The Audio
Nut
is back again with an new issue. I think this time the variety is wide and the
contributions are fantastic. I have been spending some time trying to help a
friend of mine with his website www.bannedpromotions.com
by contributing to it when I have time. In doing so I have been able to gather
some resources to help make The Audio Nut a better page for everyone to check
out. I must say I am more pleased with this issue than just about any over the
last three years. I hope you’ll agree and I hope you enjoy the read.
I’d also like to let you know The Audio Nut has its own radio show. While the
content is a self rated PG-13 due to language, it is a fun few hours to spend.
Plus, it will give me the chance to catch up with or meet some of you. It’s free
to listen and there is a chat room to come and hang out in, you’ll almost always
find members of various bands hanging out during the show. The Audio Nut (radio
show) goes live every Monday night. At this point I don’t plan on offering a
podcast version, due to agreements with some of the record labels, bands and
artists who I play on the show, but that could change sometime in the future.
J Sohn: First, I'd like to say thanks Jonathan for
doing another interview. You are actually the first artist who I've had the
chance to do a follow up with.
JC: You're so welcome! Great to be back!
J Sohn: A lot has been going on with you since
last we spoke. You've got a new album out, been on a TV show and played plenty
of live shows. If you had to pick one thing out of the last year, what would you
say was the most incredible or unbelievable thing you've gotten to do?
JC: I got to go to London to work with Chris Braide. We wrote together for 2
weeks. I learned so much, and that guy is severely talented! I was by myself,
and it's a strange feeling to be out of the country alone, but it was an amazing
experience.
J Sohn: What was it like hearing your music on
an MTV show (The Real World)? It must be pretty crazy knowing it's going to
happen and then you finally hear your song. Can you explain maybe some of the
feelings you had when that happened?
JC: It was so surreal! I wrote that song in my bedroom, and it was crazy to
hear in on national TV!
J Sohn: Did you get a fat check from MTV for
playing your music?
JC: LOL. BMI is two quarters behind on payments, so I guess we'll just have
to see :-)
J Sohn: What else have you been up to. I see
that the new CD is out. Are there still autographed copies available, or did the
sell out already?
JC: Autographed copies are sold, but Ill definitely be doing some promotions
again in the future. The release of my new album has kept me pretty busy lately,
but I’m in the process of booking some shows, and recording a few singles.
J Sohn: Did you do anything different this time
around when it came to recording?
JC: We recorded the band all at once, like a live recording. It was really
cool to capture that kind of energy. I learned a lot this second time around,
and I’m looking forward to getting back in the studio again.
J Sohn: What else do you have in store for the
rest of 2007, maybe another tour, a video?
JC: I’m going to release some new material, and play in and around Texas as
much as possible for the rest of the year. I’ll also be playing a few college
shows in the Northeast and West coast, but my next tour probably won't
materialize until early '08.
J Sohn: Is there anything else you'd like to
tell our readers and your fans?
JC: New material is coming really soon, so please check
http://www.jonathanclay.com
when you can. Sign up for the mailing list so I can let you know what's going
on, and a HUGE thank you for all the support.
J Sohn: Thank you very much for your time
Jonathan.
I guess this is either Nikki Sixx’s (Motley Crue)
attempt to reinvent himself, promote his book (The
Heroin Diaries) or to try and make a few extra
bucks. Either way, the story behind the CD is pretty
sad, but something that seems commonplace in a “rock
stars” life. Drug abuse and the toll it takes.
I didn’t know what really to expect before
hearing this release, but what I suspected was true.
Nothing truly original here, mainly borrowed styles
of more popular rock music over the last 20 years.
In fact I can’t even recall a single song that
stands out, other than Sixx’s narrations.
This effort reminds me of Savatage, Dream Theatre
and 30 Seconds to Mars… that’s a weird combination
if you ask me.
I’ll admit I was a fan of Sixx and his original
band growing up and still enjoy hearing some “old”
Crue every so often, but I doubt “The Heroin
Diaries” will get many plays in my stereo. If you
still love the Crue, this disc is probably for you.
