Saturday, November 12, 2011

I'm With You review!

I have been meaning to do this since I got it the day it came out. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to come around to it until now.......2 months later.

Anyways, the album is one to remember. After John Frusciante's 2nd departure (actually his 3rd. One was unofficial/official), his apprentice, Josh Klinghoffer, who has played with many acts such as Beck, Gnarls Barkley, The Butthole Surfers, and many more, took his place. His ability is rather surprising, and his amazing focus on melody makes him a wonderful guitarist.

The Track listing goes as follows:

"Monarchy of Roses"
"Factory of Faith"
"Brendan's Death Song"
"Ethiopia"
"Annie Wants a Baby"
"Look Around"
"The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie"
"Did I Let You Know"
"Goodbye Hooray"
"Happiness Loves Company"
"Police Station"
"Even You Brutus?"
"Meet Me at the Corner"
"Dance, Dance, Dance"

I have had  the pleasure of hearing the global stream through their website in late August, and it amazed me at how they came back with a boom.

Some highlights of the album: Ethiopia. I do not knonw how much I can stress this, but this track is AMAZING. Anthony brings back his lyrical genius into one small track. The intro riff is one to get stuck in your head. Goodbye Hooray is also a great track, but what  really gets me is the bass solo. It just proves that these guys still have it after almost 30 years dominating the music scene.

One downside of the album is Raindance Maggie. I do admit, it is a wonderful song that is, until you hear it over and over again. Call me crazy, but the crappy rock station by my house would play that into the wee hours of the morning. I was happy to get a break from the usual alternative metal but being used to classic rock stations, playing more of the older melodic Peppers, it got on my nerves. Otherwise, good song, if I heard less of it.

I would like to also present the SONG OF THE WEEK. Took me years to realize that  the "little girl" is actually, yours truly, Michael "Flea" Balzary. It is a song about incest, but it is still great to listen to for a good laugh, and a good dose of funk. Here it is: Mommy, Where's Daddy?

 

 

Hope you enjoyed! I will be reviewing one of my favorite 90s albums this week, so keep your eyes peeled! Rock on, Jade

I'm With You review!

I have been meaning to do this since I got it the day it came out. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to come around to it until now.......2 months later.

Anyways, the album is one to remember. After John Frusciante's 2nd departure (actually his 3rd. One was unofficial/official), his apprentice, Josh Klinghoffer, who has played with many acts such as Beck, Gnarls Barkley, The Butthole Surfers, and many more, took his place. His ability is rather surprising, and his amazing focus on melody makes him a wonderful guitarist.

The Track listing goes as follows:

"Monarchy of Roses"
"Factory of Faith"
"Brendan's Death Song"
"Ethiopia"
"Annie Wants a Baby"
"Look Around"
"The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie"
"Did I Let You Know"
"Goodbye Hooray"
"Happiness Loves Company"
"Police Station"
"Even You Brutus?"
"Meet Me at the Corner"
"Dance, Dance, Dance"

I have had  the pleasure of hearing the global stream through their website in late August, and it amazed me at how they came back with a boom.

Some highlights of the album: Ethiopia. I do not knonw how much I can stress this, but this track is AMAZING. Anthony brings back his lyrical genius into one small track. The intro riff is one to get stuck in your head. Goodbye Hooray is also a great track, but what  really gets me is the bass solo. It just proves that these guys still have it after almost 30 years dominating the music scene.

One downside of the album is Raindance Maggie. I do admit, it is a wonderful song that is, until you hear it over and over again. Call me crazy, but the crappy rock station by my house would play that into the wee hours of the morning. I was happy to get a break from the usual alternative metal but being used to classic rock stations, playing more of the older melodic Peppers, it got on my nerves. Otherwise, good song, if I heard less of it.

