A few years ago, one of the best blogs out there, WFMU's Rock and Soul Ichiban put together a great collection of Halloween inspired tunes and playlists.
They have crafted one dealing with ghosts which you can directly download. Another that tackles vampires and you can grab that one directly as well. Now there is also Weird-O-Matic streaming and a you can also drink a spooky cup o' Alligator Wine!
All of these are fantastic and as always Ichiban gives us old songs that are brand new to RtBE and all are also flat out awesome!
I mean how could we have missed The Bar-Kay's "Holy Ghost" for all of these years?
Damn that is some funky stuff. WFMU Rock and Soul Ichiban always delivers the goods, but in 2014 they got some help from their friends over at Fringe Factory who offered up a Halloween themed show themselves right here.
Here are a few songs that jumped out to us from these shows/free downloads and of course it wouldn't be Halloween without Elvira. She closes out our Halloween focus with her Third Man Records release "2 Big Pumpkins" written by the B-52's Fred Schneider:
The Pastel Six: "The Strange Ghost"
The Primates "The Creep"
The Upsetters "The Vampire"
Virgil Holmes "Ghost Train"
Elvira "2 Big Pumpkins":
A site dedicated to culture with a focus on popular music; from the fringes to the forefront.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Celebrating the Halloween Spirit Through Songs
Labels:
Elvira,
Funky Stuff,
Halloween,
streaming,
Video
Monday, October 30, 2017
Dylan Cover #299 First Aid Kit "It Ain't Me, Babe"
In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a live cover by First Aid Kit of the Dylan tune "It' Ain't Me, Babe"
Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this song:
One of the best Dylan songs because it is universal, to the point, lyrical, smirking, self-centered and a perfect statement. Dylan has written lots of songs that can be covered well (as evident by this series) but "It Ain't Me, Babe" fits perhaps better then almost any other one into a huge variety of styles. That is because we have all been in the singers position one time or another...and it is a damn good song.
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
We have not heard of First Aid Kit before, but they are a Swedish sister group from Stockholm.
Thoughts on Cover:
This is incredibly powerfully sung and in the live setting on TV it is impressive. The harmonies are gorgeous but as it progresses it gets a bit over dramatic for these ears. Still great, just not our all time favorite in the series.
From the first time we tackled a cover of this song:
One of the best Dylan songs because it is universal, to the point, lyrical, smirking, self-centered and a perfect statement. Dylan has written lots of songs that can be covered well (as evident by this series) but "It Ain't Me, Babe" fits perhaps better then almost any other one into a huge variety of styles. That is because we have all been in the singers position one time or another...and it is a damn good song.
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
We have not heard of First Aid Kit before, but they are a Swedish sister group from Stockholm.
Thoughts on Cover:
This is incredibly powerfully sung and in the live setting on TV it is impressive. The harmonies are gorgeous but as it progresses it gets a bit over dramatic for these ears. Still great, just not our all time favorite in the series.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Full Show Friday: Megadeth Live at Hammersmith Odeon 1992
We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Megadeth!
We are close to Halloween so how about some metal? We haven't showcased Megadeth yet during our Full Show Friday series, so it is overdue.
This is from 1992 as the band was in the middle of the Monsters of Rock Tour. This show is from London. Pro Shot, Pro Sound, setlist is below...Enjoy!
(Intro 0:00) Holy Wars... The Punishement Due 1:10 Wake Up Dead 7:55 Hangar 18 11:32 Lucretia 16:34 Sweating Bullets 20:21 In My Darkest Hour 25:09 Tornado Of Souls 31:26 (Best solo ever 34:32) Ashes In Your Mouth 36:42 Peace Sells 42:47 Anarchy In The UK 46:56 (Credits 50:22)
We are close to Halloween so how about some metal? We haven't showcased Megadeth yet during our Full Show Friday series, so it is overdue.
This is from 1992 as the band was in the middle of the Monsters of Rock Tour. This show is from London. Pro Shot, Pro Sound, setlist is below...Enjoy!
(Intro 0:00) Holy Wars... The Punishement Due 1:10 Wake Up Dead 7:55 Hangar 18 11:32 Lucretia 16:34 Sweating Bullets 20:21 In My Darkest Hour 25:09 Tornado Of Souls 31:26 (Best solo ever 34:32) Ashes In Your Mouth 36:42 Peace Sells 42:47 Anarchy In The UK 46:56 (Credits 50:22)
Labels:
1992,
Friday,
Full Concert,
Full Show Friday,
Great Guitarist,
Metal,
Video
Thursday, October 26, 2017
New Brooklyn Venue Elsewhere to Open on Halloween
Brooklyn keeps opening more and more live venues these days and this one is going to be a place RtBE will certainly be checking out in the near future, even if it is all the way out in Bushwick...
