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 to The Audio Nut. For those of you who have seen the page before you
might notice some changes. For those of you who are new; pardon the mess, we are
in the process of remodeling.
I would like to take this moment to welcome Maria Daines and Jennifer to the
NutzWorld family. You can learn more about them in the new writers bio page and
by checking out their web pages. There has also been a slight layout change. You
will now get a few reviews followed by a section called “At A Glance”
which will have a brief review of a CD, DVD or anything musically related. The “Blast
from The Past” section is now gone. There may still be reviews of music from
yesteryear, but the section as a whole has been eliminated. All of our ‘new’
writers will have their pieces featured in the section, “The Other Nutz Say”.
The “Featured Website”will remain, but another change is “7
Questions With…” has now become “Who Said What” I think that may give
us a chance to get to know a little more about a band or artist and not be
limited to just seven questions. “The Underground Spotlight” is under
review. That means I am wondering what to do with this section. I am not sure if
I want to lump the indie and unsigned bands into the same category as the bigger
label bands or keep it a spotlight section all its own. That is where I need
your help. You all have been very kind and insightful when it comes to the page
so I’d like to hear your opinions on what should be done with this section. You
can post a reply on the Message Boards
or email me theaudionut@nutzworld.net
Alright, enough of the lengthy explanation, let’s get to the music.
Mudhoney is back and they have returned as good
if not better than their finest hour. “Under A
Billion Suns”, makes album number nine for this
Seattle band who has seen the ups and downs of an
exploding local music scene. They ventured into the
major music scene for a spell, but now they have
returned to Sub Pop and have brought an impressive
disc with them. “Where is the Future”, “A Brief
Celebration of Indifference”, “Let’s Drop In”, and
“On The Move” rank in as some of the best Mudhoney
songs ever. In fact, this disc could be the best one
the band has released since their debut, “Mudhoney”
or their collection of singles and b-sides, “Super
Fuzz Big Muff” If you are into thick and dirty
guitars and rock music how it is meant to be then
get this CD now.
This album truly kicks! It’s like mixing The
Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The White Stripes into
one big burrito and serving it up with some rock
salad. You probably have heard the combination of
the group by now… if not I’ll leave it to you to
find out. “Steady As She Goes”, is the first single
and a very memorable song. Other songs worth noting
include, “Blue Veins”, “Yellow Sun” and the title
track. I have doubts that this group would continue
to release albums, but I hope that they do. Check it
out, it’s well worth the listen. Now let’s just hope
that corporate radio doesn’t run this group into the
ground!
Tool has gathered it’s members, hidden them in
seclusion and released the long anticipated
follow-up to Lateralus. I have appreciated Tool and
what they do for some time now. I personally am not
a big fan of A Perfect Circle, mainly because I feel
that they sound a lot like Tool. Yes, I know there
is a difference, but Maynard James Keenan has an
original voice and when it is thrown into the APC
sound it’s sounds like a Tool rip-off band to me. So
anyway, back to the review. This disc basically
sounds like all of the Tool releases mixed into on
CD. I don’t get that feeling that I got when I heard
“Undertow”, or “Opiate” for the first time. It truly
does sound like Tool and it is their heavily Melvins
influenced sound, but it just seems to be missing
something. I am already tired of hearing the lead
single “Vicarious”, because it is on the radio
almost every 45 minutes. They get the “B” because of
who they are and what they do; but if I was
comparing it to earlier efforts I would say it’s
better that Lateralus, but not as good as the rest.
Overall, it’s still a good listen.
Wolfmother has some serious rock
going on. You could jokingly call them
Black Zeppelin or something like that.
These guys have a sound straight out of
the 70’s and it is undoubtedly working
for them. This whole effort is packed
full of astounding songs. Check them out
if you are into 70’s music like James
Gang, Black Sabbath, or Led Zeppelin...Buy Wolfmother
for an incredible
$7.96
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Stadium Arcadium
2006 Warner Brothers
If you are a sports fan you can
relate with me on this… The RHCP need to
retire. Just like that homerun hitter
that is now batting .150 or that running
back that keeps getting stopped in the
backfield, the Peppers have stuck around
too long. This is a sad thing for me to
say, because I used to love this band.
This collection of new songs is nothing
more than boring washed up tracks from a
band that used to have it. I’m hoping
they can recapture the magic they once
had...Buy Stadium Arcadium
on sale for $11.76
I feel that this band rode the
coattails of other Seattle bands to gain
their success. Too bad they are still
pumping that well. This is your classic
PJ CD. Fans will love it, and I think
it’s like all the other PJ release from
the past; average...Buy
Pearl Jam on sale for
$9.76
I finally got to hear the new Sahib Radio album....
