WOW. Never, ever thought this would happen. I thought there was more of a chance that Pink Floyd reunited for a tour than there ever was for The Stone Roses. It just seemed that there was too much hatred amongst band members and too much satisfaction in knowing that what they had created had aged to legendary status. I guess in the end, the money is far too appealing. Not that I’m complaining… I will do anything to see the band play if this tour actually happens. I’m just not sure that I’m ready for any new music from the band. It would be impossible to re-capture the 20 year old magic that produced their near flawless debut and less perfect, but still amazing 2nd album. Then again, it could be good. Maybe great. continue reading...
I just recently found out that Urge Overkill has reformed, recorded a new album and are in the middle of a tour?! Despite not having original drummer Blackie Onassis (who was amazing) with them, this is still great news. These guys were the biggest rock stars that you’ve probably never heard of. Well, you probably heard their cover of “Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon” from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, but the rest of their original catalog is pretty spectacular. The new album is called Rock And Roll Submarine and is available now, but I’ll reserve any judgement on the new music until after I’ve given it a thorough listen. Here they are back in 1993 when their aspiriations of being the biggest rock stars on the planet actually seemed like it was possible. This performance of “Positive Bleeding” should convince you: continue reading...
The New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys come out with their compilation record NKOTBSB today. continue reading...
With a new Cars album, Move Like This, released yesterday, I thought it would be fitting to feature a classic performance by the band. Sadly original member Benjamin Orr died of pancreatic cancer in 2000, but the fact that the rest of the band members have reunited for a new album is quite amazing. Ric Okasec seemed quite adament that they’d never reform and admitted that he hated the thought of touring again. Based on what I’ve heard so far, it’s a good thing for Cars fans and new wave fans in general that the band did get it together for some new music. Here they are back in 1985 performing the classic “Just What I Needed” at Live Aid. Enjoy: continue reading...
Photo Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
The first single from NKOTBSB, the boy band super-group joining the New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys, has just been released online. continue reading...
It’s such a shame that The Libertines have had such an up and down history as a band. Blame the lows on whatever cliche fits… drugs, jealousy, insanity, drugs… but, the highs were quite incredible. Who know’s what could have been accomplished had Pete Doherty and Carl Barat been able to make more music together? I suppose not all hope is lost. They have been able to pull it together for a few reunion shows over the years. A prime example is this performance from 2010’s Reading Festival. The band effortlessly performs an incredible version of “Can’t Stand Me Now” to a crowd that is going absolutely mental. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll get more magic from these guys… continue reading...
I feel no shame in my love for The Darkness. They exploded onto the music scene in 2003 with their over the top debut Permission To Land and I instantly fell in love with their sound. Sure they were derivative and copied everyone from AC/DC to KISS to Queen, but they did it with such reckless insanity that I found it impossible to resist. Backing it up with great songs and an amazing ability to recreate their sound in a live setting they were a force to be reckoned with for a few years. Then the band imploded thanks to band in-fighting… and frontman Justin Hawkins’ $4,000 a week cocaine habit… continue reading...
Image Source: NBC
Though American R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe performed here and there ever since the release of their last album in 2001, their Wednesday reunion on the show, “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” brought back many fond memories of the 1990’s. continue reading...
After 3 break-ups and a list ditch reunion attempt in 2008 it now appears that The Verve is done for good. Richard Ashcroft continues to soldier on with a semi-successful solo career and the other band members have drifted to other projects, but it’s apparent that none of them will ever replicate the success and creative achievement of their first 3 albums together, culminating in the near perfect 1997 album Urban Hymns. What a shame. The combination of those musicians together was really something special and nowhere is that more apparent than their 1998 homecoming performance in Wigan, England. Fresh off conquering the music world, the band probably never sounded better and broke up for the second time just months after this show. Here is The Verve performing “Sonnet”. I severely regret never getting the chance to see this band: continue reading...
After a triumphant reunion show at Lollapalooza this year Soundgarden has dug into the archives for a b-side from the Badmotorfinger era called “Black Rain”. The song will be available on the upcoming career retrospective album Telephantasm, in-stores 9/28. The sci-fi leaning animated video was directed by Brendan Small, creator of the animated metal show, Metalocalypse. continue reading...