The owners behind Glasslands will return to Brooklyn with Elsewhere opening this Halloween with a show from Battles. Glasslands was home to some great experimental rock and roll and was a vibrant artist space back in the day so we will keep an eye on the calendar to get out there very soon.
Two RtBE favorites No Age and Evolfo are already scheduled to play the venue so those may be the first shows to check out. To celebrate here are videos from Battles as well as No Age and Evolfo.
The owners behind Glasslands will return to Brooklyn with Elsewhere opening this Halloween with a show from Battles. Glasslands was home to some great experimental rock and roll and was a vibrant artist space back in the day so we will keep an eye on the calendar to get out there very soon.
Two RtBE favorites No Age and Evolfo are already scheduled to play the venue so those may be the first shows to check out. To celebrate here are videos from Battles as well as No Age and Evolfo.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Album Review: Beck - Colors
Beck
Colors
**** out of *****
Beck Hansen has always marched to his own tune and recently his pristinely produced albums have felt dour and cold, but on Colors he dips into 2017 pop/rock via his own rules and warms up to the crowd making his most successful album in decades.
Beck has mentioned that he tried to bring more energy to the studio this go around and it shows. Working with Greg Kurstin (Kelly Clarkson, Adele, Sia) the two played every instrument and co-produced the effort, Kurstin injected his hit making sensibilities and for better and worse that shows throughout Colors.
The title track is blatantly in this modern day mold with an electronic beat and distant vocals as Beck finds his way to radio/streaming services/ad space friendly. He is also back to enjoying idiosyncratic wordplay which made his lyrics so engaging at the start of his career. “Square One” uses his falsetto singing expertly and “Seventh Heaven” continues the pop motif with pretty 80's inspired soundscapes and Beck-ism’s like “I want to see you/With the pharaoh's curse/The apple flower doggerel/The batteries burst”.
This diving into 2017 dance heavy pop rock fits Beck’s sensibilities well, but it can also be light and airy, disappearing after the track finishes leaving little reason to remember it. First single “Dreams” is grandiose with swirling sounds and deep beats but dissipates quickly while “Up All Night” uses minimalist rhythms and dance ready choruses that sound perfectly made for a luxury car commercial and are disgustingly infectious at the same time.
“Wow” also fits this mode, an upbeat pleasant (if vapid) affair with disco ready digital beats before Beck drops his best stanza on the disk:
There are some soaring highs here however heard clearly on two of the best offerings, the rolling piano driven “Dear Life” and the chaotic “I’m So Free”. On “Dear Life” a Beatles influence permeates with upbeat meanderings, cutting electric guitar lines and desperate lyrics. “I’m So Free” is a jumbled mess of strings, rapping, dance laden beats, and piano with garish metal breaks; none of this should work, yet it soars. This genre-in-a-blender approach has always been Beck’s strength and nailing it here (along with Feist’s backup vocals) deepens the level of engagement from listener and artist.
While the album itself feels more like a collection of singles shooting for the charts than a complete piece, it is still the most interesting Beck has sounded in years. There are always two Becks (and Beck fans for that matter) the Sea Change sourpuss and the Mellow Gold freaknick and this album modernizes his sound while leaning thankfully towards the latter.
A mostly light and happy affair, Beck is pointing directly at the mainstream with his most accessible, best and yet most disposable effort in over a decade. Even with the ever present crystalline pop sheen, Colors still retains some depth with lyrical darkness and bizarre stanzas only Beck could come up with. While a level below his career highlights Beck still proves a powerful voice in today's ever shifting pop landscape, that alone marks this disk a success.
_____________________________________________________
Support the artist, buy the album and peep some video below:
Call your wife; secular times, these timesHinting at a deeper meaning Beck ends it with a vivid nonsense line, just like old times. While that may make you briefly think about Beck’s (and your own) religion/relationships, those thoughts don’t last long as the bubblegum envelopes and sweetly bursts post song. Only on “Fix Me” (the lone song credited solely to Beck) is he more direct, retreating to Morning Phase orchestration which is very out of place on this release.
My demon's on the cell phone
To your demons, nothing's even right or wrong
It's irrelevant, elephant in the room goes boom
Standing on the lawn doin' jiu jitsu
Girl in a bikini with the Lamborghini shih tzu
There are some soaring highs here however heard clearly on two of the best offerings, the rolling piano driven “Dear Life” and the chaotic “I’m So Free”. On “Dear Life” a Beatles influence permeates with upbeat meanderings, cutting electric guitar lines and desperate lyrics. “I’m So Free” is a jumbled mess of strings, rapping, dance laden beats, and piano with garish metal breaks; none of this should work, yet it soars. This genre-in-a-blender approach has always been Beck’s strength and nailing it here (along with Feist’s backup vocals) deepens the level of engagement from listener and artist.
While the album itself feels more like a collection of singles shooting for the charts than a complete piece, it is still the most interesting Beck has sounded in years. There are always two Becks (and Beck fans for that matter) the Sea Change sourpuss and the Mellow Gold freaknick and this album modernizes his sound while leaning thankfully towards the latter.
