The Closest Thing To A Podcast I'll Ever Do

So I've come to a realization that people aren't often able to listen to the Viva La Mainstream Radio Broadcast because, well, its on the interwebs at a time when people are either at work or leaving work, making listening impossible. So I finally found a purpose for the archives of shows I keep on the station computer. Effective this entry, every Tuesday night I will post that day's radio broadcast in its entirety for everyone to listen as they may choose. The sound quality is only about 64 kbps, so its not perfect, meaning I feel OK about the fact that full songs are in the broadcast.

The audio files are titled as follows: TJ O'Neill [date of show] [time show started], so this first one looks like this:

TJ O'Neill 20081014 1504
(My show on 10-14-08, starting at 3:04PM)

Feel free to rename shows as you deem fit. This is better than a traditional podcast for me because I recently learned that if you don't update your podcast in a certain period of time it gets deleted. Since come December the show will be going off the air for a month for Christmas break, the podcast would die, and that'd suck. much easier this way, no?

So here's Tuesday's show. Let me know what you think/if there are any problems.

Viva La Mainstream on the ARC - October 14, 2008

==TJ==

EDIT: So I just listened, and you can hear me talk...but the music is absent. Huh. That will be fixed for the next one.

Because I'm Too Lazy To Post Anything Original Today...

The meme below has been circulating around one of my music forums, and rather than be the millionth person to post it there, I decided to transport it over here. I only do these when I think a good one crops up, so enjoy it.

1. Song from the last record bought/downloaded [legally]: Michael Jackson - Billie Jean [iTunes]
[yes, the last album I legitimately paid money for was Thriller]

2. Blues: The Animals - House of the Rising Sun [iTunes]

3. Romantic song: Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars [iTunes]

4. One of the earliest records from your collection: American Hi-Fi - Flavor of the Weak [iTunes]
[This question was originally earliest record you remember listening to, but this works better]*

5. Song discovered from a film: Tomoyasu Hotei - Battle Without Honor or Humanity [iTunes]
[First heard in Kill Bill, Vol. 1]

6. Song from a favorite band/artist: Foo Fighters - Big Me [iTunes]

7. song from an artist/band that you otherwise don't like, but this one: Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc. [iTunes]

8. Song that makes you laugh/ you find funny: Nickelback - Rockstar [iTunes]
[Hooray for unintentional comedy!!]

9. Really good cover version: Bedlight for Blue Eyes- Jumper [Third Eye Blind] [iTunes]

10. Song that reminds you of high school: Dashboard Confessional - Hands Down [iTunes]

11. Funky: Earth, Wind & Fire - September [iTunes]

12. Song for those quiet rainy days: Jars of Clay - Worlds Apart [iTunes]

13. Feel good song: Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light [iTunes]

14. From a member of the "Dead Rockers Society": Janis Joplin - Me and Bobby McGee [iTunes]

15. Your favorite Elvis song: A Little Less Conversation [iTunes]
[Actually the only Elvis song in my collection]

16. Wildcard: Train - Meet Virginia [iTunes]
[First song up on shuffle]

*American Hi-Fi's Debut was the first album in my current collection. You have till the end of this sentence to finish judging me.

Well, now. Wasn't that fun? For the record I finally saw High Fidelity earlier today, so you might expect a few Top 5-based posts in the near future. Back soon.

==TJ==

3 Doors Down Make the Album Rock Fans Knew They Could

Today marks the release of 3 Doors Down's self-titled fourth album, already making waves with the radio hit "It's Not My Time". The follow-up to 2005's Seventeen Days is a return to form for the band that started out as a straight-arrow rock band and really never should have tried anything else.

The band's previous two albums, 2002's Away from the Sun and Seventeen Days were both worthy efforts, but weren't the balls-to-the-wall rock you'd expect from the band that ripped listeners a new one with "Kryptonite" back in 2001. The biggest hits from those two albums ("Here Without You", "Landing in London") fared best on the safer, ballad-heavy Adult Contemporary charts. Scoring a hit on any chart is nothing to sneeze at, but I always thought 3 Doors Down could do better. Thankfully, they prove me right on the new album, and damn is it good to hear some crunch back in their sound.

This album comes in with their guitars at 11 for the first three tracks, with "Train", the previously raved about "Citizen/Soldier" and "It's Not My Time" offering an incredible first impression not heard since The Better Life eight years ago. The remaining nine tracks put up a similar urgency and strength that wasn't really there on previous albums, only stopping one or two moments to let the acoustic guitars do their bit. "Let Me Be Myself" is a decidedly been-there-done-that track, while "Your Arms Feel Like Home" is about as country-twinged as the title would suggest. Aside from these blemishes, every other aspect of this album is what you would hope for. "It's the Only One You've Got" would make a hell of a single, with a near-perfect blend of subdued (but still rocking) verses and explosive shout-worthy chorus. Lastly, album closer "She Don't Want the World" is a different 3 Doors Down in that it doesn't ever reach that high point in the chorus or bridge a la "It's Not My Time" or "Kryptonite", but even though it stays pretty static, it's got an indescribable allure to it that demands you stick around for the whole album.

Anyone who heard The Better Life knew 3 Doors Down had to be just messing around on the two albums between that one and this one. This, of course, leads to the age-old question, "What the hell took so long?"

Final Score: 7/10
Highlight Reel: Citizen/Soldier, It's the Only One You've Got

==TJ==

NIN, Offspring Buy A Round for Fans

As expected by just about everyone, yesterday Nine Inch Nails released their newest album entitled The Slip to their website, free to fans. So read a statement from Trent Reznor on nin.com:

(thank you for your continued and loyal support over the years - this one's on me)

The album is available in every digital format imaginable, and in true NIN style, all 10 tracks are available for remixing. For the fans that enjoy holding music in their hands, a CD release is expected in the summer, but like with Ghosts, the digital version and CD are identical in sound quality, so the only difference is the ability to hold it in your hands.

