redd granite

We get back to our music format. Maybe you did not know……let see, it is beautiful sunshine on the outside venue where you are taking in a multi-band concert.  Great deal.  10 bands for one low price.  So here you are, throwing back the brews like a jack rabbit. Maybe you dip into that little funny cigarette that some dude with a total lack of comprehension passes you.  The sun is shining. Its warm. The chicks are hot, and the vibe is good.  Maybe in a bit, you will start an impromptu mosh pit on the hillside (as you are really to cheap to buy tickets in the pit where the real moshing is taking place). The line up is great…..Disturbed, maybe Stone Sour, Staind, or maybe it is a double bill of bands with the same singer, like Slipknot and Stone Sour. Then there are the other bands that you have heard, and love, maybe Red,  Skillet, Creed, Alter Bridge, Flyleaf, throw in POD….these bands rock and definitely keep your chemical vibe alive.

But wait a minute. Do we really know those bands?  WE like the music. Talented.  Great stage show, and talented musicians and singers. But we really do not listen to lyrics, I mean, common man, we are not those sensitive types who get into the lyric.  WE are all just getting F’d up. Well, oddly enough, the one thing that  these bands have in common is that they are blatantly Christian Bands. What?  Bullshit you say. These are great bands and great live shows.  True.  But many of their lyrics are no different that getting your happy ass into a church on Sunday morning and actually listening to the dude called the preacher. Their lyrics are a bit more complex, not obvious, as most lyrics are.   A quick review follows of each (click on title of band for website):

RED This band from Nashville  Tennessee formed in 2004. They are clearly tagged alternative rock.  They have recieved a significant amount of radio airplay. They now have two CDs on the market. The sound is lush as they incorporate heavy synthesizers  into their music to parrot the sound of a symphony. The vocals have the growl at times.  Certain songs have a significant presence, such as “Death Of Me” from the first CD that hit the commercial market. They have a very unique sound that is unmistakeable and branded to them. Live, they are an interesting group with strong stage presence.  Currently, they are playing some dates in small clubs, but you can also frequently see them as part of a mult-billed event as they make a great ‘filler’ band.

FLYLEAF I am biased, admittedly because of my Texas digs, but I like these guys. Formed in Belton/Temple Texas area in 2000, this group’s 2005 release sold well over 1M copies of whatever (today, the sales parameters have changed since the advent of on line down loads).  This is platinum.  All for a band whose lyrics are blatantly Christian. I have seen this band 5 times. Full of energy and a show that captivates, this is a must see band. But when you have done your chemical damage, just remember, these are a Christian band. Seeing them live, I am not sure what is more entertaining, the F’d up people in the pit without a clue to the lyrics they are listening, or the look on lead singers face (Lacey Sturm) when she witnesses the bohemian debachery and what ever else that goes on at the front of the pit.  Pure entertainment.  BTW, Lacey is a little elf like presences on stage, she may be 5 feet tall, maybe, and all of about 90 pounds, but the pipes on this one are impressive.  Go see them.

SKILLET This band, oddly enough, are the gramps of the bands listed herein.  Formed in the mid 90′s in Memphis, Tenn., they have gone through several line up changes. They have a total of 8 CDs out there. Yet, you and I have only heard them over the last 3 years. The current line up is headed by a husband and wife team. The music is straight up rock, melodic, with strong power chords and voices that individually are just OK, but the harmonies steal the show. Their lyrics are not as obvious as to their Christianity, as say Flyleaf, but none the less, unmistakable.  I was initially captivated by their first airplay song “The Last Time”, about a suicidal person who has the un migrated support of the writer of the song.  Very cool. Their latest, “Awake and Alive” cannot be avoided if you listen to hard rock or alt rock stations  (think Octane on Sirrius/XM). Never seen them live, hope to add them to the list in the near future.

