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Pinnick Gales Pridgen!
Pinnick Gales Pridgen is a new 3-piece “super group” featuring King’s X bassist Dug Pinnick, blues rock guitarist Eric Gales, and former The Mars Volta drummer Thomas Pridgen. Their self-titled debut album will come out on Magna Carta Records on February 12th.
The album has been described as a mix of psychedelic blues, hard rock and progressive Soul/R&B. Bassist and vocalist Dug Pinnick: “This record is three guys, with music in us, who said, ‘Let’s go for it’. It was built upon raw energy.”
Audio sample:
Album trailer is here:
Pre-order now via Magna Carta Records.
~Dan – np: Pinnick Gales Pridgen – Pinnick Gales Pridgen
Molken’s retro-live King’s X album benefit for Jerry Gaskill
As reported and updated HERE as news comes in (updated as of 3/21/12), King’s X drummer Jerry Gaskill suffered a heart attack on February 26th. This forced King’s X to cancel the planned tour that was to kick off at the end of March. Jerry has been getting better and better every day, but as you can imagine, his medical bills are starting to pile up. Here’s where you can help out… the album is $20, and there’s also info where you can send a check directly for Jerry’s medical bills as well.
See the press release below from Molken Music.
4/4/12 update video from Jerry…
~Dan – np: King’s X – Burning Down Boston: Live at The Channel 6.12.91
«°¤°» ¤ ¤ «°¤°»
Burning Down Boston: Live at The Channel 6.12.91 is a special MP3 download-only title out on Molken Music. 100% of the proceeds from this release will go directly to Jerry to help offset mounting medical expenses. A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone for the outpouring of concern and love.
This release was edited and mastered from a stereo front of house (FOH) recording. While the audio is far from perfect sonically, the performance documents yet another magical night on tour while supporting the Faith Hope Love album. While many of the song titles are familiar, the band expands many of the cuts featured here, including performances that are blistering (“Moanjam”), heavy and funk-laden (“We Are Finding Who We Are”), beautiful (“The Burning Down”), and truly transcendental (“Over My Head”).
A few songs from the show were omitted due to tape damage. However, we have included three bonus tracks (an additional 15 minutes) from the same show that were not presented in the main track listing.
All recordings previously unreleased.
14 songs. 89 minutes.
http://molkenmusic.com/store/shop/details.php?id=50
Dear Friends, in addition to the gift with this download, please let anyone who wants to further make a personal gift to Jerry to help him with his medical bills know that they can send a check made out to Jerry Gaskill. Mail it to: Jerry Gaskill, c/o World Entertainment Inc., P.O. Box 3095, Sea Bright, NJ 07760. 100% of your gift goes to Jerry Gaskill to help him defray his medical bills. Jerry Gaskill is an individual and not a charity. Any funds given to him would be a gift and no further tax deduction for charitable contributions would be coming from him. We appreciate your help.
Details:
Track Listing:
We Are Finding Who We Are (6:33)
Mission (4:17)
Far Far Away (4:44)
We Were Born to Be Loved (4:57)
It’s Love Intro (3:36)
It’s Love (5:28)
I’ll Never Get Tired of You (3:51)
Visions (7:27)
Over My Head (12:47)
Moanjam (10:19)
The Burning Down (9:53)
Talk to You (Bonus Track) (4:44)
Fall on Me (Bonus Track) (4:13)
Power of Love (Bonus Track) (6:02)
DOWNLOAD CONTENTS
MP3 – 320kbps – 219MB* (Very large file – please be patient)
Artwork (jpg): Cover art, credits
Promotional video commercial (MPG4)
Total Audio Playing time: 88:42
King’s X drummer Jerry Gaskill suffered heart attack {currently recovering / US Tour canceled}
Updated as health news comes in (see below)…
Earlier this morning (2/26/12), news surfaced on Facebook that King’s X drummer Jerry Gaskill suffered a heart attack and is currently in the ICU. Keep him in your thoughts and hope he gets stellar medical supervision & help!
