Category: Rock

BSP Kingston Hosting An “Un-quiet” Evening with Quiet Life and The Ballroom Thieves December 10

Despite the name, Quiet Life (New London, CT/Portland, OR) along with The Ballroom Thieves (Boston, MA) will settle up at BSP Kingston with sets of cozy, foot-stomping tunes fit for the dull hump of a Wednesday.

Natives of New London, CT and currently from Portland, OR, Quiet Life is touring behind the breakout success of their recent EP release “Housebroken Man,” which included collaborations with My Morning Jacket guitarist Jim James and Cary Ann Hearst of Shovels & Rope. The band is also putting the finishing touches on a new full length album, produced by Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog, due out in 2015. Known for a rowdy live show, Quiet Life have toured with the likes of The Lumineers, Alabama Shakes, and The Head & the Heart.

Joining Quiet Life is The Ballroom Thieves bringing a slow, deliberate build in their music to the BSP. Their music takes a commanding role onstage from the start, turning any size venue into an intimate environment.

Kingston’s own Time Travels will be opening the show.

The show runs from 7 – 11 pm and tickets are available here and at the door for $7
.

December 10, 2014
Flogging Molly Rallies The Capitol Theatre For Weeknight Show

Weeknight concerts are sometimes a hit-or-miss affair because of a light crowd (or we should say the tough ones brave enough to call in late to work the next day). That wasn’t the case this past Tuesday as Flogging Molly rallied a flock of dedicated music fans at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

The night had an easy start with some good tunes from The Pasadena Band, named after their hometown in Maryland. Concert early birds were treated to the band’s aggressive singer-songwriter type rock with occasional funky reggae beats and lingering melodies, somewhat akin to what the band 311 has going on. Though, of course, their set was short as an opening act but they’re worthy of checking out for a full set next time they’re around.

Continuing the run of opening acts not-to-miss was The Mighty Stef who, though from Dublin, champion an alternative rock sound without the traditional Irish music elements that Flogging Molly incorporates. Mostly bright and energetic The Mighty Stef had some first-time listeners talking after their set. Two songs that stood out from their set were their new single “The Nightwatchman of the Iveagh Flats” and the slower, darker “Death Threats” off of an EP of the same name.

Flogging Molly met a surge of energy for their set with a small pit forming in the middle of The Cap’s open-floor orchestra level early in the set (despite the signs on The Cap’s doors about not moshing during the show).

The band broke into a brief acoustic set about halfway through their time on stage – “a set to rest our dancers’ feet,” Dave King remarked as he was introducing “The Sun Never Shines (On Closed Doors).” For a set full of driving rock this feature of the show added a swing of dynamic that was done well.

Of course the setlist included “Devil’s Dance Floor,” “Float,” “Drunken Lullabies,” and “Salty Dog,” – songs that Flogging Molly wouldn’t make it out of Port Chester alive for not playing. But, rather than simply getting on stage to play a bushel of songs before moving on to the next gig, they took the time to make a few dedications and tributes throughout the evening. Early on a “Whistles the Wind” was dedicated to Conor McGee, a fan recently passed, introduced by King with a few words about Conor and his family who were in the crowd. “The Likes of You Again” was dedicated to the band’s guitarist and Rochester native Dennis Connor and “The Sun Never Shines (On Closed Doors)” to The Pasadena Band’s Joey Harkum, both of whom had recent losses in their families.

It seems like the fact of a concert falling on a weeknight inevitably looms over it, sometimes dampening the experience. While possibly true for this Flogging Molly show, especially for those dragging their feet to work in the wee hours of the following morning, one takeaway is this: Don’t underestimate a weeknight show.

If you missed your chance at seeing Flogging Molly on their current tour, the band is planning on releasing a new album sometime next year (their first in four years), so we may perhaps see them in New York again soon.

December 9, 2014
Bob Seger Brings his Old Time Rock and Roll to Albany

That old-time rock ‘n’ roll reigned supreme at the Times Union Center with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Dec. 2 in Albany. I know of Seger the way most do – through classic rock radio stations, but I also recall way back in the early ’80s winning a small glass album of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band at the Altamont Fair for hitting 3 balloons with darts. When he announced he was coming to the Times Union Center, nostalgia was triggered for a first time show.

Truth be told, I missed most of J. Geils Band opening the show. “Angel is a Centerfold” was played but beyond that it was a mix of some new songs and older tracks I was unfamiliar with. I am sure they’ll turn up on the State Fair circuit next summer.