I would like to also present the SONG OF THE WEEK. Took me years to realize that  the "little girl" is actually, yours truly, Michael "Flea" Balzary. It is a song about incest, but it is still great to listen to for a good laugh, and a good dose of funk. Here it is: Mommy, Where's Daddy?

 

 

Hope you enjoyed! I will be reviewing one of my favorite 90s albums this week, so keep your eyes peeled! Rock on, Jade

National Metal Day!

So as you may or may not know, 11-11-11 was National Metal Day. Headbangers rejoiced and showed praise by blaring guitars and the like. National Metal Day was also the day of many surprises, such as Black Sabbath reuniting with a new album and tour that will start next year. Guns and Roses also took their time to visit the guys in That Metal Show for a wonderful performance.

 

I didn't start liking metal until my grandfather starting exposing me to it. I was mostly shown Metallica, Slayer, etc. until I learned about Godsmack from my uncle and Pantera  from hours of looking on Youtube. For this, I shall explain the TYPE of metal I enjoy. I believe that metal doesnt necessarily need a gutty voice, blaring guitar, and cymbals crashing left and right. Melodic metal, and basically any kind of metal that doesn't have vocals similar to a crappy emo song, is the metal for me. Remember: I was exposed to mainly grunge my whole life, so hardcore metal ain't my flow.

Here is some great metal songs I have prepared for you today!

 

 

Just in case you cannot see a thumbnail (uploading from Posterous), it is Godsmacks eerie and exotic Voodoo. One of the first songs that got me loving them, it has the real Satanic ritual-esque rhythm (not to mention Sully Erna is a certified Witch.

 

 

Five Finger Death Punch. One of my new favorite bands. This is from their newest  album, and I absolutely LOVE it. They have a lot of great songs you should check out, and they have tons of potential. Not to mention the video: booze, hot chicks, and headbanging.

 

 

Pantera is one of the best bands I have ever heard, and this song proves it. One of their well known songs, I know, but who gives a crap (thats the inner metalhead in me speaking)

and Finally,

My favorite Metallica song. No metal list isn't complete with these guys. Metallica is so down to earth, and humble guys, earning them fans of all ages, races, and genders.

 

So hope you enjoyed this list guys! rock on <3

Friday, August 19, 2011

Albums that Changed my life

After watching Weezer's Across the Sea performance, they were asked what albums changed your life. This got me thinking about what albums have changed mine as well! AFter thinking long and hard, I created this list of some of the greatest albums ever made (to me).

                                          Pinkerton by Weezer

I remember last year, I was only 12 years old, waiting in a line with my mom in the cold December wind, to see Weezer play in Roseland Ballroom. I almost broke the phone, calling the radio station just to get those tickets. I remember walking inside the place, and seeing hundreds of people drinking, singing to the B-sides playing softly on the speakers, and I was in awe. Everyone treated me like a regular person, even though I was 12 and wasn't even allowed to walk around by myself. After hearing the crappy opening band Free Energy play a 6 song set until no one clapped for them, Matt Pinfield sing Christmas in New York, and another 30 minutes of waiting, Weezer graced the stage and performed a time line of their greatest hits and b-sides, then walked out again. They finally started playing Pinkerton, and I could not believe my ears. I somehow knew all the words to the songs, knew all the guitar solos, and everyone around me put their arms around me in an embrace, and swayed to the music with me. I came out feeling energized, happy, and changed. Those songs from that one album made me understand how it is to feel young and reckless. It helped define my life and I will never forget that night.

                                               Nevermind by Nirvana

This may be the most cliche album on the list but it really is one of the best albums I have ever heard. I was already a Nirvana fan prior to hearing this album in it's entirety, and though I think Bleach is their best album, Nevermind changed me more than Bleach. I read the Kurt Cobain biography, Heavier than Heaven before hearing the whole thing. Seeing how Kurt originally didn't think Butch Vig should produce it, since he thought the "pop" sound will help them. It did and Nirvana skyrocketed into fame, with the success of the rock anthem Smells Like Teen Spirit. I first heard Teen Spirit when I was about 6, remembering when my dad would play it for me, and I was scared. My 6 year old self was used to Madonna blaring from my uncle's car, or the dance tracks my mom liked. This song made me feel rebellious, and I soon grew to become more like how I felt. The album helped me out of my skin.

