Site Updates

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Visit the forum for fun or for a laugh. This post was submitted by greg. Read More →

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Album Reviews

Frightened Rabbit : The Winter of Mixed Drinks :: Review

Somewhere the veil must have been lifted causing the gloom and misery to dissipate on Frightened Rabbit’s third album “The Winter of Mixed Drinks” offers a buoyantly triumphant return for the Scottish troupe.   “The Winter of Mixed Drinks” was recorded in a small seaside town of Crail and watery imagery is evoked throughout.   Album opener,... [Read more of this review]

Serj Tankian : Elect The Dead Symphony :: Review

On paper, heavy metal and symphonic music would be a match made in heaven almost akin to peanut butter and chocolate.  Both forms of music are somewhat dark and theatrical while also appealing to teenage fantasies so it would make sense that a heavy metal musician would want to heighten the drama of their music by incorporating a symphony into their... [Read more of this review]

Pavement : Quarantine The Past :: Review

Courtesy of their impending reunion tour, Pavement has compiled and remastered some of their favorite tracks into a semi-comprehensive greatest hits package.  “Quarantine The Past” spans a decade (1989-1999) with one of the best bands of the nineties and attempts to whittle their output into a 23 track compendium which is fair because it focuses... [Read more of this review]

Peter Gabriel : Scratch My Back :: Review

Peter Gabriel’s new covers album, “Scratch My Back” is his first album since the ironically titled and maudlin cancer infused “Up” released eight years ago.   Those expecting a reprieve from the funereal mood that dominated “Up” might be disheartened to know that Gabriel’s mood hasn’t seemed to lighten.  The grave atmosphere that... [Read more of this review]

Holly Miranda : The Magician’s Private Library :: Review

Had David Sitek of TV on the Radio gotten a hold of Cat Power, the results might sound like Holly Miranda’s debut, “The Magician’s Private Library.” Miranda, formerly of the band The Jealous Girlfriends went the solo route and her debut is more of a showcase for studio trickery than her evocative lyrics and songwriting skills.  Every track... [Read more of this review]

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Mark's Rear View Mirror: A Look Back

That Sound! : The greatest rock bands with that organ sound

In the 60s one distinguishing feature of the mainly guitar based bands was augmenting the group with an organ. These were the days when a keyboard player in a band would be constrained by hauling a piano around as electronic keyboards were still in their infancy. Despite that, the hefty Hammond B3, C3 and smaller M100 series were used in concert. An... [Read more of this review]

Jimi Hendrix : Songwriter :: Are You Experienced

Much has been discussed about Hendrix’s guitar talents…but forgotten in all the technical jargon is the fact that he wrote, arranged, and produced fantastic songs. This is the real legacy of his genius.   Hendrix emerged when Cream with Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker was the prime example of musical rock prowess.  Like Cream, Hendrix fronted... [Read more of this review]

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Videos

Alan Pownall : Chasing Time :: Video

The latest Brit sensation goes by the name of Alan Pownall.  I’m also an Allen but the better variety.  Is that smug?  Regardless, check out the video – any comparison to Jack Johnson is undoubtedly unintentional. This post was submitted by greg. Read More →

RIP : Mark Linkous AKA Sparklehorse :: It’s a Wonderful Life :: Video

RIP Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse who committed suicide yesterday according to Rolling Stone magazine.  His family released a statement, “It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and family member, Mark Linkous, took his own life today. We are thankful for his time with us and will hold him forever in our hearts.... [Read more of this review]

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