Skillet

Flyleaf

ALTER BRIDGE This group was formed in Orlando FLA. They are the left overs from the group Creed, who had tremendous success and airplay with Scott Stapp at the lead vocals. Funny, Stapp was the son of a Pentecostal preacher, yet he is the one that had the most issues personally and likely struggled with Christianity. Mark Tremoni seems to the be ‘Christian’ anchor of this group. While Creed had tremendous success, again with largely Christian messages, Alter Bridge has continued the airplay jewels and popularity. Think “Isolation” on the current rock stations. Not sure all members embrace the Christian message, but many songs and the message is unmistakable. Truly, the current lead singer, Myles Kennedy has shown up on other, more seamingly secular projects like Slash’s solo project. But clearly Alter Bridge has proven, like the others above, that Christian music in the main stream can sell…..to a wide audience, most of whom, know nothing of what they are listening to between their Saturday highs

Honorable mention: AVENGED SEVENFOLD OK. I am not saying these guys are Christians in the sense that most of us define the religion. But folks, listen to the lyrics. You will find a host of songs that deal with death and the afterlife, and not the afterlife of Satan or some other god or demi-god. Their huge hit song “Afterlife” deals with someone dying too early in life and going to heaven before their time. Fitting, since their drummer recently passed resulting from heart issues brought on by drugs and alcohol. This is clearly the best group that has emerged in the last five years.  Formed in the late 90′s in Huntington Beach, CA, this group changed it’s styles along the way. Now several CDs that have sold greatly, they are riding their highs, and not looking back. Another great live band, go see them before lead singer’s voice (M Shadows) gives out completely

So there you go.  Between your weekend inebriation an the cool vibe you paid dearly for, suddenly, it is your mamma’s bands preaching to you. Well, think nothing of it.  These are great bands with great messages and music. Just embrace them.  Listen, I am not a bible thumper, quite the opposite.  But I know great music when I hear it, and we have featured great music here, no matter the message.  Look at it this way, this is no different than polically preachy bands, like say, System of A Down, who get into politics and such for their message.

Relax, and enjoy. Comments welcome.

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A Day To Remember from Ocala, FLA

It was suggested to this site that I obtain and review A Day To Remember’s latest album release, “What Separates Me From You”. Previously, I have not been familiar with the group  in detail.  I had of heard of them, but never exposed to their music.  What Separates Me From You was release on November 15 of 2010, obviously to catch the Christmas buying season. This is the fourth release from this quintet from Ocala FLA. These guys are considered punk/pop/metalcore.  Interesting designation. I find this quite descriptive. The band has a full sound laced with heavy guitars that anchor each song. As is consistent with the metal side of this designation, there are few guitar riffs or leads in the music.  With each offering, there seems to be a a formula for the song that includes the metal portion on the song followed by a much more melodic and listen able chorus that drives the song home. The punk designation is not entirely fitting in my opinion.  Outside of the fact that most of the songs are shorter overall and consistent in length, I hear few indications of punk in the music…..I guess I can see it somewhat, but really, this is much more metal and melodic metal than anything.  From my perspective, this is good. Once again, the sound is full, vivid, and the musically, the group is very together in their their sound.

As with most true metal bands, the vocals are not  the charismatic souring voices of rock.  It does contain the usual gravel growl voicing that is normal for Metalcore offerings. I am OK with this, but in the end, I would rather have strong vocal that drive the music rather than the what we see from lead singer  Jeremy McKinnon…But I quickly admit I come from another era of vocals in rock music. Also, harmonies are non-existent as well….consistent with metal and punk designations.

What Separates Me From You

Stronger offerings on this album are those that do offer a strong pop choruses coupled with the strengths of lyrics in the versers of the songs.  ”All I Want”  is one that stands out on the album.  This appears to be the most downloaded song from iTunes from this album, yet I am not convinced this is the strongest of the songs on the album.  I thought “Better Off This Way” was the clear winner on this album.  Again, it followed the same formula I discussed above. The album turns much heavier in sound with “Sticks and Bricks” and “2nd Sucks” and “You Be Tails I’ll Be Sonic”.  These balance out the more poppy side of the sound in the others, although Sticks and Bricks, although considerably heavier than most on the album, follows the formula of a more pop ridden chorus as well.

