Las Cargas - The Funnest Band In Puerto Rico

This might be a tough one. I've written about movies, TV, music, books. I've written rants and articles. I've written about things I love, and things I loathe. I've never written about people I actually know.

This is also the first time I've had to review an album where I'm more accustomed to seeing it performed live. This lends itself to the interesting dynamic where the album version feels weirder to me that hearing it in person. And in this case it's a whole different experience that could almost lead to two totally different reviews.

But I've been requested by the band's singer, so I guess I need to give this a whirl.

Las Cargas is a really hard band to describe. It would be easy to call it punk, but it isn't. And that's why I like them better live. Las Cargas is what that garage punk band you used to like in high school would sound like if they ever took music seriously and decided to keep playing. But more than anything, they're just an awesome stage show, and what makes them so special is how they drag you in just far enough for you to feel like a part of the show. They're multi-layered and multi-faceted. And I really don't think that translates well into a recorded medium. But that doesn't mean the record is bad; like with many bands, it just doesn't compare to the live experience.

The live experience just stands for itself. I would openly say that Pekeke is among the best frontmen around. He just sets up a fun show, and is an expert in making the audience feel like they're an important part of it. Adding to that is the fact that they paint their faces, which is kinda hard to explain. When it's a Las Cargas show Omar shows up, paints his face, and becomes Pekeke. And that's how every band member is, they transform into a character, and you can tell. They keep in character and even get angry at you if you mention their "real" names.

A fun bunch... Right?

Oddly enough, the album stands on it's own. It has it's differences that make it stand apart from seeing the band live; mostly sound related. Sound-wise the drums steal the show. I'm not sure how or where they recorded the album, but El Conde sounds amazing on every track. That's not to say anyone sounds bad. The whole album sounds great. It's just that the drums just seem to get special treatment.

The album stands at almost an hour in length, which is surprising for the style they play. I've judged albums before for being too short, but in this case, even though most of the songs are really short they supply enough of them. The one bad thing I can say is that some of the songs almost feel like skits, but they're still skits that get stuck in your head. You just find yourself singing them over and over. The best example of this has to be Baño (Na, Na, Na). Seriously, I just told you most of the words to the song. It translates to 'time to take a bath' and it's become that the one song I hum on the way to the shower.

The rest of the album is littered with songs that will be stuck in your head for a good while, and most of them are simple enough that you learn them by the second listen. Just stuff that you find yourself singing along to without even noticing, and when you do, you'll love it even more.

Unfortunately, it pales in comparison to what these guys are live. The music loses a lot of steam when heard by yourself, through headphones. These songs are meant to be heard in person, at a party, with a bunch of people who know and love them. So yes, the album is nice and dandy, but if you ever get the chance to see Las Cargas live, don't hesitate. I've seen a lot of shows, and I don't think I've seen a band that has more fun at their own shows than these guys. And they make sure the audience feels that.

7/10

Since it's a local band I'm going to link you to...
Las Cargas' Facebook page.
The album on Amazon.
And the video for Alcoholico Ezquizofenico.

Year of the Comeback: Bush - The Sea Of Memories

Is it just me, or does every band I used to really be into have a new album all of a sudden? I got three new albums last week, all of them from bands that I got into right around the fifth grade, all of them considered 'comeback' albums.

The one I was most excited for would have to be The Sea Of Memories by Bush.

Bush isn't exactly one of those really well known bands, but they've always held a soft spot for me. They were one of those groups I just happened to stumble upon just as I was really getting into music. They also happen to be one of the most consistent bands I know. Through their four albums spanning from 1994's Sixteen Stone, to 2001's Garden State they not only made good music, but more importantly they kept their sound fresh. Ten years later, they're finally back, and they have a lot to live up to.

I've known this album was coming for a long time now, it's been delayed a couple of times. I'm never one to complain about delays on things like this, when it's done it's done. But in this case it caught me by surprise, because apparently I'd been hearing the single for the past year and I didn't even know it was Bush, because it really doesn't sound like them. Afterlife has a much more mainstream pop sound than what we're used to from these guys. It's not a bad song at all, but it just doesn't sound like this band, and it almost doesn't fit in with the rest of the album. You can really tell they were recorded in different moments, almost a year apart. It's a testament to how much a band's sound can change in a year.

