Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division)

This one isn't my usual style- but I have to say I find the whole "Post-Punk" scene of the late 70s/Early 80s interesting- it bridges the gap between true Punk Rock and the more mainstream New Wave/Emo/Goth music that grew out of it. One could make the argument that Post-Punk was the "Grunge Rock" movement of the previous generation. It was a similar time when some of the older musical styles were playing out, and something unique happened in the transition between the older trend and the newer long-term trend.

 Joy Division was one of the most iconic Post-Punk bands of the time. They started as "Warsaw" with a more punk oriented sound, and, after the tragic suicide of their lead singer, would later morph into the mainstream pop-oriented sounds under the name "New Order" "Love Will Tear Us Apart" was their most popular song. While it has some punk-ish moments, it features a strong bass hook (that's actually a lot of fun to play even if it is repetitive). Ian Curtis delivers a depressing set of lyrics about his rapidly dissolving marriage in a low register, that would later be things that would characterize some of the darker and more depressing of the New Wave bands. The similarities between Ian Curtis' story and Kurt Cobain's is clearly something to ponder.

Fluff (Bass Cover)

I've always thought that the instrumental "Fluff" from Black Sabbath's 1973 album "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" would sound interesting as a bass solo. The track always fascinated me because it is such a different mood and style then what you'd expect from them, and because it carefully strings together a few very simple ideas into something that's greater than the sum of it's parts. With that in mind, check out this cover version, and see if you agree...

Planet Caravan (Black Sabbath Cover)

I recently started trying to learn to play the Bass on my own after getting one as a christmas present... So, I decided to challenge myself a little and try producing a recording. I put this cover together in bits and pieces over the course of a few weeks, and gradually added, changed, and rerecorded vocals until I ended up with something I felt was presentable. It's my first multi-track recording project, first time recording any kind of vocals, and first time attempting to solo. The video is made up of snippets of video and photo from my own personal space, processed into something fitting the psychedelic mood of the track. Everything, except the vocals and drum loop are played on the bass. If your browser can't support the embeddedd video below, click here http://youtu.be/TEX8bTczM_8.

Queensryche (2013)

Much has been said about this band's public split with long-time vocalist Geoff Tate, and subsequent hiring of Todd LaTorre. Much has also been said about the court proceedings that followed and the preliminary injunction that temporarily allows two versions of the band to exist. There are many sources on the Internet where you'll find more than you'll ever want to know about those topics. What I want to talk about is the new, self-titled album just released by the band with their new front man Todd LaTorre- is it another disappointment like the Dedicated to Chaos album, or is it the triumphant return of the Queensruche that brought us classic albums such as Operation: Mindcrime or Empire? Maybe it's actually something else entirely...

Black Sabbath - 13 (2013)

On 11/11/11, the four original members of Black Sabbath announced to the world that they were reuniting, and would be producing a new Album and tour together for the first time in decades. Now, after significant drummer drama, a battle with Cancer, and a relapse of drug abuse, the album is finally here as promised- or not quite as promised depending on your point of view.  Whatever your opinion on the rocky road between the 11/11/11 announcement and the album's release, you have to admit that any new material from the aging progenitors of heavy metal while they are still healthy enough to produce and perform new music is welcome.

Rest in Peace Jon Lord...

Jon Lord, of Deep Purple fame, passed away today of a pulmonary embolism at age 71. He pioneered the keyboards as a "lead" instrument - often trading solos with guitar great Ritchie Blackmore.

New Rush Album...

New Rush is coming on 6/12... do I really need to elaborate?

Hear a sample here (courtesy of Rolling Stone).

Tony Iommi diagnosed with Cancer.

This week, the man known as the Godfather of Heavy Metal was diagnosed at the age of 63 with lymphoma. Luckily, the cancer was detected early enough that he has a fighting chance, but it will still be a difficult road to recovery.

The news comes while Tony and the original members of Black Sabbath are in the midst of recording their reunion album. Mr. Iommi is focused on determining the best treatment plan for his condition, while work on the upcoming album continues.