The lyrics are strong, and the album loosely contains a theme.  The beginning entry starts with McKinnon growling “I am fueled by all forms of failure”. I like that. Other song titles and themes follow suit to a degree. Of course, you will have to get a hold of the liner notes in order to review the lyrics in more detail, as they are not easily discernible in the metal voicing on the songs, sans the choruses. The strong lyrical content lends credence to the band’s credible musical approach.  It would seems these songs were not necessarily written with the goal of getting airplay….that always makes for better music.

That said, I believe this band should received good airplay.  When researching the sales of this album, one of the designations noted was that this week, it was marked by billboard as one of the albums that have received increased airplay over the last ratings period.  It was listed #64 in the Billboard hot 200.  Up from #117 from the prior reporting period, it is apparent that airplay must be making a difference.  The album peaked at #11 during its release “bullet”, so the momentum seems to be reversing based on this airplay. I apologize, I do not have total sales figures.

Overall I give this album a 7 out of a total of 10.  Good offering.  I am happy I invested.  If you would like to purchase, the link here (immediate following this sentence)  takes you to Amazon for truly the lowest price for this CD. Or if you prefer, go through the the iTunes link below this post.  What Separates Me From You

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Redd Granite live with the Dazzling Weasel Faces on their US Summer Weasels Ripped My Flesh Tour:

Friday, July 9 – Tailgators, Kenosha Wisconsin

Saturday, July 10 – Cooler Near The Lake

Will be a great time for all, come out if in the area. Posts and Pics will be uploaded on reddgranite.com and dazzlingweaselfaces.com sometime next week…that is if Marty gets his act together…..are we taking bets?

Peace

Seems that music is having a real tough go of it lately. Starting with the multiple illnesses of Poison frontman and 40 year type 1 diabetic, Brett Michaels to the deaths of Ronnie James Dio of Black Sabbath fame, and Paul Gray of the ever dark band Slipknot.

Brett Michaels

Michaels is a story all to himself. No one has done a better branding job than Michaels which has left him solidly in the spotlight for years after his initial popularity with ‘hair band’ Poison in the 80’s.  Of course a constant schedule of touring with Poison and his individual act has help keep him in front of the image curve.  But nothing has done more than to continue the image trend of the 80’s into this era…that of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, 2010 style.  In reality, I believe most of this  is just image.  Michaels is resilient, and my hats are off to him.  Even with his latest ‘hole in the heart’ medical issue discovered when entering the hospital for a mini stroke (now doesn’t that make a great title of a song he should write about), despite this was the final (hopefully) in the trifecta of medical issues for Michaels, he plows on with an attitude that just does not stall for any reason.  Again, I respect this one, it is his attitude, I am convinced, that completely transcends him beyond the many issues he has faced recently as well as being a diabetic for 40 years. I look forward to seeing him once again when Poison tours this summer.

Ronnie James Dio

Good god, the elf has left the house! Known primarily for his time in Black Sabbath following the departure way back when of Ozzy, I knew him more as a solo artist with some great material.  I have seen him in concert 7 times, enjoying each.  This guy stood about 5’1”, about 110 lbs, wiry hair that made him look like a mini-troll under the bridge.  But when he opened his mouth to sing, the pipes on this guy were amazing.  Truly one of the top 10 voices in music, ever, period. His passing from Stomach cancer set off a round of well wishers to the family that impressed. All stated that he was truly a kind and caring person, void of all that rock music bullshit that so many performers think they must be or deserve, somehow. Every concert I witnessed of him, he seemed truly appreciative of the fans.  Of course, not knowing personally, you never, know, and people tend to say the nice things when you croak…but on this one, I believe every kind thing that was said of him.  I will miss him and his performances; and that soaring voice that came from the little elf looking guy with a heart as big as his body