Contrary to speculation by myself and other blogs, The Slip is NOT Year Zero 2.0. It is a completely separate entity combining the best of With Teeth (such as it was), Year Zero, and Ghosts I-IV. Musically this might be the best thing I've ever heard NIN do. It packs the same angsty, emotional punch of previous work, puts it behind a manic blend of grotesquely danceable hooks and drum beats (as best heard on first single "Discipline") and grinding synths and guitars (see also "Letting You") that would make unsuspecting listeners' ears bleed. Lyrically this is a different animal than Year Zero. I think I'm one of the few people who at least liked for the songwriting, and those strengths came through on this album. And then there are the two surprisingly chill instrumental tracks near the homestretch that lead into the final punch of "Demon Seed". Overall in the last three months Nine Inch Nails has released two quality albums that bloggers would be remiss to let slip by unnoticed when it comes time for the Best of '08 revues. It's too early to hand the prize to Trent for The Slip, but there's no denying the mark NIN has left on this year.

Ruling on the Field: 9/10
Highlight Reel: Echoplex, The Four of Us Are Dying
(The downloads are really just a formality so I can get picked up by Hype Machine. Go get the full album from nin.com. It's free and amazing. You have no excuse.)

And with that I am delcaring a one-month moratorium on NIN-related posts, barring Trent Reznor announcing his candidacy for president between now and then.

Also joining the free music party yesterday were The Offspring, following Coldplay's footsteps and releasing "Hammerhead", the first single from this summer's Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace, as a free download. "Hammerhead" is classic Offspring with a bit of a twist in the style of new Green Day. Those soaring harmonies are still there (one of my favorite things about the Offspring), and it's still fast paced punk rock, but there's something bigger about it. "Hammerhead" is a bit more arena-ready than I've ever heard The Offspring, and more power to them for it. I don't think that means we should expect a new take on American Idiot with the new album, just a broader sound this time out. I've never actually bought an Offspring CD, but at this rate I just might give Rise and Fall, Rage And Grace a shot.

"Hammerhead" is still available for download at theoffspring.com

I will be back sometime in the next 24 hours with reviews of some traditionally-released stuff from the last week or two (namely the Jimmy Eat World re-issue).

==TJ==

Cloverfield Score Finally Available!!! Oh Yeah, and that new Coldplay Track

A word to my father regarding his comment on the last entry; lead singer Chris Martin has gone on record saying he is useless with naming things, hence the ridiculous postmodern album cover/title. Remember everyone; this is the same Chris Martin who had a child with Gwenyth Paltrow and named her Apple. Why are we surprised by Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends?

In addition to the Coldplay song, there was one other release that I picked up as soon as I saw it was available this week. I think we all know that I was sold on the movie Cloverfield about 10 minutes after seeing the infamous no-name trailer. The movie came out on DVD last week (don't own it yet; holding out for the FYE/Suncoast Steelbox version, assuming its still available), and this week became available for download via iTunes and Amazon. Also available through iTunes was Michael Giacchino's ****ing brilliant score for it. "Roar!" only played during the end credits, and was truncated at that, but iTunes has the full 12-minute score available now. It's a bit over priced at $1.99 and you have to dig through the store to find it (Apparently iTunes thinks the soundtrack to 27 Dresses is a worthier purchase; do an artist search for Michael Giacchino and it should pop up), but its well worth it.

On to the Coldplay song; The song takes a more straightforward rock approach than previous Coldplay singles. The piano on "Violet Hill" seems more like an accompaniment than a core part of the song. Reports that Chris Martin was dropping the absurd falsetto on Viva la Vida aren't entirely accurate; the verses are certainly in a lower register than, say, "Yellow", but the chorus is still the sweeping high-pitched Coldplay we're used to, complete with slightly dischordant piano banging and guitar crunching (see: "Politik"). If the stories that the rest of the album are going to depart from Coldplay of old are true, then "Violet Hill" will be an excellent lead-in for fans and casual listeners alike.

"Violet Hill" will be available as a free download for a limited time at coldplay.com, and goes on sale digitally next week.

And since I feel bad about nearly going 2 full posts without an MP3, I'll be nice and post "Roar!" since it's already DRM-free.

Michael Giacchino - Roar! (Cloverfield Overture) [iTunes]
(Be advised: file is HUGE. Be patient!)

==TJ==

Singles All Over The Place

So far 2008 hasn't offered much in the way of exciting new music. for the last month or so it's been lots of either garbage or carryovers from 2007. Luckily this week unveiled a great set of stuff to come for the next few months. I already posted "Nine In The Afternoon" by Panic at the Disco (which according to Hype Machine I have the blogworld exclusive on right now...pretty cool). Over the last few days some kickass bands offered new singles for new albums. Before that, some singles from older bands.

Linkin Park announced that "Given Up" will be the fourth single from Minutes to Midnight. Not a great move if you ask me. "Shadow of the Day" is still climbing on the charts (#13 on the CHR/Top 40 this week) and could hit the Top 10 very soon, and "Given Up" was the weakest song off that album. I get that they want to keep their names on the alternative charts, but this song is pretty terrible.

