VOLBEAT TO RELEASE ALBUM IN THE USA
January 23, 2009
VOLBEAT will unleash their 2nd U.S. album, Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood, March 17th on Mascot Records U.S.A. This new rock-a-billy metal masterpiece arrives on the tail end of their successful 2008 release Rock The Rebel/Metal The Devil.
With the word “Originality” being a much abused word in the world of rock-‘n-roll – It is very appropriate to describe VOLBEAT. The four piece combines influences from the 50’s to current mosh-pit metal that puts you in a death grip. It’s this imposing blend that has created the U.S.A. to become diehard fans. The new CD also contains a respectful and powerful interpretation of I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry originally by Hank Williams Sr.
M.I.A. NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR
January 23, 2009
M.I.A. was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song Thursday for “O… Saya,” her collaboration with A.R. Rahman from the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
“This is a great honor. Thank you to all the people who are supporting us and the making of a real story of a slumdog millionaire…maybe I can afford to book Dave Chappelle at the baby shower now,” says M.I.A. “Thank you again; My mum wants everyone to know what wonderful news this is for her.”
DESIGN YOUR OWN HOODIE FOR CHAMPION AND WIN
January 23, 2009
Champion, a leading athletic apparel brand for men and women, announced today the launch of Hoodie Remix, www.hoodieremix.com, an interactive on-line contest in self-expression that serves to pay tribute to the hooded sweatshirt; an ongoing sports and cultural phenomenon introduced by the Champion Brand.
Beginning January 20, 2009, fans and faithfuls of the hoodie are invited to log on and create their own unique design through a user-friendly template that offers a mix of color, pattern and overall style options. With interchangeable hoods, sleeves, pockets and more, consumers are free to customize and create their own version of a Champion classic.
Hoodie Remix website:
NOTORIOUS B.I.G. EXPLODES ONTO BILLBOARD 200
January 23, 2009
Bad Boy Records’ “NOTORIOUS: MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY THE ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE” has made a remarkable chart entry, arriving on the Billboard 200 at #4, with sales of 43,000 – the week’s top debut. What’s more, the musical companion to the blockbuster Fox Searchlight motion picture has arrived at #1 on the “Top Rap Albums” tally, and #2 on both the “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” and “Top Digital Albums” charts.
NOTORIOUS has also proven a true cinematic event, grossing $23.4 million in its first four days in release. The film opened January 16th in 1,638 locations with the highest per screen of all films in release – $14,286.
Fiona Joy Hawkins, Blue Dream
January 23, 2009
The first note I see on the front cover is that this record is produced by Grammy Award Winner, Will Ackerman. I’m thinking right away that this recording is going to be no joke then. And then, I open up the CD and it just has an incredibly professional and well-polished look already.
As I listened, the initial reaction I had more than lived up to its reputation. The sound is just so complete and crisp with a wonderful job on production. Could even be mentioned as a near masterpiece in the world of Classical/World Fusion Piano. Maybe “Masterpiece” is a bit extreme, but I have to say that the arrangements on Blue Dream are beautifully done.
Hawkins blends piano melodies with the likes of classical, orchestral, jazz, world fusion and acoustic elements. Hawkins intertwines all of these melodies and styles into one powerful composition. And the fact that she played and written all the songs on piano herself makes this album even more special.
Much of the 22-Song list on Blue Dream has an overpowering, worldly vibe especially on tracks 11 and 12. The album has a very inter-continental feel, while at the same time being very peaceful and soothing. Only part missing was the sound of running water behind me; that would have fully-enhanced the listening experience. Worth noting that song 20, “Moving On”, has such heart-felt vocals that exhibit extreme sensitivity and emotion along with an excellent pitch.
My absolute favorite aspect regarding this record is the fact that Hawkins didn’t apply breaks after each title. At the end of each song, the playing continued on into the next without missing a beat. The entire album is done like this and turns out to be in sync throughout. The constant flow matches and reads as one continuous stream of music. No breaks, no stops, no nonsense. So rather than each individual song having separate meanings/messages, here Blue Dream is one complete story played by Fiona Joy Hawkins.
For more on Fiona Joy and her magical sound, SKOPE out www.fionajoyhawkins.com, www.littlehartleymusic.com or www.myspace.com/fionajoyhawkins.
By Jimmy Rae
Rating: 
Daniel Lenz, Stuck in a Dream
January 23, 2009
Hailing from Minneapolis, MN, Daniel Lenz brings you a super-sonic sound in Stuck in a Dream. From the age of seven on, Lenz has always been fascinated with the creation of sound; the real guts behind it all. Since then, he has DJ’ed at big clubs like Prince’s Glam Slam and helped create the groups, Psykosonik and Hednoize under Wax Trax! Records. Tons of tracks would come to be included in numerous TV shows, movies, commercials and even video games. Worth noting too that Lenz also had the pleasure of working with Alice Cooper, Xzibit and Kool Keith.