                             

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Band That Should Have Made it Big /Song of the Week

Hey! I decided to do something else once in a while called Band That Should Have Made it Big. I thought it up after watching That Metal Show (epic show). So, let's define this: MADE IT BIG. The band could have gone on tour. Not necessarily underground. Could make a few big performances.

I think Fear should have made it big. Sure they were featured in Saturday Night Live, influenced and helped shape punk, and some of the other members moved on to play with the Breeders, but they seemed to have been forgotten over time (and almost all their albums have the word "beer" in it). So here is their song, Bomb the Russians!


Always makes me happy :D

NOW FOR SONG OF THE WEEK!!  I really enjoy bands that sound foreign but are really American (does that make sense?). I heard the Green Day cover to this song first, then got the vinyl single with the Green Day cover on one side and theoriginal by Hüsker Dü  on the other side. They even remind me of Fear a bit! So here is their song, Don't Want To Know if You Are Lonely.


and the Green Day cover for your enjoyment!


see you next week! Hope you enjoyed it :D

Friday, July 29, 2011

Song of the week!

I need to update this more often so here I go! My last day in Dominican Republic :[

Let's jump right to the song this week which is Summertime by Sublime. Everytime I hear it, I realize how talented Sublime is (screw Rome, Bradley forever). The title seems very appropriate for this time of the year.

To make it up to you (yet again), here is another good summer song, Sunset in July by the great 311 (which reminds me of Sublime)


And finally, one of my current favorite songs, Battleflag by Lo Fidelity Allstars!! A great 90s treasure that I really enjoy hearing. I think even te rockers may grow on this:


I hope you enjoyed these songs and enjoy the last few weeks of your summers everyone! I will be sure to make the youtube account when I get home and I will be very sure to show you pictures of my vacation. Thanks guys! Keep on readin'

Jade

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Summer time!

Hey guys! Well it's the peak of summer, everyone is on vacation (including me, I am in Dominican Republic!), and we all need music to listen to on those long car rides to the beach or to that family member's house you don't like (but you go anyway because they either have a lot of beer, a pool, or both).
I have been building my music taste more, including the use of jango.com (try it, much better than pandora). Through there, I found some GREAT songs by Disturbed, some classic Rob Zombie, and some Chili Peppers (but I already know those songs of course).

As seen in my earlier post, I talked about my love for the song Darling Buds of May by Brother, even though according to youtube it is Viva Brother, I think they changed the name. Well, it is currently on repeat and I still love it!!

Anyway, here is just some of my must have songs for your summer playlist:
On Mercury- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Road Trippin-Red Hot Chili Peppers
Crackerman- Stone Temple Pilots
Darling Buds of May-Viva Brother (or just Brother)
Emit Remmus- Red Hot Chili Peppers (Summer Time backwards for those who don't know)
Pink Triangle- Weezer
4th of July- Soundgarden
Psychosocial- Slipknot

Those are just some of the songs that get me pumped up on my long trips to the airport.

By the way, if you want to know exactly what the hell Anthony is singing about in Emit Remmus, it is about his short relationship with Sinead O' Connor THAT SHE DENIED HAVING WITH HIM. It was in his biography, Scar Tissue. Not to mention, I recently saw a current picture of her. She looks pretty old for her age!

More about my vacation for those who would like to know: I left for Puerto Rico to visit family and for my father's death anniversary (July 19). We were able to visit his grave, say prayers, shed some tears, and go home happy knowing we remember him. Then, I left for Dominican Republic and here I am, poolside, in a hotel that makes the worst pancake syrup known to man, and a woman sunbathing topless right next to me. Fun eh?