The second single The Sound Of Winter is a much more accurate representation of what the new album sounds like. It's catchy a riff heavy alt rock at it's finest. Once you hear it, it's like Bush never left.

Gavin Rossdale is still just as good at what he's always done. He's never had the most amazing voice, but he really knows how to use what he has and make it sound great. He just has one of those unique sounding voices that just gets stuck in your head, and it just makes the songs that much catchier. And I really do think it's what carries the band.

The album itself keeps true to the Bush sound. Some have said it's their best since their first, I'm not sure I agree, being quite partial to The Science Of Things. But I will say it is a good album. Like I said before, more than anything, Bush is consistent. Their sound doesn't feel dated at all, and the sound still holds strong.

I can't complain though. It's not every day that a band you like this much makes a comeback album this good. It saddens me to say, that most comeback efforts end up quite disappointing (trust me, more on that in the next posts). So, all in all, Bush is back, successfully. And for those of you who know me, I'd like to inform you that my tiny man-crush on Rossdale had no impact on my rating this album. I swear. 

He's just so pretty.

In my book, The Sea Of Memories is quite enjoyable. Not their best, but a welcome return.

6/10

I'm With You - The Peppers' Triumphant Return

Talk about personal hype. If there was ever an album that had a tough one to follow, in my book, it's this one. I mean, I'm sure you know by now how much I love Stadium Arcadium, and after five years of waiting it's hard to even imagine an album that could live up to my expectations.

Does it? Well, yeah, somewhat.

I'm With You is a solid album. But more than that, it's an interesting album, which isn't a surprise from the Peppers. Being their tenth album, I expected a new sound from them. And on that they did deliver.

It's also the first appearance of the band's new guitarrist Josh Klinghoffer who had some huge shoes to fill in the absense of John Fruciante. I really do think this has been played up way too much. It's not the first time the the band has changed guitarists, and it always turns out fine. Yes, even the Dave Navarro years were good in my book.

On top of that, I challenge anyone who's complaining about Klinghoffer to check out who he's played with. The guy is no slouch. He's done five albums with Fruciante, played with Gnarls Barkley, Beck, and the Butthole Surfers just to name a few. So don't count him out yet. The dude has some pretty impressive references.

But on to what really matters, the music.

It's funny, but it feels like Raindance Maggie came out months ago. I've heard the song so many times it almost feels old. But when I first heard it the only worry I had was that it would be the fastest song on the album. I was scared that we had another By The Way on our hands, and after reviewing Incubus' latest and being let down I was way skeptical.

But when that first track comes on my worries were erased. Monarchy Of Roses smacks you in the face with a heavy bassline and a catchy everything. Truly the best song to welcome you back. And honestly, it's all downhill from there. The Peppers are still the Peppers. Once you know it's a good RHCP album, you just sit back and enjoy the ride.

The first thing that really shocks you about the album is the backing vocals first heard on Did I Let You Know. At first listen you want to know who that girl with the haunting melodic voice is. And it surprised me because I really can't recall the guys using female backing vocals since Under The Bridge, and that was a fucking choir. It's never been one single person.

After checking the booklet (yes, I actually bought the album) I couldn't find any female singers credited, so I turned to the internet. Wikipedia failed me. Google got nothing. So, I resorted to checking comments on YouTube, where I found many people asking my same question, and I finally found out that Josh Klinghoffer has the most haunting female voice I've ever heard on a man in my life.

I also need to point out how great the album sounds. Quality is usually hidden in the details, and this album has it in buckets. From the simplest of sounds, maybe a clap in the middle of a chorus, it all sounds crisp and important. No wasted motion here, just things that compliment the sound, and in turn, the music.

