1. Midwest Music Explosion
2. Madonna
3. The Darkness
4. Sevendust
5. Flyleaf
6. Five Iron Frenzy
7. Calico System
8. F (as in Frank)
9.Sputterdoll
10. Low Twelve
Interviews with: Psycotron, Nerve Damage
and She’s the Car
Year one of The Audio Nut is now history. I seriously doubt that any history
was made here this year, but I still enjoyed hearing new music from bands that I
do and don’t like. I also enjoyed learning about new bands, and swapping emails
with many of you. Here’s hoping that all of you have an amazing 2006 and that
the next year will bring you health, wealth and happiness.
I decided a while back that at years’ end I would do a ‘best of’ or ‘year end
issue’. I know it’s not an original thing to do, I mean just about everyone has
a best of something right!?! Oh, well, sadly I also have conformed to that
generic standard, but I honestly hope you find this issue informative and
entertaining…in some way.
Want to see who is getting reviewed this time? Well, you’ll just have to read
on to find out!
Interviews with:
Drivin’ Rain, F (as in Frank) and 20/20 Hindsight
Reviews
TOP 10 ALBUMS BY ‘NATIONAL’ OR
‘MAJOR’ BANDS/ARTISTS OF 2005
10. 4th
Avenue Jones “Stereo: The Evolution of Hiprocksoul”-
I didn’t give this disc a great review when it
came out (only a C+). On further review I have to
say that I was WAY wrong on this one. This is the
best hip-hop record of 2005, and definitely a top
ten as far as all genres are concerned. You can read
a review that should be rewritten in
9. …and you will know us by the trail of dead
“Worlds Apart” Not as good as 2002‘s “SourceTags & Scars”, but the trail of dead are one of
the best bands out these days. You can read the
review in
8. Queens of the Stone Age “Lullabies to
Paralyze” QOTSA saw some changes when recording
this CD. Long time bassist Nick Oliveri is no longer
in the picture, and after many listens I think it
hurt the ‘finished’ product. You can read the review
in
7. Nine Inch Nails “With Teeth” Nine Inch
Nails resurfaced in 2005 with an exceptional record,
best one since “Pretty Hate Machine”. You can read
the review in
6. Modern Day Zero “Coming Up For Air” MDZ
had a great 2005 and the band has a very promising
2006 in their sights. This is a great CD! You can
read the review in
5. Sufjan Stevens “Illinois” Sufjan Stevens
seems to be the popular pick this year by music rags
everywhere. With that being said, this CD is one of
the best to be released in the past ten years. You
can read the review in
4. John Prine “Fair and Square” Prine graced
the world with his presence again in 2005 and
delivered an extraordinary effort. You can read the
review in
3. Demon Hunter “The Triptych” Demon Hunter
returned by pulling no punches with “The Triptych”.
This is an extremely good CD showing the bands
diversity. You can read the review in
2. 30 Seconds to Mars “ A Beautiful Lie”
While this disc didn’t get an A when it was first
introduced to readers; it withstood the test of time
and actually turned out to be one of the best
records to be reviewed in The Audio Nut in 2005. You
can read the review in
1. The Mars Volta “Frances the Mute” This
disc isn’t for everyone, but in my opinion it is by
far the best disc to be released in 2005. Hopefully
this band will continue to write and record and not
“disappear” like its predecessor At the Drive-In.
You can read the review in
TOP 15 UNSIGNED OR
‘UNDERGROUND’ BANDS/ARTISTS OF 2005
This section was painstakingly hard to compile and
to be honest when it came down to it I put my ‘top
30’ in a hat and pulled out 15. They are arranged in
no particular order.
Mankind is Obsolete - Remarkable group from
California. Learn more about them in
The Common Men - This ensemble has grown from
a one man band to a full fledge group. The disc was
recorded as a solo effort. Diverse range and style.
Read more about The Common Men in
Darque Carnival- Darque Carnival has added a
new singer and should blow the crowds away in 2006.
The best in Nevada except… well I won’t say. Check
them out in
Purple Pam - This crazy woman hails from New
York and reigns with an iron fist. She’s got an
amazing voice, great sense of humor and a knack for
penning very catchy tunes. Check her out in
Psycotron blew away the competition when it came
to the voting held on the message boards. I have had
the pleasure of hearing the newest music that
Psycotron has been recording and I truly expect a
bright future for the band.
Purple Pam
Like Psycotron, Purple Pam ran away with the
voting on the message boards. Pam had a busy 2005
which included numerous live performances, shooting
a video, recording new material and even appearing
in the movie Poultrygeist, which is being made by
TROMA Films.
Is there anything that this woman can’t do? On the
first CD I heard from Debra I heard an astonishing
talent for guitar playing and songwriting with a more
provocative side to it. Now I get this CD and I am blown
away by the heart and soul that is poured into this
effort. “Welcome to the Boneyard”, was written with the
World Trade Center as an inspiration and this song will
give you chills when you hear it. “All That I Need”, and
“When it Comes Down” are also great songs that feature
excellent musicianship and great songwriting. Add in the
fact that DeSalvo has a book coming out in January
titled, “The Language of the Blues; from Alcorub to Zuzu”
and you will have to ask yourself. “Is there anything
this woman can’t do?”