Linkin Park - Given Up [iTunes]

This week Finger Eleven is sent "I'll Keep Your Memory Vague" to radio stations as their next single after "Falling On" failed to stick around for very long. It's been described as the token ballad from the album, and that's pretty accurate, but it's still better than a lot of other stuf Finger Eleven's put out. Anyone else remember the last ballad Finger Eleven dropped, the emotacular "One Thing"? Yeah, this may not be great and not sure how it'll take with the far superior ballad by Linkin Park doing so well, but a decent song nonetheless.

Finger Eleven - I'll Keep Your Memory Vague [iTunes]

This week was also a hell of a week for new singles. Last month I mentioned Secondhand Serenade's sophomore album A Twist In My Story. The album became available for pre-order on iTunes yesterday, and with it the title track was released. Lead single "Fall For You" hasn't made nearly the impact I thought it might, and until today when a second song had come out, I had forgotten about it. "A Twist In My Story" isn't terribly exciting at first listen either, but I'm hoping that as it gets closer to a release I'll warm up to it. No word on if the title track will be a single. In the meantime, here's "Fall For You"

Secondhand Serenade - Fall For You [iTunes]

Back for his first song since 2003 is rock singer songwriter Gavin DeGraw. "In Love With A Girl" is the first track from his allegedly self-titled sophomore album due out April 1st. Information on the release is spotty, and the only confirmed info is the release date and this single, which hit iTunes yesterday. The song shares a lot in common with his smash hit "I Don't Wanna Be", but is far from a carbon copy. The song still shows off DeGraw's excellent guitars and equally great lyrics, but with a touch more edge than most of Chariot. I've been waiting to hear from Gavin DeGraw for awhile now, and while he may not have changed much in 5 years, he's certainly welcome back the way he has been.

Gavin DeGraw - In Love With A Girl [iTunes]

The Counting Crows were among that chunk of music that Mike Newsham gave me last week, and based on what I heard, I like it. So I was quite excited to hear that last month the band leaked 2 tracks from their forthcoming Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings album to their website, as well as first single "You Can't Count On Me" to iTunes yesterday. "1492" and "When I Dream of Michelangelo" do a decent job of showing off the two sides of the album (it's a two-disc a la Foo Fighters' In Your Honor with one loud disc and one soft disc), but neither song is particularly amazing. "You Can't Count On Me" is most definitely is single, and looks like it might be big on the AC charts. For me, I don't think anything will top the stuff on August and Everything After, but the new song is still a worthy hit to add to their collection.

Counting Crows - You Can't Count On Me [iTunes]

I think that's it for now. Might be back later to cover the Bonnaroo lineup.

==TJ==

We Gonna Party Like It's Your Birthday...

So apparently if you're born on January 9th, there's a good chance you can become a rockstar. Looking at the list of births today, we've got a bunch. Some of these guys I either don't know or don't care about (i.e. lead singer for LA Guns, bassist for Hole), so let's just take care of the good ones:

-Dave Matthews of the aptly named Dave Matthews Band turned 41 today. I'm not sure how I feel about this. The rockstars from so many of the bands I like are getting old (in music terms anyway). I know 40 isn't really old at all, but compared to all these new bands and the fact that these days a 13 year old with a sense of pitch can get a recording contract with Disney (if not someone more legit), guys like Dave Matthews, Slash, Dave Grohl, etc. are practically seniors. Makes me a little sad.

Dave Matthews Band - Grey Street [iTunes]

I am now going to attempt to finish the next bullet point without using the words "Bonnaroo" or "tour".

-Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page turns 63 today. I wanted to put an MP3 of "Fool in the Rain" here since I heard it for the first time today on WMMR in honor of Page's birthday, but I failed to get a copy of said song. Hope this'll work out just as well. Bonnarootour...DAMMIT!! I tried...

Led Zeppelin - Good Times, Bad Times [iTunes]

The other notable ones I saw aren't nearly as cool:

-Carl Bell, one of the guys from Fuel, turned 41 today. Sadly, that's about the number of people who enjoyed Fuel's last album. Sorry guys, but Bret Scallions pretty much was your band, and the new guy can't hold a candle to him or Chris Daughtry.

-AJ McLean, the substance-abusing Backstreet Boy, celebrates his 30th birthday today. By traditional boy band rules, I believe this means he is now subject to cloning a younger version of himself while the original is put through a ritual sacrifice. Oh, the trials of a musician.

Currently Listening: Sonny Rhodes - The Ballad of Serenity [iTunes]
(yep...the theme from Firefly)

==TJ==

On Account of Nothing, A Little Bit Of Everything

Most of this weekend was spent doing a whole bunch of nothing, both in my universe, and it would appear to be the same for the rest of the world (except for that Britney Spears episode, but in the interest of NOT giving into the media frenzy, we'll pretend that didn't happen). Luckily that gives me free range to post random stuff for your enjoyment.

First, I present to you a song dedicated to my new television obsession:

The Wallflowers - Heroes (Not available on iTunes or AmazonMP3)

I rented the first two discs of season 1 this weekend. I tried giving it a shot earlier in the year, but real life kept me from watching it regularly. I'm truly impressed. Definitely not the typical comic book superhero type thing going on, but it still holds my attention as well as Spider-Man. Definitely something I'm gonna try to snag on DVD when I have money again.



I went bowling with a few of my friends this weekend. No real story here, it just gave me an excuse to post this video/song. If you didn't see Across the Universe in theaters, its out on DVD February 5th. Make your life a little better and go watch it.

Jim Sturgess - I've Just Seen A Face [iTunes]

I got a new phone last week, and finally managed to get some ringtones that don't suck. If you were to call me right now, I would hear "Paralyzer" by Finger Eleven. I posted it in the last entry, go pick it up.

In what is the ultimate proof of justice in the music world, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks was dropped by his record label last week. When reached for comment, fellow contestant Chris Daughtry had only this to say: "Taylor Who?"