The other thing I need to praise is the order of the tracks; I'm With You has an amazing flow to it, and no song is one-dimensional, it knows it's strengths and it plays them up directly so you'll really notice them. I called the album a ride earlier, and I meant it. The best example of this at the end of the Goodbye Hooray which is the heaviest song on the album and it's placed right in the middle of it. As this heart-pumper of a song comes to a close, the next song's opening totally shocked me, because it was led by a piano. That's right, Happiness Loves Company, a Red Hot Chili Peppers song led by a piano. It still sounds off to me, but it works and I loved it. And the fact that it came right after the hardest song on the album just made it that much bigger an impact.

For those wondering, the pianist is Greg Kurstin, another one of those guys who has played with everyone. That seems to be the running trend in this album. Along with Kurstin we also have guest percussionists Mauro Refosco, and Lenny Castro; with at least one of them present in all the songs on the album, it makes it beat heavy and easy to move to. I've never been much of a dancer, but I'm not ashamed to say that I rocked around my room to most of this album.

Then we have what we knew we were getting, and yes, the Peppers 'still got it' where it counts. I've always thought that Anthony Kiedis was a much better melody maker than a lyricist and singer. He has a great voice, but his ability to create melodies is something to bow down to, and it might not be as acknowledged as Flea's basslines and technique, but to me is just a big a staple of the Pepper's unique sound.

Chad Smith has always been a good drummer, but it's nice to see them bring in some reinforcements for the percussion every once in a while. It fills out the sound nicely and really adds to the music.

And Mr. Klinghoffer does his job rather well. It's obvious that he's still settling into the role, but he changes the sound just enough to make it his own. He doesn't steal the album, but when he needs to shine, he does, and he does it with style. Josh brings a heavier style than Fruciante, a bit grungier, and as much as that doesn't sound like the Chili Peppers it might just be the next step in this ever-evolving band's sound. And I like that.

So, did it live up to my expectations? Well considering that their previous is my favorite of all time, then no. But that by any means a knock on this album, it's just more praise for Stadium Arcadium.

I'm With You is a great, fun album. And it fits perfectly into the Pepper's stacked discography.

7.5/10

If Not Now, When? - Incubus tones it down

"Jump, jump, jump!"

How much anticipation is too much anticipation? That might be the question that hinders Incubus' latest album If Not Now, When?.

It's been five years since Light Grenades came out. That's a whole lot of anticipation after a really good album, it leaves some pretty big shoes to fill. And I hate to say it, but after such a well rounded album like Light Grenades, INNW? feels kinda flat.

I'm not saying it's a bad album by a long shot. It shows musical growth from a band that has really evolved over time. And I really do like the songs, it's just the tone of the album, it's so monotonous. Any song on here could stack up nicely on it's own in the right moment. But as a whole, it's just too mellow for my taste. And if you listen to the whole album it just feels like one long soft song.

It does have it's high points. Certain choruses and riffs tend to stick in your head for a while. But nothing overly memorable. I will say that the rhythm and lead guitars have seemed to find a special synch that they hadn't found yet, and it shows in some songs. And of course Brandon Boyd always does a spectacular job with vocals. But they seemed to falter when it comes to the crazy sounds and awkward effects that I've learned to expect from Incubus, they're just not there.

I'm not using it as an excuse or anything, and I'm kinda known for not losing faith in bands after a blah album, but every alt-rock band tends to go through an overly-mellow phase. I mean, the Red Hot Chili Peppers did By The Way, just to follow it up with Stadium Arcadium (my favorite album ever), and it's not the first time that a band has squeaked by with a decent album just to come back with a great one. It might just be wishful thinking on my part, but I really haven't written off Incubus just yet.

But for now, we have this; If Not Now, When?... Well, I can't answer that. I just know we have decent elevator/backround music for a really easy going party from Incubus. And that's not really a bad thing.

6/10

The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie - Return of the Peppers!

First of all... You're going to have to listen to this...

That's right ladies and gentlemen, we have our first single, and I really like the sound they're going for.

It's subtle, yet funky. And as far as the Peppers go, these are some of the most coherent lyrics I've heard in a while. As far as I know right now this could be the mellowest or the heaviest song on the album, and either way I'm fine with it. If half the songs on I'm With You gets stuck in my head like this, then they've done a great job.

I love it just for the cover.