A mostly light and happy affair, Beck is pointing directly at the mainstream with his most accessible, best and yet most disposable effort in over a decade. Even with the ever present crystalline pop sheen, Colors still retains some depth with lyrical darkness and bizarre stanzas only Beck could come up with. While a level below his career highlights Beck still proves a powerful voice in today's ever shifting pop landscape, that alone marks this disk a success.
_____________________________________________________
Support the artist, buy the album and peep some video below:
RIP Fats Domino
The world of rock and roll lost a true legend today as it is being report Fats Domino died earlier in his home state of Louisiana. He was 89.
If you want to read a full obituary check out NPR where we got that great pic above.
Some thoughts on his passing, much like when Chuck Berry died, there is little to be sad about from a distance as Fats has lived a long life and his amazing songs will never leave us. We listen to two of his albums often, Fats Domino Jukebox and his comeback Fats Is Back.
The list of hits are long, but if you grab those two albums you will never tire of his easy rolling sound that helped create rock and roll. While it is sad he is no longer with us there will be multiple tributes in the months to come (we are expecting a big one at Jazzfest this year) and hopefully a new generation will hear his wonderful voice and vibrant piano.
So raise a glass to the Fat man and enjoy his tunes today.
If you want to read a full obituary check out NPR where we got that great pic above.
Some thoughts on his passing, much like when Chuck Berry died, there is little to be sad about from a distance as Fats has lived a long life and his amazing songs will never leave us. We listen to two of his albums often, Fats Domino Jukebox and his comeback Fats Is Back.
The list of hits are long, but if you grab those two albums you will never tire of his easy rolling sound that helped create rock and roll. While it is sad he is no longer with us there will be multiple tributes in the months to come (we are expecting a big one at Jazzfest this year) and hopefully a new generation will hear his wonderful voice and vibrant piano.
So raise a glass to the Fat man and enjoy his tunes today.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Album Review: Metz - Strange Peace
Metz
Strange Peace
***and 1/2 out of *****
Sometimes a producer and a band are perfectly matched (think Brian Eno and the Talking Heads) and currently there probably isn't a better matched band producer combo than Metz and Steve Albini who work together for the first time on the bands third release Strange Peace.On Metz first two albums the Canadian noise-rock trio slammed home their style; raw riffs, clanging noise and cement mixing beats. Not much has changed here, but all of those characteristics are right in Albini's wheel house and as the saying goes if it ain't broke...
The group continues it's pummeling assault as "Cellophane" seems to open with chainsaw buzzing intensity all the time shouting out "How will I know?" aggressively over and over again while "Caterpillar" repeats headache inducing guitar runs before while. For the faint ears this can be tough to take, but for fans of the groups past records this is really more for the same good thing.
Rather than expanding their sound or switching up their style the group plows straight ahead with its eerie metal/noise leanings. "Lost In A Blank City" has horror film foreboding, the chaotic "Mr. Plague" cooks and the grooving "Drained Lake" flourishes with an almost upbeat punk rock dance-ability (If you can get down to clanging metallic strings).
The best evolution is that more melody has been inserted throughout and the album finishes strong as the screaming "Dig A Hole" works wonders during its brief run time and closer "Raw Materials" even has some (dare I say it) pretty passages, hinting at more melodic and experimental passages possibly in their future.
The group still stays arty and intriguing with numbers such as "Sink" but tracks like the angst fueled opener "Mess of Wires" is more where they roam free. The group has upped the industrial swagger but (we have mentioned this before) Nirvana Bleach era is their largest influence. Now working with Albini adding In Utero to the resume works as well.
Metz know what they do best and keep on doing it with Strange Peace and the small progressions in style make it their most successful release so far.
________________________________________________________
We have enjoyed both I and II and this is more successful noise rock for Metz with the two most interesting numbers closing out the album. We have given them all three and a half stars. Support the band, buy the album, stream it on bandcamp or below where you can also peep some video:
Labels:
bandcamp,
Noiserock,
Overflow Review,
streaming,
Video
Monday, October 23, 2017
Dylan Cover #298 CrossFire "Masters of War"
In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by CrossFire playing "Masters of War"
Thoughts on Original:From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
Ranking as one of his most accusatory and cutting tracks Dylan condemns the whole "war machine" on this classic and vital song (the "hope that you die" line is so facking cold, it is brutal). Often misrepresented as an attack on war itself (Dylan always said he wasn't a pacifist) this track calls out the government for using war-as-business (the Cold War in Particular) and business-as-war models when lives are put on the line for meaningless reasons. As alive and burning now as it was in 1962 when he wrote it.
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
A duo originally from Paris, we had not heard of CrossFire before.