Daughtry - Over You [iTunes]

I think that's it for now. I promise a better entry tomorrow.

Currently Listening: Snow Patrol - Set Fire to the Third Bar [iTunes]

==TJ==

Songs I'm Loving (Perhaps A Bit Too Much)

-A month after seeing the movie, I'm still loving the music from the August Rush Soundtrack. I went looking to see if Johnathan Rhys Meyers was ever in a band or had any other music out, and was sad to find nothing. Even his work in Velvet Goldmine was redone by other bands for the soundtrack. Rather unfortunate if you ask me, but then again the rest of the industry seems pretty bent on crucifying actor/musicians (look at the way other artists have trashed Jared Leto and 30 Seconds to Mars). At any rate, another sampling of Meyer's music ("This Time" was posted in an earlier entry)

Johnathan Rhys Meyers & Steve Erdody - Bach / Break [iTunes]

-As much as the rock fanatic in me hates to admit it, the new song by Avril Lavigne is too damned much fun. Say what you will about how 'corporate' she is or whatever, it's still ridiculous, upbeat pop that's got just enough in it to keep my brain cells from dying. At this rate The Best Damn Thing might end up getting a second spin before too long.

And just for the record, nobody is forcing me to write any of this, I promise.

Avril Lavigne - Hot [iTunes]

-There was once a time where I would trash anything that came out of American Idol. Then 2007 happened, and Kelly Clarkson released a rock album, Chris Daughtry did his thing, and most recent winners Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis both released great first singles (yeah I know I'm behind on this, but I've been hiding behind my rock music for awhile). Sparks' "Tattoo" is a version of "Big Girls Don't Cry" that guys won't feel as embarrassed to listen to, and as my friend Alex put it, Blake Lewis' "Break Anotha" is Justin Timberlake minus the annoying. Given the choice, I think I prefer "Break Anotha", but just the fact that I enjoy both is earth-shattering. A review of Lewis' Audio Day Dream will be coming soon.

Blake Lewis - Break Anotha [iTunes]
Jordin Sparks - Tattoo [iTunes]

-My rediscovered love for Pearl Jam that I talked about last week is still going strong. I've been in the process of uploading every Pearl Jam CD I own, which is surprisingly hefty given that I previously only gave them a passing glance. Given that I also watched Reign Over Me earlier this week, this song seems appropriate.

Pearl Jam - Love Reign O'er Me (Who Cover) [iTunes]

(One day I will post a PJ MP3 that isn't a cover...I promise)

-Shortly before naming Chase This Light the second best album of 2007, I uncovered this B-Side left off the album. Only heard it once so far, but its just as good as everything else on the CD, and I'm not quite sure why it was left off. Enjoy.

Jimmy Eat World - Open Bar Reception [Chase This Light on iTunes]

That's all for now. Back later.

Currently Listening To: Pearl Jam - Jeremy [iTunes]

==TJ==

Introducing Cass Dillon: Billy Joel's New Golden Boy

Billy Joel has been in a form of self-imposed retirement for the last few years, popping up here and there with singles or special appearances. His most recent musical venture came out today, but don't look for any new album. The great American songwriter wrote the music and lyrics for a new holiday single called "Christmas in Fallujah". The voice behind the song is Cass Dillon, a singer/songwriter and fellow Long Islander and seemingly Joel's new protege. As you'd expect from the title, there's quite the political undertone in the song:

It's Christmas in Fallujah
And no one gives a damn

And I just got your letter
And this what I read
You said I'm fading from your memory
So I'm just as good as dead



Expected amount of time remaining until Joel gets flak for politicizing Christmas or whatever: 19 minutes. "Christmas in Fallujah" is only available through iTunes, and proceeds from the song go to charities that benefit Iraq War vets. iTunes also has a 6-track EP of Dillon's solo work available for a limited time. You'll hear more about this in the next round of Best Of '07 stuff, but remember Cass Dillon, 'cause hopefully you'll be hearing more of him by this time next year.

I'll post a link to Christmas in Fallujah on iTunes when it stops being glitchy
Cass Dillon - These Wounds

==TJ==

A RIOT! Breaks Out On The Best Of '07 List

OK, so I have no idea why the iTunes widget isn't registering anything, but it is mistaken to think I haven't had any activity lately. Whatever.

Over the weekend I picked up Riot!, the breakthrough album from Paramore. I've already mentioned my love for Paramore (and Hayley Williams) on this very blog, and ever since I've been eager to hear the full album.

Every review of Paramore and Riot! tends to center around frontwoman Hayley Williams. It's true the the 18-year-old is a phenomenal talent (and pretty damned attractive too). Her lyrics are a near-perfect balance between girlish boy-inspired musings and the ravings of a pissed-off beeyotch not to be messed with. Comparisons to Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne are totally justified, as are comparisons to Kelly Clarkson's recent work. But let's get one thing straight; Paramore is more than just Hayley Williams and her pipes. The instrumentals on Riot! are as tight as any band in the pop/punk genre. Drummer Zac Farro is no Travis Barker, but he helps keep things moving and headbobbingly fun. Likewise, brother Josh shreds one hell of a hook on tracks like first single "Misery Business" and "Hallelujah", but when matched with Fueled By Ramen labelmates Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco, nothing terribly trailblazing is happening.