The entire Metal community is pulling for him, and I'm sure we all wish him a speedy recovery, and quick return to doing what he does best.

Best wishes from This Blog Goes to Eleven!

They're back! - Original Black Sabbath Lineup Reunites!

November 11th, 2011 - the day that goes to eleven, will go down in metal history. The forefathers of the entire genre- all four original members of Black Sabbath- Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Ozzy Osbourne, announced today that they will be recording an album together, expected to be release some time late next year. The reformed legendary band also announced that they expect to perform at the 2012 Download Festival. No other details were announced.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Los Angeles at the Whiskey A Go-Go club where the band performed their first LA gig 41 years ago. A full write up is available on the Black Sabbath web site.

Eleven Songs for 11/11/11

VH1 classic has declared November 11, 2011 (11/11/11) to be National  Metal Day. The date was chosen, of course, for the same reasons I chose the name of this blog- that famous scene from the move "This is Spinal Tap" involving a Marshall Amp Head that has dials that go to eleven so the band would always be able to go "one louder" whenever they wanted. It is only natural that I should take the time and put together an extra-heavy playlist to commemorate this "Day that goes to Eleven." What is my criteria? To be honest, I don't really have any criteria, it's just songs that I consider to be very heavy, worthy of mentioning on National Metal Day presented in no particular order.

Original Sabbath Lineup Rumors?

Rumors have been circulating for some time that something is afoot in the Black Sabbath camp. A few months ago, a reporter claimed that Tony Iommi hinted that they original Sabbath lineup was planning a reunion. Iommi later denied saying anything of the sort in any interviews, but did not directly refute the rumor itself.

Now with the day that goes to eleven looming before us- November 11, 2011 - or 11/11/11 - you would have to wonder - if Iommi, Butler, Ward, and Osbourne are ever going to do something together again, THIS would be a great time for it- on a day when the whole metal community will be celebrating all things louder than mere "10".

More rumors that the original four members, the original architects of early heavy metal themselves, have been working together again have been popping up. The most interesting evidence is on the band's official website... see it for yourself here. Something interesting is obviously going on, and we will probably know what it is on the 11th.

VH1 Classic Albums - Nirvana Nevermind (1991)

In 1991, a little unknown band from Seattle stormed on the music scene with an album that set the tone for industry. This album took an aggressive, punk attitude, tempered it a raw sound borrowed from heavy metal, and combined it all with catchy, pop-friendly hooks. This unlikely combination melded influences like Black Flag, with a sonic palette reminiscent of early Black Sabbath, and simple, but very effective rhythmic hooks and melodies that would fit right in on an early Beatles record. Somehow, the talents of Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl, under the guidance of producer Butch Vig brought all these divergent ideas together into something new that captured the imagination and the zeitgeist of an entire generation.

That album was Nevermind.

Chickenfoot III - Big Foot

It seems that the "Supergroup" concept is "in" these days. Luckily, there have been some really great Supergroups in the past few years (see Them Crooked Vultures for an example).

Start with veteran rocker Sammy Hagar, add in Michael Anthony on bass an backing vocals, and the funk-rock infused drumming of Chad Smith, and you have... well a band in need of a guitarist- maybe Joe Satriani will want in? Yes? Awesome... and so Chickenfoot was born- with a modernized take on the more classic straight-up heavy rock music these four guys made their names with through the late 70s, the 80s, and the 90s.

So after their successful first album, Chickenfoot returned to the studio for more, and created their second album, titled "III" - the single "Big Foot" shows that these four superstars are still at the top of their game, and are having a blast making the kind of hard hitting, honest, straight-up hard rock that's just fun to listen to.

Foo Fighters + Westboro Baptist Church = Large Scale Mocking

Those crazies at the Westboro Baptist Church staged a protest at the Foo Fighters' show in Kansas City. Which, naturally means they were bound to end up getting mocked ruthlessly. I think that the video, originally posted on the Foo Fighters youtube channel and facebook feed, speaks for itself...