Obviously, no word on how this will impact the upcoming KX tour (that was to kick off at the end of March), but (tour canceled – see below) I know any KX fan would want him to get better versus over-exerting himself on the road! His health is way more important, but we hope he’s healthy to hit the road after some rest & recovery.
From bassist/singer dUg Pinnick said on FB: “He was operated on and is in stable condition at the hospital. Were all waiting for more info.” Then posted this on twitter…
Jerry’s drumtech Chris ‘JRAB’ Thomas has a post in this blog’s comments section. Also stay tuned to www.kingsxrocks.com for add’l updates.
2/27/12 updates 1 & 2 from dUg…
cords… chords… he’s a musician; so I’ll cut him some slack :)
on FB (2/27/12) , he also added…
“heavily sedated and on the ventilator, they are going to
try to take the balloon pump out tomorrow”
2/28/12 update from dUg and Blabbermouth…
In light of Jerry‘s sudden hospitalization, all previously announced North American tour dates for KING’S X have been cancelled. Jerry will be taking the time to recover back to full health so that he can hopefully join the band behind the drums at some point in the future.
2/29/12 update from dUg…
3/1/12 update from dUg…
also, a place to send flowers: Riverview Hospital 1 River Plaza Red Bank NJ 07701 For patient Jerry Gaskill. Since he is in ICU flowers are not accepted.
3/2/12 update from dUg…
3/5/12 update from dUg…
There is a music event on March 28th in Austin, Texas for Jerry… JERRY JAM – Wednesday, March 28th @ the DIRTY DOG Bar – 505 East 6th Street – Austin, Texas.
$5 Donation at door
Special showing of the KING’S X “Live Love In London” DVD which starts at 7pm with Live music immediately following with: HONEYCREEPER, MARSHALL DYLAN, CRITICAL ASSEMBLY, and T.B.A.
FREE Pizza (with donation), Raffles ALL night and an Auction.
A PayPal account will be set up soon for donations for friends/fans that can’t make it.
Special Guests and more…come out and support Jerry to a speedy recovery and to help him out in his time of need!!
3/8/12 update from dUg…
3/9/12 update from Molken Music & an update from dUg…
You can donate to Jerry Gaskill’s medical expenses and with a $20 donation, you get a download of King’s X in Boston June 1991… GO HERE.
3/11/12 update from dUg…
3/13/12 update from dUg…
3/20/12 update from dUg…
3/21/12 update… he’s left the building…
4/4/12 update video from Jerry…
~Dan – np: John Zorn – Parachute Years
Tres Mts in Seattle (3/16)
So, I got stranded in Eugene, and wasn’t able to go up and shoot the debut Tres Mts show at the Showbox at the Market in Seattle… :(
Well, “Iron Mike” Savoia took some great photos… check them out at his Facebook page… dUg Pinnick (King’s X), Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam), Richard Stuverud (The Fastbacks), and Mike McCready (Pearl Jam)… Savoia Digital Photography does amazing work!
Also, check out Jason Tang Photography, too…
While I missed this great show, I was able to hit the excellent Punch Brothers (with Chris Thile) at McDonald Theatre that night. My review with photos will be posted this weekend.
~Dan – np: Pedro the Lion – It’s Hard To Find A Friend 
dUg Pinnick on Al Shire & the Henchmen’s new album
From Blabbermouth… in the realm of “when does dUg take time off?“…
dUg Pinnick of King’s X laid down guest vocals on the Al Shire & the Henchmen‘s song “Know Your Lie” from the new record, Fate Out of Tragedy, due out later this month. Al Shire is the guitar tech for King’s X’s Ty Tabor.
More info:
http://www.reverbnation.com/alshire
In related news, dUg will join Pearl Jam‘s Jeff Ament and Mike McCready on the debut Tres Mountains tour (I’m hitting the Seattle date). Read more about that tour and new album HERE.