Paul Gray

Fresh on the death list, the cause of his death is still under investigation.  Gray was founding member of dark metal band Slipknot. Known for wearing hockey masks on stage and carrying simulated pig heads on stage, these guys try to portray the evil image.  Their true fans refer to themselves as “maggots” .  It will be interesting to see what took this one from this world. The band started in Iowa, and this is where he passed, as well. I have seen slipknot 4 times.  I must say, not a big fan  of the masks and think their image thing is a bunch of bullshit.  What I can say, is over the last several years, their music has gotten more mainstream, and in my opinion, quite likeable. Their last song “snuff”, I absolutely think is great stuff, although, one could argue that this songs format and type merely follow the successful songs from Corey Taylor (lead singer of Slipknot) with his side project that is now two CDs old, Stone Sour. I must say, I like them even more that Slipknot, and have seen them  3 times. Whatever the cause of death of Gray, yet another band must look for replacements.  Lets hope we see slipknot back out on tour again soon…

Peace

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…to come out in a long time is Hinder. I know what your are thinking: there is nothing new about this group, they have been out for 4-5 years now through their two albums. I know and I understand. Maybe it is my comment on the music scene (for rock) over the last five years.  But I must say, I listen to their two cds constantly, have learned and perform my accoustical versions of several of their songs, and eagerly await the third album from them. Now they do have their issues, be assured.  Many of their songs come across quite homogeneous sounding as they definitely write with a formula.

Further, their second album, pictured here, is really a carbon copy of the first when it comes to song writing. Listen closely and you will see what I mean.  Two of the songs that received great airplay from the first CD, “Get Stoned” and “Lips Of An Angel” were basically repeated with “Use Me” and “Without You”.  Listen closely.  You do not have to be a song writer to see what I mean. But, that said, I do not care, still all great music and each cd is entirely listen-able filled with great songs.  Interestingly, I consider their lyrics quite well written given the fact that they are aimed squarely at the commercial market to maximize airplay. I know the first CD sold well over 3M, maybe more.  The second got off to a slow start, never had a “bullet”, but I think has sold well over the longer term due to consistent air play from rock stations and some pop station with “Without You”. This song was not the hit that its protege “Lips of An Angel” was, as I believe that made it to top 10, and as well, was covered by a country artist as well and made it to the top 10 of the country charts actually during the run up the charts for the Hinder version. This made for very interesting dynamics, covering two large markets with two different versions and artists….of course all royalties landing in the pocket of Hinder. This is one of the reasons I put this in my playlist.  Between the two, millions of people are familiar with the song, and I try to have songs on my list when  I join the Dazzling Weasel Faces on stage…to have some music that appeals to others than our target 40-50 year olds

Check out Hinder on the web as well. Again, not a new group, but the best that has come out in rock solidly over the last 5 years….you are now free to argue with me.

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I think these are actual songs. Interesting list sent in from a friend.  Love the names

Country Music Is So….

Top Ten Country & Western Songs

10. I Hate Every Bone In Her Body But Mine
9. I Ain’t Never Gone To Bed With an Ugly Woman But I Woke Up With A Few
8. If The Phone Don’t Ring, You’ll Know It’s Me
7. I’ve Missed You, But My Aim’s Improvin’
6. Wouldn’t Take Her To A Dogfight ‘Cause I’m Scared She’d Win
5. It’s Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night That Chewed My Ass All Day
4. My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend And I Miss Him
3. She Took My Ring and Gave Me the Finger
2. She’s Lookin’ Better with Every Beer
And the Number One Country & Western song …

1. I’m So Miserable Without You It’s Like You’re Still Here

By the way…I think the number 10 song above is not a country song, but written by C.C. DeVille of Poison, at least he always sings this when he demands his solo time at a Poison concert (off key ususally, as well)

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Today’s post comes from Dave with my comments edited…he took it upon himself to list his top 10 list of Dan Fogelberg songs. The question I have for you out there is, do we care? While much can be argued about his work depending upon your musical background or tastes, I believe we should care. Some call his work a sappy collection of songs that at best, may be reflective of the era in which he was popular. I would agree to a great extent.  ”Run For The Roses” is a prime example of this…and there are others.  However, there is a complexity to his works that go far beyond the songs that were the hits.  Dave even indicates this below in that his favorites largely were not the radio airplay songs. I chose one of his songs in my top 10 that we ran a while back.  One of his albums is in my top 10. It is somewhat paradoxical, because I dislike much of his stuff as well. But if you listen to most of the fine works on “Netherlands”, the music, the themes, and lyrical content are superb. So I decided to go ahead and publish this list below, as it largely does reflect the better of Dan Fogelberg…although I would add “Netherlands” and “Sketches” to the list below and remove “Part of the Plan”.  Of course, Fogelberg is no longer with us….passed a away a few years ago after battling cancer for several years.

