Sevendust, Chapter VII: Hope And Sorrow
July 21, 2008
Sevendust kicks off their seventh studio album with 11 great tracks and each having its own, distinct identity. The new album offers everything from aggressive, heavy-bangin’ music to melodic, softer melodies that seem to come together oh so nicely in Hope and Sorrow. The beauty of the album is that Lajon Witherspoon could be screaming his lungs off during part of a song, but then he slows it down and sings quite harmoniously.
Hope and sorrow signifies all of the ups and downs throughout the years for all members of Sevendust. You really get a feel for this from each song and from the sound of it, seems like a band found itself through one special album. All the ups and downs, the hope and sorrow, the glory and the turbulences—it all is touched on and all figured out on this one.
I enjoyed the early anticipation of something big to come during many of the songs. Faint sounds in the background, almost an industrialized sound with anvil hammers hitting steel, leaving the listener intrigued but then grabbing them by the ears coming in hard with ferocity. It was one hell of a listening experience; I have to say and just got better after each time I listened to the album.
Expect some other exciting factors like guest appearances by Chris Daughtry and members of Alter Bridge. Ironically enough, Alter Bridge members were featured on the title tracks, “Hope” and “Sorrow”. Sevendust hasn’t added guests to their albums since 2001, so definitely seemed like something special this time around.
Coming off a nearly two week tour of Germany and Afghanistan, Sevendust enjoys playing for all the brave soldiers and continues to do so. They also will continue to tour the states, so check www.sevendust.com for dates and times. I give this album 4 and a half Skopes, Hope and Sorrow freakin’ rocks! No Joke!
Review By Jimmy Rae
Rating: 
Foul Mouth Jerk, Street Light Music
July 21, 2008
Who does this jerk think he is? One hell of a rhyming MC, that’s who! Foul Mouth Jerk hails from Jersey, but has traveled through many states laying down rhymes and spittin’ lyrics. His fourth solo effort features 16 hot tracks and has a refreshing, throw-back sound to it.
Jerk really brought it back to the old-school with classic sounds and styles that can be associated with the likes of break dancing and Pac Man. You just get that 80s flavor from many of Jerk’s songs by the way he lays the tracks down and from those beats that seem to come from around the block. Streetlight Music is bringing hip-hop back to the streets where it all began, where cats were rap battling in the parks and kids playing stick ball outside. Definitely has that classic feel to it, no doubt.
Old-school also meshes with new-school, where Foul Mouth Jerk seems to bring the best of both worlds together. It’s cool that an artist can stick to his roots and the true roots of hip-hop, but also explore newer facets of the music. Catchy riffs, smooth-flowin’ rhymes and head bobbin’ beats are all ingredients that you get from this fresh, new album. This guy known as Foul Mouth Jerk is definitely no jerk, but sure is keepin’ it real for all those true fans out there.
There are also some rap legends featured on the new album like Grandmaster Caz, Masta Ace and others. Also expect to hear samples of classic Notorious B.I.G songs during certain tracks. Overall, the album just has a cool feel and something that you could definitely jam out to in a club or party to. Just have fun and feel good is what I got out of listening to Streetlight Music. And isn’t that what the music should all be about, am I wrong?
For more on Foul Mouth Jerk, check out myspace.com/foulmouthjerk and www.granolafunk.com. I give this album 4 and a half Skopes, check it out for yourself!
Reviw By: Jimmy Rae
Rating:
Def Leppard, Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
July 21, 2008
I just have one question: “Do you wanna get rocked”! Def Leppard is bringin’ the heat once again with their fourteenth studio album and they seem to be conquering newer generations of fans. These rock icons from England have been going strong since the late 70s and definitely know how to turn a great album out. Songs from Sparkle Lounge is no exception!
The new album features an array of songs that can appeal to many different types of people. You get heavy, then not so heavy mixed in with slower, love-type songs blended in with some incredible melodic singing and then add in some punk for good health. This is Def Leppard and at their finest I might add. Something for everyone and they accomplished that feat through all 11 tracks.
One of my favorite songs on the album is “C’Mon C’Mon” because of its fun and rockin’ feel. There are so many good songs though and honestly not one I didn’t enjoy listening to. Definitely one of those albums you can turn on and just leave on until the end. After the third listen, I particularly realized how impressive and how well-done Songs from The Sparkle Lounge was.
To say “Nine Lives” was the biggest surprise because of a guest appearance by Tim McGraw would be unfair and not do the guys of Def Leppard any justice. Don’t get me wrong, it was a nice surprise to hear and unique to blend the two genres of artists together but so much of the album is a treat. So many songs on this album that fans will love and with its musical diversity, it makes for a special album.