The sound Daniel Lenz is bringin’ on Stuck in a Dream is very techno, but also very edgy too. Electronic music produced and put together in an extraordinary fashion on this record. Electronica, techno music with elements of rock, heavy metal, pop and hip-hop= the overall tone of the album. Industrializing uses of sounds by creating an atmosphere of pure digital excitement is the premise of Stuck in a Dream. Lenz also invites the listener into a Dream World surrounded by soundscapes that will put you in a trance.
An emphatic techno, dance beat is heard on track one, “I Do it Again”, while the next song follows with a metal-esqe bump and mini rap line. “Push the Tempo” offers a hot hip-hop mix glued in with a dance craze sensation. “This and That” has a cool/chill vibe mixed in with get-it-funky hooks. Also being heard on this album is a techno-rock beat surrounded by the sounds of the electronic age. Unique and highly innovative sound effects that will just blow you away here and my all-time favorite, the robotic, voice effect.
When listening to Stuck in a Dream, I couldn’t help but think of my favorite and my only techno album by Crystal Method—Vegas. The sound and beats that Crystal Method were bringin’ on that record were nothing short of amazing. Vegas was more than just simply “TECHNO”, it was revolutionizing the power of MUSIC by taking it to a whole other level. This is what Daniel Lenz has done with his new solo album and I think listeners will truly appreciate his true work of DIGITAL/AUDIO art.
For more on Daniel Lenz and Stuck in a Dream, SKOPE out www.daniellenz.com or www.myspace.com/daniellenz.
By Jimmy Rae
[Rating 4.5/5]
Chantry, The Emancipation of Elizabeth
January 23, 2009
This album took me by surprise right from the beginning to end. Track one, “Shine”, starts off with a nice, hard-rockin’ melody meshed with pleasant, pop-like vocals. Then, toward the end of the song you hear a monster-like, shrieking voice that scared the shit out of me! Reason I was so startled was because I did not expect to hear that type of sound coming out of my CD player. Then, I was thinking that this record would lie on the verges of death-metal. Sadly mistaken as I listened on and found out that The Emancipation of Elizabeth has much more to offer.
Chantry is composed of one person, Alessandro Monopoli, that utilized the guitar, drums, bass and keyboard programming on the making of this record. This Italian one-man-band does include guest bass appearances by Riccardo Crespi and Enrico Vicario. Monopoli has even been making music for the use of video games and theater plays. Classified as “instrumental-gothic”, this Italian aristocrat from the UK goes way beyond the realm of that music classification.
GUITAR, GUITAR, GUITAR!!!!!! This is what dominated the album with a sound so intense that will just blow your mind. The record is basically all instrumental, but honestly I would say all guitar. Monopoli plays at speeds that are just mind boggling and really hard to grasp. Chantry shreds through tracks like there is no tomorrow showing off his impressive guitar-playing skills. I am just floored by the sound that comes out when Monopoli plucks away on his Jacaranda guitars. I seriously could see his hands, fingers and guitar on fire due to the amazing speed of sound. Smoke engulfing Chantry while this happens: SOMEONE COME QUICK, THIS GUY IS ON FIRE!!!
This guitar guru gives a whole, new meaning to the phrase: GUITAR MANIA. Solos are ridiculously fast and simply just a gem to hear recorded. Rocky Balboa as the Italian Stallion and now Alessandro Monopoli/Chantry coined as the “Italian Virtuoso of Guitar”.
I can’t overlook the fact that the drums are heavy-hittin’ and bangin’ hard on The Emancipation of Elizabeth. Also, that gothic overtone is definitely heard at moments, which gives the album that dark vibe at times. Speedy Guitar Rock at its finest! Chantry sets a new standard here for Guitar players everywhere; the precedent is set and stamped for approval!
For more on Chantry and this WOW!! factor, SKOPE out www.myspace.com/chantrymusic.
By Jimmy Rae
Rating: 
Anne Weiss, Concrete World and The Lover’s Dream
January 23, 2009
Old-time blues, acoustic folk/funk, gospel, lite rock, soul-binding, southern-sounding, easy-listening, jazzy sensations and even a hip-hop element are all the styles of music associated with Anne Weiss and her latest work, Concrete World and The Lover’s Dream. Quite an array of arrangements on this record and that is what makes Weiss such a special/unique artist. Combine all of this together and you have yourself a full plate of THIS and THAT with plenty of SECONDS left over. So, I advise everyone to just eat this record up!
I can’t look past the fact at how poetic the album is. Weiss’ words are extremely potent and she sings each line with such conviction. The power and soul behind her voice reminds me of a Janis Joplin while her folky, poem-style verses resemble the likes of Dylan, Simon—both Carly and Paul, James Taylor and Joan Baez just to name a few.