Seger and his band took the stage and opened with five songs I was wholly unfamiliar with but each of them had a ’70s rock quality that captivated me. For a band that has a handful of radio hits, I never recognized that there were some quality tracks lying around on those non-greatest hits albums; it was a pleasant surprise. “Old Time Rock & Roll” was played early and not shelved until the end – give the audience the song you are best known for and appease them early. “Like a Rock” inspired the audience to go out and buy a Chevy, while cellphones were used in place of lighters – the times, even for the old timers, have changed. “Travelin’ Man” was a good stand out tune, as well as “California Stars” the most modern song of the night despite being written by Woody Guthrie and Wilco. “Turn the Page” which got a second life when Metallica covered it back in the late ’90s, was the penultimate song of the night, with an inspiring “Detroit Made” closing the show.

The two encores gave us four solid songs – “Against the Wind,” “Hollywood Nights” (Umphrey’s McGee covers this and help to reintroduce Seger to a younger audience), “Night Moves” and “Rock & Roll Never Forgets”. Seger knows how to draw the crowd in, and despite being seated for most of the night, the audience was rapt with attention towards the rock n roll legend.

Setlist: Roll me Away, Trying to Live my Life Without you, The Fire down Below, The Devil’s Right Hand, Mainstreet, Old Time Rock & Roll, The Fireman’s Talkin’, Come to Poppa, Her Strut, Like a Rock, Travelin’ Man, Beautiful Loser, California Stars, Hey Gypsy, We’ve Got Tonight, Turn the Page, Detroit Made

Encore: Against the Wind, Hollywood Nights

Encore 2: Night Moves, Rock & Roll Never Forgets

December 8, 2014
Syracuse’s Ben Mauro Album Release This Weekend at The Palace

It has been a pleasure over the last year to work with Ben Mauro. A native of Syracuse, Ben has followed his dream all over the world playing music along with some of the greatest musicians ever. Currently touring with Lionel Richie, Ben has had the opportunity to work together with some major stars in the business such as Kelly Clarkson, Brittany Spears, and John Fogerty to just name a few.

Lionel Richie – Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Over the last year Ben has been working on some of his own music. At an EP Release party back in May, Ben shared a taste of what was to come to a sold out crowd at Shifty’s. The music was awesome, and left listeners in high anticipation for the final release. Home for the holidays, Ben’s album release is finally here. At The Palace Theater this Saturday, December 6, fans will finally be able to get their copy of this talented musicians final cut.

Ben Mauro Album Release

Joining Ben on stage will be the SAMMY Award winning backup band, Phoenix Eleven, who also are on hiatus from touring. With Greg “Goose” LaPoint on drums, Joe Grosvent on bass, and Max McKee on guitar and vocals, they will be joined by special guests Deyquan and Yajha Bowens on keyboards and vocals, Al Cutri on saxophone and lifelong friends Peter McMahon and Paulie Cerra.

Phoenix Eleven – Ben Mauro Album Release

Tickets can be purchased on his website or at the door, if still available. Don’t wait to the last minute to share this special evening with Syracuse’s finest musicians in celebration of music and holiday cheer.

December 5, 2014
Mick Jagger And Martin Scorsese Team Up For New HBO Drama About ‘70s Music Business

Since the late 90’s HBO has dished out some fantastic award winning dramas such as Oz, The Sopranos, and True Blood just to name a few. Now it seems HBO has another potential series in the works that revolves around the music scene in the 1970’s. A pilot for this series has already been ordered by the network.

Over the summer, Mick Jagger tweeted this picture:

Now it’s confirmed that Mick Jagger and acclaimed film maker Martin Scorsese are co producing the yet to be titled series. According to Deadline, acclaimed film writer Terrence Winter (Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos) will be writing the show while Scorsese will be directing the pilot.

The premise of the show is a record executive played by Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire) is looking to save his music label during the time punk rock and disco make their way onto the American music scene. The cast also includes Olivia Wilde, Ray Romano, Juno Temple, Andrew Dice Clay, Ato Essandoh, Max Casella, and more to be revealed.

This sounds like a recipe for a win for HBO. History proves that HBO can pump out great drama. And with Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger calling the shots, now we wait in anticipation.

In other Martin Scorsese news, NYS Music recently covered that Scorsese is working on a Grateful Dead documentary for the band’s 50^th anniversary. You can read about it here.