Thoughts on Cover:
An effecting and haunting cover as CrossFrire mixes acoustic and electric guitars with the devastating message of the song which is sung very powerfully. After recently watching Ken Burns excellent newest release, The Vietnam War, this past weekend, a "Masters of War" cover seemed apt for this Monday and this is an excellent version.
Labels:
acoustic,
Documentary,
Dylan,
Dylan Covers,
Mondays,
Television,
Video
Friday, October 20, 2017
Full Show Friday: Tool Governors Ball 2017
We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Tool!
RtBE loved this bands first two releases but while the group has only soared in popularity we have fallen out of touch. A good way to get back in touch is a video put together by the bands rabid fans from their very recent Governors Ball set here in NYC.
We missed the Ball this year, after covering it in years past, so this is a nice way to spend this fall Full Show Friday. The video has various sources, but the sound is rock solid. Enjoy:
RtBE loved this bands first two releases but while the group has only soared in popularity we have fallen out of touch. A good way to get back in touch is a video put together by the bands rabid fans from their very recent Governors Ball set here in NYC.
We missed the Ball this year, after covering it in years past, so this is a nice way to spend this fall Full Show Friday. The video has various sources, but the sound is rock solid. Enjoy:
Labels:
2017,
Friday,
Full Concert,
Full Show Friday,
Live,
Metal,
NYC
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Warren Haynes Christmas Jam Announces Lineup for 2017
Every year one of the hardest working men in rock and roll puts on a dynamite show in Asheville, NC. This year is no exception as Warren Haynes recently announced the lineup for the 29th Annual Christmas Jam on December 9th.
This should be a great night of music and guest sit in's as everyone from Trey to Taz will be on hand to play with Haynes and crew. Each year the show gets taped and released so if you can't make it to Asheville on the 9th fear not, a tapper will have your back (or ears I guess).
Until then, enjoy some of these acts live on the internet:
This should be a great night of music and guest sit in's as everyone from Trey to Taz will be on hand to play with Haynes and crew. Each year the show gets taped and released so if you can't make it to Asheville on the 9th fear not, a tapper will have your back (or ears I guess).
Until then, enjoy some of these acts live on the internet:
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Album Review: Jay-Z - 4:44
Jay-Z
4:44
** and 1/2 out of *****
The Reasonable Doubt hustler could have never envisioned the billionaire CEO who is rhyming on 4:44. After hearing some of the complaints on a song like “The Story of O.J.” the young J would probably comeback super hard on the MC who wants us to connect with him through statements such as:
“Wish I could take it back to the beginnin’/I coulda bought a place in DUMBO before it was even DUMBO/For like 2 million/That same building today is worth 25 million/Guess how I am feelin? Dumbo"How is someone who is struggling to get by supposed to hear those lines? Is their empathy there, especially via the flat delivery? The track is the most societal thinking song on the album, speaking directly to black people but still gets caught in a woah-is-me void, talking about his investments in fine art as well. Granted hip hop MC’s brag for whole albums, but these are more cold statements of fact that fall flat:
“You know what’s more important than throwin’ away money at a strip club? Credit/You ever wonder why Jewish people own all the property in America/This is how they did it/Financial freedom my only hope/ Fuck livin’ rich and dying broke”Along with the personal revelations about his mother on “Smile” (which shows off his amazingly dexterous flow) and the twitter bound title track (which will be dissected for as long as he is married and beyond or until the next scandal) Jay-Z opens up and is happy for his mother and apologetic to this wife, both who contribute vocals to the album.
Surely the therapist (who he also references) is happy that J’s art has addressed his personal life and in 2017 that may count as a huge breakthrough, but those confessions don't always make engaging art or repeated spins on the headphones no matter how cathartic it is for the artist.
Wealth and business is at the root of this but not in making it rain ways; Prince’s family gets called for selling out in “Caught Their Eyes” but rather than feeling shocking it feels like a business seminar, CEO advice.
Jay’s rhymes never sound tired (except on the thin “Moonlight”) and his dip into reggae on “Bam” with Ziggy Marley along with the breezy half hour plus run time is all commendable. Even greater is the dynamic and rich production in an old school vibe that never feels stale or redundant. No I.D. deserves major recognition as the producer whose musical background and beats are gorgeous from the opening siren and strings on “Kill Jay Z” to the horn drenched closer “Legacy”.
The album talks directly to black culture about money, family legacy and the next generation while also tackling Jay’s out-in-the-open personal life and while Beyonce’s vocals ring out proud on the title track as she is (literally) backing her man, Lemonade turned her rage into a career defining album while 4:44 never breaks through. We live in a world that where all personal details are explored on social media so perhaps this is the perfect way for Jay-Z to make a record in 2017, but 4:44 will never rank with the legends best efforts.
Jay’s rhymes never sound tired (except on the thin “Moonlight”) and his dip into reggae on “Bam” with Ziggy Marley along with the breezy half hour plus run time is all commendable. Even greater is the dynamic and rich production in an old school vibe that never feels stale or redundant. No I.D. deserves major recognition as the producer whose musical background and beats are gorgeous from the opening siren and strings on “Kill Jay Z” to the horn drenched closer “Legacy”.