Being a huge fan of Sahib's music I knew I was going
to like what I heard. But this has to be better than I
ever expected and I'm no reviewer, but I had to write
about this startling piece of work, and in doing so,
attempt to convey my total admiration for this artist
and his music. Yes, I'm spreadin' the news to all 'would
be' Sahib Radio fans potentially all over the world. At
this moment in time I am so blown away I see the world I
inhabit as two simple halves, you're either a Sahib fan
or you're not! This music is other worldly, heck I'm all
mixed up, this is the effect of my journey into 'New
World Senate' an album to rock you out of the doldrums.
So where do I start, oh boy yes this is hard. OK,
I'll just start. If the recording industry doesn't pick
up on this almighty talent within my lifetime then I
will know what I have suspected for years, is true -
they don't know a gift to their bank balances or their
conscience even when it's written on the wall in TEN
FOOT HIGH LETTERS, SIGN THIS MAN YOU IDIOTS!! Of course
Sahib may not want to be signed, and I shouldn't really
be so caustic when it comes to speaking of the
corporation 'big boy' stronghold, after all the
independent movement is hardly taking over the world yet
or even competing at shoulder level (would it want to?
Probably not...) But hey, let's appreciate and celebrate
- crow about something truly original when we hear it,
or are we all becoming complacent in an attempt to fit
in these days? I don't think 'we' meaning the indie
community are at all complacent but I know one thing,
mainstream music could really do with the biggest shake
up, and of course they will most certainly miss out on
this unusual and unique artist because Sahib Radio's
music doesn't fit in anywhere... That's why I love it.
I hardly know how to write on this subject. This
artist's ideas are a million miles away from a sensible
writing structure, this material is not even thought out
to the degree that I would imagine most writers plan
their tracks, it sounds splashed out in rolls of bitter
mayhem, more fabric than tuneful, neither detailed or
phased fluently to please, these lyrical crosspatch
lines are grit-like musical passages, they hang like ice
off a tree, frozen in the memory of some wrath torn
Sahib happening, and are destined to follow no classic
phrase book entity or indeed reason, no. Like
hand-written prophecies of doom, or one-legged
passionate scenarios of guilt and hunger, these story
lines are cut from a different mental and physical
cloth, we all could use a little Sahib Radio mindset in
our lives at times, if only to remind us that we are
merely mortal and our wounds are raw. Get your pleasure
where you can, get it and savour it and never let it go.
At least absorb the emotion while your stereo is bearing
fruit. This album is one to chew on forever and never
lose the taste. I'm talking in blanks here, but I'm
firing on all cylinders, never before have I heard such
captivating shrines to memory, set like bones in the
brick work of a hard life lived to express and repair,
until these songs. This album is one helluva rival to
the glory and pathos of Tom Waits. You cannot ignore
this, you just have to live with it or you ain't got no
soul.
Rude, lewd, dirty, and drunken hard rock is American
Dog's stock in trade. A breath of fresh air from a band
who brings back "working man's" metal, spitting in the
face of political correctness. Formed from the ashes of
Hilljack by former members Michael Hannon (vocals/bass,
also ex-Salty Dog and Dangerous Toys member) and Keith
Pickens (drums). They recruited Steve Theado on guitar
and started taking their raunchy music to every seedy
bar around. Their debut album was released on an
independent label, and the following year they released
a live in the studio EP that showcased the power and
rawness they possessed. (excerpt from Myspace)
Hanging out with
American Dog before the show in Bloomington,
Illinois at the New Lafayette Club, May 5,
2006. Keith, Steve and Michael.
I have been lucky enough to see American Dog
http://www.americandog.us
three times in the last few months and they are an
awesome live band! Not only that, they are very nice.
They talk to their fans and even let them drink their
beer! What impresses me the most is that they are a
three-piece band: Michael Hannon on bass and lead
vocals, Steve Theado on lead guitar and Keith Pickens on
the drums. The sound that comes from these three is
unbelievable! I feel that Steve is probably one of the
more underrated guitarists out there. If you get the
chance to see them live, you will see what I mean. The
Dogs deserve to be so much bigger than they are. They
will be leaving for a European tour at the end of July
where they will play to audiences numbering in the
thousands!
American Dog is best seen on a large stage, standing
front and center. The interaction between Michael and
Steve is a huge part of the show. Michael is also very
funny and he likes to joke around with the audience.
Before their song, "Drank Too Much" he tells the
audience that they will need to participate in the song.
He asks them to think of their favorite thing to do, and
when the right time in the song comes, they are to yell
it out. The word is F**K, but he does everything he can
to show what the word is without actually saying it, and
it is as funny as hell to see!
There is so much more I have said about American Dog
as well as photographic evidence of each of the shows I
have been to. For all three reviews in their entirety,
please go to
In the next issue, I will have a review of a HUGE
show I am attending in Cleveland, OH on June 3.