Track three, “Special Delivery”, surprised me the most when a beat boxing effect was included within the song. When I think beat boxing, I think Doug E Fresh or Biz Markie; real hip-hop, beat-boxin’ cats. So, the fact that Weiss could blend this style of music into her own work and pull it off nicely is just an amazing aspect!
Concrete World and The Lover’s Dream has no limitations as far as music boundaries go. Weiss proves that it’s all just MUSIC. Music that can be listened to by ANYONE and EVERYBODY is what Anne Weiss brings to the table here.
There are terrific renditions such as: Robert Johnson’s “Come On In My Kitchen”, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and Jackson Browne’s “These Days”. Weiss brings you back to the great sound of the Delta by paying tribute to blues legend, Robert Johnson. The classic, Delta Blues sound is prominent and the harmonica playing adds that extra element of a real blues sensation on “Come On In My Kitchen”. On Marvin Gaye’s classic, Weiss goes in a different direction by making the hit song more folk-like, but packed full with plenty of soul still. And finally on “These Days”, Weiss sings the song in such a sweet, soft and somber manner that would even make Jackson Browne proud.
To end, I wanted to include certain lyrics from Weiss herself on “Sunday River”: “I am just the country, I am just the land. I had no intention like what they have planned. I would live in peace, my soil is for good. I am so misunderstood”. This is Weiss putting her poetic skills to the test and inviting listeners to really contemplate on this thought. Ponder on that now, if you like.
For more on Anne Weiss and Concrete World and The Lover’s Dream, SKOPE out www.anneweiss.com or www.myspace.com/anneweissmusic.com.
By Jimmy Rae
Rating:
Seven Mile Ride, Self Titled
January 23, 2009
Hailing from the Northwest, Seven Mile Ride is made up of four members: Shayne Rushton on lead vocals, guitar—Randy Shemwell on lead guitar—Eric Montgomery on bass guitar and backup vocals—and Steve Humphrey on percussion and backup vocals. On their latest record of eight tracks, I picked up right away on the all-around band connection. Each group member is feeding off one another and the final result is one complete unity of sound.
I love the design on the front of the CD, which is made to look like the wheel of a motorcycle. I have to say that is such a freakin’ cool idea and let’s face it– just badass!—ha. Knowing that the Northwest has plenty of open space, why not break the chopper out. You get that vibe of just being a free spirit while riding your bike in the wind. Become one with your motorcycle, take in all the fresh air around you and just enjoy the open roads. This theme is what I gathered just from the art on the disc and covers.
The overall tone of the record has a very fun, rockish vibe. There are even glimpses of blues, hard rock and southern rock all mixed into this trip known as Seven Mile Ride. Also, the guitar playing is on point with catchy riffs throughout the record. I simply loved what I was hearing from Shemwell—really had some killer chords and solos.
I have to say though that honestly the lead singer’s vocals didn’t seem to match with the overall effect of the band. For me, personally, the voice is a piece that didn’t seem to fit the puzzle. Guess it’s hard to explain, but in the end this one dynamic just didn’t seem to work for me. But, I am just one person and that is what makes the world go around.
For more on Seven Mile Ride and to join these four men on their new expedition, SKOPE out www.sevenmileride.com or www.myspace.com/sevenmileride.
Review By Jimmy Rae
Rating:
The Reel Banditos, Indochina
January 23, 2009
Not your usual listen of a record with The Reel Banditos and Indochina. First off, no singing heard; just an overload of sounds revolved around one theme: Vietnam War. A very different take on not just music, but also on the tragedies associated with the Vietnam War. Two men, Nesto and Butch “Loco”, have created an original and well-thought out album here. Their sound can be described as just out there in left field, but definitely in a cemented zone.
What blew me away the most about Indochina is the fact that the RB’s just used so many different elements of NOIZE. The album starts up with a magical yet mysterious tone by hearing chimes and a drum roll march. Then, at the end of the song, “Indochina”, a helicopter is heard loud and clear with a short dialect followed.
The record continues on with plenty more unconventional sounds while exhibiting an unorthodox manner. The listener gets a telephone ringing on one of the tracks along with the use of a typewriter. Jet fighter/War planes and the sound of rain are also displayed on this record. You also get Rock, Funk and even Techno vibes throughout while experiencing a dominant percussive role.
I picked up on very emotional moments throughout such as: sincere guitar playing to an immensely dark overcoat layered over the melody. Very moving at times and amazingly without the use of a voice. All these feelings captured on a disc by two men with an extremely innovative idea. Vietnam can never be forgotten and The Reel Banditos want to instill that thought into peoples’ minds. The fact that WAR still goes on to this day makes you realize that Indochina is not just a regular listen, but more so a needed one.
For more on The Reel Banditos and this revolutionary idea of theirs, SKOPE out www.reelbanditos.com and www.myspace.com/reelbanditos.
By Jimmy Rae
Rating:
