also the name of a Killers hit), but I think this song is in Brandon Flowers's wheelhouse. It's got a perfect mix of bravado and campiness, and its totally not impossible to see The Killers try to pull it off in the near future. I'm dead serious here. Can I please get someone at Island Records on this?
Foo Fighters - Carry On Wayward Son (Kansas): Dave Grohl and co. are already known to do this one live from time to time. Since Grohl has already said that the chances of covering anything from Nirvana are slim, perhaps they could do a studio version of this one just for kicks. Ignoring the Foo's lack of a keyboardist, I think this one has some real potential. Foo Fighters have proven they can do the big arena rock-style tracks, I want to see them go all the way with it.
Godsmack - Nothing Else Matters (Metallica): We all know Godsmack can do the 3-minute, balls-to-the-wall rock, but the closest they've come to expanding was "Serenity", which was a solid track to end the Faceless album, and The Other Side EP, which had little to offer since they ignored it after that. Sully Erna has the voice to pull off the soft end of the Metallica hit, and I think trying to expand on the softer edge of their range might yield something pretty cool.
Go Your Own Way (Fleetwood Mac): I haven't come up with who I want doing this one, but there are a couple candidates, and this is definitely one that could turn into a hit for someone if done right. I can see The Fray doing this one (they've got the vocal harmony to do it), or even the Barenaked Ladies (though it might be too serious for them nowadays), or perhaps give it to 30 Seconds to Mars (for a much angstier take on it). But I think The Fray have the best shot of a hit with this one.
That's my list. If you read this blog, please comment and let me know. It'll make me feel better and give my ego that tiny little boost.
==TJ==
So AOL's music branch has started a project where they bring in current rock bands and have them do stripped-down covers of songs/artists that influenced them. It's actually a pretty good idea. The best example by far is AFI doing David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust":
(Video may not work on Firefox. If so, here's the link. I'm gonna try to upload an mp3 of it in the near future)
They have other covers from bands like Hellogoodbye (Frank Sinatra), 30 Seconds to Mars (The Police), and Rise Against (Buffalo Springfield). So that got me wondering about other bands and what covers I'd like to see them do. Here are 5 of my picks.
Bright Eyes - Like A Rolling Stone (Bob Dylan): A lot of people say artists like Dylan or The Beatles are untouchable and that their work is so perfect it shouldn't be redone by anyone. I disagree. No artist has reached such an echelon. As proof of how a cover can be done right, go youtube Jay-Z, Linkin Park and Paul McCartney's performance of "Numb/Encore/Yesterday" from the 2006 Grammys. Conor Oberst has already drawn Dylan comparisons, and the thought of him hearing him wail on the chorus to one of the greatest songs of the '60s makes me giddy. Odds of this one happening are slim, but it's still one a great musical fantasy of mine.
The Killers - Live and Let Die (Paul McCartney/Wings): I don't know if its The Killers' '80s revival sound, or the fact that the opening lyrics are "When You Were Young..." (also the name of a Killers hit), but I think this song is in Brandon Flowers's wheelhouse. It's got a perfect mix of bravado and campiness, and its totally not impossible to see The Killers try to pull it off in the near future. I'm dead serious here. Can I please get someone at Island Records on this?
Foo Fighters - Carry On Wayward Son (Kansas): Dave Grohl and co. are already known to do this one live from time to time. Since Grohl has already said that the chances of covering anything from Nirvana are slim, perhaps they could do a studio version of this one just for kicks. Ignoring the Foo's lack of a keyboardist, I think this one has some real potential. Foo Fighters have proven they can do the big arena rock-style tracks, I want to see them go all the way with it.
Godsmack - Nothing Else Matters (Metallica): We all know Godsmack can do the 3-minute, balls-to-the-wall rock, but the closest they've come to expanding was "Serenity", which was a solid track to end the Faceless album, and The Other Side EP, which had little to offer since they ignored it after that. Sully Erna has the voice to pull off the soft end of the Metallica hit, and I think trying to expand on the softer edge of their range might yield something pretty cool.
Go Your Own Way (Fleetwood Mac): I haven't come up with who I want doing this one, but there are a couple candidates, and this is definitely one that could turn into a hit for someone if done right. I can see The Fray doing this one (they've got the vocal harmony to do it), or even the Barenaked Ladies (though it might be too serious for them nowadays), or perhaps give it to 30 Seconds to Mars (for a much angstier take on it). But I think The Fray have the best shot of a hit with this one.
That's my list. If you read this blog, please comment and let me know. It'll make me feel better and give my ego that tiny little boost.
==TJ==
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