Note: You can check out a review for Deb’s first
CD in
The Mudcat Kings have a nice bluesy sound that is
catchy and memorable. All five songs have that good ol’
down home foot tapping feel that’ll make you wanna get
up, grab your woman and hit the dance floor. This is a
great disc for people who love to get out and have a
great time with friends drinking a beer and playing some
pool. Nice breakdowns that feature the musicianship of
the bands’ members. If you like your music hoppin’ and
don’t mind sweatin’ a little check out the Mudcat Kings.
Note: At this point and time the Mudcat Kings
don’t have a webpage, but if you are interested in
finding out more about them shoot me an e-mail and I’ll
get it to the persons who can help you out.
Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. I am Timexx Nasty, lead singer and gang leader for this rag tag bunch of
outlaws and outcasts. I am like a Pirate Ship Captain.
Q. How did you come up with and decide on the name Drivin' Rain?
A. We all had names we liked a lot. But none of us could agree on anything. We
had agents calling us and saying this bar in Virginia is needs to put your bands
name on the sign. But we didn't have one yet. Names like Dirty Weapons, Misery's
Company, Warcry, and Playground were all being kicked around. But none seemed to
fit the band. We really needed a name, but we just couldn't find anything that
seemed right. So we decided to take a break and walk across the street to get
some more beer and rolling papers. And just as we all step outside the sky opens
up and rains like hell. A good hard, cold, sideways, rain beat down on us
relentlessly. Then Brad (original drummer) says, "Damn it’s just a drivin’
rain". And I say, "THAT’S IT! DRIvIN’ RAIN! That’s our new name!" Everyone
agreed and we went in, dried off, and called our agent.
Q. You guys have a deal with Perris Records now. What does that mean for the
band from this day forward?
A. Perris Records has been great to us. Tom Mathers (the owner) is a musician
and he knows what it means to be a hard working road band. It's really the best
deal for us right now. They buy the CDs outright from us, and we keep all the
rights to the music. They have put our music in stores around the world, which
is something we could not do on our own. And with Perris we are part of a family
of friends. Where we can get advice and tips from others in the know. They have
also put us on a CD with bands like L.A. Guns, Enuff Z Nuff, Vain, and other
bands for the 80s & 90s that we grew up with. We also get more respect from
agents and clubs now that we are signed to a major indie label.
Q. I heard that there are plans for a new CD? Is that true and what would you
like to tell us about it?
A. We will start recording the new music in a few days. The CD will be called
"Delightfully Evil" and should be on sale from Perris Records around the new
year. The music is hard rock, the kind you would expect from Drivin' Rain. We
will record with Brandon and Echo Echo Studios again.
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be and way?
A. I don't know Jesse James or Jack The Ripper? Maybe Alice Cooper or Nikki Sixx...
That's a tough question, their are so many great Native American Indian heroes.
I'm sure that would be my choice of time to live in, pre-white invasion.
Q. What are you listening to these days?
A. I listen to a mix of styles. I still love the 70s and 80s Rock N Roll. I like
some Country and Native American Music. I've also been really getting into bands
like T.S.O. and Van Helsings Curse that mixes classical and metal. And since we
did the Tommy Bolin Fest (and since I got to sleep in his room) I've really been
getting into Tommy Bolin and Deep Purple. Tommy Bolin had some really great
music, that I had some how missed as a kid. I also listen to a lot of local
bands, Fists Of Phoenix, Emaciation, Stella Blue, Catatonic, Rock Solid,
Aftermath, Lost Possum, Inkognito, Field of Grey, Gunderson, and many others.
I'd say I listen to some local CD every day.
Q. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us about Drivin' Rain?
A. We are just a rock n roll band, making rock n roll music, for real rock n
roll mother f**kers. Every thing else is at
Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. Kurt Woodcock/Drums (KW)
Nate Biro/vocals (NB)
Q. (KW) How did you come up with and decide on the name F (as in Frank)?
A. In the movie Dumb and Dumber, remember the line "Pardon my friend, he's a
little slow"? Well...I have one of those friends! In college we would do our
homework together and this one report he wrote was like something from 1st
grade. "Cassie went to the store" "Cassie came back and ate the food", I'm like
dude! we're in f**kin college man, you can't hand in $h!t like that. Anyway,
after that I decided he was indeed...."a little slow." Then one day while typing
up an e-mail it hit me! He would be the only person dumb enough to type up F
(...as in Frank) on paper in order to be clear and concise. I pitched it to the
rest of the band, we laughed and said "That's so f**king cool!"
(NB) Um...what he said!
Q. Who would you say is one of your biggest influences both musically and
non-musical?
