Category: Pop Music

Friday New Releases – September 8th

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Finally!!! The new releases start picking up.  August was such a slow month, but it is about to get busy.  The floodgates are opening and the new releases are coming in full force.  So hold on and open your wallets, it is going to get expensive.  This week gets off nicely and the ones I am interested in are highlighted in Blue.  There should be something in here for everyone especially some great rock and a ton of country.  Let me know what you like.

  • 61u4pnXwDyL._AC_US218_  Alter Bridge – Live at the O2 Arena + Rarities – (Napalm Records):  Alter Bridge live is going to be good.  You have the boys from Creed and Myles Kennedy who is one of the hardest working singers in the business between Alter Bridge, Slash and so many other projects, he is always working.  There have been a lot of good live albums lately and this should be no exception.  The plus side is there are a bunch of rare tracks on here as well that really has my interest.

  • 61hNZekCmAL._AC_US218_  Jonny Lang – Signs – (Concord Records):  Blues rocker Jonny Lang is back with his first album in 4 years and it has been way too long.  I am looking forward to hearing some more of his guitar magic.  With a new album from Kenny Wayne Shepherd and now Jonny, blues rock is alive and kicking.

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Ed Sheeran & James Blunt – Charlotte 9/3/2017 – Concert Review

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It was Sunday, September 3rd and I was getting in a car with two teenage girls and we were going to see Ed Sheeran in concert at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC.  I must be a glutton for punishment.  For the pre-concert experience I was serenaded rather loudly the whole way to the show.  I was able to hear such classics as “Hunt you Down” by Kesha, Taylor Swift’s new song “Ready For It”, and several of my all time favorite songs from High School Musical 2 including “Fabulous” by Sharpay (sadly I know this and yes I am being sarcastic).  At least they did throw in “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.  All this was prep for me being surrounded by thousands of screaming Ed Sheeran fans (two of which started screaming before we even arrived).

We arrived in plenty of time before the show as I do not like to be rushed.  Nothing worse than being stressed out to go do something you enjoy like going to concerts.  We made the way to our seats and they weren’t bad at all.  We had a nice line of sight to the stage.

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My Sunday Song – “Love The Way You Lie ” by Eminem (featuring Rihanna)

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For My Sunday Song #55, I am going with Eminem’s “Love The Way You Lie”.  The song features Rihanna and is one of my favorite Eminem songs and favorite songs period.  The song was released on June 25, 2010 and is on the album ‘Recovery’.  It is one of Eminem’s most successful song selling over 6 million copies, hitting #1 on almost ever chart, receiving numerous Grammy nominations and winning the Billboard Award for Best Rap song in 2011.  To say this song struck a chord with a lot of people is an understatement.

Why do I like this song?  Easy…it is bringing to light a very dark subject matter that isn’t talked about enough.  Domestic Violence.  The song is about a couple in an abusive relationship that refuses to separate despite the dangerous situation they are in.  The song is very graphic and so is the video which I will discuss shortly.  The song’s dark theme and powerful music along with the combination of Rihanna’s vocals and Eminem’s aggressive rap encapsulates every emotion that you would imagine this kind of relationship would garner.  I also love how the song jumps from pleasant views to the violent aspects and back and forth.  It really makes the song impactful.

What I also find interesting about the song is that it actually mirrors both singers life.  Eminem was in an abusive relationship with his ex-wife Kim and of course every one knows Rihanna’s history with her former boyfriend Chris Brown.  Knowing their history adds so much credibility to the song.

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Friday New Releases – September 1st

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August was not a great month for new releases, so September has to be better…right??  Yes and No.  Yes, September is loaded with some great possible new releases.  But No, it isn’t this week.  Next week starts the onslaught of new releases and you won’t be disappointed.  There a couple I will listen to this week, but not overly excited about any of them.  My choices are highlighted in Blue (and sadly no good rock albums this week…for me at least).

  • 61xqcyFYOYL._AC_US218_  The Script – Freedom Child – (Sony Music):  The Irish band is back with their 5th studio album.  The are decent enough pop band.  My daughter and I saw them several years ago for some radio station Christmas show and I have to say that they weren’t very good live.  Or at least at this event.  I could not understand what the singer was saying or even singing.  We were disappointed.  Their studio stuff is way better.  Let’s hope we get some decent pop songs.  My expectations aren’t real high so shouldn’t be disappointed (better not be).

  • 41U-VT1fUBL._AC_US218_  Dixie Chicks – DCX MMXVI Live – (Columbia):  The Dixie Chicks are always entertaining.  I am glad to see them still putting out music.  This one seems like an interesting collection of the latest tour.  It includes 2CDs and I believe a DVD of the show.  Should be a nice set.

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Friday New Releases – August 25th

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It is the last Friday of August and school is back in session for most people (my kids actually start this coming Monday).  August has really sucked for new releases (for the most part).  This week is no different. There is only one I am interested in and it is Degreed.  I already have enough Motley Crue as I have Girls, Girls, Girls on Vinyl and CD and plus they aren’t really offering anything I don’t already have.  Queen of the Stone Age has a new album out as well, but really don’t care…never have.  Man, I am just a downer today…sorry.  My interest is highlighted in Blue.  September looks to be a much better month for releases as Fall generally is the best time of the year for new albums as everyone wants to get it out before Christmas.