But at the same time, Paramore doesn't try to pretend that they are. Everyone in the band seems well aware of the fact that Williams is groundbreaking enough; in a year where female artists produced primarily bubblegum dreck ("Girlfriend" and "The Sweet Escape" come to mind), Paramore and their balls-to-the-wall brand of rock is proof of what both FBR and pop/punk in general are capable of. The live tracks on the reissue make it perfectly clear that despite the remarkable production work, Paramore knows how to play live, and aren't afraid to crank it up to 11 for a live audience. Look for Paramore to be around for awhile, and you can expect Riot! to show up on more than a couple of best-of lists this year.

Ruling on the Field: 9/10
Highlight Reel:
Paramore - Hallelujah
Paramore - Misery Business (acoustic)

Which brings me to Viva La Mainstream!'s Best of 2007 list. It was a really good year for the rock world, which makes the job of coming up with the Best Album and Best Song lists incredibly tough. The following list is just a small taste of what the Album list could look like, and there's still a month left to go (this is in no particular order):

Paramore, Riot!
Foo Fighters, Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace
Jimmy Eat World, Chase This Light
Linkin Park, Minutes to Midnight
Kanye West, Graduation
Bright Eyes, Cassadaga
Nine Inch Nails, Year Zero
Soundtrack, Across the Universe
Fall Out Boy, Infinity On High
Bruce Springsteen, Magic

And that leaves out potential dark horses like Boys Like Girls, OneRepublic, and less obvious picks like Dashboard, Finger Eleven, Timbaland...the list goes on. Look for more on my Best Of as we get closer to 2008. As always, your suggestions are welcome.

Angels and Airwaves Start To Fill Some Empty Promises

So the writers in Hollywood are on strike meaning that TV favorites like The Daily Show and Late Night with Conan O'Brien are already in reruns, and others, like Grey's Anatomy only have enough new episodes to last till mid-December (the worst scenario award goes to Lost, which due to contract clauses and other randomness, may not air again until February of 2009). Meanwhile in New York the Local One Stagehands are striking, which has effectively shut down Broadway for the second time in 5 years (in 2003 the musicians staged a four-day walkout). So for the time being, TV and Broadway are in a state of limbo. For more on these events, special commentator Michael Stipe:

Audio Commentary from Michael Stipe

At any rate, the music world soldiers on, despite being plagued by the likes of pirates like you and me. Which brings me to tonight's reviews. First, Angels and Airwaves sophomore album, I-Empire:

You kinda have to hand it to Tom DeLonge; the man has a hell of a lot of confidence in his work and refuses to let anyone sway him from it. Prior to releasing We Don't Need to Whisper, his first album after the demise of Blink 182, DeLonge promised that Angels & Airwaves would be the biggest thing to happen to music in two decades, among other such inflated nonsense. The album was an underwhelming ho-hum, an exercise in over-the-top, neverending songs with no clear direction or reason to keep listening. PMA put it best when they said "There was actually a pretty good album buried in WDNTW, but it was difficult to find". DeLonge spent too much time trying to put on the face of maturity and growth without any substance in the music to back it up.

Now AvA is back with I-Empire. The pretentious promises to reshape music and revolutionize the world, etc. are still here, as evidenced by the accompanying website modlife.com, which offers music, podcasts, and film features tied to an eventual movie (all available for a small fee, mind you...). On the surface the music hasn't changed much either; lots of huge intros and spacey guitars vaguely similar to early U2. But beneath the surface, the songs are a bit tighter. They still run between 4 and a half to 5 minutes, but they have more focus than before, and the hooks are much more defined than they were in the past. DeLonge and company come in, make their point and get the hell out. As for DeLonge's songwriting, not much has changed, for better or for worse. DeLonge's lyrics still sound best when written in a highschool yearbook, but there's still a charm to them, that right something that makes you say "Yeah, I've been there" as he sings. Songs like the pedestrian first single "Everything's Magic" and opener "Call to Arms" may not help their crusade, but once those are out of the way, AvA treats us to arena-ready, upbeat rock, highlighted by "Love Like Rockets" and "Rite of Spring", both prime examples of what AvA could accomplish if they spend more time rocking and less time preaching (are you taking notes, Bono?).

Now comes the great question of how Angels and Airwaves compares to the other post-Blink band, Mark Hoppus's and Travis Barker's (+44). Prior to I-Empire, (+44) was obviously the better of the two. The fast pace and tight hooks made Blink so popular, and Travis Barker took both with him and Hoppus. Even after hearing the new album I think that musically (+44) is the better band, though admittedly Mark Hoppus's songwriting is an attempt to mimic the sincerity of DeLonge's. But Angels and Airwaves win the award for most improvement with I-Empire, now if Tom DeLonge could stop making absurd promises, maybe we really could have something great on our hands.

Ruling on the Field: 7/10
Highlight Reel: Rite of Spring

I'll be back in a bit with a review of The Killers B-Side collection Sawdust, due out this Tuesday.

==TJ==

Project Phoenix To Rise From The Ashes In '08

Anyone who is/has been familiar with my music taste has probably heard me mention and rant and rave about Project Phoenix. I was a fan of Project Phoenix since the days of their original unbelievably-long-as-hell moniker, The Unethical Development Of Hopeless Romanticism (TUDOHR). Their sound is best described as the instrumentals of U2 matched with the inspiring lyrics and melodies of Jimmy Eat World. Since their 2006 debut EP The Future Through Fresh Eyes the band, fronted by J. Michael "MJ" Storey has laid low, with Storey attending film school in the hopes of creating a huge multimedia project for their first full length album. The band also set up a huge recording studio in Orlando that appears to be acting as the home base for this project.

Earlier today I received an email from MJ asking for help in starting to spread the word about what's to come from the band. The band is embarking on a massive project involving music, film and who knows what else in a 10-part project launching May 1st 2008. In an email sent to me regarding the project, Storey promised that what they're working on will "make certain 'products' absolutely free to anyone who wants them...no catch".

