30
Punk Blues/Garage Punk
The Immortal Lee County Killers
Gun Club
The Gories
The Dirtbombs
The Black Keys
The White Stripes
29
Psychobilly
A quick primer on the fusion of Rockabilly and Punk Rock, Psychobilly.
The Cramps
The Sharks
The Meteors
Reverend Horton Heat
28
Cheaper Thrills Can Save the Record Business!
I was skimming through Rolling Stone earlier and I found this article by Steve Knopper on how Universal and Amazon are slashing prices on albums and can this move save the record industry. He made an interesting argument on how albums by bands such as Vampire Weekend, Them Crooked Vultures are going for 3.99 and 2.99 respectively. When it comes to it; this decision could help a lot. I’ve had this theory for awhile.
“Okay, how can selling albums at a cheaper price save an almost bankrupt industry?” Let me give you an example, I kind of have a weight problem. So, I try to use low calorie alternatives for some snack cravings. In my case, if something is lower in calories I’ll use that as justification to eat more of said snacks because I feel that I have a license to eat more of it.
Now, you’re probably thinking “what does your penchant for low-cal junk food alternatives have to do with record buying?” Well, actually everything… here’s the point I’m trying to make.
If you have an album that’s 2.99 and 3.99 to 7.99, it’s more affordable to a short of money audience that will buy more of it whereas a 12.99 album would sell fewer copies to a cash strapped audience. In the words of Frank Zappa, “If We can’t be free, we can at least be cheap.”
20
Stoner Jams!
Even though there are some folks that are firing it up right now for this unofficial “Cannabis Christmas” it doesn’t mean the ones that are sober can’t enjoy some kick ass tunes.
20
Hey, it’s that time of year!
When the subject of legalizing marijuana comes up, they’re usually two reactions, catch phrases such as “woo hoo! 4:20 dude! Wake and bake! Fire it up!” are heard and the staunch and less catchy “All drugs should be illegal.” are stated. To be clear, I don’t smoke, drink or do any other illegal substances. But, I’m aware of both sides of this argument. I don’t mind or care whatever someone does to their body within the realm of moderation. But when said person is becoming excessive with their vice, that’s when it becomes a concern as a friend. To be honest, I don’t believe that Marijuana is a gateway drug to other drugs. But, other chemical-based substances are though.
I guess people either forget that you can lace marijuana with other substances or trust their dealer enough not to “lace” their weed with anything harder like crack, PCP, meth, heroin or any other habit forming drugs in which would make whoever smoking more susceptible to be interested in harder drugs and wanting a better high.
To be fair, I’m not saying all dealers will do that. I’m not going to be that anti-drug boogieman. But, keep in mind that drug dealing is still a business and like any other business, some business owners can be dubious in how to make their product stand out in the market and how to keep their steady customer base as well. To remedy this concern, I don’t see the problem with responsible people growing their own herb so they’re very aware what their smoking. Some of you are probably thinking “John! How can you advocate someone smoking weed!” I mean, when it comes to it, how is smoking weed any different than someone unwinding at home with a cold beer? Let’s face it, alcohol consumption has had worse effects, from either serious danger to just doing embarrassing shit.
When it comes to it, we all get high somehow. Whether it’s getting drunk and acting a fool or acting crazy with our friends and getting an adrenaline rush off of that, so getting high isn’t the problem. The problem really is the actions we embark upon when our inhibitions are lowered.
To conclude this before I continue to chatter any longer, I urge people to be responsible if they’re going to get high.
Update: There was a hoax on twitter last night about a “terrorist” putting poison in weed and killing 67 people. Although it’s total horse shit, there is a nugget of truth to it and kind of re-iterates what I was saying earlier. But, if you’re going to smoke, know your dealer and be responsible!
19
Rock Albums That Every Black Person Should Have vol. 1
by John M. Ellison IV
Rock Albums That Every Black Person Should Hear: Funk Rock Edition
Maggot Brain-Funkadelic
Band of Gypsys live
Gumbo Millennium – 24-7 Spyz
Vivid-Living Colour
Truth and Soul-Fishbone
Uplift Mofo Party Planner-Red Hot Chili Peppers
16
Earl Greyhound-Suspicious Package
As a part of Afro-Punk and UrbAlt, I’ve been acquainted with Earl Greyhound. I’ve listened to their music only in passing, but I’ve been given the opportunity to listen to Earl Greyhound’s new album Suspicious Package. For those who aren’t familiar with Earl Greyhound, Earl Greyhound was originally started by songwriters Matt Whyte and Kamara Thomas in the spring of 2002 in New York City. The pair began performing regularly as a duo on piano and guitar on the East and West coast. They crafted their sound that would become the essence of Earl Greyhound. Later on, they expanded the act into a far louder guitar based trio with drummer Ricc Sheridan. Now the line up focused on Matt on lead vocals and guitar and Kamara on Bass and backing vocals. Their sound started to change and was reminiscent of English rock bands such as Queen, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin to even T.Rex. The trio’s live performances showed a versatility of the band being able to pull off melodic touching soul to an explosion of Zeppelin styled Hard Rock.
I’m not going to bore you with more back story. Let’s get to this album!
Suspicious Package is a very progressive rock sounding album that swings like a pendulum from the more advanced sounds of jazz fusion to more balls to the wall rockers. I’m going to focus on the three tracks that I really enjoyed.
The opening track Eyes of Cassandra is a mellow track that starts with some Fender Rhodes noodling then builds into a Latin disco sound. But, the second track, “Eyes of Cassandra pt. 2” builds from the mellow ambience of the opening track…like a thunderstorm off in the distance.
Oye Vaya is a guitar driven rocker that you can either head bang to or isolate the break to dance to. Really, thinking about it, Oye Vaya is kind of reminiscent of “The Mars Volta.”
“Ghost and the Witness” is another great example of Matt Whyte’s guitar playing. It’s a great mix of hook-y riffage and a solo has some actual “soul” to it.
“Suspicious Package” is a good album for someone looking for some more blues and soul driven rock music. I would recommend this album for anyone trying to transfer from neo-soul to something heavier or just anyone that misses that Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin type of Hard Rock.
The only criticism that I have with “Suspicious Package” is that the rawness of the band doesn’t match with the hi-fi recording techniques. Personally, more lo-fi recording techniques would’ve complimented the album.
“Suspicious Package”is available now at http://www.earlgreyhound.com/looklisten/ .
15
Breaking News! Peter Steele is No Longer With Us
My condolences to the Steele family and Type O Negative fans
“http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=7497″
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