Category Archives: music

music

Scott Stapp announces solo tour, no Creed reunion yet…

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Scott Stapp revealed the big announcement today that he’s going on tour for his solo career but not with Creed. He’ll be touring in some states in the US and he’s got a few dates booked in Africa.

Welp, he’s got to start making money again somehow since he’s been pretty broke for a long while. Now he’s getting better with himself, he’s getting back on the road again with his music. I think he’s about ready to release a new solo album too ’cause he just recorded one, I believe. During his solo tour, I’m sure he’ll play all the well-known CREED hits as well. Of course, he’s going to play all the Creed along with his own material. If he wasn’t gonna play Creed songs then people wouldn’t be interested in his tour. That’s why you hear Creed songs in the promotional video above giving you a hint that he will play Creed songs on tour.

I’m a big fan of Creed. I’ve heard all of their albums and saw them in concert twice in the past. I’ve always loved the band. Of course, their album, “My Own Prison” will always be the best record, in my opinion. While there is no CREED reunion yet, maybe Scott will invite Mark Tremonti to play guitar on a few Creed songs on his tour? That could probably happen.

While Creed has got a lot of critics and haters now ’cause of their mainstream status in the past, I still love the band today. I’m glad Scott is getting better and improving his life so I hope he stays this way.

Check out Scott’s tour dates here:

http://scottstapp.com/tour/

Kev

music

Midnight Oil frontman, Peter Garrett is writing songs again… will there be a new Midnight Oil album?

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Peter Garrett who is the lead singer of 80’s rock band, Midnight Oil, has just announced that he’s writing new original songs again in over a decade. In 2002, Peter quit Midnight Oil all of a sudden to start a political career and became an environmental minister. Peter said he wrote a bunch of new songs. He didn’t record them yet but he’s considering it.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-13/midnight-oils-peter-garrett-writing-songs/6852038

Despite his belief in Climate Change, I hope there will be a new Midnight Oil album ’cause that would be great. I’ve always been a fan of that band ’cause they’ve always wrote great rock songs. I hope there will be a new Oil album. If his new songs that he’s been writing are not gonna be for the Oils, he could be putting together his first solo album so who knows.

Peter is a talented singer and songwriter, though. The Oils wrote a lot of rockin’ songs. Their music is great stuff.

Kev

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Metallica is finally back in the studio again, we’ll probably see a new album by them sometime in 2016…

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Looks like there’s not gonna be a new Metallica album this year but definitely sometime next year! James Hetfield confirms they’re recording again. Probably recording in their usual recording studio that the band own themselves, Metallica HQ, which is located in San Rafael, California.

It’s always pretty strange to me that people always beg for a new Metallica album and then when it actually comes out, everybody’s always hating on it. Music fans are really messed up and weird sometimes. Fans want Metallica to go back to their 80’s thrash metal stuff but the truth is… Metallica has always been that type of band that plays whatever music they wanna play. They play whatever comes out of ’em and they release the songs that they like. Metallica is a band that doesn’t care about public opinion. They just do what they want and not give a fuck. That’s a huge part of why I respect the band so much.

Metallica can never make fans happy, although they try. They just play what they wanna play and that’s all there is to it.

I can’t wait for the next Metallica album. I’m sure the new album will have some thrashy stuff but don’t be surprised that you’ll still hear some “Black” album and “Load/Reload” stuff on there as well.

No matter what they put out, fans will always be complaining to them about something and that’s what pisses me off about so-called Metallica fans. Fuck ’em. I still love Metallica no matter what they say and I’m sure the next album will be great. Looking forward to it!

Kev

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While I’m a huge fan of Joe Bonamassa, I think he’s more fun to listen to live than in the studio…

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I’ve listened to all of Joe Bonamassa’s studio albums. While I did enjoy them all, admittedly, I think I enjoy listening to his live albums more than his studio albums. Why? Simply because Joe plays better live than in the studio. On the stage, Joe has a lot more energy and power. He’s more fun and exciting to listen to when he performs live.

Joe Bonamassa has a lot of live albums and so far, I only listened to four of them. I listened to “Live In Amsterdam w/ Beth Hart”, “Live at Royal Albert Hall”, “Muddy WOlf at Red Rocks” and his newest live album, “Live at Radio City Music Hall”. All very good! I listened to all those on Apple Music, of course but I only own one live album for myself which is “Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks”.

Joe is amazing to listen to live ’cause that’s what he is known for mostly, he’s a live performer. He always has been a live performer ever since he was a little kid. Joe proves that blues music is still alive and well. As you can see, Joe is getting more popular and he’s getting bigger which is well deserved. He’s a genius guitar player and a great singer too.

If only I could get my chance to see Joe live myself. It’ll be even more fun when you go see him live on stage in person. I now kind of wish I went to his SPAC show when he played Saratoga Springs earlier this summer. Oh well, maybe I’ll catch him next time he plays here.