~Dan – np: Charlie Parker – With Strings
Jónsi – Live at the Wiltern (live audio & video), plus more music news…
Sigur Rós front man Jónsi just announced his new concert film jónsi live at the wiltern is available to buy now via iTunes (usa and canada only). Here’s the trailer…
Get the AUDIO // Get the VIDEO
jónsi live at the wiltern was directed by dean deblois, (the director of the oscar nominated film how to train your dragon and the sigur rós film heima). the footage – recorded at los angeles’ wiltern theater – was first aired on npr on sunday october 17, 2010 and it marked the first ever live video webcast of a concert for the public radio organisation. filmed towards the end of jónsi’s extensive world tour in support of his solo album ‘go’, the film captures the live show at the late stage when the set and visuals were at their finest. this digital release is available exclusively on itunes.
Other news…
- Tres Mountains (side project from Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam & dUg Pinnick of King’s X) is now up for pre-order. It comes out March 14th. Go HERE for more info on pre-order.
- Carla Kihlstedt & Mattias Bossi‘s new album, Still You Lay Dreaming: Tales for the Stage II, also came out today. It is digital only… and knowing Carla’s chamber indie-rock magic, it’ll be great (it’s in my e-shopping cart now). http://kihlstedtbossi.bandcamp.com
My Nels Cline Singers‘ Portland show (1/30) review & photo editing being worked on now… I’ll post it by morning (sorry for the delay).
~Dan – np: Ken Andrews – Secrets of the Lost Satellite
Tres Mountains (King’s X’s dUg Pinnick & Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament)
A new “super group” of dUg Pinnick from King’s X, Richard Stuverud of the Fastbacks, and Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam has a name and an album coming out and a selective tour in March 2011.
Tres Mountains (aka Tres Mts.)
Go to http://tresmts.com/, sign up for their newsletter, and get a free download of “My Baby.” The debut album Three Mountains comes out in March 15th, 2011 (CD, LP, digital). Update 2/3: I just got my ticket for the Seattle show at the Shoebox (3/16). Apparently Mike McCready (also from Pearl Jam) is playing with them. Woot!
Update 3/8: get the record digitally here:
I’m hoping good things from this group. I tend to really dig bands and side-projects where dUg gets involved. The first track “My Baby” needs a bit warming up for me, but I dig the vibe.
Friend them on the Facebox:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tres-Mts/180935358594506
~Dan – np: Yuka Honda – Heart Chamber Phantoms
Doug Pinnick, 24-7 Spyz & Fishbone members form A.N.M.
As reported on Blabbermouth…
Jimi Hazel — guitarist, vocalist and producer of acclaimed heavy metal soul band 24-7 SPYZ — has announced the formation of what is now being billed as the “first black supergroup” called A.N.M. (a.k.a. ANTI N***ER MACHINE).
The band’s lineup is as follows:
- Doug Pinnick (KING’S X): Vocals
- Jimi Hazel (24-7 SPYZ): Guitar, Vocals
- Rick Skatore (24-7 SPYZ): Bass, Vocals
- Spacey T (SOUND BARRIER, FISBONE): Guitar, Vocals
- Greg Fulton (CYCLONE TEMPLE, RWA): Guitar, Vocals
- Phil D. Fish (FISHBONE, WICKED WISDOM): Drums, Percussion
Commented Jimi: “This is gonna be a beautiful thing and we will drop some of the heaviest, funkiest and crunchiest music heard in a long time! I’m honored to be a part of music making history with my brothers and I know that people will be more than happy when they hear what comes from us!”
A.N.M. is currently talking to labels in search of a home for what will become one of the highly anticipated releases of 2010. The band plans to spend the winter writing and recording and hopes to release a CD in late spring or early summer.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I dug the Doug collaboration with 24-7 Spyz (back in 1996) on Heavy Metal Soul By the Pound. With Doug on lead vocal duties and Fishbone members in the mix, this promises to be pretty damn good. I’m not too fond of their band name. I mean, I understand the meaning and where they’re coming from. I just don’t necessarily “prefer” their choice. Regardless, I bet the music will be great.