MOAR MUSIK

I just preordered the new Red Hot Chili Peppers album, I'm With You (due August 30) and I am very excited to see how Klinghoffer is. He was superb in Raindance Maggie I must say, and it smells like a classic already. As for upcoming albums, I've heard that Bad Brains was making a new one, and the Buzzcocks if I'm not mistaken.

In other news, I just joined Google Plus! I must say, it seems cool. I just need more friends to use it. It also seems very clean cut, not as cluttered as your Facebook feed after someone posts a pointless link of a sleeping baby, and the invite thing makes it more exciting, knowing that out of those hundreds of email addresses your friend knows, he wasted one of those 15 invites on YOU!

If you want an invite, just comment with your email!
I am also thinking about making a Youtube for this blog, and let you guys hear me blab on once a week. Let me know what you think

Happy Summer <3

Jade

Friday, July 15, 2011

BRAND NEW RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS SONG!

This morning, after doing my daily check up on my Twitter, I noticed that the Red Hot Chili Peppers said that on Monday, July 18, they will be releasing their new single from their new album I'm With You, out August 30.

I checked again when I got home from watching Harry Potter (epic movie by the way), and the first tweet when I logged in was from Chili Peppers' bassist, Flea, talking about how the single is released 3 DAYS EARLY, as said right here:
              

Friday, June 17, 2011

Holy Crap! Ive been gone!

Sorry I've been gone for a looong time. I was busy finishing school! I ended and now will hopefully be able to post more often!

Let's just start with the song of the day again! Or week. You choose.

This song is from a great little band called MxPx. I found out about this song after flipping through random channels and found a Christian one that shows a bunch of great local and unsigned artists. They actually showed some GREAT songs that I really enjoyed. Every once in a while, I go back to see some more music.

So here it is, Chick Magnet by MxPx!

I found the video to be very funny and it reminded me of Hugh Hefner a bit. I do find the lead singer a bit cute, with the french fries and all...wow that didnt sound creepy!

And to make it up to you, here are three more songs I recently found and love!

This band is called The Vines. Many may know them, for they aren't that underground. They have this one great track called Get Free that is one of their best known songs. I have to rock out a bit everytime I listen to it. It has a lot of great energy and some teenage angst we all have pent up inside!

Next up is an epic dance duo I found out about a few years ago, NOT FROM THE DAMN BING COMMERCIAL. They go by the name Chromeo. They make me want to drop it to the dance floor until I pass out! They dont use typical dance elements like Offer Missim's horrible music. My favorite song by them has to be this one:


This last track I found out about after listening to my local rock station in the wee hours of morning. This band is called BROTHER. and they have an amazing song called Darling Buds of May, which is sure to get stuck in your head. Here is a great band and song, BROTHER!



And now, this is the song that has been stuck in my head for the past week, and I cannot stop pressing replay every time I hear it. I want this song played wherever I go. And no, it isn;t by my favorite band the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Its by those men you know as Tears For Fears. LETS SOW THE SEEDS OF LOVE BRETHREN



Hope you enjoyed this lively post. Rock on kids!

Jade

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Sorry I havent been on in a while!

Hey guys. Its me, Jade :] Sorry I haven't been able to make a post in a while. I just found out I will be moving to California just for a year or two, and school has been a hassle. Well I am back now and glad you waited <3

I found out the week of Record Store Day that my local store(s) didn't carry the three records I wanted: Nirvana's Hormoaning, Red Hot Chili Peppers/Ramones Havana Affair, and Jimi Hendrix's Fire. Luckily, my dear uncle who I havent seen in quite a few years was vacationing in Florida. I sent him a text, from my house in NJ, and told him about the records. He happily found all 3 records in a nearby store, and shipped them over to me.

I havent gotten them in the mail and expect them sometime next week. I am really happy about this, and hope to get a new record player next week as well for an early birthday gift (my birthday is May 10).