December 4, 2014
Hearing Aide: Soundgarden, ‘Echo Of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across The Path’

Seattle hard rock outfit Soundgarden has graced a long and vivid music career. With six studio albums, several EP’s, a live album, and multiple soundtrack appearances spanning almost three decades, the long awaited b-sides collection Echo Of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across The Path is guaranteed to please any Soundgarden fan, or any fan of hard rock and metal. This collection was unleashed November 24, and contains three discs of some of the best Soundgarden tracks you will ever hear. It contains ultra rare recordings that are damn near impossible to find, some tracks are familiar, some are so rare that they’re going to sound new.

And that’s the beauty of this collection.

The first disc contains eighteen original tracks, including two brand new recorded songs. The first track “Sub Pop Rock City” is an early recording from Soundgarden’s Sub Pop Records era, a very groovy Rolling Stones-like track. A very odd but rocking track. Then the album goes into “Toy Box,” off the ultra rare Flower EP. A very gloomy Sabbathy tune. Killer slow rifts from Kim Thayil with crazy and gloomy vocals from Chris Cornell. The next two tracks “Heretic” and “Fresh Deadly Roses” are more bizarre, both off of the Loudest Love EP , which has more distorted and screeching guitars from Thayil and Cornell screaming bloody murder. The album then goes into a groovy and fast track called “H.I.V. Baby” which was recorded live during Soundgarden’s early years and wound up as a b-side to “Room A Thousand Years Wide.” The quality isn’t the greatest, but it sounds dirty and distorted, but that’s the beauty of Soundgarden’s early work. Then we get a very heavy track called “Cold Bitch,” b-side to “Spoonman.” that Cornell wrote about an ex-lover.

The album switches gears a bit with the track “Show Me,” a track written by bassist Ben Shepherd before going into “She’s A Politician,” which is a very short track. Then we are graced with the heavy “Birth Ritual” which was off of the movie soundtrack “Singles.” This is easily one of the best tracks from this collection. Catchy rifts from Thayil, clutch drumming from Matt Cameron, and Cornell really bringing the best of his vocal range. The album takes another strange turn with the track “She Likes Surprises” which was originally off of Songs From Superunknown EP. Then it gets heavy again with “Kyle Petty, Son Of Richard” and “Exit Stonehenge” Both tracks are very heavy but strange, can’t help the fact that they’re catchy, “Kyle Petty, Son Of Richard” may be stuck in your head for days after listening to it thanks to some of best guitar work from Thayil. Gloominess sinks again with “Blind Dogs.” This one is pretty much a stoner track because it’s slow and trippy. “Bleed Together” which was off the best-of compilation A-Sides, was a track that was originally supposed to appear on Down On The Upside but never made the cut, anyone familiar with that album will have a good idea on how that track sounds like and makes you wonder how on earth this song didn’t make the cut at the time.

“Black Rain” graces this album as well, which was first released off the retrospective album Telephantasm, but was originally supposed to be on Badmotorfinger. Another track that makes you scratch your head and wonder why it never made the original album. It’s a heavy track that has Cornell screaming his best vocals. “Live To Rise”, made famous from The Avengers movie soundtrack, finally gracing a Soundgarden album. This one is probably the only radio-friendly song on this collection. Finally, the album closes with two brand new recorded tracks starting with “Kristi.” This song really put a smile on my face. It’s Soundgarden going back to the heaviness that was Badmotorfinger. A catchy song with the slow, heavy, down-tuned guitar rifts from Thayil. It’s been so long since we heard Soundgarden go this heavy. Although I enjoyed 2012’s King Animal, it didn’t have that really heavy old school Soundgarden sound. “Kristi” does just that. Disc one closes with the brand new track “Storm,” this track combines the sound of the Ultramega OK and Superunknown, which is a really clever way to close this part of the collection.

The second disc contains covers recorded over Soundgarden’s entire career. The first track is “Swallow My Pride” which is a fellow Seattle band Green River cover originally off of the Fopp EP. A really fun track to listen to start this album. “Smokestack Lightnin’”, a Howlin’ Wolf cover, was originally recorded on Soundgarden’s first full length album Ultramega OK. Then we get one of two Beatles covers on this disc starting with “Everybody’s Got Something To Hide (Except Me and My Monkey)” this is where Soundgarden really shines, because all four members said that The Beatles were one of their main influences. The album continues with another brilliant cover with Sly And The Family Stone’s “Thank U”, a heavier and more obscure take on this song.