~Dan – np: Tegan and Sara – Sainthood thainthood
Ty Tabor (of King’s X) news…
posted on Ty Tabor‘s website…
Ty Tabor (King’s X), John Myung (Dream Theater), and Rod Morgenstein (tons of bands) are discussing the possibility of recording a new Jelly Jam album in 2010. This would be their third release as The Jelly Jam and their fifth overall release together. More news coming soon! [Editor’s note: yay! The Jelly Jam / Platypus / Jughead releases are some of my favorites from Ty]
Ty has some things on eBay at the moment and plans to sell some of Alien Beans Studio’s gear over the next month. Keep an eye out at eBay.
King’s X is still working on the live DVD shot in London earlier this year. Look for a 2010 release.
Ty’s new solo album is coming along nicely. The yet untitled album will also be released in 2010. [Editor’s note: double yay!]
~Dan – np: David Gilmour (of Pink Floyd) – Live in Gdańsk
RAZR13 + Pinnick / Fear Factory
So, for Veteran’s Day, here’s some rock news from some… um… rock veterans?
First, in order of awesomest news… King’s X frontman Doug “dUg” Pinnick and the band that he lent vocal duties to, RAZR 13, is finally releasing their debut album. I wrote about this back in July, but now they’ve got the whole album done and streaming over at Rock Army Records.
You can also download the song “4th of July” for free via the Rock Army Records store. The album comes out physically and digitally November 20th. Befriend them on MySpace… http://www.myspace.com/razr13
~*~*~*~*~*~
The band currently calling themselves Fear Factory (i.e.- they’re in a lawsuit now and might not make it out the other end with that name intact) released their album cover for Mechanize. It looks predictably like their former covers… but I bet I’ll still like its electronic-infused, stomp-rock, metal goodness about androids taking over the earth (or other topics that Burton C. Bell always writes about).
compare to some of their old album covers:
Burton’s track-by-track explanations are over at Blabbermouth. Let’s just say I didn’t read past the first one… “The title track describes our world as the soulless program that it is.” :rolleyes: Oh, Burton, I still love you… but, g-to-the-d, the theme is getting old. Read a new, non-sci-fi book! Get a different graphic artist! :)
~Dan – np: Puscifer – Rev 22:20 single
no free downloads, mp3, or torrents available here
RAZR13 & dUg Pinnick
King’s X frontman Doug “dUg” Pinnick recently provided vocals for Texas metal band RAZR 13.
RAZR13 is a modern metal band based in Austin, Texas, featuring guitarist Big Bald Mike, bassist Ryan 13, and drummer JRAB. King’s X fans should recognize all three, as Big Bald Mike oftens provides security at KX show, Ryan 13 is dUg’s bass tech, and JRAB is Jerry Gaskill’s longtime drum tech and current road manager.
The band’s been recording their debut album (Reflections) in Austin with producer Paul Soroski (Podunk) over the past few years. dUg heard the tracks and jumped on board to provide vocals, and the result is a modern metal project unlike anything you’ve ever heard from dUg before!
Reflections will be released via Austin-based label Rock Army Records this summer. No firm release date yet, but it will be available on CD and as a digital download.
Check out two songs “4th of July” and “Reflections” at Rock Army Records.
Add RAZR 13 as a friend on MySpace to find out more when the time comes.
~Dan – np: Do Make Say Think – You, You’re a History in Rust
REVIEW: King’s X @ Berbati’s Pan (Portland, OR – 6/8/09)
FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM
So… King’s X? Where do I start. They’ve been a band for 26 or 27 years. I’ve been a fan of theirs since 1994. I see them every time they come through my town (16th time in 15 years). I’ve seen them in 6 or 7 states (mostly Ohio), but this is first time to see them in Oregon for me. It was only last August that I saw them open up for Extreme in Cincinnati, and they haven’t put out anything new since that show. Honestly, though, it really doesn’t matter. It’s King’s X… Doug, Ty & Jerry. They are a must see show, any time, any place!!
I showed up late for the show; so I can’t speak to the rockin’ (or not rockin’) of the openers Orange Sky & Quandry. If history tells me anything, the openers were good but not phenomenal*. I had other work-related plans, and I couldn’t make it to the venue in time.
*– A good/great opener in days of yore is a band like Podunk. Also, re: “openers,” I wouldn’t put Galactic Cowboys in that category. They’re more like “peers”… and were always a great lead in to King’s X. For the most part, other openers for KX were OK, but usually just delayed KX starting time by more than I normally cared for… I mean that in no disrespect to the openers tonight. Had it not been a rough day of work, I’d have done my best to make it for your sets. Seriously.
I showed up right at 11pm, and King’s X were deep into their third song (per the door guy). So, for those keeping track at home, file that under “whoops… messed that one up.” My guess is that they started with “Groove Machine.” Regardless of my missing the intro, King’s X put on a great show, and I thoroughly enjoyed it… a little bit of feedback and a low ceiling’ed venue, but I got to move around a bit and snap some shots from several angles. No videos… I imagine it’d be too much feedback for the camera.
Setlist: thanks for the setlist additions
- Groove Machine {thanks, bishopjso}
- Pleiades {thanks, bn}
- Visions
- Move (*a fave of night*)
- What Is This?
- Black Flag
- Lost in Germany
- Pray (no offense, but a non-fave)
- Dogman (*a fave of night*)
- Go Tell Somebody (no offense, but a non-fave)
- Summerland
- Looking for Love (*a fave of night*)
- Over My Head
- Encore: It’s Love
- We Were Born to Be Loved (*a fave of night*)
Fantastic show… once again. Doug, Ty & Jerry are a joy to see. I hope they’re making music for many more years to come. Doug’s preachin’ during “Over My Head” had a new slant… “It’s a terrible thing to do what you don’t want to do for the rest of your life.” I’m glad that Doug didn’t get stuck being a choirboy for the rest of his life. Oh, and Ty’s “Over My Head” solo was smoking!!!! It was one of the few instances where I wish I had been taping…
Wishes for the evening… maybe switch out “GTS” and “P4M” with “Cigarettes” and “A Box.” But all in all, I’m glad that they’re still making music and still touring. I figure, beggars can’t be choosers. I saw a great show by some great musicians… yet again.
The Appropriate Linkage:
- King’s X Online
- King’s X on MySpace
- Doug Pinnick on MySpace
- Ty Tabor on MySpace
- Jerry Gaskill on MySpace
- King’s X & Extreme @ Union Center Blvd Bash – 8/10/08 Review (with pictures)
- Berbati’s Pan
How the screaming changes when the meaning hits your ears…
~Dan – np: dredg – The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion no torrent or free download here
KING’S X PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2009 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution
(click for larger)
The Rest of the King’s X Tour Dates (as of now)
6/09/2009 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
6/10/2009 Coeur d’Alene, ID @ The Grail
6/12/2009 Salt Lake City, UT @ Club Vegas
6/13/2009 Denver, CO @ Owsley’s Golden Road
6/15/2009 Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
6/16/2009 Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room
6/17/2009 Lincoln, NE @ Knickerbockers
6/19/2009 Sioux Falls, SD @ Nutty’s
6/20/2009 Fargo, ND @ Venue At The Hub
6/23/2009 St Paul, MN @ Station 4
6/24/2009 Des Moines, IA @ People’s Court
6/26/2009 Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall
6/27/2009 Chicago, IL @ Double Door
6/28/2009 Mt Clemmens, MI @ Freedom Festival
6/30/2009 Memphis, TN @ Newby’s
7/01/2009 Little Rock, AR @ Juanita’s
8/07/2009 Raleigh, NC @ Volume 11
8/08/2009 Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
8/09/2009 Pittsburgh, PA @ Pepsi Roadhouse
8/11/2009 Hartford, CT @ The Webster Theater
8/12/2009 Sellersville, PA @ Sellersville Theater
8/13/2009 Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
8/15/2009 Southbridge, MA @ ADC Performance Ctr.