The album talks directly to black culture about money, family legacy and the next generation while also tackling Jay’s out-in-the-open personal life and while Beyonce’s vocals ring out proud on the title track as she is (literally) backing her man, Lemonade turned her rage into a career defining album while 4:44 never breaks through. We live in a world that where all personal details are explored on social media so perhaps this is the perfect way for Jay-Z to make a record in 2017, but 4:44 will never rank with the legends best efforts.
__________________________________________________________
Support the artist, buy the album and peep some video below:
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Album Review: Gary Clark Jr. - Live / North America 2016
Gary Clark Jr.
Live / North America 2016
*** out of *****
Alternating live albums with studio releases may be the game plan, but when his studio releases disappoint, a lot hangs on the live disks. While this is a fine documentation of Clark in his element it seems superfluous.
“Church” gets some added texture with nuanced harmonica playing while “Shake” is a fun rave up featuring Leon Bridges and Jeff Dazey. His choice of cover tunes this go around is pitch perfect with Jimmy Reed’s “Honest I Do” and the blues standard “My Baby’s Gone” by Elmore James.
The two best tracks here are “When My Train Pulls In” and closer “Numb” which also happen to be older tunes that were both released on Live as well. “When My Train Pulls In” is Clark’s signature song and allows him to explore sonic textures, fret board acrobatics and grooving slowdowns; it is central to who is as an artist and this version delivers the goods. “Numb” ends the disk with fuzz pedal fireworks as the groove gets deep as mud and just plows ahead.
Newer tunes don’t fare as well both “Cold Blooded” and “Our Love” go the smooth R&B route with Clark singing in a high register without the desired effect while “The Healing” is a slow slog. All are good-hearted though and in each tune when it comes time to solo, Clark shines.
We have mentioned before, but Clark seems firmly entrenched with other amazingly talented live players like Robert Randolph and Trombone Shorty who have yet to put it all together for a killer album or even a standout single. However, by constantly releasing live albums he is at least playing to his strengths and giving fans mementos of each of his tours.
________________________________________________________________
Support the artist, buy the album and peep some video below:
Labels:
blues,
Great Guitarist,
live album,
Overflow Review,
Video
Monday, October 16, 2017
Dylan Cover #297 The Yardbirds "Most Likely You'll Go Your Way"
In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's artists, The Yardbirds doing a cover of "Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine"
It's that thin, that wild mercury sound. It's metallic and bright gold, with whatever that conjures up. Those are the phrases that Dylan himself used to describe the sound that he wanted on Blonde on Blonde. Safe to say he got it and perhaps never more so than on "Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine". That whirling organ that sounds like it may actually take flight, the tempo, the cutting lyric, man this song is a joy. We actually got to see him open a show way back with this one and it was a hoot, not as good as the original, but a gem to see live and hear anytime.
The closest I ever got to the sound I hear in my mind was on individual bands in the Blonde on Blonde album. It's that thin, that wild mercury sound. It's metallic and bright gold, with whatever that conjures up.
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
We dip into 60's rock and roll for this cover with a spry Yardbird lineup. They were never our favorites from the era but their talent is undeniable.
Thoughts on Cover:
Wow this is a fun super fast version of the tune. It teeters on the edge of falling apart like the best garage rock does. A really dynamite cover to kick off this week.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Full Show Friday: The Doors 1969
We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...The Doors!
This is from 1969 and is a PBS television capture of the band. RtBE aren't huge Doors fans, but we love PBS. To be fair, The Doors live was not just a concert it was an event. Without the crazy crowd though the PBS show is a bit more tame.
Peep the video below and Enjoy!
This is from 1969 and is a PBS television capture of the band. RtBE aren't huge Doors fans, but we love PBS. To be fair, The Doors live was not just a concert it was an event. Without the crazy crowd though the PBS show is a bit more tame.
Peep the video below and Enjoy!
Labels:
1969,
Friday,
Full Concert,
Full Show Friday,
Television,
Video
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Album Review: The Men - Devil's Music
The Men
Devil Music
***1/2 out of *****
Where on recent releases the band would careen from one genre to the next, here they are in their original stripped down raucous element. The first three numbers all link together into one long distortion filled burner, signaling the bands intent, ending with the best of the trio “Ridin’ On” which contains a fluid and understated guitar solo to finish the successful run. “Lion’s Den” amps up the squawking aggression and the noise rock chaos while “Patterns” keeps the lofi influences but ups the swagger from the low end combo of Rich Samis (drums), and Kevin Faulkner (Bass) turning in the most grooving track on the album.
