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Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

No Doubt driving back to “Settle Down” reunion party


It's been a long time coming since 2001's Rock Steady, but No Doubt, the multi-platinum band that well known in the 90s for their mix of ska sounds with alternative rock and punk, is back with their first visual in over a decade for their new track, “Settle Down,” the lead single from the band upcoming sixth studio album, Push and Shove, due out on September 25, 2012

No Doubt, formed in 1986 in California, the band, Tom Dumont on guitars, Tony Kanal on bass and Adrian Young on led by Gwen Stefani on vocals said in an interview that it's “just about being overwhelmed by so much going on and how to balance all of it.”


The comeback clip shows they haven't lost a step in their decade away from the spotlight. “We tried to do something that resembled different parts of the world rather than a specific place,” Stefani said. Although there's a joyous atmosphere throughout, Muller said she tried to portray the uncertainty in Stefani's lyrics, “Lyrically it's not really a party song. It's got a real emotional desire to get through something. You have a combination of this party feel with her struggle to be able to express herself.”

Gwen Stefani, has admitted the band used the experience of becoming responsible adults with families as inspiration during the songwriting process. She said: “I hate talking about what the songs are about because I feel like I already put so much into the song, of myself. “But I think that song, and a lot of the record, is just about being overwhelmed by so much going on and how to balance all of it. That'd be a good way of summing it up.”

And the video certainly gives the impression of an outfit who are excited to be back together, with the members hugging each other on camera at one point during the song. Drummer Adrian Young said it was bizarre going from being a dedicated parent to playing in a marquee act again, and that he had even forgotten how popular they were during his time away from the stage. He said: 'As the attention goes back to No Doubt and less on being a suburban father, that's when I realize, “Oh wow, I'm in this pretty huge band.” Even while they have been away the four piece have been busy.



The band's new single released on July 16, 2012 with a video directed by former Blur and Annie Lennox collaborator Sophie Muller, followed by an album, Push and Shove, on September 25, 2012.

The band also will perform “Settle Down” on the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on July 26, 2012, their first TV performance in almost a decade.

WATCH “SETTLE DOWN” MUSIC VIDEO

No Doubt : Website | Facebook | Twitter
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[REVIEW] Pearl Jam Twenty Festival in Alpine Valley


 The rolling pastures of Wisconsin played home to over 30,000 Pearl Jam superfans over Labor Day weekend, where those devoted enough to fly to the middle of nowhere for their favorite band were witness to a historical, unforgettable set of performances from Queens of the Stone Age, The Strokes, Mudhoney, Liam Finn, Glen Hansard and many more – including an extremely rare onstage reunion of Temple of the Dog.
Chris Cornell reunited "Temple Of The Dog"
 While the first night's set leaned heavily on rarities, the Seattle veterans threw Sunday's packed crowd into a frenzy by hitting hard with favorites from the early days -- "Alive," "Even Flow," "Jeremy" and "Black" (all from 1991's "Ten"), 1993's "Daughter" with a special tag of Dead Moon's "It's Ok," -- to post-millennial gems. 2009's "The Fixer" was a crowd riler, and 2002's "Love Boat Captain," a song written after PJ's own concert-death tragedy in 2000, was played "with love and support" for the bands and families affected by the recent stage collapses in Indiana and at Belgium's Pukkelpop festival.

Josh Homme from Queens Of The Stone Age joins Eddie Vedder on stage
Mudhoney and Pearl Jam "Kick Out The Jams"
But the guests spots throughout the three-encore night made it special as well. When else might you catch Chris Cornell turning Pearl Jam into Temple of the Dog and rocking "Reach Down" with a backup choir of Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard, Dhani Harrison, David Garza and Liam Finn? And collaboration had already been afoot earlier as not only did Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron, bassist Jeff Ament and guitarist Mike McCready play during Joseph Arthur's set and Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme sat in for The Strokes' "New York City Cops," Eddie Vedder dueted during the sets of Liam Finn (singing AND drumming), John Doe (for a sweet version of Doe's "Golden State"),  Glen Hansard ("Falling Slowly") and the Strokes ("Juicebox") in the bright cool sunshine of summer's unofficial last weekend.

Julian Casablancas and Eddie Vedder
Marking 20 years of Pearl Jam, "doesn't make us feel old," frontman Eddie Vedder announced halfway through the night. "It feels like a rebirth, a new beginning." And to prove it, he performed a song he'd somehow written in the mere 14 hours between leaving the stage Saturday and showing up Sunday. The emotional, as-yet-untitled acoustic ballad, seemed to capture Pearl Jam's two decades of hard-earned vitality with lyrics that included, "to be so in love with life as we are now / never thought we could / so glad we made it 'til when it all got good."