This has been rambling for a while, lol, so let's talk about some new albums, shall we?

It is not that new, but REM's new album, Collapse into Now, released a catchy single called "Mine Smell Like Honey" which really calls out to their old sound, during their work about everything from the apocalypse, to orange crush, to losing their religion. Whaddya know, Peter whipped out the good ol' mandolin and it shows in the album. if you listen closely. It also received generally good reviews from critics, which makes it a must buy!

I have time running out, so before I go, id like to tell you a bit about Incubus' new single called
Adolescents. Youtube it, it is amazing. really good song that goes back to the original Incubus, and Brandon sounds better than ever! Pre-order their new album If Not Now, When? on their website enjoyincubus.com

well, thats it.sorry if it was boring guys <3

                                                                                   Jade

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Best American band?

Ok. The dreaded question: who is the best American band?

Most rock fans may most likely say the classics, such as Nirvana, Metallica, and the like. Many also say that Alice in Chains, or a more underground band such as The Melvins are the greatest. It all is a matter of taste. Here are MY favorite American bands:

Red Hot Chili Peppers- of COURSE I would review them! Personally, they are my favorite band and I listen to them almost every day and kinda worship them >.< Their music is very meaningful and helped me a lot through my life. Great band and I think they are legendary!

Nirvana- What else can I say? They are simply amazing and have great stage presence, after performances I have seen on Youtube and DVDs. Kurt Cobain was the GOD of grunge music and put it on the map. RIP Kurt!

The Jimi Hendrix Experience- a list isn't a list without Hendrix in it! Jimi made craaazy guitar licks without being able to even read music! I really love his music and find his music to be fresh and modern sounding with that little 60s kick in it.

Soundgarden- Chris Cornell's multi octave voice definitely helped me see another side to grunge, letting others see that you dont need growling and low voices to make a good grunge song. They have been through a lot, and are still strong despite the several Chris Cornell side projects and the 12 year hiatus! Making their appearance in the 2010 Lollapalooza festival, they hopefully will be back with a new album with new songs. Can't wait for new stuff!

Well, that was my take on my favorite American bands. hope you enjoyed!

Rock on,
       Jade

Song of the Day!

Hey guys! As promised, here is a second installment of "Of the Day" where, as you can see, post my favorite album/song/whatever of the day.

Today, I will show you the song "In Your Eyes" by Verax. I first heard this song on my favorite computer game, Super Crazy Guitar Maniac Deluxe 2 (or 3, I forgot)

The song has some pretty catchy lyrics and a nice guitar solo toward the end. The vocalist is a tad whiny but that adds to the uniqueness! I haven't heard much more of their songs but I will check them out and let you know ASAP about other good songs by them.

So here it is, ladies and gents, In Your Eyes!


Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Album of the day!

So, this is my first installment of " Of The Day" where I post my favorite album, song, band, etc of the day!

Today I will be reviewing one of my most beloved albums, Blood Sugar Sex Magik by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Released in the early 90s, this album really hits the nail on the head with their music lyric-wise and beat-wise. I can listen to it over and over again if I could, and I do!

The track listing is as follows:
1. Power of Equality
2. If You Have To Ask
3. Breaking the Girl
4. Funky Monks
5. Suck My Kiss
6.I Could Have Lied
7. Mellowship Slinky in B Major
8.The Righteous and the Wicked
9.Give It Away
10.Blood Sugar Sex Magik
11.Under the Bridge
12.Naked in the Rain
13.Apache Rose Peacock
14. The Greeting Song
15. My Lovely Man
16. Sir Psycho Sexy
17. They're Red Hot (Robert Johnson cover)
18.Little Miss Lover (Hendrix cover; iTunes bonus track)
19.Castles Made of Sand (Hendrix cover;iTunes bonus Track)

I think that this album defined their career by showing off the funky side to their music without all the rapping but showing more of Anthony Kiedis' beautiful and versatile voice. In addition to that, we see that John (Frusciante) really is an amazing guitarist, after doubting his first album with the Chili Peppers (Mother's Milk)

Flea openly said that he toned down the bass a bit so you can pay a bit more attention to the song structure and lyrics itself, but he surely didnt do bad. The deep bass combined with the badass electric guitar really brings out a new, edgier side to the Chili Peppers.

