Scandinavia to North America - Music Lives

Ode to Music Videos..

2007-05-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

We've all seen a music video some point in our lives, and it's getting to the point where you can't escape them(damn commercials). Music-oriented channels on the television like Much Music, Much More Music and MTV(when they actually were ABOUT music) frequently play them, whether they are well done or not.

I used to be a huge Much Music fan, because then I was naive about anything towards music and practically listened to everything. Haven't you noticed that every music video: rap, emo, rock or pop, look exactly the same? The formula, set-up and concepts are similar on many different levels? That's what has been stressing me lately, like the music industry, the video producers can't come up with original material, they're always just going with cliches and sticking to that uniform concept. And somehow you're seeing actual movies being inspired by music videos, uugh!

However, there are some that stick out, not on Much Music, but videos that are only surfaced on band sites and youtube. It's a crime that these videos will never see the light of day on national television, they would do the world some justice. I would rather see males/females fully clothed, rocking their asses off, in any situation possible, than half naked chicks waving their junk infront of the camera while the lead singer is trying to do her or whatever. It's sick, immoral, and this is the stuff your kids watch all the time.

I live for Demons Eye..

2007-05-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

A rare occassion when you will find a music community that is so open and kind to various genres of music. Of course, the community i'm talking about is revolved around mainly rock and metal, but that doesn't stop music lovers from posting music that's basically far from either. In this forum, you are required to login in order to access anything(and that is fairly reasonable actually), but once you do, it's a whole other world.

You are able to request albums(hard to find, vinyl rips etc), as long as you're an active member, get to know the people a little, get upgrades on album you already have in terms of bit rate etc. Another bonus is you'll get to see just how diverse the people are, where most quality music fans originate from, and it may be quite a surprise. I'd be shocked if you didn't become addicted to the site and frequent it as much as possible, seriously.

URL:Demons Eye

Nudity & Rockstars

2007-03-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

Why is it that rockstars feel so compelled to show off their skin? Appearance, scandal, increasing their female fan population, there are many reasons. But why are out-of-shape rockstars joining in the celebration of skin?

Back in the 80s, the rock groups who showing off some skin was completely natural, and they had the body to do so. It was sexy, attractive, breath-taking(especially from a gal's point of view). Now, there are few rockers from the 80s that should be going au natural.

Phil Lewis, Tom Keifer, Phil Varone, Tommy Lee, you're on the good list. Some rockers age and it's like they have a portrait in the attic, they could easily be confused with being a 20 year old. Others try to hide their age completely, and that factor greatly shows. And others, total slackers, let themselves go after their prime instead of taking care of their "temples" like they should. An example of that would be none other than Vince Neil of Motley Crue.

Also, I love the idea of getting tattoos. Tattoos are cool. Covering your entire body until there's no room left for another tattoo is a little much. Thankfully I haven't seen many rockstars who have done that, though Pete Lesperance and Phil Varone and damn close to it. Tattoo sleeves are great, especially since most of them have beautiful designs. It'd be nice if older rockers spent more time on tattoos and working out than stuffing their faces with whatever is on the buffet table.

For anyone who has seen the websites Static Beth and Metal Sludge, i'm not saying i'm proud of looking at them, but curious eyes doesn't help. If rockstars are so crazy about keeping their privacy and distance from the hungry female eyes, don't post/pose nude pictures, it does not help whatsoever. If you're brave enough and want then attention, be my guest.

We will rock you..

2007-03-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

Mediocrity is what thrives in this society. It's the same old thing over and over again. You see it happening in movies, school, sports, and more importantly music. It's happening in every genre. Guitarists do the same old three chord combo, and the song set-up formula is overused. A few artists stand out from the herd. And the main part of a band that stand out most is the vocalist.

Phil Lewis(L.A. Guns)- Someone has stated on a website that Phil Lewis is THE voice of sleaze, and I believe that statement to be true. Phil is one of those vocalists who should have broke out into mainstream and became famous, but he is still underrated, despite the apparent following of L.A. Guns in the late 80s(and still going). Phil's voice has matured over the years immensely, and you can tell just by listening to Cocked & Loaded and Tales From The Strip back-to-back. I have great respect for Phil and all he has done from L.A. Guns, to Girl, to even his solo material. He has a raspy voice reserved for sleaze and its melody and ability to reach high notes will leave you in awe. Axl Rose and Vince Neil may be the most notable vocalists in the hair metal/sleaze genres, but Phil will always remain the pinnacle in my eyes.

Dani (Babylon Bombs)- First of all, Babylon Bombs is a new-age sleaze band that without a doubt deserves recognition for their bluesy approach to the sleaze. Dani makes a fine vocalist and stands out from the other vocalists of the genre. He can be soft at times, and then break into the gritty side and kick your ass with his deliverance. On a song like "Slip Away", you would expect a twangy vocalist or someone like Tom Keifer, but it's Dani, and i'm blown away with his soulful country yet hard rock vocals, and how much Babylon Bombs' new album "Doin' You Nasty" sounds like Cinderella material. Dani and the Bombs would make Tom Keifer and Mick Jagger proud.

Harry Hess (Harem Scarem)- If you believe L.A. Guns is underrated, wait until you hear about Harem Scarem. They started out promising, but it was a little too late. Their first album was released the same year grunge looked to ruin any quality music up until that point. But enough about the band, this is supposed to be about the vocalists. Harry Hess is the raspy and gritty version of the legend Freddy Mercury. His voice suits almost every genre you can think of, and that's part of what makes him unique. Harry lends his powerful voice box to other artists' projects anywhere from heavy metal to rock opera. He has always had the potential to become something magnificent, and the only reason he isn't is because the music industry is holding him back.