Don’t miss out on this one; Def Leppard has proven that their musical abilities and capabilities can go way beyond even a fantastic album like Pyromania. These British rockers are proving that greatness does with come time. I give this album 5 Skopes, loved it!!!!
For more on Def Leppard, check out www.defleppard.com.
Review By: Jimmy Rae
Rating:
BILLY BOB THORNTON READS SKOPE / TOUR DATES
July 21, 2008
Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters kicked off their national tour last week in support of their self-titled double CD, The Boxmasters. We just found out from a close source that Billy Bob is a regular Skope visitor.
IS DR. DRE THINKING OF SIGNING YA BOY? / DOWNLOAD
July 21, 2008
Ya Boy’s gangsta swag is in full effect with his new single, “They Know Me”. Is the Bay Area star in talks of signing with the D-R-E? Check out the single, “They Know Me” by Ya Boy below:
“They Know Me”:
GOLDFRAPP ANNOUNCES NEW EP / TOUR DATES / VIDEOS
July 21, 2008
Following a successful UK summer festival tour, Goldfrapp brings their live show back to North America with a tour kicking off September 12, 2008 at the venerable Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
WARNER BROS GOES UNDERGROUND WITH MURS
July 21, 2008
Underground rap stalwart Murs is running for the position of Hip-Hop President with his forthcoming album on Warner Bros. Records, Murs For President. Through his compelling lyrics, the Los Angeles rapper champions social equality, racial unity and economic empowerment.
Due in stores September 30, the eclectic, genre-bending, politically charged, musically adventurous Murs For President includes “Can It Be,” which marks Murs’ dedication to make a change for the better with his words and through his influence on others. The bouncy, horn-propelled “Lookin’ Fly” has Murs paying homage to his forward-thinking fashion sense, while “Science” breaks down black history in the United States and how it is tied to hip-hop’s evolution.
Through the Internet, touring and his flurry of independent releases with Living Legends, with producer extraordinaire 9th Wonder, as one-half of Felt (with Atmosphere’s Slug) and as a solo artist, Murs has become one of hip-hop’s most notable success stories. A tireless performer, Murs will appear on this summer’s Rock The Bells tour, and Murs’ Paid Dues makes him the only rapper to own, operate and perform at his own music festival.
As hundreds of thousands of fans around the world already know, Murs is here to save hip-hop from artistic inferiority. So be sure to vote Murs For President September 30.
Yes, you can.
BUSY SIGNAL NEW ALBUM SAMPLER PAGE HERE
July 21, 2008
VP Records is proud to announce the release of Busy Signal, arguably the hottest and most versatile lyricists currently in dancehall. On his groundbreaking sophomore album Loaded, in stores September 9th, the leading Jamaican deejay unleashes an arsenal of progressive hits that could ultimately redefine dancehall.
THE GRADUATE TOUR DATES / VIDEO
July 21, 2008
The Graduate has traveled the country through and through, playing over 200 shows in the past year, most recently with the likes of Jack’s Mannequin and Simple Plan. They are currently on the extensive “Stay Classy USA Tour” with Secondhand Serenade, My American Heart, and Playradioplay.
Windows Media Player: “I Survived:
Don’t Miss The Graduate when they roll through your town!
July 22 Atlanta, GA Masquerade
July 23 Charlotte, NC Amos South End
July 25 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Culture Room
July 26 Jacksonville, FL Jack Rabbits
July 27 Orlando, FL The Social
July 29 Columbia, SC Headliner’s
July 30 Fayetteville, NC Jester’s Pub
July 31 Greenville, SC The Handlebar
August 1 Norfolk, VA The Norva
August 2 Richmond, VA Canal Club
August 3 Towson, MD The Recher Theatre
August 5 Philadelphia, PA The Trocadero
August 6 New York, NY Blender Theater at Gramercy
August 7 S. Burlington, VT Higher Ground
August 8 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre
August 9 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights
August 12 Lancaster, PA The Chameleon Club
August 13 Cleveland, OH Agora Ballroom
August 14 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection
August 15 Detroit, MI Magic Stick
August 16 Chicago, IL Metro
August 17 Green Bay, WI Riverside Ballroom
August 19 Madison, WI The Lo
August 20 St. Paul, MN Station 4
August 21 Omaha, NE Sokol Underground
August 22 Colorado Springs, CO The Black Sheep
August 23 Murray, UT Murray Theater
BRAND NEW GZA SINGLE / VIDEO / DOWNLOAD
July 21, 2008
One of the most renowned and continually relevant hip-hop emcees of all time, GZA returns with his long awaited fifth solo album, “ProTools.” If you listen to the GZA closely it sounds to me like he wants to battle 50 lyrically. There are various subliminals throughout this whole video. I wonder how 50 & the G-Unit will take this?
