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).