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
Welcome back to The Audio Nut. I’d like to say thanks for coming back and
also send out a big thanks to everyone who has also found the time to check out
the internet shows I have been doing on CygnusRadio.com and ScrubRadio.com. I
know it has been a bit since the last installment, but I must say I have been
rather busy with everything that is going on. I’d also like to say thanks to
everyone who has been emailing me about bands and artist as well as those of you
who send me questions or comments. It feels good to know that you actually read
this thing and I am honored to respond to you all. A lot of time I don’t get to
email you back as quick as I would like, but fear not, I will get back to you
soon.
Now about Vol.2 Issue 5:
Some issues are easier to pound out while other just seem to linger as I try
to come up with something to write or try to get an overall feel for what I have
been listening to. This issue came to me in one sitting and it just flowed. I
hope it reads that way! I feel that there is a good variety of music this issue
and I hope you feel the same. I have also added a new, but short little
section…ok it’s a list. I figured I’d throw in a list of what CDs I am listening
to the most from issue to issue.
What can I say about Prince that hasn’t been
written in the past twenty years? Not a lot comes to
mind when I try to come up with something catchy or
flattering to say about this megastar. I will say
that, while I’m not really into what he has going on
“3121”, I will say that he is still at the top of
his game. Nothing groundbreaking or really
intriguing, but he is doing what he does best;
writing and recording music. I read that this is
like Prince revisited or something… like you know;
he’s going back to what made him famous. What I hear
is a guy who is borrowing heavily from the old
Motown sound and throwing it out into “Purple Rain”
styled songs. I probably quit listening to Prince
about twenty years ago and I must say that this
effort hasn’t encouraged me to go and get any of his
past work or really listen to this one again. Fans
of Prince from any generation should enjoy this
release.
Drive-by Truckers
A Blessing And A Curse
2006 New West Records
I have heard many, many people talk about the
Drive-by Truckers and how great they are. I haven’t
had the chance to go back and hear any of their
previous work, but when I got the chance to hear
this disc I jumped at the chance. Boo on me for not
going ahead and getting into this band any sooner.
Every song on this release has its own
interesting vibe and feel. I know that this isn’t
the ‘most original’ band in the world, but who is
really? You can hear shades of younger Rod Stewart,
the Rolling Stones and a wide array of ’classic
rock’ artists as well as some high quality country
roots. Overall, this is an excellent recording and I
strongly urge you to get it when it comes out. I
honestly think you’ll regret taking a pass on the
Drive-by Truckers.
Rob Zombie is a movie maker, an artist and a rock
star. He is also of course the founding member and
voice of the now defunct band White Zombie. A friend
of mine said that this release is supposed to sound
more like his old band than any other effort Rob has
done. I have always thought that every Rob Zombie
record sounded like White Zombie. He was the focal
point of the band and by being a solo artist he
hasn’t really set himself apart from that image.
With all that being said, I sit here and listen to
this disc again and sadly nothing has really gotten
my attention. It just sounds like the same old thing
I have heard from this guy for years. I’m not sure
what I was expecting honestly, but I admit I did
hope that a song or two was good so that I could
say, ‘Yeah, I like that one song…’ but it hasn’t
happened. Fans of Rob Zombie and White Zombie will
like this recording, but I personally think his old
work with the band was better.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Show Your Bones
2006 Interscope Records
After the success of their debut album, “Fever To
Tell”, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are back with a new
release and hopes of expanding on their earlier
recognition. I must say that they seem to have
picked up where they left of, but are taking it to
the next level. For example, “Fever To tell” only
had a couple good songs to me, but this one has more
and the band seems to be a little more polished (in
a good way). “Honey Bear”, “Way Out”, and “Dudley”
are all good songs, reminiscent of bands like
Blondie, The White Stripes (with better drum beats)
and Sonic Youth. If you haven’t hear this disc yet
and are fans of the before mentioned bands I am sure
you will like “Show Your Bones”.
I was hoping to hear and review the release of
Operation: Mindcrime II by Queensryche, but I
haven’t gotten one yet (hint hint) So, instead I
figured I would dig up this old disc, dust it off
and give it another listen.