8/16/2009 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
8/17/2009 Virginia Beach, VA @ Peppermint Beach Club
8/19/2009 Charlotte, NC @ Amos’s
8/21/2009 Marietta, GA @ The Local
8/22/2009 Fayetteville, NC @ Jester’s
then they hit the road with Porcupine Tree in September 2009
2/3 King’s X + 1/2 Galactic Cowboys = The Jibbs
Two-thirds of KING’S X and one half of GALACTIC COWBOYS have united as the new supergroup THE JIBBS. Influenced by flamboyantly shiny clothing and the most traditional of country music, THE JIBBS bring a new slant to non-popular music. After taking a hit from Houston’s Hurricane Ike, these four men banded together over a candle and car battery to produce their debut single, “Burns in the Rain”, from the possibly forthcoming album, “What Would Jibb Do?”
THE JIBBS are:
Wally Jibb (Wally Farkas) – Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals
Alan Jibb (Alan Doss) – Drums, Pedal Steel, Bass, Vocals
Ty Jibb (Ty Tabor) – Electric Guitar, Vocals
dUg Jibb (Doug Pinnick) – Vocals
Available for only $1.49, “Burns in the Rain” is a limited-edition MP3 download that will directly aid THE JIBBS. In addition to the high-quality MP3, the zip file includes cover art, credits and lyrics sheet.
For more information, go to www.myspace.com/kingsx.
I’m listening to it now… it’s not like either King’s X or Galactic Cowboys. It’s country themed with Wally on vocals & acoustic guitar, and backing vocals by the other three… different, but GREAT STUFF! I dig Wally’s solo stuff, and while he’s usually more in the Beatles and 60s/70s rock realm, this one seems to fit in his repertoire as well. I’m curious what a full The JIBBS album would be like. I hope it’s more than possibly forthcoming…
The appropriate linkage:
- http://www.myspace.com/kingsx
- http://www.myspace.com/wallyfarkas
- http://www.myspace.com/dugpinnickpoundhound
- http://www.myspace.com/tytabor
- http://www.myspace.com/alandoss
~Dan – np: The Jibbs “Burns in the Rain”
* Favorite VOCAL Albums of 2007 *
My Other Favorites of 2007 Recaps:
Fav Concerts of ’07 are recapped *HERE*
Fav Local / Vinyl / Internet-Only / Podcasts of ’07 are *HERE*
Fav EPs / Compilations / Music DVDs of ’07 are *HERE*
Fav Instrumental Albums of ’07 are *HERE*
Favorite Vocal Albums of 2007
1) Silverchair – Young Modern – Daniel Johns, leader of Silverchair, is one of my rock heroes. On Young Modern, he and the boys didn’t disappoint. This album is a continuation of the feel from Diorama, but perhaps more cohesive. Diorama was fantastic (A++), but this one seems less disjointed. Best album of the year, by far.
http://www.chairpage.com/
http://www.myspace.com/silverchair
2) Radiohead – In Rainbows – This is a quintessential Radiohead album. Check out my track-by-track review HERE.
http://www.radiohead.com/
http://www.myspace.com/radiohead
3) Elliott Smith – New Moon – I had many of the songs on this double-CD already from the demo stockpile on the internets, but this collection also had many new tunes from my favorite long lost songwriter. His death affected me more than any other “celebrity.” His words really cut through, and I’m glad that his unreleased music still made its way out.
http://www.sweetadeline.net
http://www.myspace.com/elliottsmithnewmoon
4) Ken Andrews – Secrets of the Lost Satellite – Another rock hero of mine… I got into Ken Andrews via Chroma Key (Ken’s 1st On record was highly talked about by CK’s Kevin Moore, or Kevin was touring with Ken). Anyway, this newest solo album is a bit like On but also a bit like Failure & Year of the Rabbit. You can’t go wrong in my book, Ken. Some great hooky hardrock.
http://www.kenandrews.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kenandrews
5) Puscifer – V is for Vagina – Another Maynard James Keenan side project. His main band (Tool) is still my favorite of his artistic outlets, but Puscifer has a really good vibe. Poor choice in album title (in my opinion), but I realize that it’s a stand against censorship (which I support.. meaning I support the stand against, not the actual censorship). Alas, the packaging for this album wins the Best Packaging Award for 2007. It’s built like an emergency airline pamphlet… and it’s quite hilarious. Kudos, Maynard!
http://www.puscifer.com/
http://www.myspace.com/censorshipisacancer
6) Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog – Hush-toned singer-songwriter tour de force. Gritty and witty, subtle brutally honest lyrics. Nice story telling…
http://www.ironandwine.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ironandwine
7) Dug Pinnick (of king’s X) – Strum Sum Up – I love Dug/Doug. This is by far his best album. Great songs, and the extended jams are exciting, too (I kinda was disappointed when I first heard of the idea, but loved it once I heard the music). Wally Farkas (of the Galactic Cowboys) and Hal Sparks helped out on this record.
http://www.dugpinnick.com/
http://www.myspace.com/dugpinnickpoundhound
8 ) Michael Kelsey – The Way It Rolls – Michael Kelsey gets added to the list of things I’m sad about moving away from Ohio. Michael Kelsey (not from Ohio, but neighboring Indiana) is a fucking Midwestern U.S. musical TREASURE. His records are always great, but his live show is one of legend. He blows your mind, the mind of the guy next to you, and the mind of the lady in the parking lot paying the meter… all with 6 strings and 37 fingers. I mean, the way he plays, he has to have 37 fingers. Doesn’t he?
http://www.michaelkelsey.com/
http://www.myspace.com/michaelkelseymusic
9) Wussy – Left For Dead – Best local CD (Cincinnati, OH) for me in 2007. Lisa and Chuck are a great songwriting team. I dig both of their vocals, and the band knows how to kick it! Great rock and a well-produced sophomore record!
http://www.wussymusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/therealwussy
10) Nellie McKay – Obligatory Villagers – Quirky, cute, brilliant songstress and obfuscator of journalists. Short and sweet third record. We got to see her this year in Eugene (concert review) this year. Fantastic show!! She rarely disappoints. I hope to hear more of her music now that she’s out of the clutches of Columbia/Sony/Artist Screwers Int’l.
http://www.nelliemckay.com/
http://www.myspace.com/prettylittlehead
11) Tegan and Sara – The Con – Great indie pop rock record from this twin sister songwriting duo. This is their 5th record (by my count), and they truly get better with age.
http://www.teganandsara.com/
http://www.myspace.com/teganandsara
12) Abigail’s Ghost – Selling Insincerity – For fans of Porcupine Tree… get this album now. It did for me what Steven Wilson didn’t do for me this year… get to 12 on my list. ;) Don’t worry, Steven Wilson continually impresses, too. Regardless, Abigail’s Ghost is right up a PT fan’s alley — lush progressive rock without the spandex, frizzy hair and crotch-too-tight falsetto.
http://www.abigailsghost.com/
http://www.myspace.com/abigailsghost
13) Blackfield – Blackfield II – Ok, Steven Wilson made it to 13. I got to see Blackfield in NYC this year (concert review). Aviv Geffen and Steven Wilson have a great chemistry. Blackfield II continues on the path laid out by BF I.
http://www.blackfield.org/
http://www.myspace.com/blackfield
14) Eisley – Combinations – A harder-edged Sixpence None the Richer, perhaps. This five-piece band of siblings astonishes me. Mainly because if I could never be in a functioning band with my 3 other siblings. Add another… fahgetaboutit. Eisley brings great vocal harmonies and a rocky edge to what might have otherwise been sugary pop. Kudos on the sophomore album! I dig it.
http://www.eisley.com/
http://www.myspace.com/eisley
15) Foo Fighters – Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace – You may have heard some of their songs on the radio. Dave Grohl and Co know how to rock and grab you with a hook. That’s all I can say.
http://www.foofighters.com/
http://www.myspace.com/foofighters
16) Megadeth – United Abominations – Chunka chunka chunnk. I’m glad Dave Mustaine is back at it. Sometimes cheesy lyrically, usually brutal and fun listen, though. A+.