A. (KW) Musically? I can't give you just one, so I'll give you my order of
development. Tommy Lee got me started, Lars Ulrich, Vinnie Paul, Igor Calverra,
Tim Alexander Herb, Paul Bostoph and as of late I really appreciate what Joey
Jordison and Nick Barker do. But to simply answer your question...Old school
Metallica! P.S. I love Fiona Apple's music. Non musically? Darth Vader, Bobba
Fett and The Vampire Lestat
(NB) Fiona Apple????? It’s become quite clear to me that Kurt is a complete
homosexual. Pull the schlong out of your @$$, dude...thx. For me, anybody that I
has ever created music is an influence for me, even if I despise their music,
because then I know what NOT to do. Non-musically I would have to say Jesus. He
was probably the most hardcore dude to ever walk the earth. Think about it.
Traveling around, spreading the gospel in the face of the harshest criticism,
stoning, beatings, satanic torture, and to top it all off, crucifixion. And as
he's dying he apologizes for the things the people had done to him. That’s
f**king dedication, that’s f**king conviction, dude. Nothing but pure
inspiration. Makes me believe that we as people can overcome anything if we
believe we can.
Q. What are some of your goals for the band?
A. (KW) I wanna wake up someday and be pissed off that I have to play another
arena.
(NB) I wanna be pissed off that Kurt is pissed off about playing another
arena...and trademark Frisbees.
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be and way?
A. (KW) Neil Armstrong..."That's great…We landed on the moon!" You can't top
that! The first person to step on the moon. Nobody can top that! Michael Jordan
and Tiger Wood statistics are like a fart in the breeze compared to that $h!t.
Just imagine sitting up there looking back at the earth thinking..."This would
be fun as hell if we were trippin!"
(NB) I wanna be the guy who should been there to sell Neal f**king Armstrong the
shrooms he needed for his trip to F**KING MOON. WHERE'S THE FORESIGHT GUYS!
Q. What are you listening to these days?
A. (KW) Dimmu Borgir
(NB) Kurt whining about his girl not allowing him to pee on her. and Ween,
Tenacious D, Twisted Sister, In Flames
Q. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us
about F (...as in Frank)?
A. (KW) 0073735963 is the code that takes you directly to Tyson on Mike Tyson's
Punch-out!
(NB) Full length CD to be released shortly. Six new songs and a revamping of the
original four.
20/20 Hindsight
Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. I'm Lucas the lead singer and I also play acoustic guitar
Q. How did you come up with and decide on the name 20/20 Hindsight?
A. We actually just sat down and started to brainstorm for names after we first
formed, we rattled off about 20 names and the first one was actually 20/20
Hindsight
Q. Who would you say is one of your biggest influences both musically and
non-musical?
A. Musically I would have to say Robert Plant, his voice and charisma is
something to be accomplished, and the stage presence of such a legendary front
man is what I strive to emulate and make my own, non-musically, I would have to
say my grandfather, he has taught me so much about life and by example has shown
me never to give up no matter the outlook, he has influenced my values and drive
of determination.
Q. Last time I exchanged messages with you; there was a mention of playing in
every county in Iowa. How is that going and besides that, what are some of your
other goals for the band?
A. The 99 County Tour is going very well; we have completed 17 counties with 82
to go. During mid November to Mid December we will be recording our sophomore
album, after that we will be working very hard to tour and promote the album as
much as possible. In other words we are looking at knocking off about 35 more
counties in the next 12- 14 months.
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be and way? (you can't
pick yourself!)
A.I would be Robert Plant because his level of badness is spectacular.
Q. What are you listening to these days?
A. AudioSlave, Rage, Jack Johnson, Johnny Cash, of course Zep, Jet, AC/DC, Fall
out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Incubus, and too many more to mention...
Q. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us about 20/20 Hindsight? We
are 4 highly motivated individuals, with a great manager, and we are very
devoted to our charity program, which has raised over $2200 so far this year,
donating to numerous charities, to get all the full details check us out at
The featured web site is back
by popular demand! Thanks to all of you that have requested its return!
http://www.deadgirlproductions.com
Dead Girl Productions is a promotional company that is currently covering the
Midwest, North, and Southeast. Check them out to learn more about some bands or
to see what they can do to help you.
Parental Advisory Note:
Artists and/or their record companies place Parental
Advisory and Explicit Lyrics stickers on the recordings.
I will note it next to the title of the recording when
it is posted on the recording or album artwork its self.
Some of the recordings received by The Audio Nut are not
in the original packaging and therefore may not include
the Parental Advisory warning next to the title. Please
take this into consideration when purchasing a disc that
has been reviewed on this page.
Disclaimer:
The opinions stated above are that of J Sohn and The
Audio Nut. They are not the opinions of NutzWorld,
EntertainmentNutz or any of the above listed
bands/artists; their record labels or associates unless
other wise noted. J Sohn, The Audio Nut, NutzWorld and
EntertainmentNutz are not responsible in any way for the
actions or business practices of the above listed
bands/artists etc.
Debra
DeSalvo