Queensryche Operation: Mindcrime
1998 Capitol Records
I remember when this disc first came out I totally ignored it. I wasn’t
really into the bands from this genre anymore, and I had moved on to other kinds
of music. It wasn’t until a couple years later that I finally had a good sit
down listen to this effort by Queensryche. (When my horizons had broadened and I
had finally realized it was ok to like all kinds of music again). I now look
back at this and truly admire the effort and time it took to come up with this
concept and adapt it to lyrics and music…make that good lyrics and good music.
Concept albums are often overlooked and a lot of them disserve the overlooking,
but not this one. From the beginning until the end the guys from Queensryche
paint an interesting picture and continue to expand on the idea leaving
listeners to want more. “I Don’t Believe in Love” and “Eyes of a Stranger” were
the hits off of this release, but once you become involved in the operation
you’ll see that all of the songs are great. Sure, it may sound a little dated
these days, but what recording doesn’t sound dated when you get down to it.
If you are unfamiliar with this band, or this release I hope you might take
the time to check it out. It’s a must listen for bands who are interested in
attempting a ‘concept album’.
This trio from Colorado truly brings brutality to the
table on “Overwhelm”; their debut release. I was
fortunate enough to see these guys play live and they
are truly a top notch band. Every song on this disc is a
cut above the rest when it comes to music on the heavier
side of the spectrum. “Last Wish”, “Nay-Sayer” “Deed”
and heck every song on this CD is brilliant. If you long
for the days when bands like Napalm Death, Godflesh,
Kreator, or Cannibal Corpse ruled the metal underground
then this IS the band for you. I get to hear a lot of
‘metal bands’ and honestly hardly any of them sound
original anymore. I can’t stand watching Headbanger’s
Ball, Uranium or shows like that, because all the bands
sound like rehashed junk. Grindscape is a band that can
break that mold of Slipknot, Disturbed, and Lamb of God
wannabes; now if only people will take notice. I expect
great things from these three guys for years to come and
I hope you take the time to check them out.
Fists of Phoenix
In the Events of 1961
2006 Unsigned
I was highly impressed with the first disc released
by Fists of Phoenix and was eagerly awaiting this new
effort by them. I made the mistake of loaning it out to
someone and I have never gotten it back… (you know who
you are), so I have been without any of their music for
a while and was ready to get my fix. When I got the
email that said the CD was finished and they wanted to
get me a copy I did a little touchdown dance right here
at my PC. I have had this disc for a couple weeks and I
hear it about two or three times a day.
They have an exceptional concept of dynamics and
melody and it shows well in songs like “Grade A”, and
“Space Travel For the Siamese Nobody”. These guys are
truly mastering the craft of songwriting and
musicianship. Fans of Incubus, Deftones, or Hoobastank
will want to hear “In the Events of 1961”.
These three tracks are available to hear on the
bands’ myspace page.
http://www.myspace.com/corruptsysteminc
Overall, the sound is that of a basement recording, but
the guys from the band have taken the extra time to get
a good mix out of the recording. You can hear all of the
instruments and vocals and it does have a live sound to
it. I think it’s a pretty good recording, and the songs
are good. “Taken Away”, would be my pick as far as a
favorite or best song would go. Corrupt System would be
for people who like bands like Iron Maiden, Prong, Black
Label Society and similar acts. Check them out and see
for yourself.
Let's start off by
introducing you and what you do.
Paul - I play guitar with the Maria Daines Band, write songs with Maria
and record and produce our music. Maria - I'm a singer/songwriter working with my co-writer & producer Paul
Killington
Q. How did you become interested in music and when did you know it was something
that you would like to pursue in your life?
A. Paul - Music started to seep into my life at an early age. I first saw
a guitar close up when I was eight and I felt some kind of strange affinity with
it. I don't think you become interested in music; it becomes interested in you
if you're that way inclined, and it has a hold over you for life. Maria - I've always loved music but I didn't realize I could be a part of
creating it until I found I could sing, or until other people pointed that out
to me. It was a happy mistake; I never set out to do this. It was in 1996 when
Paul and I joined forces that I knew I was on this path for good.