Flea has a nice little baseline in the song, and we even get some cowbell (and now you're picturing Will Ferrell's hairy gut), but the song-stealer in this case has to be band newcomer Josh Klinghoffer who has some pretty elaborate layering in his guitar work. On top of that the chorus riff he used is just as catchy (if not more) than the chorus itself, I've been humming it since I heard it.

Has it reached Stadium Arcadium levels for me? No, but it did get me excited for the release, which is still over a month away. So yeah, expect another bloated music review.

Chiko can rant too: When did children start deciding what Mainstream is?

It’s been on my mind for years now… This whole bizarre phenomenon that started with music and TV. These days we have Justin Bieber… But it’s been going on for a while now. Somehow 8-14 year olds end up deciding what music becomes popular, and to me, it makes absolutely no sense at all.

Sure as hell not the voice of my generation.

To be brutally honest, I blame Disney. Somehow they’ve found a formula where they put a musically oriented show on TV, produce it’s own music, and put it out there. It sounds pathetic, but it works. They’ve easily made billions (with a B) off of this plan. This has become the norm, to the point where I’m legitimately surprised at how many networks have shows revolving around musical acts. Channels like Nickelodeon have wholeheartedly jumped on the bandwagon.

I mean seriously, lets run down the “memorable” ones: Hilary Duff, her sister, The Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Miranda Cosgrove, Miley Cyrus… At this point I lose count. I'm amazed to say that some of these acts are just so generic that they make the boybands look like Zep by comparison.

Also, I blame this “anyone can sing” trend for being the cause of people like Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and Kim Kardashian suddenly deciding to put out songs or whole albums. This whole “so easy a caveman can do it” attitude is killing music faster than the internet.

"Oh yeah, my first single drops on iTunes next week."

Speaking of the internet. If we need proof that this phenomenon has reached an all time low, you need look no further than Rebecca Black. The fact that this little girl became such a viral hit dumbfounds me. The fact that she's such a (and I use this term as loosely as possible) hit proves that we have decided to reward the shitty with some sort of fame, and that seems totally ridiculous, at least to me.

I remember the days where mainstream music was actually decided by people above the age of fourteen. You needed to at least be slightly edgy to be recognized. When I bought my copy of Enema Of The State I did it not only because the album is awesome (STFU it is and you know it!), but because it felt cool, everyone who was older and cooler than me was listening to it, and of course, it grew on me.

Poop jokes and porn stars. Those were the days.

Then again, I might just blame that douche Simon Cowell for making American Idol, a show that in ten seasons has made one legit star. The fans seem blind to it, but in all honesty, has anyone other than Kelly Clarkson (not counting that other douche Ryan Seacrest) ever done anything significant after being in a black hole of a television show.

Okay, back on subject... What’s going on with youth today? And even worse… What’s up with teenagers? And seriously… People my age, listening to Justin Bieber, watching Hannah Montana… What the fuck is wrong with you people!? It makes no sense. Since when is music for infants hip? (did I just write the word hip?)

I’m just saying… If music needs a whole daily half hour on TV to advertise… It’s probably not that good.

It's a Classic to me dammit: Siamese Dream

Why are little girls so creepy?

In our first installment we looked at my favorite album of all time, Stadium Arcadium. This one is a little bit lower on my list.

Siamese Dream (1993) is the second album by well known alt-rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. It is considered one of their best, though it is often overshadowed by the more popular Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness. I firmly believe that Siamese Dream is by far the superior record.

As a second album, following the surprise hit, Gish, the Pumpkins had a lot of pressure on them. This lead to a lot of conflict and turmoil both between the band themselves and with the record label (Virgin).

Stories of the recording process are varied. Some say that the band was butting heads so often that they would barely speak to each other. It didn't help that band leader Billy Corgan tends to be somewhat of a perfectionist with the music he puts out.

The album has a very peculiar sound for the 90's. In an era where alternative was known for its gritty and raw sound, Siamese Dream was very well crafted and carefully mixed. It sounds like Corgan didn't like being labeled 'the next Nirvana' and just went in a whole other direction.