Sounds like Project Phoenix is trying to follow in the footsteps of Angels & Airwaves and/or Radiohead, only without being so pretentious. Either way, I'm excited to see what the next step is, and I'll be along for the ride.

Speaking of Angels & Airwaves, I'm listening to I-Empire right now in the hopes of giving you a review tomorrow or Saturday. I've got a whole bunch of stuff in the pipeline that should come out in the next couple days. Keep your eyes peeled.

Project Phoenix - Take Comfort In Knowing
Project Phoenix on MySpace
The Future Through Fresh Eyes [iTunes]

==TJ==

New vids from the Foo, Linkin Park

Earlier today the Foo Fighters premiered the video for new single "Long Road To Ruin" on MTV.com (a pleasant surprise; I had heard the next single was "Cheer Up Boys, Your Makeup is Running"). The video is classic Dave Grohl weirdness set to the backdrop of a bad soap opera complete with characters like "Saul Goode" and "Les Groper". Oh yeah, and the song is effing amazing

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

And a few weeks ago, Linkin Park released their video for "Shadow of the Day", their third single from Minutes to Midnight and yet another video directed by band member Joe Hahn. The video is traditionally dark, but as per the theme of the new album, much more insightful and powerful than the Linkin Park of old. I especially like the sound effects over top of the music. Another great song from an amzing album

Youtube disabled the embed function for this song, but here's a link. While you're at it, check out the piece on Chester's broken wrist.

That's all for tonight. Back when there's more cool stuff to show off.

Foo Fighters - Long Road to Ruin
Foo Fighters [iTunes]

Linkin Park - Shadow of the Day
Linkin Park [iTunes]

==TJ==

Artists I Should Have Been Raving About A LONG Time Ago...

In my ongoing quest to be the universe's most educated music listener, I've recently come across a bunch of artists that I find I should have known some time ago, but only just now loving. I now present my recent musical discoveries to you.

Paramore
With Britney Spears going batshit crazy at every corner, Avril Lavigne making people want to gouge their ears out, and Amy Lee on the road to becoming the next Axl Rose, rock music needs another "nice girl" for the reviewers to adore and the rocker dudes to drool over. That's where Paramore, fronted by 18-year-old Hayley Williams, come in. Their second album Riot! is climbing the iTunes charts, and singles "Misery Business" and "Crushcrushcrush" are making bloggers and DJs alike go crazy. The lyrics are totally true to William's 18-year-old girl demeanor, and the band delivers them with all the pop-punk fury that was absent from recent efforts from Good Charlotte and Yellowcard, and Hayler Williams has a set of pipes that put the likes of Amy Lee and Avril to shame. And oh yeah, have you seen Hayley Williams?




Yeah, I said it.

Paramore - Crushcrushcrush
Paramore on iTunes

Oh, and as long as I mentioned her, I might as well issue my (and by default, this blog's) official position on the perpetual media event that is the "artist" formerly known as Britney Spears. Seriously, who gives a fuck anymore? On one level, she's more fun when she's batshit crazy, because you honestly don't know what the hell she's gonna do next. And her album? Psh. Yeah its getting decent reviews, but you know that's all the work of the bazillion producers and stuff who are writing her music and making it sound good amidst her drunken escapades and attempts at singing the way she did 10 years ago. And with that, I hope to never have to utter her name ever again on this blog.

Chris Brown
Like I've said, the more I listen to Top 40 R&B, the more I like it. My first real experience with Chris Brown was in the "Umbrella" remix I posted last week (I had heard "Run It!" in the past at high school dances and the like, but didn't recognize it as him/didn't care enough to really listen). After hearing his awesome contribution to that track, I downloaded "Run It!" and his new one "Kiss Kiss". Both are fun, upbeat, and all the things I want out of Hip-Hop and R&B. And in case you somehow didn't know this, Chris Brown is 18 years old. Watch the clip of "Run It!" and listen to "Kiss Kiss" and maybe you'll see why I'm impressed.

Chris Brown - Kiss Kiss (feat. T-Pain)
Chris Brown - Run It! [Youtube]
Chris Brown on iTunes

I think that's it for now. The radio show is most likely going on an indefinite hiatus due to some personal stuff (mostly just I don't have time), but keep your eyes peeled in case that changes.

==TJ==

PS Oh and in honor of Guy Fawkes Day, I know I posted the original version of this song last time out, but it seems appropriate to hand you a cover, given the occasion.

Stone Temple Pilots - Revolution (Beatles Cover)
STP on iTunes

Images Of Broken Light That Dance Before Me Like A Million Eyes...

Before I get started, the link to the iMix from the last entry.

Earlier this week I FINALLY got to see Across the Universe, the Beatles tribute movie that was recommended to me by everyone from Pretty Much Amazing to my own brother. I had seen trailers for it and was on the fence. I love the Beatles and liked the idea, but thought the movie looked a bit too acid-trippy for my taste. But after a string of recommendations, I went to give it shot.




Holy crap. The movie was beyond incredible. From the very first song the movie is a fun, poignant ride. And the music? Absolutely amazing. Despite my usual dislike for Bono, his versions of "I Am The Walrus" and "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" are surprisingly enjoyable. But by far the best moments belong to Jim Sturgess (as Jude) and Joe Anderson (Max) on songs like "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "I've Just Seen A Face". Virtually every performance in this movie is noteworthy, and the only number that misses is the utterly ridiculous "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" (remember that acid trip I was worried about? Yeah.). Even when the movie gets abstract and conceptual, it takes you along for the ride instead of wondering what the hell is happening. And of course the favorites ("Hey Jude", "All You Need is Love") are pulled off masterfully.