Q. What would you like to tell us about the Treebone CD?
A. Paul - Treebone is a collection of unrelated songs I guess, and is
quite varied. It was just an outpouring of the myriad of styles and influences
that Maria and I have soaked up during our lives. We're proud that it's totally
independent and happy that we had 100 per cent creative control over this album
as we do with all our music. Maria - Treebone will always be very special to me because it was created
with sheer determination, no money, and three people that wouldn't back down,
that's me, Paul and Bill. Bill is a dear friend of ours and he creates all our
sleeve designs and puts the imagery to the music. We never considered that we
couldn't do it, we just went ahead and made it happen, to me it's an achievement
that gave me my pride back. It was scary pushing the boat out but once you're in
it you just hang on for dear life.
Q. What was it like winning the International Online Music Awards (I.O.M.A.)
Artist of the Year & Best Female Vocal 2006?
A. Paul - I've never won anything in my life before. We were stunned and
quite emotional about it. Everybody likes to be rewarded for their efforts; it
puts a seal of approval on all your hard work, so we were glowing with pride on
Christmas day when we heard the news. Maria - I don't think I can believe it yet! I can't actually verbalize
that feeling, I'm driven but I never expect reward or success, this recognition
gave me something precious that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Q. Who would you say is one of your biggest influences both musically and
non-musical?
A. Paul - It's so difficult to pick one person but I'll try. From a
guitar point of view I'd have to say Jimi Hendrix, but in doing that of course
I'm leaving out tons of others. Also John Lennon who really covers both parts of
your question as I admired his open hearted honesty - in a time when the media
always pilloried anybody different. I have to say my Dad as well because he was
thoroughly decent, principled, a gentleman and a man's man, the type of person
you don't see too much of these days. Maria - Musically Paul has influenced me more than any other musician.
Through his skills as a producer I have learnt so much about song structure,
arrangement and dynamics. Paul is extremely attentive to minute details and this
is a fascinating journey, to learn as you create is the best way to improve.
I also include Tom Waits and Diana Trask. Through Tom Waits I found a green
light for my self expression. I thought to myself this guy just does what the
hell he likes whether it is accepted or not, or understood, this had a
liberating effect on me. I cried the first time I heard a Tom Waits song, it was
'Heart of Saturday Night', I felt it. I grew up with Diana Trask's voice, I'm
sure she could save someone on their death bed just by singing to them; she's my
all time definition of a truly natural talent.
Q. If you could be anyone in world history, besides yourself, who would you, be?
Why?
A. Paul - I've idolized a few people in my time but really I'm happy with
who I am and I feel lucky to have what I've got, but if pushed, I'm thinking,
what would it have been like to be one of the Beatles in the sixties - wow! Maria - That would be Dr. Jill Robinson of Animals Asia-
http://www.animalsasia.org
Jill and her team have rescued 198 bears from the horrors of bear bile farms in
China. Yes, Jill Robinson is my hero and if I wasn't involved so heavily in
music I know I would be involved in animal rescue in a more hands on way. I
can't think of anything I'd rather do than help to set these poor creatures
free.
Q. You are very active in Animal Rights and ending Fur Trading. Is there
anything you'd like to tell us about that?
A. Paul - We were made aware of the terrible cruelty of the fur trade by
Mary-Alice Pollard, a wonderful lady who campaigns tirelessly to end things like
this. After reading the information and seeing the images, Maria told me
tearfully that she had an idea for a song. I've since seen some of the film
footage and it will stay with me forever. Ordinary people like us never get
their opinions listened to, so you have to have some kind of profile before
anyone will take notice, we do now have some kind of profile through our music
so we will say what we want to say and if it makes even a tiny difference in
this greedy, ego ridden, inhumane world, well it's better than saying or doing
nothing. Maria - Yes, my outlook has changed. I now look upon my ability to sing
in a different light, it's not what I can get out of this; it's what I can give.
Music can reach the unreachable or expose the unspeakable, I can't think of a
better reason to do what I do. I think about this cruelty every day and it's
very hard, I want to save them all, but these animals are trapped in a system
that may take years to change, it may never change, and my heart hurts when I
consider that. So the only way I can find any relief is to express my feelings
in song, and I will continue to try because I never consider failure and I lose
respect for those that give up. We can't give up, these animals are living,
breathing, trusting, gentle souls, they look to us for comfort and we must not
let them down.