Lyrically things are muddled as a layer of sound covers every attempt by Mark Perro (vocals, guitar, keys), Nick Chiericozzi (vocals, guitar) to cut through the muck. Vocals and lyrics have never been a strong suit for the Brooklyn four-piece as they lean more towards soundscapes and vistas.
“Violate” drops some screeching guitar work with splashes of speedy punk thrown up for tempo injections before crashing into a brick wall while the honking “Hit The Ground” sprinkles in saxophones under the chaos, twisting things into bubbling pretzel of sound. The come down fear and stripped vocal yearnings flow through “Gun” before the album ends with metallic clanging of “Fire”.
The Men pride themselves on their raw, recorded live (including the vocals) four track sound and Devil's Music is an album they wanted to make so they could go back and listen to themselves. Fortunately fans of grimy garage rock with attitude will want to check this out as well.
______________________________________________________________
This review got lost in the machine somewhere, and even though the album came out last year, we thought it was worth posting this as we dig The Men and Halloween is this month (Devil Music Indeed). We still like New Moon the best of theirs though.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings To Release Final Studio Album
Last year we lost a great soul singer and rhythm and blues spirit when Sharon Jones died from cancer. Now comes the news that she will be remembered by one final studio effort titled Soul of a Woman which recorded last year.
We here at RtBE have loved her career and reviewed her in the past so we look forward to this album. In order to prep for it check the video from her first single "Matter of Time" along with the full track listing below. The great thing about musical legends is that they never truly die as their music will live on.
Soul of a Woman Tracklist:
Matter of Time
Sail On!
Just Give Me Your Time
Come and Be a Winner
Rumors
Pass Me By
Searching for a New Day
These Tears (No Longer for You)
When I Saw Your Face
Girl! (You Got to Forgive Him)
Call on God
We here at RtBE have loved her career and reviewed her in the past so we look forward to this album. In order to prep for it check the video from her first single "Matter of Time" along with the full track listing below. The great thing about musical legends is that they never truly die as their music will live on.
Soul of a Woman Tracklist:
Matter of Time
Sail On!
Just Give Me Your Time
Come and Be a Winner
Rumors
Pass Me By
Searching for a New Day
These Tears (No Longer for You)
When I Saw Your Face
Girl! (You Got to Forgive Him)
Call on God
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Album Review: Neil Young - Hitchhiker
Neil Young
Hitchhiker
**** out of *****
All but two of these tracks have been previously released by Young himself, but in very different forms. This album was recorded on August 11th, 1976 in Malibu and has the impressive feel as being off the cuff, with Uncle Neil channeling the spirit of song effortlessly. Just Neil, harmonica guitar and piano as he expertly winds through songs that would go on to become some of the most popular (and best) of his career.
Working with producer David Briggs on nights with a full moon, Young dives in, starting off with the amazing combo of “Pocahontas” and “Powderfinger”. Both would be released on the classic Rust Never Sleeps album and sound delightful in Young’s direct and easy folk style. He had this to say regarding this whole collection of songs:
"It was a complete piece, although I was pretty stony on it, and you can hear it in my performances... I laid down all the songs in a row, pausing only for weed, beer, or coke. Briggs was in the control room, mixing live on his favorite console."That “stoney” sound is pretty forefront on of the previously unreleased tracks “Hawaii” which meanders and goes for the high register of Young’s voice, not a standout by any stretch. His other unreleased track is much better and better known to fans of Young’s as he has played it live and it has leaked out on bootlegs before. Titled “Give Me Strength” it is a gorgeous harmonica/acoustic combo of yearning that uses Young’s stripped down singing to great effect.
The title track is a rambling tale of drug use that has also been heavily bootlegged and reinterpreted by Young himself on 2010’s Le Noise while “Campaigner” puts back in the original verse which had been edited from Decade. Ending with “The Old Country Waltz”, this time without Crazy Horse, Young caps a night of incredible tunes and solid performances with a piano ballad.
The album is quite an achievement of one night of music, an excellent documentation of Young at the height of his writing prowess. While longtime fans may gravitate towards other released versions, these songs support Hitchhiker expertly; a solid album that anyone can hear for the first time and appreciate.
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Support the artist, buy the album, peep some video below:
Labels:
acoustic,
Neil Young,
Overflow Review,
Video
Monday, October 9, 2017
Dylan Cover #296 Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir "Gotta Serve Somebody"
In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir playing "Gotta Serve Somebody":
Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
This powerful call of hell-fire and brimstone rained down from the mountaintop as Dylan proclaimed his faith proudly, and this was the first song that most of the public heard confirming the fact that Bob did indeed "Go Jesus". It is point and fact with its belief and message. You gotta serve somebody... can't be simpler then that when it comes to faith can it? The original has a driving beat and a propulsion to it that sounds urgent, but not as urgent as Bob sings, reinforcing the proclamation through his powerful lyrics and leaving no man or woman on the sidelines...he brings everyone into this spiritual battle, and whatever your beliefs it is impossible not to feel Bob is committed as he runs through the verses and chorus.
