September? Is it September already? No way! Impossible…yet here we are. It is Labor Day Weekend here in the States and that means not a ton of releases as most bands don’t want to compete with peoples travel money. However, we still have around 20 for you today down from the 40 to 50 we normally see. I actually have two I want to here and they are marked in Blue! Let me know what you want to hear and what we may have missed. I hope everyone has a great weekend as I know I will enjoy my 3 day weekend!!
Megadeth – The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead – (Universal Music): I can’t believe it has been 6 years since their last effort with the phenomenal, ‘Dystopia’. I really loved that album. A lot has happened with Covid and Ellefson’s firing, Dave’s health issues…a lot. Glad to have Dave back and can’t wait to hear what’s in store this time around.
King’s X – Three Sides of One – (InsisdeOutMusic): King’s X is a band I never really got in to, but that doesn’t mean anything. These guys are a band’s band…musicians love these guys and they should…super talented. I will give it a listen to see if it finally clicks for me as I have mad respect for them.
Will Hoge – Wings On My Shoes – (EDLO Records / Soundly Music): If you follow this site, you know I am a huge Will Hoge fan and I am super excited about this release. I got to hear one of these songs when I saw him in concert earlier this year and he was amazing. Can’t wait to throw this one on. It is a cross between Country, Americana with a little rock thrown in for good measure. If you don’t mind a little political and social commentary at time, this one is for you.
Muse – Will of the People – (Warner Music)
Panic at the Disco – Viva Las Vengeance – (Fueled by Ramen / WEA): Brendon Urie is back with his 7th album and I am sure I will be hearing a lot of this as all my girls love this guy. Yes, even my wife. I don’t mind them so I won’t be bothered by hearing at as he has some great tracks. Hoping for a few more here. My oldest daughter actually has all his albums on vinyl and I am sure she will be getting this one to…I’m sure I’ll be paying for it somehow.
Five Finger Death Punch – Afterlife – (Better Noise Music): These metal men are back with more aggressive angry metal. I’m not a huge fan, but there are always a handful of songs I end up liking and I have a pretty good playlist going. Here’s hoping for a few more to add on.
Hollywood Undead – Hotel Kalifornia – (BMG Rights Mgmt): I’m not a huge Rap fan by any means. Not something I like much. However, throw in some metal and hard rock beats and Hollywood Undead is something I really enjoy. They are now on their 8th Studio album and I am still along for the ride.
Collective Soul – Vibrating – (Fuzze-Flex Records): Collective Soul has been around since 1992 and 30 years later, still going strong. These local boys (well, close enough as they are from Stockbridge, GA and was from Marietta, GA) have been a favorite since the beginning and I am happy to add another album to the collection. They are on their 11th studio album and can’t wait.
H.E.A.T. – Force Majeure – (earMusic / Edel Music & Entertainment): I really liked their last singer, Erik Gronwell, but he left and is now in Skid Row. Great a new singer…but wait. The new singer is their original singer Kenny Leckremo and he is pretty awesome as well. Finally a band changes a singer, I am not unhappy about it. Can’t wait to spin this one!!
Neil Young and Promises of the Real – Noise and Flowers (live) – (The Other Show Productions / Reprise Records)
Matt Nathanson – Boston Accent – (Acrobat Records): I love Matt Nathanson, no not in that way, in a musical way. His music moves me, his lyrics are painted pictures and the stories he tells are so relatable. He’s completely and utterly brilliant. I have this one on order although the vinyl won’t be here for months, my CD and the digital download will be here today. I’m ready to spend a lot of time with this one.
Beyonce – Renaissance – (Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records)
ZZ Top – Raw: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas Soundtrack – (Tower Top Tours / Shelter Music Group / BMG): The ZZ Top documentary was awesome. One of the best I’ve seen in a long while. I think it stopped way too early and would’ve been more informational if it would have continued on until more recent times rather than stop at their MTV Peak. Regardless, they are finally getting around to a soundtrack for the album so get ready to crank this baby out!
Jack White – Entering Heaven Alive – (Third Man)
Orianthi – Live from Hollywood – (Frontiers Records)
Anthrax – XL – (Megaforce Records)
James Bay – Leap – (Mercury Records / Republic Records / UMG): James Bay is back and it has been awhile as it has been 4 years since his last one. He is a fantastic guitarists and his music leans between folk, pop, rock, Americana and whatever else he feels like playing. I am excited to get some new tunes.
Journey – Freedom – (Freedom JN / BMG): Speaking of being gone awhile, Journey hasn’t had a new album in 11 years…that’s right…11 years. It is about time. Can’t wait to hear Neal rip on guitar and Arnel sing his heart out (man what a voice he has). Even Dean Castronovo sings on one song so this should be a good listen. Can’t wait to hear it.
Shinedown – Planet Zero – (Atlantic Recording Corp): My one big listen this week (and purchase) is Shinedown’s new one ‘Planet Zero’. This is the band’s 7th album in almost 20 years, so not too bad. They keep pushing themselves and trying new things and I can’t wait to hear what they bring to the table this time around.
Imagine Dragons – Mercury – Acts 1 & 2 – (KidinaKorner / Interscope Records)
2 Loud 2 Old Music 