Joe is more fun to listen to live ’cause he never plays his original material twice ’cause he’s always playing his songs differently and always improvising. Joe plays a lot of covers at his shows too but they are mostly old blues songs.

I’m a pretty big fan Joe’s. We need more of Joe Bonamassa in the industry and less Kanye, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Even if you don’t like Joe Bonamassa, you should still give him props for playing his own instruments and doing his own thing. Best of all, Joe is not really signed under any big major label either. He releases all of his music under his own label, J & R Adventures. He refuses to be under the record industry’s control and wants to do everything on his own. That’s a part of why I have so much respect for the guy.

He may have a really huge guitar and amp collection but he deserves all that since he’s got a successful music career on his own without the help of major labels.

Joe is quite a guy, plus he seems very nice and friendly too.

Kev

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Why Janet Jackson is totally worthy for the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame…

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I know this choice of a nomination is kind of questionable but Janet Jackson is totally worthy. Her music is rock n’ roll all the way whether you want to agree with it or not. She’s more pop/rock than anything but she’s still rock n’ roll. Even though she’s mostly pop/rock, she still has some songs that has some great guitar playing on them with songs like “Black Cat” and “If”, hear the tracks below for a little flashback.

Janet is totally worthy. The Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson’s solo career is in the Hall of Fame but not yet Janet but she will be soon, though. I think she’s gonna get the induction for sure.

I’ve listened to all of her albums and I would say her best albums are “Rhythm Nation 1814”, “Janet” (1993), and her newest album, “Unbreakable”. I enjoyed all of Janet’s albums but those three are my favorite.

I’ve always been a fan since high school and still am a fan of hers today. She had a successful career and her music is fun and enjoyable career. She’s had a very positive career for the most part. She was never those type of artists who got herself into any celebrity gossip and didn’t bring her personal life into things too much. Except the only controversy that she got herself into was her wardrobe malfunction at the Superbowl with Justin Timberlake but that’s about it and that isn’t a big deal.

Janet Jackson is a great artist and accomplished a lot on a positive note. She always had my respect. Her music is fun and enjoyable to listen to. I’m a big fan of all the Jacksons. We need more of Janet and less Kanye West.

Kev

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15 Bands & Artists who STILL need an induction in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…

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Every year when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame comes around, I would usually compile a list of bands and artists that still need to get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in Cleveland. Sometimes the lists turn out a little different but I don’t mind doing this list again…

Here’s a top fifteen list of legendary bands & artists that hasn’t gotten inducted yet but SHOULD:

  • Deep Purple: Hopefully the next Hall of Fame will be their time!
  • Yes: The legendary prog rock band who’s famous for songs “Roundabout” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. Hopefully the next Hall of Fame will be their time as well and I think it will be.
  • Billy Idol:  This guy hasn’t even gotten a nomination yet either. I don’t think he’s ever gotten one and I think it’s time that Billy Idol get inducted? His career is absolutely worthy!
  • Midnight Oil: Another band that I can think of that is worthy of the Hall of Fame and they are eligible too. Pete Garrett is a kick ass rock singer and this band is definitely worthy.
  • Ozzy (solo career): Black Sabbath is already in, what about Ozzy solo?
  • Pat Benatar: The singer known for songs like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Heartbreaker”. I fuckin’ LOVE Pat Benatar and it’s insane that she isn’t in yet.
  • Jethro Tull: Need I say more? Ian Anderson and the guys are definitely worthy!
  • Joe Satriani: Believe it or not, the Satch is eligible as he has been around for years. He’s definitely worthy as he had one helluva career!
  • Phish: The Grateful Dead are in the Hall of Fame but not Phish. Now there is something wrong with that!
  • Emerson, Lake and Palmer:  It’s also pretty insane that this band isn’t in yet ’cause their album, “Brain Salad Surgery” is a masterpiece and one of my favorite albums of all time.
  • Dire Straits: Huh??? Their hit video “Money for Nothing” which changed music video history is not good enough to get the band inducted? WOW!
  • Sammy Hagar (solo): Van Halen is in but Sammy’s legendary solo career isn’t. He had a very successful and legendary solo career. His video for “I Can’t Drive 55” also helped change the history of MTV.
  • Iron Maiden: One of the greatest metal bands of all time is definitely worthy. It’s a shame that the Hall of Fame doesn’t give much respect to metal.
  • Slayer: Enough said?
  • Motorhead: Yeah, I think they so deserve it.

I’m sure the list can keep going and going.

Kev

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Pop & rap is rock n’ roll, it’s not that hard to understand…

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A lot of people these days would criticize the hall of fame. Music fans would accuse them of not including enough rock in the induction roster  and many would accuse the Hall of Fame of inducting some of the most famous bands really late.

I’ve always believed in the Hall of Fame and believe they know what they’re doing “genre” wise. Many people mistakenly believes that rock n’ roll is just nothing but guitar playing. Not exactly true you see, rock n’ roll exists in all forms of music and that includes pop music, R & B and rap/hip hop. Pop music is rock n’ roll. R & B is rock n’ roll. Yes, rap/hip hop is rock n’ roll too. All those genres came from rock n’ roll. Without rock n’ roll, then pop, R & B and rap/hip hop wouldn’t have happened. I believe the Hall of Fame knows exactly what they’re doing with “genres” so they’re fine with that.