Setlist – Night 1:
Release
Arms Aloft (Joe Strummer cover)
Do the Evolution
Got Some
In My Tree
Faithful
Who You Are
Push Me, Pull Me
Setting Forth
Not for You (w/ Julian Casablancas)
In the Moonlight (w/ Josh Homme)
Deep
Help Help
Breath
Education (w/ Liam Finn)
Once
State of Love and Trust (w/ Dhani Harrison)
Better Man
Wasted Reprise
Life Wasted
Encore 1:
Rearviewmirror
Stardog Champion (Mother Love Bone cover) (w/ Chris Cornell)
Say Hello 2 Heaven (w/ Chris Cornell)
Reach Down (w/ Chris Cornell)
Hunger Strike (w/ Chris Cornell)
Love Reign O’er Me (The Who cover)
Porch
Encore 2:
Kick Out the Jams (MC5 cover) (w/ Mudhoney)

Setlist – Night 2:
Wash
The Fixer
Severed Hand
All Night
Given to Fly
Pilate
Love Boat Captain
Habit
Even Flow (w/ Liam Finn)
Daughter/It’s Ok
Leatherman
Red Mosquito (w/ Julian Casablancas)
Satan’s Bed
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town (w/ Dhani Harrison)
Unthought Known
New World (w/ John Doe)
Black
Jeremy
Encore 1:
New Song
Just Breathe
Nothingman
No Way
Smile (w/ Glen Hansard)
Spin the Black Circle
Encore 2:
Hunger Strike (w/ Chris Cornell)
Call Me a Dog (w/ Chris Cornell)
All Night Thing (w/ Chris Cornell)
Reach Down (w/ Chris Cornell)
Sonic Reducer (w/ Mudhoney)
Alive
Rockin in the Free World (Neil Young cover)
Yellow Ledbetter/Star Spangled Banner
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[REVIEW] Incubus Live in KL, Malaysia 2011


Incubus Live in KL was not just a concert, it was a journey into the multiple dimensions of a band filled with infinite musical ideas. With lead singer Brandon Boyd's soaring vocals reaching beyond the confines of Stadium Negara last 23rd July, and the bands intricate dissection of their diverse material live on stage, cemented together with such intensity, it was no surprise that the attending audience was soaring along in the musical landscape created by the iconic alternate rock/metal band, throughout their 100 minutes concert that night.  Their second showing in Malaysia which kicked off precisely on time, was made possible thanks to seasoned promoters Pineapple Concerts, and adventurous presenters Tune Talk, which is led by one of Malaysia's early indie rockers, Jason Lo.


The Set List

Megalomaniac
Wish You Were Here
Pardon Me
Have You Ever
Consequence
Anna Molly
Promises, Promises
Circles
Glass
In the Company of Wolves
Thieves
Drive
Pistola
Talk Shows on Mute
Adolescents
 
Encore:
The Warmth
Nice To Know You

Stadium Negara on floor

An alternative rock band from Malaysia, Rosevelt, as opening band on the show

Brandon Boyd take on "Megalomaniac"


Mike Einziger
Chris Killmore

Ben Kenney and Jose Pasillas

"Consequence"








The show was over before 11pm and many left disappointed that they didn't play their other popular songs like Summer Romance (Anti-gravity), Are You In, Stellar, A Certain Shade of Green, Love Hurts and I Miss You. But it still nice to have them on Malaysia again this time.

They currently continue on tour since their 5th years comeback new album "If Not Now, When?". Join #incubustour for your nearest show

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[REVIEW] Incubus - "If Not Now, When?" Album


Released: July 12, 2011
Producer: Brendan O' Brien
Label: Epic Record
Length: 50:03

It’s getting on for five years since established American rock band Incubus last released an entire album of new material, so expectations from their legions of fans are astronomical for new release If Not Now, When? This new album is their seventh release since Fungus Amongus, their 1995 debut and follows their longest break between releases. Fans will be pleased to know that If Not Now, when? does not disappoint…
‘If Not Now, When?’ 8/10
The first track is minimalist and a calm introduction to the album, lead largely around Brandon Boyd’s mesmerizing and unmistakable vocal. The sound Incubus have spent years crafting is as present as it was on 2001’s Morning View. ‘If Not Now, When?’ may not be an instant thunderbolt of a song, but with each listen, improves and yearns to be heard over and over.