I have finally gotten a chance to review the
almighty Turbonegro in The Audio Nut. If you aren’t
familiar with this band let me tell you. They are
almost legends in the underground music scene, hell
they might be legends by this point.
This disc is full of upbeat tracks, tongue in
cheek lyrics and crotchrock swagger. While it’s not
a great release it is a pretty good CD to tap your
foot or bob your head while listening.
Tracks that sound out most to me at the moment
are, “No, I’m Alpha Male”, “You Must Bleed/All Night
Long”, and “Boys From Nowhere”. I say check it out.
I don't take the review process lightly - telling
a band what you think they wanna hear ain't gonna
help any potential buyers of the cd. That being
said....CAN I GIVE 'HARD' MORE THAN 5 STARS????
A+++, 5 star, 2 thumbs up. Whatever you wanna rate
it - it gets the highest possible score from yours
truly. The beer drinkers and hellraisers from
Columbus, OH had the unenviable task of trying to
top their "no BS, beer-soaked, rock-n-roll classic"
back catalog and with 'Hard' they did just that.
Nearly ten years into their journey, Michael
"Master" Hannon, Steve Theado, and Keith Pickens (in
his swan song) have released a disc that will stand
the test of time. IT'S THAT GOOD KIDS! The
production quality is top notch - if you're an
audiophile you'll be in for a treat. If you like in
your face Lemmy-esque bass then you're gonna dig
this. Hard hitting and intricate drum work? You'll
find it here. And if you want to hear one of the
greatest undiscovered guitarists around, then this
disc is for you. The title is an apt one - this is
certainly the hardest and heaviest American Dog disc
to date. But don't be fooled, the inclusion of
acoustic guitar (that’s right, I said it, acoustic!)
and some subtle piano and keyboard work on a couple
tracks shows the continued growth of the band.
Tracks such as “Sometimes You Eat The Pussy” and
“Rock N Roll Dog” show that while the band has
matured, they proudly haven't grown up.
“Hypnotized” is a HUGE track that showcases Theado's
guitar prowess as well as the production skills of
their long-time associate Joe Viers (John Schwab
Studios). “Beatin, Broken, Etc” is similar in feel
to AC/DC's “Rock N Roll Ain't Noise Pollution” and
“Magnificant Bastard” can simply be described as an
instant classic. Throw in the fact that in this day
and age of paying more to get less...the band has
offered up a limited deluxe edition of the disc that
comes with a sticker and an iron on patch all at no
extra cost. The extras are a nice touch - but
believe me, the music is more than enough. Long time
die-hard fan or first time listener, I've only got
one more thing to say....GO BUY THIS CD NOW!!
Check out some previous coverage of American Dog
by FatCat Radio’s DJ Jen
Good tunes to drink and drive to! Can't help but
hear echoes of early ZZ and a hint of the Elevators
in Honky; which should be no sh*t for a Texas bar
band. They're music makes me wanna go eat a bunch of
wipe your ass with a snow cone no bean chili, wash
it down with some ice cold beer, and crash a crapped
out '84 Shelby Charger through the pane glass
windowed front of the town Presbyterian church while
listening to Buddy Holly on the Jensen in dash.
This will be the section to find bands who would have previously been in The
Underground Spotlight. This section is reserved for bands with no record deals
or who are on little “indie” labels, and who might not have a bigger recognition
nationally.
Imagine if punk rock was actually started in the late 50’s-early
60’s. Remember before distortion was “invented” and rock n roll was in
its infancy? Well, I don’t remember, I wasn’t born yet. But history has
taught those of us born after the pioneering of rock n roll that this
music was spawned by the devil to cause teenage rebellion. I still laugh
at that statement, but I digress.
Getting back on topic here. Clean Teens, oh yes, Clean Teens my
friends. A fantastic band hailing from New York who are fusing some
staple forms of music in American history and creating a great buzz.
“Party Album of the Year!”, is just that… THE party album of the year.