http://www.megadeth.com/
http://www.myspace.com/megadeth
17) Dream Theater – Systematic Chaos – Complex and more rewarding after each listen.
http://www.dreamtheater.net/
http://www.myspace.com/dreamtheater
18 ) Crunchy – Loserville – Monty Colvin (of the Galactic Cowboys) knows how to write a good pop-punk song about being an outcast. Some may say that’s his downfall. Oh, but what a sweet downfall… or… er… resulting record. His 3rd record under the Crunchy moniker… it’s a welcome addition to my collection of Colvin art (I also own one of his paintings… he’s a superb painter, yo!).
http://www.montycolvin.com/
http://www.myspace.com/montycolvin
19) Finger Eleven – Them vs. You vs. Me – I had no idea that “Paralyzer” was big this year. Just shows you how much I know about radio (I haven’t purposefully listened in going on 20 years). Anyway, I’ve been a big fan of F11 since Tip (late 90s), and I’m glad that their last two records have been solid consistent hard rock… with vocals that I love.
http://www.fingereleven.com/
http://www.myspace.com/fingereleven
20) Over the Rhine – The Trumpet Child – Well, I got “fired” by the band for being a “bad fan.” It was equal parts embarrassing, and equal parts rewarding. Alas, I still liked this record enough to crack the Top 20. “If a Song Could be President” (while quaint in lyric) is one of the worst songs ever for me (way too country for me), but “Don’t Wait For Tom” makes up for it. Totally fun track… and a solid record overall. Oh, and, Karin… sorry for being a bad fan. I still like ya.
http://www.overthewhine.com/
http://www.myspace.com/overthewhine
21) Greydon Square – The Compton Effect – Great rap style with free-thinking atheist lyrics too boot. Infectious rhythms and vocals. I hope his follow-up this coming year tops it. :-) I also hopes he catches on more and can tour more beyond skeptical/atheist conferences to which I can’t afford to travel.
http://www.greydonsquare.com/
http://www.myspace.com/greydonsquare
22) Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam) – Into the Wild – Got this for xmas from my brother (and sis-in-law). Fantastic short set by Eddie. I really need to see this movie, too… it’s from a book that I actually read. :P
http://www.pearljam.com
http://www.myspace.com/intothewildmovie
23) Tori Amos – American Doll Posse – Solid album by pop’s bad girl. I think her many personas are getting tiring (see, I’m a “bad fan” of more than just Over the Rhine), but she still brings her A game for 95% of this CD. I wish I’d have seen her on her latest tour, too… I heard it was killer.
http://www.toriamos.com/
http://www.myspace.com/toriamos
24) Porcupine Tree – Fear of a Blank Planet – Their material on the Nil Recurring -EP- should have made its way onto this record. Great stuff nonetheless… it grows on me, slower than prior PT work, but solid songs nonetheless.
http://www.porcupinetree.com/
http://www.myspace.com/porcupinetree
25) Tomahawk – Anonymous – Mike Patton and Duane Denison (Jesus Lizard) on Native American sourced rock songs. Not as all over the place like prior Tomahawk records… which is unfortunately missed. Alas, Mike and Duane still bring it, and over up a wonderful take on traditional tribal melodies.
http://www.ipecac.com/
http://www.myspace.com/tomahawkofficial
honorable mentions:
Coheed and Cambria – Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV – Volume Two: No World For Tomorrow / That1Guy and the Magic Pipe – The Moon is Disgusting / La Mar Enfortuna (aka Elysian Fields) – Conviviencia / Ozomatli – Don’t Mess With the Dragon / My Brightest Diamond – Tear It Down (remixes)
myspace/coheedandcambria – myspace/that1guy – myspace/lamarenfortuna – myspace/ozomatli – myspace/mybrightestdiamond
That’s it for my 2007 lists… whew… next year it’ll take less time to do (hopefully)…
~Dan – np: George Hrab – Interrobang
-Eyvind Kang
-Frank Zappa
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