1000 Views!

Finally reached 1000 views! Took me long enough. Never had a 1000 of anything viewed of something more. Thought i'd give a little update as to whats planned for the coming month. Below is a list of albums coming out in August/September. And the ones in bold are the ones I plan on reviewing when I get hold of them. Also, gonna try and stray a bit from solely music reviews, and starting posting music news from around the world. Anyway, enjoy!

August

August 08, 2012    Snoop Dogg aka. Snoop Lion - Reincarnated
August 13, 2012    Why? - Sod In The Seed (EP)
August 14, 2012    2 Chainz - Based on a T.R.U. Story
August 14, 2012    Insane Clown Posse - The Mighty Death Pop!

August 14, 2012    In This Moment - Blood

August 14, 2012 Yellowcard - Southern Air

August 21, 2012 Owl City - The Midsummer Station

August 21, 2012 DJ Khaled - Kiss the Ring

August 21, 2012 Bloc Party - Four

August 21, 2012 Yeasayer - Fragrant World

August 24, 2012 Markus Schulz - Scream

August 24, 2012 Tantara - Based On Evil

August 27, 2012 Trey Songz - Chapter V

August 27, 2012 Katatonia - Dead End Kings

August 27, 2012 Rita Ora - O.R.A.

August 28, 2012 Alanis Morissette - Havoc and Bright Lights

August 28, 2012 Slaughterhouse - Welcome to: Our House

August 28, 2012 Wiz Khalifa - O.N.I.F.C.

August 28, 2012 Circa Survive - Violent Waves

August 28, 2012 Minus the Bear - Infinity Overhead

September

September 1, 2012 Willow Smith - Knees and Elbows

September 4, 2012 T.I - Trouble Man 

September 4, 2012 Lecrae - Gravity

September 4, 2012 Imagine Dragons - Night Visions

September 4, 2012 The Sheepdogs - The Sheepdogs

September 4, 2012 Matchbox Twenty - North

September 4, 2012 Animal Collective - Centipede Hz

September 4, 2012 Jon Jackson - Solitaire

September 4, 2012 Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon

September 7, 2012 Billy Talent - Dead Silence

September 7, 2012 The Presets - Pacifica Modular

September 10, 2012 Lower Than Atlantis - Changing Tune

September 10, 2012 Gallows Gallows - Hardcore Punk

September 10, 2012 The Avett Brothers - The Carpenter

September 11, 2012 Bob Dylan - Tempest

September 11, 2012 ASAP Rocky - LongLiveA$AP

September 11, 2012 NOFX - Self Entitled

September 11, 2012 Dave Matthews Band - Away from the World

September 11, 2012 The xx - Coexist

September 11, 2012 Eve Torres - Nightclub

September 11, 2012 Hoobastank - Fight or Flight

September 14, 2012 will.i.am - #willpower

September 17, 2012 Pet Shop Boys - Elysium

September 17, 2012 Joe McElderry - Here's What I Believe

September 17, 2012 Tulisa - TBA

September 18, 2012 Brother Ali - Mourning In America and Dreaming in Color

September 18, 2012 DJ Drama - Quality Street Music

September 18, 2012 Ne-Yo - R.E.D.

September 18, 2012 Keith Harkin - Keith Harkin

September 18, 2012 Go Radio - Close The Distance

September 18, 2012 Nelly Furtado - The Spirit Indestructible

September 18, 2012 Pink  - The Truth About Love

September 18, 2012 Mika - The Origin of Love

September 18, 2012 The Killers - Battle Born

September 18, 2012 P.O.S - We Don't Even Live Here

September 18, 2012 Michael Jackson - Bad 25

September 18, 2012 Aimee Mann - Charmer

September 18, 2012 Ben Folds Five - The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind

September 18, 2012 Richie Sambora - Aftermath Of The Downlow

September 25, 2012 As I Lay Dying - Awakened

September 25, 2012 Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1

September 25, 2012 No Doubt - Push and Shove

September 25,2012 Wanderlust - Record Time

September 25,2012 Patrick Wolf - Sundark and Riverlight

September 25, 2012 Mumford & Sons - Babel

September 25, 2012 Various Artists - Now That's What I Call Today's Christmas

September 25, 2012 Green Day - UNO

September 28, 2012 Angband - Saved from the Truth

Jack White - Blunderbuss Review

Last year Jack White suffered two break ups, the first being the break up of his band The White Stripes who after six albums called it a day, the second was the breakup of his marriage to Karen Elson. So it's fair to say Jack White might have a few things he might want to get off his chest and what better way than to it by releasing his first solo album the wonderful "Blunderbuss" Which is an album of many varying styles and finds one of the most gifted guitarists of his generation on great form throughout.