Hi, My name is Led Zeppelin II

A lot of people like to debate what does, and does not qualify as "Metal." Well, I'll tell you what's Metal...

According to St. Louis Today, 64 year old Missouri man, George F. Blackburn, recently divorced and looking for a new start, legally changed his name to "Led Zeppelin II" - That's Metal.

The man formerly known as George F. Blackburn is, (obviously) a long time Led Zeppelin fan claims that the name change was a way to re-invent himself. This guy redefines the phrase "Getting the Led Out" - and we wish him a "Whole Lotta Love" as he embarks on his new life.

Revolution Calling - Queensrÿche (1988)

"Who do you trust when everyone's a crook?" is the question Queensrÿche posed in 1988 with the track "Revolution Calling" from their 1988 prog-metal masterpiece "Operation: Mindcrime." The song is the first full song on the album, and serves to set the scene for the rest of the story- and it is a very bleak scene, that is almost prophetic when viewed from our vantage in the year 2011- 23 years after it was written. I'm sure everyone has been exposed to all the volatile political news over the past few years, and, no matter which side you support, or even if you refuse to support any side- we can all agree that something is terribly wrong (although we could debate forever what actually is wrong and how to fix it!)

"Revolution Calling" describes a world mired in corruption, and political upheaval. The government is portrayed as corrupt and ineffective at best, and outright hostile to the public at worst. This idea, though penned 23 years ago, should have a familiar ring to it. The song goes one step further, and implies that things are bad enough that some people feel that an open revolt is long overdue- the story unfolds as various characters take advantage of, and/or allow themselves to be manipulated by this sentiment. Rather than talk about it, watch the video, and read the lyrics (below the jump), and see how much it reminds you of current events.

Foo Fighters win "Best Rock Video" at the VMAs

"Never lose faith in real rock and roll music, you know what I mean, never lose faith in that. You might have to look a little harder, but it's always gonna be there." -Dave Grohl, 2011 VMA Awards.

Foo Fighters' video for "Walk" won top honors for "Best  Rock Video" at MTV's 2011 Video Music Awards. "Shake me Down" by Cage the Elephant, "Pumped up Kicks" by Foster the People, "The Cave" by Mumford and Sons, and "Howlin' for You" by the Black Keys were the other nominees in the category.

Irene may do to the Eastern US what The Scorpions did to the 80s!

American Soldier vs Food.... (Queensrÿche)

So I was channel surfing when I stumbled onto a repeat of the Travel Channel's "Man Vs. Food Nation" where host Adam Richman helps coach challengers through outrageously large, outrageously spicy, or sometime both, eating challenges. I've watched the show but not on a regular basis- usually just catching whatever reruns are on, so I stopped to watch since it was an episode I hadn't seen yet.

It got really interesting when I noticed that the guy attempting to pack away a massive 6-pound muffaletta sandwich was proudly wearing a Queensrÿche T-shirt from their "American Soldier" tour. Something seemed familiar, but I couldn't place it until I googled the episode guide- this was none other than A.J. Fratto, former crew chief for the Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squandron, lead singer of the metal band Below the Stitch in Pensacola, Florida. Back in 2007, AJ was approached by Queensrÿche's Geoff Tate to lend his voice to the "American Soldier" album. On the following tour, AJ went along to play the part of *The* American Soldier, opening the set, and taking the stage with the band.As a result, AJ retired from his 15 year military career to pursue his lifelong dream of singing professionally, and hasn't looked back since.

(Warning! Spoilers after the break!)

Happy Birthday to the Late Great Joe Strummer

Today marks the birthday of Punk Rock icon Joe Strummer  from The Clash. Joe passed away in 2002, but his legacy lives on. His work with The Clash remains, to this day, a huge influence on the punk scene, and the whole cascade of newer genres that grew out of the Punk Rock movement since.

Shortly after his death, Strummer's family and friends formed a charity foundation, Stummerville, dedicated to supporting young, up and coming musicians- a fitting legacy for someone who started as a street musician who had nothing, that somehow managed to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.