As for lyrics, I thought that the lyrics rocked! Each one tells a story, such as the beautiful and meaningful lyrics of "Under the Bridge". Clearly the album references a lot of sexual things such as the title track "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" and "Sir Psycho Sexy" (which has the sexiest lyrics in my honest opinion). Their songs such as "The Righteous and the Wicked", and "Give It Away" shows that Anthony can definitely spit out a few rhymes while not making it TOO rap-ish but more like a good rock song.

Everyone was surpised when John decided to leave after this huge success of an album, for he believed that the band should stay underground. This kick started their career and helped them make many more amazing albums. The album that followed this was "One Hot Minute" with Jane's Addiction's guitarist, Dave Navarro. I personally thought that album was great as well, even though many disagree. Needless to say, BSSM definitely put RHCP on the map as a serious band with serious intentions of become big.

I highly recommend this album to anyone that enjoys both rap and rock. for it adds both elements to the songs. It also shows a good mix of sex, ballads, and pure rock and roll.

Hope you enjoyed this and hope to see you again for the second edition of "Of the Day"

Rock on!
       Jade

Monday, March 28, 2011

Record Store Day!

So, if you don't already know, April 16, 2011, is RECORD STORE DAY! That means those awesome run down indie record shops may have some special surprises on this day!

The nearest one by me is 10 minutes away and by reading reviews, I'm kinda hesitant to go. I mean, who wants to visit a record store with a 1 star review saying "Owner is a total Dbag. left wth nothing". But as long as I get my hands on the prized "Hormoaning" vinyl by Nirvana, I'll deal with his crap any day!

Some tips for Record Store Day:
  • PLEASE CALL FIRST. I cannot stress this enough. Do not go in a record store on this day(where many beauties await) looking for something and finding out its not there and leaving with a crappy mood. Maybe the record store in the next town has it! Call first and become buddies with the local record store to get dibs on the good stuff! For a list of participating stores, visit recordstoreday.com
  • Get there a bit early. Lets say the store opens at 9 AM. Be there at at least 9:15 (dont wanna seem like a creeper) and find what you are looking for. If you come in late, chances are someone snagged the last Tom Petty vinyl.
  • Ask to make a deposit. Its kinda like layaway. If they will have what you want, ask if you can put down some or all the money so you know you will get it. Make sure to come in ASAP and even call to let em knowyou are coming before they put it back on the shelf.
  • Prepare for competition. If it's a really rare vinyl, chances are some of the fellow rockers in your hood may be snooping for it as well. If you dont get there early, and see someone with it, find another one first before hassling the guy (kidding!). If YOU are the one with the last copy in the store and someone wants it, do not be surprised. Happens a lot. Stay calm and pay for it then walk out.
               

When you get home, take care of that baby! Either pop it in the player or frame it. they have cheap frames in Target for records. Make sure that it isn't in a moist place. It can attract mold and bugs. Buy plastic for it, etc.

Hope you all have a great Record Store Day (mark those calendars kids!) and happy hunting!

In my next post, I will post an email where you can send pictures and letters of your experiences.

Best of luck and rock on,
                Jade

Welcome guys!

Hey everyone reading this. My name is Jade and I love music. All my life I've wanted to be in music, and what better way to start than by making a blog?

In this blog, I will be reviewing my favorite albums, underground bands, show my favorite artists, least favorites, and tons more! I will try to update daily with new music or my favorite song of the moment.

It's a bit rusty so hold on there! I promise you this will turn out great!

Rock on everyone,
               Jade