Shh, baby's got a secret...

2007-03-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't stated it before, I will now. I am a Canadian, through and through. I am in no way ashamed with my country, the landscape is beautiful, and overall the people are nice. And how can you complain with free health care?

There's just one minor detail that I have a huge problem with, and that is lack of talent, and lack of TRYING. You turn on the tv and there's Canadian indie bands, they all sound the same, and even emo bands try to put a little talent into their music.

Some exceptions to this of course are Harem Scarem, Fair Ground, Crystal Pistol, Our Lady Peace(for the most part), and Billy Talent(hey, points to them for having a unique guitar sound and paying homage to original punk bands).

However, I guess I can also point out that the United States has also the same dilemma. Although it's not the indie bands they have a problem with, it's the ever-growing population of rap and country artists. Read the top 40 charts an who's on top- people named Chingy or Gangsta Fresh or whatever. Look hard enough into the music industry and you will see genuine artists who have a die hard fanbase, as small as it may be, and strive without being in the spotlight.

It is at this point where I turn to a specific band that could very well be the modern(and better) version of Guns N Roses: Vains Of Jenna. Perhaps the highly raspy vocals of lead singer Lizzy DeVine turns you off, but look deeper, they have the image, they have the "who gives a f***" attitude, and they certainly have the chops when it comes to making music.

Hard, gritty, sleazy rock n roll is just what this world needs. The bands doesn't seem forced, their image and style of music comes naturally, and i'm happy to say they are a part of the group of artists that are saving the music industry from complete failure and rap/emo domination. "Lit Up/Let Down" was definitely a highlight of last year's album releases and it's going to continue to be a great example of how music should sound like. Way to go, Vains Of Jenna!

Bet U like it..

2007-03-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

You see all these music sites all over the web, some are well done, some, heh not so much. I've noticed a few that have stood out completely in the last couple of years, and i'm very proud of what they have accomplished. The creaters devote their time and effort to make the readers happy and keep them informed on any rock happenings.

The only website that very much deserves the attention and recognition for what they have done is none other than Shipwreck Island Studios. Jere and Tony are extroardinary music fans and 100% dedicated to the music. Most sites have had plenty of rough spots over the years and bring a few disappointments here and there, but not this site. It's very well organized, has a boat load of news, in-depth and mature reviews and even interviews of some of the greatest bands to date.

If anything these guys should be given nothing but great feedback from the readers and everlasting respect. What melodic rock fan out there can bash Bon Jovi maturely and be given support from both fans and haters?

If you ever have the time, I strongly recommend going over to their site: Shipwreck Island Studios

They do it louder!

2007-03-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is old news for most but Babylon Bombs, a breath-taking bluesy-sleaze rock band from Sweden is embarking on a mini-Euro tour that will last 'til June. Their first gig is in Norrkoping at The Crash on March 31.

These bands thrive in Scandinavia. they have been for quite a while. However in North America, we have the old hair bands from the 80s(well, some of them) still going, and then the occasional new sleaze band here and there. At the top of my head, I can name two: Vains of Jenna(US) and Crystal Pistol(Canada).

Sweden is very lucky to have genuine artists like Babylon Bombs, Hardcore Superstar and Crashdiet. We would be more fortunate if bands like those were to have more frequent tours over here, but I can understand completely why they don't. Maybe if the bands were more frequent, the young generation wouldn't be circled around rap and emo music.

My last electric sunset...

2007-03-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Just read this very unfortunate news:
"Dear friends it is with enormous regret we announce the departure of our good friend Adam Hamilton. Adam has been offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to pursue his dreams as a producer. From this point on he will become a full time studio rat chained to a recording console but I suspect he will still wear a bit of eyeliner. Adam we wish you well mate, you have stuck with us through very good and a few extraordinary bad times, you will always be a brother and we all thank you for the amazing music you have contributed, Thank you for your commitment to the band and the fans, its been nothing but pleasure touring the world with you, Your sharp sense of humor that got us thru some very sketchy times will be missed. You can show off all those backstage laminates with pride in your studio and know that you are the very essence of rock and roll and a lifetime behind a mixing board will never take that away from you.We all eagerly look forward to the sonic delights you are soon to create and give you and your family our blessings and want you to know you will always be a part of our LAGuns family."

Hopefully they'll be back full-swing with a new member to replace Adam as soon as possible. It didn't stop them when Tracii left the band, and they even found a more talented musician , Stacey. Thanks Adam, for the help with making the Guns so kick ass!

Hey Folks

2007-03-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't done one of these in a while, too many conflicts and not enough interest.

I've seen so many of these around the web and people take the time to say more than they should on MySpace too, so I felt hey, how's one more gonna hurt?

So, this blog is mainly going to be about music. No, not the music you see on TV, or hear on the radio, but the underground artists that have thrived without fame or glory. These bands have a REAL fanbase, REAL musicianship and REAL talent. The talent you don't get from just picking up a musical instrument and calling yourself a rockstar.

Check back frequently because that's how i'll be operating, and if I had a vast knowledge of coding and websites, this blog would be a hell of a lot cooler. At least the music makes up for it, huh?