The Production Side

AIC released this essential EP back on January 25, 1994.
A lot of people mention 1992’s Dirt as the band’s most definitive album; but Jar of Flies showed us how talented and wonderful AIC were. All seven tracks are so perfectly written and performed, that it left us screaming for more.
That’s why it was no shocker that Jar of Flies hit the number one spot on the Billboard U.S. Chart. The public knew how good this music was.
If you don’t have a copy of Jar of Flies then you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. Seriously, go out or online and snag a copy; you …read more

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The Crow is one of my favorite movies, so it should be no shocker that I love the soundtrack just as much. And since tomorrow is Halloween, mentioning this is even more appropriate.
Released in 1994, the soundtrack features a great blend of alternative, industrial and gothic rock from artists that were just beginning to rise to mainstream success and others that were already known. Besides the great musicians involved, the contributions fit perfectly with the movie. When I just listen to the music I can see a scene from the film in my head.
Some of the stand out tracks include: STP – …read more

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If you haven’t checked American Idiot by now, then you’ve been missing out on a fine piece of musical greatness.
I’m sure almost everyone has heard at least “American Idiot” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, but the album has so much more, like the 9 minute plus “Jesus of Suburbia/City of the Damned/I Don’t Care/Dearly Beloved/Tales of Another Broken Home” melody.
With the addition of the other great singles “Holiday” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends”, another 9 minute melody and other rockers such as “She’s A Rebel” and “St. Jimmy” the album becomes a thrilling roller coaster ride that tackles all the corporate …read more

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Just a reminder that R.E.M. just released a live disc this past Tuesday.
Live was recorded during two nights in Dublin back in 2005 and is blend of classic and newer R.E.M. tunes. Live is 2 discs and a dvd that should keep every R.E.M. fan occupied.
Here’s the tracklisting:
Disc 1:
1. I Took Your Name
2. So Fast, So Numb
3. Boy In The Well
4. Cuyahoga
5. Everybody Hurts
6. Electron Blue                                                                                                                                7. Bad Day
8. The Ascent Of Man
9. The Great Beyond
10. Leaving New York
11. Orange Crush
12. I Wanted To Be Wrong
13. Final Straw
14. Imitation Of Life
15. The One I Love
16. Walk Unafraid
17. Losing My Religion
Disc …read more

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Maybe by now the hype surrounding Radiohead’s seventh album, In Rainbows, has somewhat died down, which is why I waited to post a review. I even waited until Friday to download it.
After a couple of listens, I would describe In Rainbows as a mellow album, where electronica and reggae perfectly meet. In my opinion, this may be the band’s best work since the masterpiece OK Computer.
So far I’m really digging the hip moving opener “15 Step” and the more rocking second track “Bodysnatchers”. But I’m really enjoying the more slower tracks, which are simple and beautiful, such as “Videotape”, “Nude”, …read more

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I’m not sure why it’s taken me this long to mention Jeff Buckley’s Grace, since it’s one of my favorite albums ever.
Released on August 23, 1994, this was Jeff Buckley’s first and last complete studio album. In 2004, a Legacy edition was released, which includes the long sought after “Forget Her”
At some point you’ve probably heard his cover of “Hallelujah” While it’s a great track, Grace has so much more to offer.
“Lover, You Should Have Come Over” is probably one of the best songs ever written. The lyrics and passion stay with you, like a ”tear that hangs inside my soul forever”. “Eternal …read more

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The Sacramento natives just released their 6th album, which is a collection of b-sides and rarities, just as the title implies.
Among the songs on the 12 disc compilation is a number of diverse covers done Cake style, ranging from Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”, Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night”, Barry White’s “Never, Never Gonna Give You Up” to George Jones’ “Subtract One Lover (Multiply The Headaches)”.
There are of course are other rarities such as “Conroy”, “Thrills” and live versions of “Short Skirt, Long Jacket” and “It’s Coming Down”. And, a live version of “War Pigs” with the Flaming Lips’ Steven Drozd …read more

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The evolution of the Foo Fighters discography has been an interesting one.
The band’s self-titled debut featured only Dave Grohl, in an attempt to establish himself as a new force in the music world. The band’s follow up, The Colour and the Shape became an instant classic. Their third album, There Is Nothing Left To Lose, was an impressive step forward. Then, the band hit a slump.
One By One was a rushed effort, that produced only a handful of songs worth remembering. The Foos ambitious double-disc effort, In Your Honor, was a vast improvement, but would have been better served as a …read more

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It’s hard to believe that it’s taken Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder so long to release an entire non-Pearl Jam album. Afterall, Stone Gossard has Brad and one solo album, Jeff Ament with Three Fish, Matt Cameron has Wellwater Conspiracy and Mike McCready had Mad Season and The Rockfords.
That’s not to say that Vedder hasn’t branched out before, mainly popping up as a guest here and there. His previous solo endeavors were only a handful; which includes ”Goodbye” for the Brokedown Melody soundtrack, “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” for I Am Sam and “Dead Man” for Dead Man Walking, …read more

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It’s that time of year when the dreaded school year begins, but who said it can’t be fun?
I’m sure that many of us at some point saw a Schoolhouse Rock short, whether you were around in the 70’s or not. But, if you had never heard of Schoolhouse Rock, you certainly had to in 1996 when a tribute album was released.
The 15 track album featured covers of classic Schoolhouse Rock songs done by contemporary artists.
Some of the standout tracks were “Three Is A Magic Number” by Blind Melon, “Conjunction, Junction” by Better Than Ezra, “My Hero, Zero” by The …read more

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