Scheduled to attend are the Hunchies, Rebel Girl, Jerks
in Jeans, Johnny Mohawk and the Assassins, Mugshot and
Hot Ham and Cheese. It will be huge!
Also be sure to catch any one, or all three, of my
shows on
The Dark Alley is Rock and airs Saturday night from
9pm-1am CST.
The Darker Alley is Metal and airs Monday night from
9pm-midnight CST.
The Indigo Lounge is Blues and airs Sunday morning from
10am-noon CST.
As always, if you are a band interested in airplay,
feel free to contact me. If I like what I hear, I will
add you to my playlist!
The Underground Spotlight may return in the next
issue. At this point and time there are some changes taking place and I am
trying to see where this section will fit in. Fear not Underground and Unsigned
bands will always have a spot here in The Audio Nut.
Q. Who are you and what do you
do in the band?
A. Mike-Vocals/Guitars
Christine-Vocals
Chris-Bass
J-Drums
Q. How did you decide on the name Sciatica?
A. Mike-I have bad back problems as well as Chris. I was at the chiropractor
reading about the medical condition known as Sciatica(which I have, among other
back problems), and thought it was a very simple and original name, and it
represented what I wanted in a band name, a painful thing. And for those who
don't know, Sciatica is a back condition which presses on the Sciatic nerve(the
largest nerve in your body)causing a great deal of pain.
Q. You just did some recording in the studio. Is there anything you'd like to
tell us about that? Did you record some new songs, do some songs off the EP or a
little of both?
A. Chris-Yeah, it was a great experience for us as a group actually getting to
hear everybody clearly and being able to appreciate their talent for this band.
Oh yes, and those silly little pink pills really brought out the best in us as
well, and remember kids insanity is a beautiful thing.
Mike-We did two songs off the EP, and everything else is newer material.
Q. I see there is a tour in the works. How long are you planning on being out,
and do you know who you are going to be playing with?
A. Mike-Our summer tour is from July 24 to August 8th. Then we've got a fall
tour of the West Coast in the works which will last 4-6 weeks. More touring is
in the works right now as well. We plan on being on the road most of the next
year. And beyond that, FOREVER.
Q. What are you guys listening to these days?
A. Chris-Damn, well not to ramble your head off… how about anything that doesn't
suck.
Christine-Portishead, AC/DC, Sevendust, Mastodon, Tenacious D.
J-Hank III, Black Dahlia Murder, The Jonbenet, Kylesa, Square Pusher
Mike-Allman Brothers, Charlie Daniels, Metallica, Sick Of It All, Shadows Fall,
Damon Johnson, Napalm Death, Coalesce
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be? Why?
A. Chris-Dr. Albert Hoffman(look him up, you'll understand why).
Mike-Anton LeVay because he made the world believe in Satan...and that's pretty
ingenious.
Q. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about Sciatica?
A. Check us out online at
http://www.sciaticahate.bravehost.com
(official website)
And on myspace at
http://www.myspace.com/sciatica666
Check us out on tour, and check out the new album coming out sometime in June or
July. We thank all the fans, radio stations, magazines, venues, Dreamscape
Records, Eric our booking agent, and everyone who's shown any support for this
band, or helped us get our music out to the masses. We plan to be around for a
long time.
Elyzium
Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. Cary: I like to sing.
Josh: I'm the six string picker.
McKay: Drums, synths, robots.
Q. How did you come up with the name Elyzium?
A. Cary: We had changed names more than Prince and Ol' Dirty Bastard combined
and were due for another name change... ...at about that time I was using
Elyzium as a song title and then someone said that's the band name and it has
stuck since.
McKay: Cary teached me to say it right.
Q. You have been doing 're-mix' contests with a couple of your songs.
How is it to have people send you a copy of your song redone their way?
A. Josh: Yeah, the winners and about a handful of the others blew me away.
I can't wait to have more contests.
McKay: I loved listening to all the different approaches. It's like when you put
a baby in a bunny suit. Yeah, just like that!
Q. Are you going to add any of the remixes to an upcoming release?
A. Josh: Yeah, the 3 winners are all on there.
McKay: I like pie.
Q. What are you guys listening to these days?
A. Cary: 1. Spoon 2. LCD Soundsystem
Josh: A lot of classic rock. I go through long classic rock stages
periodically.... you caught me in one. Crosby Stills and Nash are stuck in my
head right now...
McKay: Foo Fighters, Bjork, Bobby Karate, Josh.
Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be? Why?
A. Josh: Probably Ayn Rand... yes.. Ayn Rand
McKay: Maybe Martin Luther King. MLK did something unbelievable with and for
people. His life really meant something to all of us.
Q. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about Elyzium?
A. Cary: We're coming to a city near you.
Josh: I really am excited about touring because I can start up my collection of
'do not disturb' signs again.
McKay: Yeah, touring is good! and pie...
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.