 ‘Promises, Promises’ 8/10
First fully released single from the album, ‘Promises, Promises’, is not what is typically expected from a lead single from a new Incubus release. This is less ‘Megalomaniac’ or ‘Anna Molly’ and more ‘Are You In?’. Still, ‘Promises, Promises’ is an uplifting piano lead moment of funky lightheartedness and one that will be welcomed by many.


‘Friends and Lovers’ 7/10
Another chilled out track, ‘Friends and Lovers’, has a sweet melody and is executed brilliantly, but is not a stand out moment amongst the collection.

‘Thieves’ 9/10
Out of soppyville, ‘Thieves’ provides some brilliant lyrics and the most upbeat song yet. ‘Everything is fine, so long as you’re a god-fearing white American’ Boyd sings against the charming mid-tempo backdrop. Nice to see Boyd is his band mates haven’t lost their provoking lyric writing talents!

‘Isadore’ 10/10
The beats are slightly harder and heavier, yet the laid back mood continues. The lyrics here are the most vivid and story-telling on the album. Erica and Isadore appear to be riding a balloon to the moon, but Erica takes the only parachute, abandoning Isadore. I’d love to see an animated video for ‘Isadore’. This is addictive and layered and deserves several listens.

‘The Original’ 8/10
Boyd’s velvety tones are what makes ‘The Original’; that and the progressive build. The last minute builds into an epic multi-layered which is very welcomed at this point in the album, but the lyrics are a little too sickly for me, with ‘Girl you’re the original. Always were, always will be’, nevertheless I’m sure many guitar playing boys will enjoy serenading their girlfriends with this one.

‘Defiance’ 10/10
A purely acoustic guitar driven song, ‘Defiance’ is a stunning song that shows the band’s raw talent and ability to really deliver in a minimalistic way.

‘In the Company of Wolves’ 10/10
Over seven minutes of brilliance is ‘In the Company of Wolves’. The acoustic feel remains, and Boyd uses his voice like a well-oiled instrument. The song features several different techniques and sounds and progresses from soft acoustic, to an almost organic brooding mid-section, to an instrumental epic finale. Absolutely mesmerising!
‘Switch Blade’ 8/10
Boyd is apparently being attacked by a girl in a black hat? ‘Switch Blade’ has the most nonsensical lyrics on the album and provides a fitting moment of relief from otherwise very mellow and grown up album. Still, ‘Switch Blade’ is a very different track for the band.

‘Adolescents’ 10/10
‘Adolescents’ is heavier than it first seems. Crank up the volume or witness it being performed live (as I had the fortune to do last week at the HMV Forum) and you will have a whole new respect for the power of the song. Possibly the most commercially appealing song on the album, ‘Adolescents’ is energetic and mesmerising.


‘Tomorrow’s Food’ 9/10
A fitting close to the album, ‘Tomorrow’s Food’ has a complex calm orchestral feel. While Boyd sings ‘There’s no such thing as the end of the world’, he poignantly points out that we are tomorrow’s food, today, maybe highlighting our insignificance. It is beautiful, moving, kind of inspiring and kind of sad.

Incubus have evolved into a sophisticated band and If Not Now, When? is their calmest and most mellow album to date. As with all Incubus albums, this is completely different to any of their previous releases, but stays true to their highly individual sound. If you want heavy, chuck Make Yourself or S.C.I.E.N.C.E on, but buy this too, for those days you want to really listen- there’s a whole lot going on here. 

9/10
ORDER via

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Video Review: Foo Fighters' 'Walk' Video 'Falling Down' All Over Again

 New music video by Foo Fighters is a humorous take on intense 1993 Michael Douglas "Falling Down" film. Lets figured out the similarities and differences.

 The Foo Fighters' new "Walk" video is a near re-creation of the 1993 film "Falling Down," the oft-disturbing portrait of the prototypical "angry white male" (as portrayed by Michael Douglas, complete with crew cut and short-sleeved work shirt) who is pushed to the brink by what he views as society's decay — immigrants, crime, greed, bureaucracy, the fact that McDonald's stops serving breakfast at 10:30 a.m. — and goes on a violent rampage as a result, culminating in a stand-off with police and his death. Only, you know, funny.