Right after that, we get the second Beatles cover with “Come Together”, the best version of this song you will ever hear – slow, heavy, and distorted. Clearly Soundgarden are experts at deviating cover songs. Then they managed to cover The Rolling Stones’ “Stray Cat Blues,” a cool cover, but doesn’t stand out like the other covers. The next cover is easily best one, Soundgarden covers Black Sabbath’s “Into The Void” but they change the lyrics from the song with lyrics about Chief Sealth, a historic Native American that lived in the Seattle region in the 1800’s. A brilliant take on this song. Thayil does a wonderful job replicating Tony Iommi’s iconic rifts and solo’s while Cornell does such a great take on Ozzy Osbourne. Nothing can beat this.

Soundgarden then pays tribute to Devo with an excellent cover of “Girl U Want”; any fan of Devo will appreciate this cover. Soundgarden pays tribute to The Doors with two tracks on this disc starting with “Touch Me” with Stephanie Barber, who is a friend of the band sang on this song with Cornell. This may be the only recording where we hear Cornell partake in a duet. Soundgarden manages to cover Jimi Hendirx’s “Can You See Me” on the next track. Hearing Thayil’s take on Jimi Hendrix’s guitar solos is absolutely fascinating. Then we get a cover of Budgie’s “Homicidal Suicidal,” a really slow and sludgie song. Clearly this band was an influence on Soundgarden which is why they must of decided to cover this song. Soundgarden pays tribute to seventies punk with the next two tracks starting with a cover of The Ramones’ “I Can’t Give You Anything” and Fear’s “I Don’t Care About You.” Both are fun tracks to listen to, especially if you’re a fan of that era. We get the other Doors cover on the next track with “Waiting For The Sun” with a live recording of it, originally on 2011’s expanded version of Live on I-5. A slow and really heavy version of this song.

Then we get another cover from that same album with a cover of The Stooges “Search And Destroy” Again, its heavy, but this one is faster than the last cover. Soundgarden puts out the third consecutive live cover, but this time, they go extremely out of the band’s character by covering Spinal Tap’s “Big Bottom.” It’s amusing, but it contains punishing guitars, a real treat to listen to. Finally the album closes with yet another out of character cover, this time, Soundgarden covers Cheech & Chong’s “Earache My Eye.” This one is recorded live as well, and holy cow is it funny to listen too. It’s nice to see Soundgarden who is really known as a serious band show off their sense of humor on this album. I would say that the covers are the main reason to purchase this album.

The third disc contains fifteen oddities. Including remixes and instrumentals plus two brand new tracks. The album kicks off with “Twin Tower,” a brand new instrumental tune. This tune has Thayil’s guitar work front and center along with some powerful drumming from Cameron. The next track is another instrumental tune “Jerry Garcia’s Finger” which was the b-side to “Pretty Noose.” This track is kind of pointless. I think the band threw this in as a joke. The album segways with another strange instrumental tune “Ghostmotorfinger,” which is just sound of a motorcycle looping, again pointless, unless you’re really stoned off your ass. (giggles) Then we get another brand new unreleased instrumental track called “Night Surf.” This one is a bit haunting, nothing spectacular but a nice change of pace from the previous two tracks. The next track “A Splice Of Space Jam,” yet another instrumental similar the previous track, was a b-side to “Blow Up The Outside World,” again, nothing spectacular. Finally , we get an excellent instrumental tune “The Telephantasm” which was recorded during the Fopp era of Soundgarden. This one is groovy and fun to listen to, miles above the other instrumentals.