Q. Is there anything else you'd like to say?
A. Paul - To be honest I haven't got much to say about myself, I'm just
an ordinary guy trying to do his best, all that I am is in the music. My inner
feelings and emotions go into that and if it moves people I'm happy. Maria and I
wish for peace and for our children and grandchildren to inherit a planet worth
living on. Maria - I'd just like to say thank you to all the wonderful people that
we have met since we joined the online independent music community, the
listeners, the dj's, our friends, and all those that are helping to make this
world a more compassionate place, our hearts go out to you. http://www.mariadaines.com
Stray from the path
Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. I’m Tom, I play guitar in stray from the path.
Q. How did the name, "Stray from the path" come about?
A. Well we formed in 2002 where hardcore was really getting pretty repetitive,
so our whole strive in the band was to do something totally different in the
long island hardcore scene. So it was about "straying from the path" of
repetition.
Q. What would you like to tell us about your CD, "Our Oceania"?
A. Well it was recorded at Full Force Studios by Joe Cincotta, who I might add
is the best producer on LI, and it is our last record with our old singer. Ed
left the band 5 - 6 months following the drop of the record. Sad to see him go,
and is a record I am really proud that we put out.
Q. What are some of your goals as a band in 2006 and beyond?
A. Well we recruited a new singer, his name is Andrew Dijorio, and everything
has been working out great. We have a ton of new stuff written that we will be
recording next week. We are going to be on tour April and May. Writing in June
and July, back on the road in august. Then we will be finishing up writing and
recording the CD in the fall, then this winter we will be on the road again
supporting the new record.
Q. Who would you say is one of your biggest influences both musically and
non-musical?
A. Hmm musically I'd have to say probably Refused and Botch. Non-musically, id
probably have to say each other. All of us look to each other for influence, we
all work really well together and feed off each other for influences, and
Darkhold.
Q. If you could be anyone in world history, besides yourself, who would you
be? Why?
A. Mike Richter. He stopped Pavel Bure on the penalty shot in game 4 of the
Stanley Cup finals in the 1994 championship. Then hoisted the Cup.
Q. What are you listening to these days?
A. Refused - Everlasting EP, The Honorary Title, Justin King, A life once lost,
and umm Copeland? yeah good tunes. everybody look out for the new releases by
Revenance, This is Hell and If Hope Dies, go and buy there CDs!!
Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. Peredy - Vocals
Q. How did the name Blyster come about?
A. One of us fell into a brush that had some poison oak and poison ivy. The skin
from head to toe blistered and boiled terribly.
Q. I read that you all have a CD coming out. Is there anything you would you
like to tell us about it?
A. The CD "Next" is released. This one is self released and distributed for the
time being. It can be found on our site and at concerts and hopefully on the
shelves soon. It was recorded at J.P. Audio Labs and was briefly under
Raleighwood Records. We are currently writing for the new CD for next year.
Q. Who would you say is one of your biggest influences both musically and
non-musical?
A. The fans. We base most of our influence from their reaction. We all have our
own influences with music, but they are small rolls in what we do.
Q. If you could be anyone in world history, besides yourself, who would you be?
Why?
A. Now I have never been asked that one before. Good question. I think I would
have to say one of the kings in ancient Egypt. With all those riches and
beautiful Egyptian women, they had to have it made.
Q. What bands are you listening these days?
A. I mainly listen to local and regional acts. They seem to have more heart and
ambition in what they write. If I were to choose a national, I would say mostly
Mudvayne and bands like that.
Q. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about Blyster?
A. As always, we appreciate everything that everyone is doing. There are some
great things coming up that the public will know about soon enough. And... If
you’re not playin' it loud, you’re not playin' it right.
New section where I let you know what I am really
into at the moment.
Grindscape- “Overwhelm”
Fists of Phoenix- “In the Events of 1961
AnaDies- “Formamentum”
With Faith or Flames- “Tyler Orr demos”
Deadlock- “Earth.Revolt”
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.
Grade: A
Grade: A
Grade: B+