My issue with the Hall of Fame is they haven’t inducted a lot of really good bands & artists that are deserving of a Hall of Fame induction… snubbing bands & artists that are deserving. They are right nominating Janet Jackson ’cause I’m a huge fan of her music. I just finished listening to all of her records on Apple Music and I even bought a physical CD of Janet’s new album, “Unbreakable” (which is a really good album, btw, her best record for sure). They are also right nominating the N.W.A., the rap group that I love.

There’s a very good chance that Deep Purple and YES may actually get an induction this year ’cause they are getting a lot of votes this time. I also agree with Cheap Trick ’cause I’m a fan of them too.

I was never a big fan of Nine Inch Nails, though. Just never got into their music as I think NIN is pretty overrated.

I also agree with Los Lobos and the Cars getting nominated ’cause they are great bands as well.

Hopefully, Deep Purple and YES will make it this time. I’m crossing my fingers for them.

http://rockhall.com/voting/2016-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-nominees-vote/

Kev

 

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Ozzy… just listened to all of his work on Apple Music…

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I have always been a pretty big fan of Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary singer. Have been an admirer and fan for years. I even liked his TV show, “The Osbournes” when it aired on MTV a while back. Ozzy is a talented and interesting man even if you can’t understand what he’s saying most of the time. A lot of people would make assumptions that he’s into Satan worship and all of this dark stuff but he’s not like that at all. Once you get to know the guy a little better, you’ll notice right away that he just a regular guy and a family man. You’ll notice he’s not that intimidating at all. I’ve read and seen too many interviews with Ozzy over the years and even read his rock memoir, “I Am Ozzy”. So yes, I think you can safely say that I’m a pretty big Ozzy fanatic.

I finally listened to all of Ozzy’s work. I listened to all 9 albums he did with Black Sabbath and I listened to all 11 solo albums he did. I enjoyed everything, of course but what are my favorite albums he did?

Well my favorite Sabbath albums he did would have to be: (self titled debut), Paranoid, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, Vol. 4 and their latest album, “13”.

As for Ozzy’s solo albums: I’m gonna say the three Randy Rhoads albums for sure “Blizzard of Ozz”, “Diary of a Madman” and “Bark at the Moon” are classic albums indeed. Plus the Ozzy & Randy live album, “Tribute” is golden as well. I do like a few other Ozzy solo albums but nothing will ever top the Rhoads era. As for other eras of Ozzy’s solo career… I’m gonna have to pick: “No More Tears”, “Ozzmosis” and “Black Rain” being the best. His latest album, “Scream” was just okay.

Ozzy’s a freakin’ legend, though.

When will Ozzy ever release a new solo album? I think he will soon once he finishes the new tour with Sabbath then he’ll move on to his solo career again, I’m sure. I would one day like to meet the guy in person… would be cool.

Kev

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Yep, Apple Music streaming service is definitely a keeper!

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Well, my three months free subscription to Apple Music is finally up and I decided to extend my subscription for another month. Like I said before, I can’t understand all the hate toward this service. To me, it’s fine and there’s nothing wrong with it. The service gives you a full month as promised and it costs exactly $9.99 as promised. There are no added taxes either. $9.99 is a pretty damn good deal, in my opinion. Apple Music streaming is definitely cheaper than Spotify ’cause Spotify costs like $10 month but they add taxes to your subscription, though.

Don’t listen to all the lies by the mainstream media and Spotify attacking Apple Music ’cause I’m quite impressed with Apple Music.

I got to listen to the entire catalog of albums by my favorite artists and bands. Over the 3 free months I got to the listen to the entire discography of albums by:

  • David Bowie
  • Kiss
  • Blur
  • Black Sabbath (Ozzy era)
  • Joe Bonamassa
  • Beth Hart
  • Joni Mitchell
  • The Pixies
  • Peter Gabriel
  • The Runaways
  • Lita Ford
  • The Smashing Pumpkins
  • Megadeth
  • Led Zeppelin
  • Lana Del Rey
  • Lamb of God
  • The Heartless Bastards
  • The Doors
  • Alice In Chains
  • Al Di Meola
  • Slayer

Yep, I listened to all albums by all those artists above.

Yeah, I listen to a lot of music ’cause it’s who I am, ya know? Music is in my blood. I don’t like the quiet and I gotta hear noise.

I still got more artists to listen to, listen to their entire catalog: Ac/Dc, Springsteen, Rush, Gary Moore, Lou Reed, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Pink, Bjork, Pantera, Queensryche, The Scorpions, the Clash, the Ramones, Billy Joel, Sheryl Crow, Van Halen, etc. I’ll make my way to them.

Thanks to Apple for this service. I’m definitely keeping it for sure, I think.

Kev