A full blown song with “Black Days III” which is off the 20^th anniversary of Superunknown. This is the third version of the song “Fell On Black Days.” It’s an awesome take on the song with more down tuned guitars and Cornell screaming more than singing. Now you get a sense the album is picking up more. Then the b-side to song “Burden In My Hand” called “Karaoke” kicks in, this is a cool track with some fine drumming from Cameron and strange lyrics from Cornell. Next is “Fopp (Fucked Up Heavy Dub Mix)” off of the Fopp EP. I absolutely love this track. It contains clips of Godzilla: King Of The Monsters in it, including that famous roar, and the speech from Raymond Burr’s character. This song has a place in my heart due to my love for kaiju films. Then the album kicks into a remix of “Big Dumb Sex.” This is one of my favorite songs of Louder Than Love but it’s a whole different but interesting take on it. It’s definitely worth a listen to it. This was the b-side to “Loud Love.” After that, the album goes into a really crazy version of the classic “Spoonman,” this version is more a trippy hip hop remix of it, and it also includes more Godzilla roars. Soundgarden must be a huge fan of Godzilla. Next, we get a very cleaver remix of “Rhinosaur” which was the b-side to “Ty Cobb” I really like how they produced Cornell’s voice and remixed Thayil’s guitar track. Excellent production on this track. That trend continues into the next track with the remix of “Dusty.” They made it softer and gloomier, but again, the production is excellent. The album wraps things up with a remix of “The Telephantasm” before going into the pointless track “One Minute Of Silence” (which exactly what it is). Calling this disc full of oddities is definitely true. No other way to put it. Some tracks are pointless, but contains so awesome remixes.

Overall, this is a fantastic and must own album. It’s a tad bit pricey due to the fact that it is three discs of material, but its brilliant and takes you on a journey showcasing the true talent of Soundgarden, showing that their b-sides, covers, and rare tracks are still boss over 99% of music that is out there right now. I’m glad Soundgarden took the time to dig deep and release these songs in a compilation, because they’re damn near impossible to find. Invest your money, and invest your ears to this album, you will be happy that you did.

You can purchase Soundgarden’s Echo Of Miles: Scattered Tracks Across The Path here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgWS6DkogV0?list=PLLzn6aYLx2LWcxyRhZWHAqOYX1S447q8F

Key Tracks:

Disc One: H.I.V. Baby, Birth Ritual, Kristi

Disc Two: Thank You, Come Together, Into The Void

Disc Three: The Telephantasm, Black Days III, Fopp (Fucked Up Heavy Dub Mix)

December 3, 2014
Hearing Aide: Ariel Pink, “pom pom”

After his controversial interview with The Guardian, ageist views of Madonna, and constant struggle with fitting into the indie rock music sphere, Ariel Pink sets out to release all his grudges on his new album, pom pom.

In this new 17 track album, Pink encourages us to “keep your eyes on the dream, in the theater of endless reform” and as always, “don’t forget to show your stripes.”

Pink has surely not had any difficulty showing his stripes, after being signed to Paw Tracks as a solo artist early in his career. After releasing several successful self-made recordings, he was then signed to 4AD with his experimental backing group, known as “Haunted Graffiti.”

Going back to his solo roots in pom pom, Pink expands the boundaries of experimental indie by influencing 80’s pop, prog rock, and a bit of glam rock, which I could see in a sequel of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

For those who enjoy standard meters and catchy choruses, songs like “White Freckles” and “One Summer Night” have been taking music blogging sites by storm, and for a good reason. As an 80’s buff myself, tracks like “Lipstick,” “Four Shadows” and “Picture Me Gone” provide the perfect soundtrack to pop into your cassette player.

For less conventional individuals, songs like “Dinosaur Carebears,” “Black Ballerina” and “Plastic Raincoats in the Pig Parade” have a very odd sound to match their song title names. With the additions of sound effects and constant key and meter changes, these songs are certainly like candy for the musical ear.

While Pink doesn’t perform live as often, he will make one stop in NYC on February 25th at Terminal 5 before undergoing a European tour. Until then, make sure you follow his Facebook and Twitter, and check out the video for his top track from the album, entitled Put Your Number In My Phone.

Key Tracks: Put Your Number In My Phone, Picture Me Gone, Black Ballerina

December 2, 2014
Funsgiving Tradition Carries on Strong at New Location

In its seventh year, the B3nson Family Funsgiving was in a new space, but held true to the sounds and energy that have made it a familiar tradition in the Albany music scene. A year ago Funsgiving was held where it had always been, at the now defunct, and sorely missed Valentine’s, packing the rooms on both floors. This year, instead of walking a flight of stairs between stages, it was between the doors of Pauly’s Hotel and The Low Beat on Central Ave. Two rooms, seven bands, all for ten dollars, and it would prove to be a pretty excellent deal.