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
We have not heard the Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir before but it is pretty easy to see just from their name who they are. For more info check them out.
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
This powerful call of hell-fire and brimstone rained down from the mountaintop as Dylan proclaimed his faith proudly, and this was the first song that most of the public heard confirming the fact that Bob did indeed "Go Jesus". It is point and fact with its belief and message. You gotta serve somebody... can't be simpler then that when it comes to faith can it? The original has a driving beat and a propulsion to it that sounds urgent, but not as urgent as Bob sings, reinforcing the proclamation through his powerful lyrics and leaving no man or woman on the sidelines...he brings everyone into this spiritual battle, and whatever your beliefs it is impossible not to feel Bob is committed as he runs through the verses and chorus.
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
We have not heard the Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir before but it is pretty easy to see just from their name who they are. For more info check them out.
Thoughts on Cover:
"Gotta Serve Somebody" is perfect for any form of gospel choir and this one from down under tackles it with grace and class.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Full Show Friday: Waylon Jennings Live in London 1983
We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Waylon Jennings!
Outlaw Country gets a showcasing for this weeks Full Show Friday as Waylon Jennings and company rip through a set in 1983 from London. It is a TV rip and the sound and video are solid for the mid 80's. Full set list and timings are all below the video.
Enjoy:
-Waylon Jennings Live in London 1983- https://soundcloud.com/rvangilder Tracklist: 00:18 Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit Has Done Got Outta Hand 03:27 Clyde 05:35 Living Legends Part 2 08:10 I Can Get Off On You 11:48 Lucille 14:57 Good Ol' Boys 17:57 Without You by Jessi Colter 20:52 I've Always Been Crazy 25:15 Dreaming My Dreams 27:52 Luckenbach, Texas 31:03 Breakin Down 33:50 Mamas Don't Let Your Babies 36:30 Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way 39:21 Good Hearted Woman 42:02 This Time 44:30 I Ain't Living Long Like This 48:13 Honky Tonk Heroes 51:50 Mental Revenge
Outlaw Country gets a showcasing for this weeks Full Show Friday as Waylon Jennings and company rip through a set in 1983 from London. It is a TV rip and the sound and video are solid for the mid 80's. Full set list and timings are all below the video.
Enjoy:
-Waylon Jennings Live in London 1983- https://soundcloud.com/rvangilder Tracklist: 00:18 Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit Has Done Got Outta Hand 03:27 Clyde 05:35 Living Legends Part 2 08:10 I Can Get Off On You 11:48 Lucille 14:57 Good Ol' Boys 17:57 Without You by Jessi Colter 20:52 I've Always Been Crazy 25:15 Dreaming My Dreams 27:52 Luckenbach, Texas 31:03 Breakin Down 33:50 Mamas Don't Let Your Babies 36:30 Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way 39:21 Good Hearted Woman 42:02 This Time 44:30 I Ain't Living Long Like This 48:13 Honky Tonk Heroes 51:50 Mental Revenge
Labels:
Country,
Friday,
Full Concert,
Full Show Friday,
Video
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Album Review: Fireburn - Don't Stop The Youth
Fireburn
Don't Stop The Youth
*** out of *****
Old school punk and hardcore is making a high profile comeback and now another group with players from various stalwart bands of metal, punk and hardcore are coming together. This go around it is Fireburn with their short new EP Don't Stop The Youth.The California based four piece consists of Israel Joseph I (ex-Bad Brains), Nick Townsend (Deadbeat/Knife Fight), Todd Jones (Nails) and Todd Youth (Murphy's Law and a ton more). The group goes back to basic, once again looking towards the Bad Brains for inspiration, even ending the short EP with a reggae tune and a remix of that tune.
Starting at the beginning however the group thunders and screeches straight ahead with punk from 1981 as a bass about to fall off the fiberboard leads to the burning guitars and machine gun drums of "Suspect". The powerful opening statement sets the bar high for the group and a more mainstream punk tune flows out next as "Break It Down" (complete with fluid Youth guitar solo) is more melodic before the chaotic fury of "Let This Be".
The twist of reggae ("Jah Jah Children") and the remix ("Jah Dub")will earn the Bad Brain comparisons but they are present from the first note, it is good to see the band still inspiring so much earned devotion as they are clearly legends in the genre.
The short EP is a good first effort from the band and with these sort of coming-together's there could be many more excellent releases or this could be a one time thing. Any which way the ten minutes of music Fireburn delivers on Don't Stop The Youth is worth hearing if you are an old school punk rock/hardcore metal fan.