Thanks Dave

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So I find myself this time of the year on the road back and forth in Central Texas attending BU basketball. With a round trip drive totalling nearly 250 miles by the day’s end, I spend a lot of time in the car driving, so I find the need for entertainment.  The wife unit works on the way down and often on the way back, so I am on my own. Now most of you know my musical tastes as hard rock, with a heavy emphasis on the 80′s hair bands. But this, like any other form of music, can get old real quick.  Thank God for Satellite Radio. With the nearly 200 channel offering, I can tune into most anything I wish.  So what, pray tell, is the music/content that I listen to?  It may surprise many of you:

• Spa Channel.  Yes, you heard it.  This station plays nothing more than the unusual, but relaxing music you would get during a massage….(OK, no jokes here)
• Jazz Channels.  There are several on Sirrius. While I tire of them quickly, they are always enjoyable for a bit.
• Classical Channels. Again, there are several choices here.  I stay away from the opera channel, (considered and grouped with the classical channels on Sirrius).  I would rather be shot.
• Comedy Channels. A good change from music, and generally very funny.  They play clips of many varieties, and each clip lasts generally no longer than 3-5 minutes, perfect for my Adult Attention Deficit Disorder
• Coffeehouse Channel. This is for singer, songwriters doing mostly accoustical sets of music. I leave this station when they start doing covers of Beatles songs, because, as most of you know, communist me hates the Beatles, in any form

If you see a trend of music that generally relaxes, congratulations, you got the word! What I do not listen to may surprise you as well:

• Playboy Channel. Because there is only so much of chicks talking about going down on eachother that you can take before it gets very old.  I guess I never did understand the allure of the 1.900….chat lines
• Country Stations.  And there are a shit load.  Just say “no” to country
• Classic Rock Stations. This is largely because classic rock was/is so overplayed, its like, enough already!
• Howard Stern. Consider him very funny, and as you know, I love irreverant humor, but he too is over-exposed and it gets old. o much of anything just gets old…and he has been out there a long time now talking about fake jugs, midgets, and fart jokes. Let it go Howard.

So that is a little summary of my Sirrius radio tastes.  We have a total of three lines for our cars and home system….I just like the product.  Oh yeah, I really appreciate that you can pick up BU men’s basketball on 161 for the away, non-televised games.  Oh yeah, I really like not being bombarded by commercials as we as Americans have way too many commercials thrown at us daily. (Check out the Sirrius radio ad at the end of this post….lol)

Peace Hippies

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Well, after the last input of rather interesting mix of rock, punk, and a few unidentifiable top 10 bands, it is time to consider what the next frontier in in Top 10 lists.  I have given a lot of thought, so many catagories to go down. Some indicated that the top 10 lists for music were difficult to come up with.  Seems there is an implied finality to the lists.  I propose these can be living lists that change with your times. My top 10 groups have been set through 1 and 2, but there have been changes through the years to others, especially the last 5. Bottom line, we change, and so do our tastes in Top 10 lists of music, concerts, or whatever.

So I ponder on the next frontier. I am considering the reverse…a top 10 list of worst music and concerts, etc.  Of course with this, I think the selections demand a bit more explanation as there is no telling what will end up on these lists and why.  Now I have a lot of lazy readers, and frankly, I do not expect too much of them.

I think we will start of with  the top 10 worse music groups, since we just finished our top 10 favorite groups.  This will be more difficult for me as there is a world of qualifiers.  But I will give it a shot in another post….

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