Brooklyn four piece Leaks/Mirrors made the trek to Albany to kick off the night at Pauly’s. It was apparent people had paid attention to the warning that music would be starting early, the crowd was pretty sizable by the time the music bounced over next door for the first set of the night at the Low Beat from Secret Release. Guitarist Mike Campana and keyboardist Dan LaFave trade off vocal duties with a sound that is easy to listen to, easy to like and easy to move to. Don’t take “easy” as a negative, it simply means they’ve crafted their songs so nicely that it’s tough to hear them and not want to move closer and see what this band, relatively new in its current form, has to offer.

After a nice set from Neighboorhood of Make Believe over on the Pauly’s stage, Bear Grass’ set inside The Low Beat felt like some sort of mid-winter barn show. The wooden interior, the crowd bundled up in hats, scarfs and sweaters on what was the coldest day of the season so far, huddled around the stage with drinks in hand. Standing in the back of the room, the band’s often soft demeanor led them to being sometimes easily overlooked. However, stepping closer into the crowd, their warm sound was absolutely captivating. Bear Grass’ sound felt bigger than usual, with layers of vocals and guitars, and Katie Hammon’s lead vocals seeming to gain even more power and confidence over the past year.

Back over at Pauly’s people were filling in the room for Hammer Hawk, the trio that creates rock in all the right ways. Hammer Hawk makes music that feels good to yell along with. It’s rock with alternative roots that feel almost comforting, and familiar. Familiar in its most kind interpretation can sum up Funsgiving. If you’ve been to one before, the faces are familiar. While some of the bands were seasoned Funsgiving veterans, the ones that weren’t, had mostly been there before, just in different forms. B3nson is a music collective of musicians and friends with bands that are constantly evolving, where one project ends, someone is inspired to take a sound in a new direction and a new one begins.

The crowd was at its peak during The Parlor’s set, who was celebrating the release of their new EP, Ghost House. Where Bear Grass’ set felt in need of a fireplace, the only thing missing from The Parlor’s set could’ve been a disco ball. Covering the Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams”, with the dual vocals of Jen O’Conner and Donna Baird, along with the contagious, wild energy of frontman Eric Krans, The Parlor ensured there was a smile on the face of everyone in the room. Funsgiving favorites, they knew exactly how to get the crowd all warmed up and moving throughout their set, playing old crowd favorites and great new tracks.

Closing out the night was the band that has quickly become a party-time favorite in Albany – Rival Galaxies. For people in it for the long haul, there was no better band to close out a great night of music. They’re the type of band that even if you had no clue who they were, and you walked into one of their shows, they’d have your attention, and have you moving in an instant. Think LCD Soundsystem with a hint of punk energy. Drummer Todd Richards is so precise he at times seems more machine than man, and bassist Nick Wallas finds a groove that fits perfectly and lays it down solid, making for an ideal rhythm section for a live dance band. The energy from Matt Ferguson on synths never ends, and neither does the unique range of sounds he creates. Even if guitarist/vocalist Mike Fuccilli didn’t nail all the words to their cover of Semisonic’s “Closing Time” to end the show, it didn’t matter. When you put out a sound and energy like they do for a full set, and a room is filled with that many good friends, perfection can be thrown out the window in exchange for an honest, good, yet slightly cheesy in all the right ways, drunken singalong. Let’s be honest, sometimes, nothing feels better.

B3nson has created a musical collective that from the outside, seems completely organic. Over the years they’ve provided truly quality sounds, and great texture to the musical landscape of Albany. It’s friends and musicians that would be throwing this annual party each year whether anyone else showed up or not. But, we’ll keep showing up, because their constant output of music is something Albany would sound far less vibrant without.

Aside from Funsgiving, The B3nson Recording Company is responsible for the annual Restoration Festival, along with countless great shows and releases throughout the year. To keep up to date on what they have going on, find them on Facebook.

December 2, 2014
Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, Exodus Level Albany’s Washington Avenue Armory

As major touring season is coming to a close and a memorable year of concerts approaching to an end, The Washington Avenue Armory was graced by metal’s best bands: Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies, and main headliner Slayer, to a three thousand plus crowd on November 25. Before, during, and after the show, there lots of people screaming “Slayerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!”

I was late arriving to the show after being stuck in traffic and the line to show was still massive when I arrived, so I wound up missing most of Exodus set, but managed to catch their last two songs “The Toxic Waltz” and “Strike Of The Beast.” Judging by the crowd, they definitely made an impact, they sounded loud, clean, and vital as ever. The recent arrival of vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza couldn’t have come at a better time for the band.