Michael Douglas as Bill Foster in "Falling Down"
Foo Fighters frontman, Dave Grohl in "Walk" video
Yes, "Walk" — which premiered Thursday (June 2) on MTV.com — is a bit strange: a humorous take on a film that a) most people probably don't remember, and b) wasn't all that humorous in the first place.

"Falling Down" scene

 It opens with frontman Dave Grohl (who, besides his long hair, is a dead-ringer for Douglas' Bill Foster with his horn-rimmed glasses and striped tie) stuck in a traffic jam of suck: a snotty kid stares at him from the back of a station wagon; bumper stickers proudly proclaim "Bieber is my Co-Pilot," "Thank You, President Bush" and, rather hilariously, "Coldplay"; well-heeled jerks kick back in their cozy convertibles.


 And, much like Foster, he snaps, leaving his car on the freeway and beginning a trek across Los Angeles, carrying his guitar case with him.

 
 We then follow him as he is pushed closer and closer to the edge, thanks to an ever-extending chain of society's annoyances: his iPhone dies, a clerk at a convenience store refuses to give him change to make a call and he can't find a payphone. Of course, unlike "Falling Down," Grohl's reactions and his interactions are played up for comedic value.

"Falling Down" scene

 He doesn't smash up a Korean-owned grocery store, shoot up a fast-foot restaurant or stab a white supremacist. Instead, there is a rather humorous karate fight with some gangbangers (fellow Foos Taylor Hawkins and Chris Shiflett), and he drives a golf cart into a lake. 

"Falling Down" scene

 And, unlike Bill Foster, Grohl's voyage of carnage doesn't end with a climatic showdown with police at Venice Fishing Pier, but rather at a Foo Fighters' practice, where he and the band tear through the remainder of the song before the police come crashing in.


Grohl gets tazed. The band poses for pictures with the officers. It is funny


 Those not aware of "Falling Down" will probably view this as another in a long line of funny Foos clips. But for those who've seen the film (which can be polarizing, to say the very least), it's sort of impossible not to view "Walk" through the prism of the original. And that's why it's a weird thing to watch. Funny? Sure. A slightly odd choice? Most definitely. Then again, the Foo Fighters have long defied conventions, and with "Walk," they continue down that path — with some silly costumes, of course.


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Book Review: Scott Weiland "Not Dead & Not for Sale : A Memoir"

 I’ve always been a fan of Scott Weiland. Whether it was Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver or his solo stuff, I’ve enjoyed the music he has created. Needless to say, fandom doesn’t make me blind to the reality that the rock star has lived in for quite some time…drugs, public disputes, general excess…

 Weiland has always intrigued me. I love his music and when you couple that with his lifestyle, he makes for quite an interesting story.

 Fortunately for me and everyone else intrigued by this man, on May 17th, 2011 you can read all about that interesting story in Not Dead & Not For Sale, Weiland’s memoir.

 For Weiland' fan, they was ecstatic to jump into the story of this guy’s life. Definitely they wanted to hear the dirty details about his heroin abuse, what it was like to be part of STP, go solo, join forces with Slash and then go back to STP, and so much more.

 The details of his drug use are far from the dirty, nitty gritty stuff we got with Nikki Sixx’s The Heroin Diaries.In fact, at times, it’s easy to forget that Weiland is talking about drugs. He describes his relationship with drugs in such a poetic way that it comes off as being, well, a true relationship.

 I’ve heard a couple complaints that he didn’t go into enough detail about his drug use, but if you really hone in on what he writes, he gives you all the detail you need. You feel the effect that heroin had on him, his friends, his relationships…his life. You feel the effect that blow had on him…”My belief is that the coke I was ingesting activated a paranormal force.” Pills, booze, pot…it’s all covered.



Scott Weiland promotes his new book 'Not Dead & Not For Sale' at Barnes & Noble Union Square on May 17, 2011 in New York City.
 I found it interesting that his first experience with pills was right before his interview on Headbanger’s Ball, where instead of doing a traditional interview, Dean DeLeo and him performed “Plush” acoustically. This performance has went on to be a huge success, being offered on a CD single from England for the song “Creep” and eventually being featured on STP’s greatest hits compilation. And it’s not rare to hear this song spun on a radio station…to think that his first experience with pills produced this song and this performance, well, it’s eye-opening to the reader.

 I really damn sure his fans would enjoy reading this memoir, from cover to cover. The photos Weiland included, the stories he told. Did you know he was raped by a high school boy when he was young? Did you know he was nearly murdered by three strangers in Paris? Did you know that a young STP emphatically turned down an opportunity to open for Aerosmith?

