Mobile
Friday, April 16, 2010
Opinion / Mike McCray / News The local video dilemma
Posted By Mike McCray on Fri, Apr 16, 2010 at 3:27 PM
I grew up on the tail end of the music videos generation. The flop on the couch and waste a day watching music video days have come and gone and, sure, sitting on YouTube to see what new videos are out is cool but it's not the same.
It does present a unique conundrum for the local artist though, especially those who have grown up in the "real" MTV era where the thing artists do when they have a new single is shoot the video.
I usually tell artists if you don't have the budget, or anything funny/cool/creative for a viral video, skip the video all together because there's nothing you can do to help yourself. It's my respect for local artists that won't allow me to use this blog to clown some of their frankly shit-tastic videos I've been tagged in or sent lately.
I'm talking '80s green screen in the mall bad without the irony and we're in on the joke part. These guys were completely serious and the problem lies in how they've been presented media in the past versus how the industry works now.
News / Jason Younger / Interviews Skillet — Not your mom and dad's Christian rock band
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Fri, Apr 16, 2010 at 1:24 PM
Real quick – scroll down to the bottom of this post and check out the video. Don’t worry, I’ll wait. Ok, got it? Rocks right? You might even say that it’s a damn fine, hard rock song. And you might be a bit surprised that a Christian rock band has churned out such a bangin’ hit.
Meet Skillet. A Christian rock band like few others. With a rock opera sound, this group won’t be confused with the Christian bands of old. They actually fit right in with the Shinedowns and Evanescences of the world. According to lead singer John Cooper, this is by design. “We want to sing hard rock songs that actually lift somebody up. Just because a song has a hard rock sound, doesn’t mean it can’t be a positive influence on someone.” And when Skillet brings their Awake and Alive tour to the "Bo-Round" on Sunday, you’ll get the chance to hear just that. Uplifting songs with rock your socks off music.
10-in-10 CD Reviews / News 10-in-10 CD reviews
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Fri, Apr 16, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Each Friday, we review 10 recently released CDs in 10 words each:
Catherine Russell Inside this Heart of Mine — Vocalist releases album of covers from a variety of styles.
Justin Nozuka You I Wind Land And Sea — Young, soulful acoustic singer releases his laid-back sophomore album.
The Candles Between the Sounds — Band name is plural, but it’s one guy… sounds ok.
Shakura S’aida Brown Sugar — Canadian blues singer doesn’t do anything to break the standard.
Murder By Death Good Morning Magpie — With name like that, I didn’t expect such mellow music.
Steve Gouveia Shine — Member of Jersey Boys cast releases decent solo rock album.
Big Daddy Love To the Mountain — North Carolina quintet plays their own brand of Americana Rock.
Coheed and Cambria Year of the Black Rainbow — Band’s fifth studio album is “prequel” to the previous four.
Legendary Shack Shakers Agridustrial — Some tracks shake the shack, others are more toned down.
Insane Clown Posse Bang Pow Boom — Nuclear edition reissue includes DVD and unreleased tracks… it’s craptacular!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
CD Reviews / News Mixtape Review: Wiz Khalifa's Kush & Orange Juice
Posted By Mike McCray on Thu, Apr 15, 2010 at 4:49 PM
The Good: I hate to say this tape is better than his last album but it definitely is! Who doesn't love flows about fly women and the champagne lifestyle coming from an indie rapper from Pittsburgh? The production is dope (as usual). Killa Kyleon does his best Rick Ross impersonation on "Spotlight" but it's hot nonetheless.
The Bad: If you aren't a smoker or into laid back raps on chill tracks then this probably isn't you steez but no major qualms otherwise. I could live without Wiz jumping on super pop tracks when he doesn't have a crossover flow yet. It just doesn't work. (see "We're Done")
The Verdict: Following Wiz's development, the level of his production versus the level of his rhymes have always been off but this mixtape you see them leveling out. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come from a rapper who I always felt was borderline dope.
[Download Kush & Orange Juice here]
INFO
Release date: April 14, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
News / Jason Younger / Interviews Need to see Needtobreathe
Posted By Jason Younger on Tue, Apr 13, 2010 at 10:32 AM
If you’ve never heard of Possum Kingdom, S.C., you aren’t alone. It sounds like most Southern small towns. Quiet, isolated, maybe one stop light... But for the group NeedtoBreathe, this is home. Which might explain why the group decided to title their newest album The Outsiders.
“When we were recording the album, the theme developed over time," explains lead singer Bear Rinehart. "The title track became a perfect story of who we are. We are outsiders to the music industry, to music in general. There was no music scene where we grew up, and we felt a bit like we never fit in.”
But with the tracks on The Outsiders album, the band may have found their niche – great songwriting, power lyrics and perfectly sung by Bear’s grizzled Southern voice. If you haven’t heard them before, you’re missing out.
When the band brings its act to Charlotte this Friday (April 16), you’ll have the opportunity to see the band in its natural element. “It’s a big deal to see the small crowds our show used to draw get bigger and bigger. It’s really amazing,” says Bear, “Last year we played in front of 200 people in Chicago. This year, we sell out the House of Blues there and perform in front of 1,400. Absolutely amazing.”
And for good reason. I’ve written in this space many times that good albums are a thing of the past. Not with these guys. Each song sounds different, distinct, which provides for a great listening experience.
Videos / News Video: Shaq covers Rick James
Posted By Mike McCray on Tue, Apr 13, 2010 at 10:09 AM
Shaquille O'Neal is no stranger to a little role play.
The NBA superstar has flashed his personality on and off the court for the better part of the last two decades and recently, the big man donned a wig on UStream and lip synched Rick James' "Fire and Desire" ... do I need to say anything more?
Don't forget The Diesel went platinum as a rapper in the early '90s but I don't think a Rick James tribute is in the works after this one.
Enjoy.
New Releases / News This week's new releases (4/13/2010)
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Tue, Apr 13, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Here's a quick list of some of the new albums being released today:
Jeff Beck Emotion & Commotion
Coheed and Cambria Year of the Black Rainbow
Kaki King Junior
Natalie Merchant Leave Your Sleep
MGMT Congratulations
Justin Nozuka You I Wind Land And Sea
Passion Pit Manners
Videos / News Death metal rooster
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Tue, Apr 13, 2010 at 9:41 AM
Apparently, I'm a little slow in finding out about this, seeing as there are nearly 3 million views on YouTube, but I can't stop laughing...
So, here it is. The death metal rooster:
\
-
Rain doesn't dampen the party with Kesha and Macklemore
Both sets cut short as storms roll through Charlotte, N.C.
-
Live review: Fiona Apple, The Fillmore (9/26/2012) 16
Fans ate it up, but it was a trainwreck of tragic and frustrating proportions.
-
Frank Ocean tops Village Voice Pazz & Jop poll
Annual critics list creates requisite buzz