As key as sound and melody are for SD, the true star is without a doubt the writing. Siamese Dream has some of the best songs of the so called 'grunge era.' Yes, Mellon Collie has the hits, but Siamese Dream has substance, and feeling. Songs like Disarm, Today, and Mayonaise easily trump Mellon Collie's big hit Bullet With Butterfly Wings. On top of that, you have my all time favorite Pumpkins song (which should have been a single), Soma.

The album is one of those prime examples of un-rushed music. To me, the best example of the refinement of a sound that defined an era. Mellon Collie is second in my Pumpkins countdown, but Siamese Dream is head and shoulders above. You may enjoy the Infinite Sadness... But Siamese Dream is a classic to me dammit!

It's a Classic to me dammit: Stadium Arcadium

Not only do I think this album is a classic. Not only do I think it's the best Chili Peppers album. This is my favorite album. 

I jokingly call this album the playlist breaker, because whenever I'm making a playlist I just skip over this because I  might just throw the whole thing in there.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a rare type of band. Loved by many, hated by few. No matter what you're into, you like or know at least one RHCP song.

My first Peppers album was in sixth grade when Californication came out, and I loved it. It's without a doubt one of their best and most revered albums. From then on in I looked backwards at them, picking albums like One Hot Minute, and the consensus favorite, Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Each one brought something different to the table, whether it be a new sound or vibe, they kept it fresh.

By the time By The Way came out in 2002 I was more than ready for a new album. And once again it was very different. It was a bit mellow by RHCP standards. Don't get me wrong, it's a great album but it just feels light in comparison, it's not an album you rock out to, and on first listen it seemed like a downer. They seemed to be missing that heavy funk that made them excel and they settled into a slower pace. Coming off an album like Californication into this new sound seemed like a step down I really felt like they slumped.

When the hype machine started reving up for Stadium Arcadium I was in my senior year of high school, and at first I didn't buy in. I hadn't bought an album in a while (sound familiar?) and I was kinda unplugged from the music scene. Then, the video for Dani California came out, and it blew my mind. It was a totally new sound for them. Frusciante's guitar work seemed much more intense, and it gave the song really big feel to it. I immediately thought it was the strongest first single I'd heard from a Peppers album.

I already knew it was a double album before it came out, and that info just fueled my fire... I was pumped. Stadium Arcadium dropped on May 5, around three weeks before my graduation. I was actually the only person in my class who was really pumped about it.

I showed up the next day with my headphones on, ignoring the universe. I still hadn't gone through both discs... A product of the repeat button on most of the songs. I was hooked. It was almost like I was selling the album to people at lunch. SA was just the perfect Peppers album to me. It was like listening to a greatest hits album of all new material. They just took every single style they had played in and revisited it in they're new found musical maturity, and it showed; it was brilliant.

The double album feature also worked in their advantage. They planned the perfect order for the tracks to keep us interested, the split the disks evenly in style and sound making two similar but different disks that would stand alone (Unlike what the Foo Fighters did with In Your Honor).

To this day, I have a hard time skipping songs from that album. It's great in the sense that it's hard to memorize 28 songs; there's always that one that you forget is on there, and it's a pleasant surprise when you hear it. I actually have a friend who has never heard the whole second disk because he's never gotten tired of the first.

Personally, I don't know some of the singles from the record. I wasn't paying enough attention to MTV at the time. I just know there were at least five. Also, I don't want to know. I'd probably be angry that some song was never a single (The title track comes to mind).

As the next Red Hot Chili Peppers album shows it's head on the horizon later this year, I can't help but expect great things. They have a lot to live up to. New guitarist and all, I expect them to try and top themselves. And to me, it's a big role to fill.

I know that to most it's hard to imagine an album that's any better than Blood Sugar, or Californication; but Stadium Arcadium to me seems like the perfection of those albums and what they meant. The Peppers took what they'd done and made it perfect, in one album... One really long enjoyable album. And honestly... No matter what you say... It's a classic to me dammit!

Rejuvenating the Sound: Foo Fighters - Wasting Light album review

Not much of a secret here... I've been looking forward to this. That's why I've taken my sweet time listening to it. And I must say, I am not disappointed.