Scott Weiland on stage with Dean DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots)

 From the public disputes with his fellow STP bandmates to the self-, but admittedly assisted, destruction of his former wife Mary Forsberg Weiland, Not Dead & Not For Sale is well worth your time. At certain points, it might be hard to follow Weiland’s stream of consciousness, but once you catch up, the papers make perfect sense.

 Scott Weiland has been nominated for six Grammys (winning two). Between STP and Velvet Revolver, he’s sold more than 40 million records.

 This is Scott Weiland’s story, and what a hell of story it is.

 Book Details:

  • Number Of Pages: 288
  • Publisher: Scribner
  • Title: Not Dead & Not for Sale: A Memoir
  • Languages: English: Unknown Audio Format: ,English: Original Language Audio Format: ,English: Published Audio Format:
  • I S B N: 0743297164
  • Creator: Contributor: David Ritz
  • Manufacturer: Scribner
  • Binding: Hardcover
  • Publication Date: 2011-05-17
  • Package Dimensions: 630 hundredths-inches x 118 hundredths-inches x 906 hundredths-inches Weight: 115 hundredths-pounds
  • List Price: $24.00 $12.66
  • Author: Scott Weiland

Watch Scott Weiland' 'Not Dead & Not For Sale' Webisode #1-6

Visit Scott Weiland Official Site for more details
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Show Review: Switchfoot Live in KL, Malaysia 2011


 Anyway on May 1, 2011, Labour Day in Kuala Lumpur would be a sweet memory for all the major rock fan as the boys from San Diego, California, SWITCHFOOT did not fail to rock the house with their hits such as ‘Dare You to Move, Stars, We Are One Tonight’ and many more.

 The band is always an inspiration as the music they produce is simply amazing. The band’s lead singer, Jon Foreman is an astounding singer and performer. Kuala Lumpur is really blessed to have them again after 3 years. They last rocked Kuala Lumpur in 2008.

  1. The Sound

  2. Stars

  3. Gone

  4. Your Love Is a Song

  5. Free

  6. Always

  7. Awakening

  8. Meant to Live

  9. Mess of Me

  10. Learning to Breathe

  11. This Is Home

  12. Needle and Haystack Life

  13. Hello Hurricane

  14. Only Hope

  15. Dare You to Move 

    Encore:

  16. We Are One Tonight

  17. The Shadow Proves the Sunshine


 The opening band for the concert was Busco or known as Bus Company.



Busco
 At the very start, Switchfoot made known what their ‘Sound’ was all about; it’s not about superficial ‘Stars’ or fleeting fads and temporary highs. After all, it will all be ‘Gone’ sooner or later. They had a good mix of their all time hits from back in the day like ‘Chem 6A’, ‘We Are One Tonight’ and ‘Learning To Breathe’.



Jon Foreman

 Jon, in all sincerity, said “Aku cinta padamu,” but without cheesy additions addressing the ladies like most other artists, trying to score extra brownie points. All pretences out the door, they told the crowd that our love is felt and that ‘This is Home’. Imagine the delight of fans. 

 So, has it seeped into your minds that you are ‘Meant To Live’ for so much more? They ‘Dare You To Move’, so now it’s your turn to decide what steps to take in order to make this ‘Needle and Haystack Life’ meaningful and not to despair when you take a tumble because ‘The Shadow Proves the Sunshine’. ‘Only Hope’, and eventually you’ll be ‘Free’. 
'Always'



 ‘Meant To Live’



'Only Hope'



 Overall, it was a solid show that provided somewhat of a spiritual plug-in with many euphoric parts. Switchfoot, ‘Your Love Is A Song’ that reaches out and bridges gaps inadvertently formed by race, religion and denominations. Thanks for being an inspiration and making a difference!

 Take note that the love and appreciation goes both ways. KL will ‘Always’ be in Switchfoot’s hearts for there were so many positive tweets from the band after the show:
@JonForeman: “We love you Malaysia, thanks for an incredible night! You're beautiful- thanks for lifting up your voices with ours!”
@Switchfoot: “Wow, Malaysia! One of my favorite shows ever...”
@Switchfoot: “Wow. The mighty KL was a force to be reckoned with. One of my favorite crowds of the tour! We love you KL, -Tim”
SEE FULL PHOTOS FROM THE CONCERT CLICK HERE


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