Anybody who misses The White Stripes will be delighted with the opening combo of "Missing Pieces" and "Sixteen Saltines". Indeed the opening and middle parts of "Missing Pieces" sounds reminiscent of "Dead Leaves and The Dirty Ground" and has rich sounding organ and a familiar Jack White solo. "Sixteen Saltines" is the closest to a White Stripes song can be without the irreplaceable Meg White. There's a brilliant cover of the Little Wilie John (written by Rudy Toombs) song "I'm Shakin'" which has White raising his vocal range and is accompanied by excellent background vocals and keeps true to its 1960 roots.

The title track itself is a wonderful low key affair with a White's voice providing the emotion for the song itself as he sings over an organ and strings. On first single "Love Interruption" White's is brilliantly backed up by Ruby Amanfu on backing vocals. On the song "Freedom at 21" White waxes lyrically and features a trademark Jack White riff and solo. The final track on the album "Take Me with you When You Go" which starts out tame enough before changing pace at past the two minute mark into a frenzied assault of fast paced vocals, it's a great way to close out a superb debut album.

Yes The White Stripes are missed big time and there is no way Jack White could create the on stage/studio chemistry that he had with Meg White with anyone else but on his first solo album White has come up trumps delivering an album full of wonderfully wired sounding songs with heartfelt lyrics that reflect his state of mind coming off a tough year personally. Just for good measure his ex-wife Karen Elson provides backing vocals on the album, it also features the drumming of Carla Azar from the band Autolux. "Blunderbuss" is an album that deserves repeated listens and shows even on his own White can deliver music that is essential listening.

The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten Review

The Gaslight Anthem have come a long way from the Spingsteen-esque punk fusion of their early exploits. Though even to relatively new fans the bar has been set high by their charmingly powerful 2010 predecessor American Slang. Basic, raw and engaging, Handwritten takes the leap into new territory and by no means does it fall short. Incorporating their classic sing along sound, most obviously present on `45', `Mullholland Drive' and `Biloxi Parish', with a new rockier drive it's unlike anything they've ever done before. The effect, which can partly be credited to different producer Brendan O'Brien, gives the bands folk punk core a new fiery exterior which undoubtedly engages the listeners attention much more effectively than previous efforts on a first run through. However, this does also leave a feeling of unfulfillment in places which a more layered approach would have remedied.

If you're expecting a start to finish fast paced strong chorused album then you might find yourself dissatisfied. Much like previous albums Gaslight successfully vary the overall feel. Songs such as `Here Comes My Man' and `Mae' offer a more reserved approach to punk rock then the forceful `Too Much Blood'. Though perhaps disappointingly `National Anthem' is the only truly acoustic track on Handwritten; slow, soft and brooding Brian Fallon's emotionally empowering vocals are used to great affect which co-insides beautifully which the gentle guitar hook. It's just a shame there are less of these moments throughout, though the bonus addition of the album showcases a few live acoustic versions of past fan favourites should you be left craving more like myself.

Overall The Gaslight Anthem has done a fantastic effort with Handwritten. Stripped down and catchy it's definitely an album which adds something refreshing and new to their catalogue. Though it doesn't quite blow me away it certainly has its moments making it a perfect example of how punk should be done for a new era of fans. (Hope you're listening Green Day)

The Dark Knight Rises Soundtrack Review

Went to see The Dark Knight Rises on Friday, was truly an amazing film. So I'd thought I'd start things off by reviewing the soundtrack, one of the best parts of the film with Hans Zimmer outperforming as usual.

I own and love both the Batman Begins score and The Dark Knight score but this score takes it all to a whole new level. It is roughly 52 minutes long and features 15 tracks. It is not an all-out action score by any means, but the action music is exceptionally good. The whole score basically flows through meditative aggression, darkened depression and energizing, forceful action. I love the repeated chant and the unspontaneous brass screeching that is maintained at length without interruption reflecting the entrance of The Dark Knight. I love the way Hans Zimmer highlights the sullen low-spirited feeling and oppressive feelings of gloom and inadequacy throughout this score.