First off, let me get this out in the open... I haven't bought an album in a very long time. I'm not ashamed of that at all. But in this case I'm really glad I did. I gladly wasted spent ten dollars on this album. And if i were to enjoy all albums half this much, I might buy them more often.

Now, onto the music. I popped the CD into my car stereo as I pulled out of my parking space; by the time I was leaving the mall parking lot I had realized that Bridges Burning was my new favorite track on the album, dethroning Rope just by a little bit. This first track is just so much fun; a really simple riff just thrown around in so many tones with a catchy chorus.

The first thing I noticed is how much fuller the band's sound was. I had expected it after reading that Pat Smear was back with the group for the first time since 1997's The Colour and the Shape. Now with three solid axemen in Grohl, Smear, and Shiflett the Foo's sound is just powerful. The three guitars meld perfectly together with Mendel's flawless bass playing to create memorable melodies that stick almost as much as the choruses do. But the true showstealer on this album is without a doubt Taylor Hawkins who not only helps accent the other instruments, but also chimes in with drum flurries that truly make songs memorable.

Ironically, the last album I heard with this type of drumming was the debut album for Them Crooked Vultures in 2009, where Grohl was drumming. It's just a complimentary drumming style, not overbearing like other rock acts.

Anywho, after Bridges Burning the album jumps into the first single, Rope. And I must say, it's at this point where I was truly surprised. I was so excited by that first song, that I almost wanted to skip the one I'd heard before in search of further surprises. I was then reminded that it's a great song, and I just can't skip it.

Dear Rosemary, the first "slow" song on the album starts and doesn't automatically catch your attention. But much like White Limo that comes right after I must say it's one of those songs that really grows on you. It's a fifty-fifty thing with this album. Half the songs are in your head right off the bat, and the other half somehow end up there eventually as well. Since I got the album I've probably had most of these songs stuck in my head at some point or another. That's a pretty good sign.

I hate to repeat my references, but Arlandria, the fifth song starts off with a very Them Crooked Vultures-y  riff to it. I'm not saying it's a bad thing at all. It actually feels refreshing after the heart-pumper that is White Limo. But that riff quickly melts away to reveal a song that is both clever lyrically and musically. Sounds like a second single to me (but it probably won't be). I wouldn't be surprised if they milked the shit out of this album with four or five singles. Again, in this case, it's not a bad thing, the song are just good enough.

These Days starts up, and you get that "this could be a single" feeling again. Oddly enough, this was the first song off the album that I knew a lyric from. Mr. Grohl posted some of the lyrics on the band's Twitter, and for a second there I felt like I was a part of it... My mark out moment was interrupted by the opening riff to Back & Forth, which has the most obvious sex reference chorus in band history, even though it's totally kept PG. Still a fun song, mostly carried by vocal melodies.

Ok, maybe I lied before, there might be some filler in this album. Certain songs are fine, but they seem sub-par when compared to some of the really great ones. A Matter of Time for example, isn't at all a bad song, it just  feels out of place in comparison. On the other hand, I did notice that the song is almost built for live shows. I can just tell that this song caters to a big crowd, and I can't wait for a DVD to prove I'm right. But for now I might skip this song every once in a while.

But the filler is followed by more kick-ass. Next up is probably my second favorite song on here. Miss the Misery starts off like a good kick in the gut. It's a really good back and forth song to start rounding up the end of the album. This song is probably the bets example of that three guitar arrangement I'm such a big fan of. It's the little details in here that make it fun.

The Foos slow down the tempo one last time with I Should Have Known, which is the slowest song on the album, but it's a goodie. Not exactly one of the songs that gets stuck in your head, but it might be that "oh, that song" song.

Rounding up the tail end of Wasting Light, we get Walk, which seems to be the second single (I'm guessing, it's advertised on the sticker on the wrapper). It really reminds me of the vibe from Times Like These from 2002's One By One album. It's a nice song, but I really hope it's not the second single. There are much better songs on here.

From listening to this album, it's clear that the band had a blast recording this album. But there seems to be an element of anger missing from it. Aside from White Limo there's very little intensity to these songs. They're fun to listen to, but it's not much of a "rock-out" album. I miss the rage in Dave's voice from songs like Breakout  or All My Life. This is me nitpicking. Nobody's perfect.