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This is turning out to be a hell of good Fall season for heavy music on RtBE. Dead Cross, Bloodclot, Power Trip, all of these may show up on the year end list. Support the band check out their bandcamp and buy the EP, stream it below as well:
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Album Review: Action Bronson - Blue Chips 7000
Action Bronson
Blue Chips 7000
*** out of *****
Bronson even named the album Blue Chips 7000 making this the third entry in his Blue Chips series and tying it directly to his mix tapes, then again this album is most solid release since Rare Chandeliers. It seems that laid back style works better for him than any grand artistic statement such as his underwhelming first studio album Mr. Wonderful, this is a return to the easy small touches.
“La Luna” uses on hold music to inspire Bronson into an easy flow that unfortunately ends before it really takes off and “Let Me Breathe” is a fun as hell take on trying to make a successful song/dance “Where basic bitches will dance to it”. There are a lot of stoned rhymes with corresponding braggadocios stanzas, “Chairman’s Intent” uses funk guitars scratching behind stressed out lyrics where Bronson “Needs some time to realign his chi”. His rhymes consistently bring a smile and seem effortless as he talks about everything from blowing trees in white range rovers to being mistaken for Sting or compared to Kevin Spacey on the smooth “9-24-7000” which features a guest spot from Rick Ross.
Production is strong throughout with beats matching Bronson’s energy/confident delivery. “Let It Rain” in particular is a solid number with a gorgeous funk groove that has touches of jazz saxophones and calypso rhythms while “My Right Lung” amps up the organ and hovers above interlude level with thunder crashes and a devoted rhyme scheme. Pop beats and ooh and ahhs color “The Choreographer” while a touch of toasting pops up with the reggae influenced “Hot Pepper” featuring Jah Tiger and Mayhem Lauren. A gorgeous guitar line buoys “Chop Chop Chop” while an old partner in crime Big Body Bes arrives to assist on two of the most banging tracks “TANK” and closer “Durag vs. Headband” but this is clearly Bronson’s baby.
That brings with it success and sense of been there done that. Bronson is clearly talented but nothing on Blue Chips 7000 stands out as truly must hear and when the disk is over it doesn’t stick to your ribs or ears. Fans will be happy that Bronson is back in his comfort zone, but Blue Chips 7000 never quite delivers on its top recruit status.
_________________________________________________________
Support the artist, buy the album and peep some video below:
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Album Review: Primus - The Desaturating Seven
Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!!!
It is of Primus new album The Desaturating Seven. RtBE love Primus, and have seen them live a bunch of times but have been let down by their recent releases. We didn't care for Green Naugahyde, we actually disliked their Wonka effort and now have been bored by this release.
Needless to say we are taking a beating on the comment section of that review, however very few comments have addressed the actual music on the album. People are happy to shit on me, which is fine, but I would rather have a conversation about the actual tunes and how they don't go anywhere. I am also guessing these commentators are on the younger side and did not grow up with Primus because if you like or dislike this album it is about as far from Frizzle Fry as you can get.
Any which way but loose, support the band, buy the album, and peep some video below:
It is of Primus new album The Desaturating Seven. RtBE love Primus, and have seen them live a bunch of times but have been let down by their recent releases. We didn't care for Green Naugahyde, we actually disliked their Wonka effort and now have been bored by this release.
Needless to say we are taking a beating on the comment section of that review, however very few comments have addressed the actual music on the album. People are happy to shit on me, which is fine, but I would rather have a conversation about the actual tunes and how they don't go anywhere. I am also guessing these commentators are on the younger side and did not grow up with Primus because if you like or dislike this album it is about as far from Frizzle Fry as you can get.
Any which way but loose, support the band, buy the album, and peep some video below:
Monday, October 2, 2017
Dylan Cover #295 Tiffany Anne "My Back Pages" Live
In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Tiffany Anne of "My Back Pages"
Thoughts on Dylan Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this song:
Thoughts on Cover:
This is an interesting one for us this Monday. There is no doubt Miss Anne has a massive voice and she powerfully delivers the song. The thing is RtBE kinda like's this tune better when it is less dramatic and serious. The beautiful thing about Bob songs is that everyone takes their own vision of the tune and we like this one with more of a smirk as opposed to huge swells. To each their own though.
The original has taken upon itself a cultural importance, and the chorus has simply become iconic. I doubt Dylan intended such, but it toes the line of out and out protest and illustrative questions. He puts down everyone from evangelists to girls, but the language snakes and flows so magically that it doesn't seem as harsh as "Positively 4th St" or "Ballad in Plain D". The sense of exhaling desperation or at least the realization that age confuses things even more seems to be what I take from this tune after each listen, but things can change...or can they?
Cover:
Cover:
Thoughts on Cover Artist:
We have not heard of Tiffany Anne before, but you can check out her music on itunes.
Thoughts on Cover:
This is an interesting one for us this Monday. There is no doubt Miss Anne has a massive voice and she powerfully delivers the song. The thing is RtBE kinda like's this tune better when it is less dramatic and serious. The beautiful thing about Bob songs is that everyone takes their own vision of the tune and we like this one with more of a smirk as opposed to huge swells. To each their own though.
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