One of the best parts of this is the re-imagining of some songs. Envision a version of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" slowed down, and lounge-style, or perhaps a gospel twist on "Let it Be". Beatles purists will probably scoff at the idea, but it works, and it works well. My only complaints are the lack of tracks from Rubber Soul (the best Beatles album in my opinion), and the aforementioned over-the-top "Mr. Kite" sequence. If you can get a chance to see this before it leaves theatres, do so. Otherwise definitely a DVD pickup, and FOR GOD'S SAKE GET THE SOUNDTRACK!!!

Across the Universe - I Want to Hold Your Hand
Across the Universe - I've Just Seen A Face
Across the Universe - Hey Jude

Across the Universe Soundtrack on iTunes

And now it should be noted that I've uploaded all the Beatles music I have to iTunes and am listening to it now.

The Beatles - In My Life
The Beatles - Revolution

The Beatles on Amazon.com

==TJ==

About that Singles post...

...yeah life got in the way, and I'm only getting around to it now. What with the show opening I've been listening to a bunch of different stuff, some of it to get me pumped (or "amped" as Ernie liked to put it), other stuff just because it sounds good. Let's get started.

Kanye West - Stronger
This one is just a given. It played on the radio once in the dressing room, leading me to start rapping along since I knew every word to the track (having heard it a million times by now). After that it just got played every single pre-show after that. My love for this track is well documented on this blog.

Black Sabbath - War Pigs
A favorite of my castmate and friend Ernie. Before "Stronger" rolled around, this song was the song to which we all danced, moshed, and air-guitarred prior to curtain. I'm not a huge fan of Black Sabbath or even metal for that matter, but this song did what it had to do.

Finger Eleven - Paralyzer
Another dance around the dressing room favorite. Very sad to hear this song somehow got snubbed on the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock setlist. Awesome riff, the beat is simple, but unforgettable, and its just a great song by a band that most people wrote off.

Speaking of which, what should a band do when its core fans abandon them for having "sold out" for getting a radio friendly hit? Do what Finger Eleven did and get a new fanbase. I bought Them vs. You vs. Me the other day, and their new brand of bouncy hard rock is positively amazing. It'd be easy to assume "Paralyzer" is just another one-hit wonder track, but in reality its matched by the likes of "Falling On", "Change the World", and "I'll Keep Your Memory Vague". It's not earth-shattering, but dammit if isn't better than the by-the-numbers angst rock we've become so used to. I hope you're taking notes, Seether.
Ruling on the Field: 7.5/10

Rihanna - Umbrella (Cinderella remix feat. Chris Brown)
I know I'm way behind the times on this "Umbrella" remix, but it got played on Alex, Helen, and Amanda's show and I fell in love with it. The more I listen to Top 40 R&B, the less I find myself hating it. I ruckused Good Girl Gone Bad to see what I was missing, and it wasn't nearly as bad as I was thinking it would be (and nowhere near as sickeningly sugarpoppy as the new Backstreet Boys album). While I'm at it, Shut Up and Drive is equally good at getting the adrenaline flowing.

Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up To Boston
Anyone who saw The Departed will know this song, and it's textbook DKM with it's throat wrenching vocals, pulsing drums and sick guitars. Another fun song to get yourself worked up to.

The Crash Motive - Not Giving Up
Yeah, I know I posted this last time, but it's still just as appropriate. Every time I hear this song, I feel like I need to get up and fight someone. The drums sound like they belong on a rap album, and you can't not bounce along in your chair to the chorus. I'm playing through their debut album, and can't stop raving about these guys. If you don't have this song, you really have no excuse.

All these tracks and others can be found on the iMix I just threw together, aptly titled "GET AMPED". Go check it out on iTunes (I posted it as an entry for a contest The Crash Motive is holding right now). I'll link to the mix tomorrow after the updates I made to it take hold.

Back later with other stuff.

==TJ==

Too Many Albums, Too Little Time...

I've listened to a lot of stuff over the last week or two, some of it leaks of stuff and other random songs, and now I'd like to offer up some of that to you lovely people.

-Just for the hell of it I snagged a leak of Say Anything's concept album In Defense of the Genre. I generally tend to sneer at concept albums (these days they're overdone, and only My Chemical Romance and Nine Inch Nails have done them REALLY well). But with the help of a laundry list of guest acts (Gerard Way, Chris Carrabba, Adam Lazzarra, among others), Say Anything puts together a fun, meaningful group of songs that may not be immediately memorable, but you can't help but want to keep listening to see what happens next. I'm only a couple tracks into the second disc, but it's a really strong set from a band I never really took seriously before
Ruling on the Field: 8/10
Highlight Reel: The Church Channel

A few weeks ago iTunes offered up a free song called "Pictures of You" by a band called The Last Goodnight. The track was amazing, and after they dropped the album price down to $5.99, I decided to give it a shot. I still haven't played the whole CD yet, but comparisons to a young, slightly more diverse Maroon 5 are accurate. That said, it doesn't appear to be that exciting either. Still giving it a shot though, so a rating is pending. In the meantime, I offer you "Pictures of You"
The Last Goodnight - Pictures of You

I meant to post this awhile ago (like back in July), but forgot till now. After 3 years of releasing singles to whet the appetite of fans and a change in moniker, the band formerly known as Omnisoul released their debut album under their new name, The Crash Motive. The album, entitled Consequence, was released on October 9th and somehow managed to sneak under my radar and the collective radar of the rest of the industry. The album contains the three songs already released under the old name ("Waiting (Save Your Life)", "Not Giving Up", and "When You Go") along with 10 other tracks. Haven't gotten to hear the new material, but very excited to pick this up.
The Crash Motive (formerly Omnisoul) - Not Giving Up

I think that'll do it for now...expect a singles entry tomorrow. Just to give a peek, popular tracks on my iPod right now include a remix of "Umbrella", Snow Patrol, Sufjian Stevens, and a whole mess o' stuff. Also expect early reaction to the leaked Backstreet Boys album.