Did it live up to my expectations. In a way, yes. I fell in love with Rope when I first heard it, and I got more songs like it. But I did expect more out of the album. I still love it tho, and if I need rage I'll just go back and listen to One By One again.

7/10

Old men swaying back and forth: Chiko's Ozzy and KISS concert review

I've dreaded writing this... Well, half of this.

Okay okay, Loz is right... Ozzy was disappointing. But not because of the music. Yeah, the setlist was hit & miss, and his voice faltered a few times. But I honestly think that we could have lived with that... Had he played for another hour or so.

It just felt like we got a second hand treatment. After reading about how awesome his tour of the states with Slash (spelled with an SH at the end) was going, and then getting what we could call half a show here, it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. On top of that, paying full price and getting no opening band left the audience with an hour and a half performance at best.

I mean seriously... We were treated like such a second class show that we weren't even mentioned on the back of the official tour shirts.

I also agree with Loz that Gus G is still rather stiff. I like his style, but he still seems like an outsider to the group. But I do believe that it's only a matter of time before that gets fixed, give it until his second album with Ozz, and he should be fine. Need proof? Zakk's first album with Ozz was No Rest for the Wicked (meh), which was followed by No More Tears (wow). Get it?

Not much I can say about the rest of the band. They're good. We did find the drum solo rather tedious after ten minutes or so (I wish I was kidding).

Aside from all that, the sense of disappointment when the lights came back on was almost suffocating. I can simply say that the best thing I took from that concert was being able to say that I've seen Ozzy live. Yay me.
5/10

Now, on the other hand...

Two weeks later we had KISS, a band known for their live show. There's no way they'd disappoint us. And they didn't

They call themselves "The Hottest Band on Earth"... and with all the pyro they throw around I'll believe them. Just thinking that they stand that close to so much fire every night makes me feel bad for those old bastards. But damn, can they put on a show.

The show was spectacular, the audience was totally immersed in the experience. KISS isn't exactly the most musically proficient band, but they don't need to be. They're fun to watch and they put on a true spectacle.

Again, Puerto Rico wasn't on the shirts. But in this case, because the show was so great, it didn't hurt as much.

The one thing I might gripe about is the fact that they missed some songs. They could have cut out something from the new album and played God Gave Rock & Roll to You or God of Thunder... But that's just me nitpicking.

Note to self: Buy guitars with reflective backs that shoot fire. It's a great idea.
8/10

Foo Fighters - Wasting Light: Preview

Ok, I will openly admit... I'm a Grohl fanboy. Basically anything the man touches I automatically love. I do believe he is the greatest all around rock musician of our time (FYI, the greatest all around musician is without a doubt Prince, but that's a subject for another post). Wasting Light comes out in less than a month, and after waiting for over three years for this new Foo album, it's not surprising that I'm a little bit pumped.

Being as fan friendly as Foo Fighters are, they've given us more than enough previews of what's coming; going as far as giving us step by step updates on the recording of the album all the way from Dave Grohl's garage on twitter.

But around a month ago we got some sound to go with the hype... A surprisingly heavy song titled White Limo popped up on YouTube, along with an awesome video featuring Lemmy... yes, that Lemmy.

To be honest, I didn't love the song. I totally love the video, but the song seems pushed to me. I can appreciate the heavier sound. But Dave's vocals by the end of it seem monotone. I mean, if you go all out then there's no big "Oomph" moment when the song needs it. He usually saves those awesome screams for when the song calls for it (see: All My Life, Breakout).

I watched it like fifteen times... and it did grow on me. But a week later they put up a rough audio version of the first single, Rope... And it not only renewed my love for the band... But it instantly became one of my favorite Foo songs...

The riff is upbeat and catchy from the get-go. Every instrument feels proficient throughout the song. And the chorus has been infinitely looped in my head.

We're still a couple days away from album release... And I can already say, this won't be an album I just burn from a friend.

Expect a full review as soon as I listen to it four or five times...