Highly energetic, loose punked out dance tunes to make even your parents
cut a rug. “Knockout”, “Big Bear”, “Bright Lights, Big City” are all
great songs to get your butt movin. Now, I’m not talking about dancing
like one of those hip hop video girls, I’m speaking of just letting go
and having a great time. You can tell the band really enjoys their music
as it jumps out of the speakers and into your head. You’ll find yourself
singing Clean Teens songs while doing various chores, school work or
just hanging out with friends. Very addictive and surely worth checking
out.
Midwestern brothers, Chris and Jeremy Gunter surely have the right
name for this disc.
Encarta ® World English Dictionary lists the word as meaning:
noc·turne [nók tùrn]
(plural noc·turnes)
n
1. music dreamy music: a musical composition, especially for the
piano, that suggests a tranquil, dreamy mood.
It evolved during the early 19th century, and Chopin was the most
famous composer of nocturnes.
Let me tell you. I tried to listen to this disc while on an hour and
a half drive and I caught myself phasing out from time to time. This is
an excellent stress relieving disc. I’m almost certain that’s not what
the Gunter brothers are going for, but hey, if I can sell it to you as
such I’ll give it a whirl.
I really like the compositions that are laid out here and I am highly
impressed that it is done by just two people who are actually from the
same town I live in, and until a few weeks ago have never heard of.
Could these guys be one of the best kept secrets in Missouri? There’s
only one way to find out and that’s by getting to their myspace page to
check out the music, or better yet get in touch with them and see if you
can purchase it.
Check out the songs “Whore”, “Wish”, and “Blacklight Rain” (which
just happened to premiere on my weekly radio show this week). I think if
you are into bands and artists who try to expand on their ideas and
enhance their music then you will appreciate these guys. If I made it
out to be mellow, mood music, then I’m sorry, that’s not really the
case. They have a wicked version of a Slipknot song as an extra track at
the end of the CD. You’ll have to turn it up a bit, but that’s ok right?
Just kidding about the Slipknot deal. I couldn’t lie to you about that,
but I do urge you to check out them out.
Keep an eye out for a new CD by Shadow Thieves to be coming out
sometime real soon.
It is safe to say that, by now, it is almost an expectation for St.
Louis maestros The Otto Modest (who named themselves after some old dead
guy) to release brilliant records. What did surprise me, however, is the
degree to which their latest offering entirely exceeded all my
expectations. "BadBad" follows a short period of dormancy from the group
- at least, I don't recall seeing them on local concert listings as much
as I did in the past (though, they're picking it up now). What strikes
me most about the new record is how T.O.M. is able to continually evolve
and remain so utterly interesting and dynamic over the years. "BadBad"
is a wholly logical progression of the band's previous work. The result
is nothing short of gargantuan and immeasurably majestic in nature.
Civilian begins the album on a stellar note; mournful tones are
delicately played over the simple guitar lushness for which the band has
become so well known. Carefully placed moments of silence meander
effortlessly between the melodic smears of reverb-drenched strings. A
Quiet Moment proves to be the album’s standout piece, boasting thick
reverberating cascades reminiscent of U2. As far as I’m concerned, they
have effectively reinvented the genre. Lovely whisps of guitar penetrate
a hazy ambient mass in the aptly titled Dancing Bear. Nothing is rushed,
and sometimes the evolution of structure and sound are so subtle, they
are almost indecipherable. But for the active listener, the rewards are
infinitely grand.
"BadBad" is truly a massive work. It is intoxicating and orchestral,
heartbreaking and effectual. It has been once said that ambient music
allows one to learn more about oneself. Such words have not rung truer
that with this record. Anything else released this year on a local level
might not even come close to matching its brilliance. The declaration by
California-based music magazine, Music Connection, the album is “highly
recommended for fans of cutting-edge rock.” The declaration quite
appropriately hits the nail right on the head.
New section where I let you know what I am really
into at the moment.
The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me by Brand New
Party Album of the Year! by the Clean Teens
Pure Mo Rock N Roll by The Dirty 30’s
Hairway To Steven by Butthole Surfers
Nocturne by Shadow Thieves
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.
Shadow
Thieves
The
Otto Modest