==TJ==

New Song from The Killers, Maroon 5 tries to be Sting

OK, so couple of bits coming out today:

-The Killers' have officially released their cover of Joy Division's "Shadowplay", which will appear on the soundtrack to the upcoming Joy Division biopic as well as The Killers' rarities and B-Sides album Sawdust. The track is available on iTunes and Ruckus, I will make it available here ASAP.

-Yesterday Maroon 5 debuted the video for their third single off It Won't Be Soon Before Long, "Won't Go Home Without You". It's one of the better songs off the rather overwhelmingly average album, though it definitely reeks of "She Will Be Loved". Two things come to mind as I hear the song/video:

1. Does any other band have a member that looks more out of place than the guitarist (guy on the far right in the video) from Maroon 5? He looks like a cross between Kurt Cobain and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters' drummer), whereas Adam Levine looks like a perpetually angry Justin Timberlake.

2. After watching the video, I realized how not-so-nice the song is. Could this song be this decade's answer to "Every Breath You Take"? Watch the video and you'll see what I mean.



-The Fray put the Reason EP on iTunes today. Reason was a set of 7 songs (including "Vienna" which eventually made it onto How To Save A Life) written and recorded before their debut album was released. Most fans of The Fray have already gotten this EP through illicit means, but at least now the band is trying to capitalize off it.

-I know this has been out for awhile, but I only just heard it a few days ago:

Paramore - My Hero (Foo Fighters cover)

I've been looking to hear some of Paramore's music, but hadn't found a way in til this track. Awesome cover, definitely worth the listen.

Listen for all this stuff and more on the radio show today at 4.

Maroon 5 - Won't Go Home Without You
The Fray - Without Reason

==TJ==

Does this make Radiohead and NIN the Tom Glavine and Mariano Rivera of Music?

Thanks to anyone who listened on Tuesday. It was sort of a disorganized show, seeings how I was training people in the midst of doing a show. A few mixups and glitches (sorry to anyone listening during the nasty feedback), and of course the ongoing technical issues were a pain, but hopefully by next week a large majority of that will be settled.

I also ended up sitting in on the Alex, Helen, and Amanda show after they had some trouble, and let's just say, if you aren't listening to their show...you should be. Even if you aren't a fan of Top 40 stuff, just listen in for the ridiculous antics. Alex, Helen, and Amanda are on Tuesdays from 7-9 at radio.arcadia.edu. I'm admittedly not a fan of all of their stuff, but just being in the studio with them is a trip in and of itself. MP3s of some stuff they play is below.

So after much publicity and blogging, Radiohead's In Rainbows made its way onto the hard drives of fans all over the world today. I'm listening through it as I type this, and it's more or less what I expected. Weird, borderline trippy music with schizophrenic (and sometimes nonexistent) melodies that ultimately makes for OK ambient noise. A final rating to come later, but even though I'm not thrilled with it after one listen, I know I'm gonna end up playing through it a few more times. Most of what I've read about it so far seems pretty split; longtime fans seem to love the album, casual fans and others are rather indifferent. I'll let you know where I stand later.

In other stick-it-to-the-man news, Nine Inch Nails posted a message on their website in which Trent Reznor joyfully declares himself a free agent in the music world:

"Hello everyone. I've waited a LONG time to be able to make the
following announcement: as of right now Nine Inch Nails is a totally
free agent, free of any recording contract with any label. I have
been under recording contracts for 18 years and have watched the
business radically mutate from one thing to something inherently very
different and it gives me great pleasure to be able to finally have a
direct relationship with the audience as I see fit and appropriate.
Look for some announcements in the near future regarding 2008.
Exciting times, indeed."

Before we all get ornery and get ready to mark the time of death of the record label as we know it, let's remember that Radiohead and NIN have never been known for being the darlings of the recording industry. Anyone else remember the conniption that the RIAA had prior to the release of Year Zero? When bands like Fall Out Boy or Kelly Clarkson go free agent, then I'll call it.

One more thing; Dashboard Confessional frontman Chris Carrabba has been passing the time on his solo tour by blogging about his experiences on the road. Blog topics range from stories of fans he meets (good to know I'm not the only over-18 male who loves Dashboard) to lists of things he loves and hates at the moment (apparently Chris is a fan of Heroes and Battlestar Galactica). The blog is on his myspace page, and will probably go for the length of his solo tour. On another note, I ruckused The Shade of Poison Trees and made it through The Wire Tapes, the covers album I mentioned earlier. I didn't know too many of the originals, but Dashboard redoes tracks like "El Scorcho" and Regina Spektor's "Better" incredibly well. More in-depth reviews later, and definitely expect this stuff to be on the radio show next week.

That's all for now. Enjoy the MP3s, and I'll be back soon.

Timbaland - The Way I Are (As heard on Alex, Helen, and Amanda)
Fall Out Boy - The Take Over, The Break's Over (As heard on Alex, Helen, and Amanda)
Kanye West- Stronger (As heard on Alex, Helen, and Amanda)
Nine Inch Nails - Capital G
Dashboard Confessional - Better (Regina Spektor cover)

Buying music may be good karma, but Thom Yorke and Trent Reznor don't care so much...the choice is yours.

==TJ==