  • download-2  Degreed – Degreed – (Gain/Sony):  Degreed came to my attention thanks to a little label called MelodicRock Records and I have been following them ever since.  They are a melodic rock band with a very modern sound and are actually pretty great.  Give them a try if you haven’t.  Each album has some gems (CD is out next week, MP3/Streaming today)

  • 518DpWvkoML._AA160_  Queens of the Stone Age – Villains – (Matador Records)

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Def Leppard – ‘Hysteria’ 30th Anniversary (Deluxe Edition) – Album Review

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Thirty years ago on August 3rd, 1987, Def Leppard released their fourth studio album, ‘Hysteria’.  Little did they know this ground breaking album would go on to sell over 25 million records, produce 7 hit singles and go to #1 on the Billboard Charts.  The album was a labor of love for the band as it took several years to record and they struggled so much during this time.

There were so many setbacks during the recording of the album.  First, Robert John “Mutt” Lange turned down the producing job for the record after he had recorded “High & Dry” (my personal favorite) and “Pyromania” although he did help in the initial song writing for the record.  The band went through several producers during the recording including working with Jim Steinman of ‘Bat Out of Hell’ fame.  Their relationship did not go smoothly and he was later fired (they paid him a lot of money to get out of the contract so it must have gone badly). Later in the process, “Mutt” did come back and produce the final product and then history was made.

The second big obstacle was Rick Allen’s car accident that severed his arm.  Yes, the drummer of the band lost an arm.  With all respect to the band, they did not abandon Rick.  They stood by him and supported him until he was capable of playing the drums with one arm using an electronic drum set and a set of foot pedals to compensate for the lost arm.  It definitely was a trying time.  I won’t go into much more as you can watch the documentary included to learn more.

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Friday New Releases – August 18th

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Welcome to another Friday of new releases.  There is not a whole lot I am interested in and might give one or two a listen (highlighted in Blue) but still undecided.  Next week will have more to offer.  Hopefully there is something here for you.  Since there isn’t many, I will leave some videos for a number of the artist so you can try them out.

  • 51IGBakil2L._AC_US218_  Nathan Angelo – A Matter of Time – (Nathan Angelo Music):  Nathan Angelo is a singer/songwriter and more on the pop side. I have liked some of his older offerings, so if I am in the mood, I will throw this on and give it a spin.

  • 51jN2sjEiQL._AC_US218_  Steven Wilson – To The Bone – (SW Records):  I am not familiar with Steven Wilson, but this song was good and has peaked my interest a little.  Maybe I will play this one as well.

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My Sunday Song – “Do You Love Me” by Guster

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For My Sunday Song #52, I have gone with the peppy little jaunt called “Do You Love Me” by the band Guster.  The song is from the 2010 album called ‘Easy Wonderful’ which was their sixth studio album.  The song is their biggest hit which reached #9 on the Adult Album Alternative chart.  They have not had a Hot 100 hit.

For those out there that don’t know Guster, they are an American alternative rock band.  They are also labeled as a Jangle Pop band.  Jangle pop is defined as follows (per wikipedia)…

Jangle pop is a subgenre of pop rock that emphasizes trebly, ringing guitars (usually twelve-string electrics) and pop melodies reminiscent of those from the 1960s.

That definition would describe this song.  What I love about the song is twofold.  First, the music and melodies of the song are so catchy, poppy and just plain fun.  You can’t help but feel good when you hear the song.  It is very infectious.

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Friday New Releases – August 11th

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Happy Friday!  My busy season is just a couple weeks from being over and I can’t wait.  I need some new music to get me through it, but it is a very weak week.  Well, all except for one and it is highlighted in Blue.  I hope there is something for you.  Luckily I still have a few from last week to get through in more detail.

  • 51CDRf5FgHL._AC_US218_  Will Hoge – Anchors – (Bordello Records):  One of my favorite singer/songwriters is Will Hoge and I love it when he puts out new music so I am super excited about this one.  He is the man!!  I think he is one of the best songwriters out there today and you must check him out.  He is a little bit of rock, a little bit of country and a little bit of folk.  He is a little bit of everything.  I believe this is his 10th studio release if you count his two independent releases from early on in his career.  He also has a bunch of E.P.s and Live albums.

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My Sunday Song – “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.

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My Sunday Song #51 is my favorite R.E.M. song called “Losing My Religion”.  The song is off the 1991 album ‘Out of Time’ and it reached as high as #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was probably the most popluar R.E.M. song at the time and maybe ever.  It was nominated for 4 Grammy Awards and won for 2 of them.  One of which was for music video and you can see it at the end of the commentary.

Why do I like the song?  I really love the guitar sound and that mandolin that Peter Buck plays.  It captures to essence of the song and helps bring to life the imagery of the lyrics.  Michael’s voice is so unique and for this song it was a little creepy which is perfect as the song was about obsession over another.

“Losing My Religion” is an old phrase meaning that you have lost it.  You are losing your wits or temper.  As this is an obsession song, the singer has lost their mind over this person and is fantasizing about them constantly.  Lyrically it is very disturbing.

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