When Suicidal Tendencies hit the stage, they whipped the crowd clean across the floor. I have never seen any band perform they way they do. It was like they had five frontmen in the band because all five of them were all over the place. Vocalist Mike Muir at age 51 is going absolutely bananas on stage and performs better than any twenty-something person from what I can tell. They opened with my favorite song, “You Can’t Bring Me Down.” Although Mike Muir is the only original member left in S.T., this currently lineup has something special going on and S.T. is here to stay for a long time.

Suicidal Tendencies also did a great job doing a set list that contained songs that were more “thrashier” to really please the crowd. The second song they played was “Freedumb” before getting the crowd to participate in the classic “War Inside My Head.” After they played “Subliminal” the band took a break and Mike Muir addressed the crowd about the bands history and their love for skateboarding and played one of their trademark songs, “Possessed To Skate.” Then what was probably the highlight of their set, they played “I Saw Your Mommy” before ending their set with “Cyco Vision” and “Pledge Your Allegiance.” I was kind of surprised they didn’t pay tribute to Tim Williams who sadly passed away recently, but did have t-shirts of him over at the merch table. They didn’t play “Institutionalized” but they didn’t need to with such a good performance.

Finally, Slayer arrived on the stage to make everyone’s ears bleed. This time through, Slayer’s production was massive with four giant upside down crosses hanging above the stage and multiple backdrops throughout their set. They played for almost two hours, ripping through their set, going song after song taking very minimal breaks. Guitarist Gary Hoyt who is pulling a double duty on this tour with Exodus and Slayer, was on stage replacing the late Jeff Hanneman, and did a respectable job in playing Hanneman’s parts. Paul Bostaph was behind the kit, also doing a hell of a job. If you were blind, you would not even know it’s not the original lineup. Tom Araya sounds furious as he ever did, and Kerry King is still boss on guitar.

Now for me, I did see the original lineup five years ago and it was sad not to see Hannaman there, but it’s a damn shame things didn’t work out with Dave Lombardo, but if it was your first time seeing Slayer, you wouldn’t care because their performance was clutch and top notch. They opened with “World Painted Blood” and other highlights included “Chemical Warfare,” “War Ensemble,” “Hell Awaits,” and “Jesus Saves.” But the best part of the show was when they played “Seasons In The Abyss” because just about all of their set was heavy, up tempo songs, but when they switched it up and played “Seasons In The Abyss,” hearing a slower song seemed to stand out more, and the stage lights went from what was primarily red through the whole show to yellow. At the end of their set, they wrapped things up with their trademark “Raining Blood, Psychopathy Red” before finishing up with “South Of Heaven” (which sounded really fantastic before paying tribute to Hanneman for “Angel Of Death” with a backdrop dedicated to him on display. Even though Slayer at this point of their career it’s more about their business and keeping it going, it doesn’t stop them from giving a performance for their insane fans.

Overall a fantastic show, personally I thought Suicidal Tendencies owned the show, but obviously the crowd was there for their lords and saviors Slayer. I would imagine all three bands will be back in Albany sooner or later.

December 2, 2014
The Barr Brothers tour the Northeast and Visit the Late Night Show

The Barr Brothers are currently on tour in the Northeast, as well as making their second guest appearance on the David Letterman Show. They had to cancel a show in Philadelphia on Nov. 20 in order to play Letterman due to a last-minute invitation, but the band was able to play to a much larger crowd at the Bowery Ballroom, last Friday, Nov.21, and at The Sinclair in Cambridge, MA last Saturday, Nov. 22. They will play Canada next on Dec. 5 (Vancouver, BC), Dec. 7 in Oregon, then Dec. 10 – 12 in San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Los Angeles and then back to NYC at the Highline on January 8, before shipping off to Europe for a UK tour Jan. 24-30 [tour info]. The Barr Brothers have also recently added Mishka Stein on bass, from Montreal to their line-up.

Here is the official video from the Late Show with David Letterman – “Even the Darkness Has Arms” ] Letterman jokingly asked Brad, “You still live in Montreal?” Brad replied, “yes” Dave then said, “Paul and I will come up…we would like to manage the band. … I don’t know what arrangements you have now, but we’ll kill that, Paul and I will take over” Paul jokingly stated, “…and Joy Philbin will also co-manage”.

Check out a full photo gallery by Phrazz – at the Historic Synagogue at Sixth and I, Washington, DC. [Barr Brothers – PhrazzPix – HD Gallery 11/18/2014]

December 1, 2014