Out of all the tracks one particularly stuck out to me and that was `Imagine The Fire'. It is the lengthiest track on the score (7:25) and Hans Zimmer is truthfully at his best here. This track has an epic and heroic style that just keeps on asserting Zimmer's engaging chaos. This track starts off with full power action music with all of Hans Zimmer's hallmark flair driving it forward. `The Kraken'-like sounds from his Pirates of the Caribbean films surfaces, followed by a mix of a altered choral Batman theme progression, the Bane chant and the fresh line of horns blaring. The theme develops to the heroic line with the Bane intonation undercurrent. I can only describe this track as the finest action track on this album and unquestionably, one of the greatest pieces of action music I have ever listened to!

The Dark Knight Rises Soundtrack feels fresh even though it is based on the previous Batman scores. It rises to a new music level for me and is nothing short of brilliant. Hans Zimmer has added some outstanding explosive stuff that keeps you coming back for more. A Must Buy!

I'm Back!

Finally caught up with all college work. Can finally get this blog back on track. Look forward to writing new reviews and posts about the music I love, gonna be posting about 3/4 times a week so keep your eyes out.

Karnage.

New Foo Fighters album. F*** Yeah!

The band began recording their seventh studio album in August 2010 with producer Butch Vig, who had previously produced the two new tracks for the band's Greatest Hits album. The album was recorded in Dave Grohl's garage using only analog equipment. Vig said in an interview with MTV that the album was entirely analog until post-mastering. Pat Smear was present in many photos posted by Grohl on twitter and a press release in December confirmed Smear played on every track on the album and was considered a core member of the band once again, having initially left as a full time member in 1997 before returning as a touring guitarist in 2006.

The first single from Wasting, titled "Rope", was released to radio on February 23rd. The album is set to be released April 12, 2011. In addition to an upcoming documentary and a new studio album of all original material the Foo Fighters are also releasing a cover album. The record, which is to be called Medium Rare, will feature the Foo Fighter’s renditions of songs from groups like Cream, Pink Floyd and The Ramones. The album will be released on April 16th as a limited-edition vinyl for Record Store Day.

Here's Rope. A seriously killer song. If the whole album is as good as this song, could be their best album yet

Review: Cold War Kids - Mine is Yours

Cold War Kids are an American indie rock band from Long Beach, California. Mine is yours is the third album released by them in January of this year.

Just like CWK's 2010 EP release "Behave Yourself", which was a definite shift in direction from their previous sound, "Mine Is Yours" continues that journey. I will admit it takes a few runs to grow on you - but after that 3rd listen, oh does it ever! Yes, it's a more mainstream sound, but it's still the CWK's we know.

I am a fan of each and every album CWK's have released thus far and as I'm sure many of you will agree, each one took some time to become accustomed to. I am dumbfounded by some of the negative reviews on "Mine is Yours". I can only assume those critics have jumped the gun after only a quick initial listen. Or maybe they are the most extreme, sadly depressed "stock-indie-hipster" folks who feel CWK's pulling away to find some mainstream success will leave them left alone in the dark to sulk.

The best thing CWK's could have done with this album is evolve, and that they did. In the song "Royal Blue" Nathan Willet sings, "why would I stick around, why would I get burned out, oh why would I... I'm always looking for a way out... with the sky as my roof". The lyrics here seem to directly reflect CWK's passion to break free from the "indie" stigma and the trap many indie bands fall into. A trap they ironically build themselves.

Too many other indie bands try and recreate the original sound that gained their initial popularity over and over again. As good as The National are musically, please, change it up. Make me feel happy for once. I get sad every time I hear Matt Berninger open his mouth. It's not that he doesn't have a great voice. It's just the same old depressing lyrics and sound. It's that way through all seven of their albums. As far as I'm concerned they aren't going anywhere creatively. Those type of bands quickly become the newest stale thing out there. They become stuck about as fast as Slant Mag, NME and other sub-par online critics can jump behind their computers and give praise to them for churning in the same old stuff. It's almost like they're saying, "Hey great job! Keep it up! Don't gain success! I need you to stay right where you are forever so I have something to write about!" In the meantime they castrate bands like CWK's and KOL who try and evolve. CWK's should be proud to have taken their sound to the next level. They would have been left behind to go stale otherwise. With "Mine Is Yours", the band is introducing to the mainstream what their unique sound is all about. Do yourself a favor, spend the 10 quid and make your own decision on this one. You will be happy you did.

Check out what is in my opinion the best song on the album.