Thoughts on Bonnaroo 2012 Lineup

This year’s lineup for the annual Bonnaroo festival was recently announced, and I figured I would offer my thoughts on the subject:

I have never been to Bonnaroo, nor have I been on a road trip of any kind.  However, after seeing this lineup, I might have two first’s come June 7th-10th.  While I do not know a good portion of the artists listed, most of the ones I do know, I really like.

Red Hot Chili Peppers are listed as one of the headliners.  They are also hitting the TD Garden in May.  It may be cooler to see them at Bonnaroo, though, especially when a bunch of other artists I like will also be playing.

Of the artists I know, the ones I am particularly excited for include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Childish Gambino, Ludacris, Foster the People, Young the Giant, Delta Spirit, and Kvelertak.

With the exceptions of Young the Giant and Delta Spirit, I have never witnessed any of the above acts in a live setting.  I saw Young the Giant open for Incubus this past September.  They were great live and I have since purchased their album and grown a stronger bond with their music.  As for Delta Spirit, I experienced their live show at a Dr. Dog show a couple years back.  I didn’t know how I felt about them at first, because I was still strictly into mostly metal at that time.  I have more recently diversified my music taste much more extensively.  For that reason, I believe I would be able to appreciate Delta Spirit more so than when I saw them with Dr. Dog, despite the fact that I did enjoy their music.

Red Hot Chili Peppers are classic and pretty self-explanatory.

Last fall, one of my good buddies introduced me to Childish Gambino.  This guy is extremely talented with everything he does.  Comedy fans might know him as Donald Glover and/or recognize him from the TV show, Community, or the “Bro Rape” satirical video on YouTube.  This dude is incredible with anything he touches, especially his music under the moniker of Childish Gambino.  I NEED to see him live.  I missed his headlining show at the House of Blues in November, so this needs to be fixed.

I woke up yesterday morning before I even knew about the lineup, singing Ludacris songs for some reason.  I thought to myself, “What ever happened to Ludacris?”  Soon afterwards, I learned that he would be at Bonnaroo this year.  He should hopefully be a good live act.

I have Foster The People’s album, Torches, and love it, so I am excited to potentially seeing them live.

Kvelertak is a Norwegian metal band with the catchiest riffs.  I know about them via my former position as metal director at WBIM.  I received their record as promo last year and really enjoyed it.

One more act I didn’t mention is Yelawolf.  One of my best friends really likes Yelawolf.  He says that the rapper is ‘so bad that he’s good.’  Hmm… We’ll see.

 

Overall, I think this is a fantastic lineup and I truly hope I can find a way to get there this year.  Money might be an issue..

 

Thanks for reading!

Here is the lineup:

http://lineup.bonnaroo.com/

 

Artist Spotlight: Under the Flood

Under the Flood is a hard rock band that I have been following for a few years now.  They have put out three full-length albums, one of which is strictly in digital format.  This digital release is actually their most recent effort, titled A Different Light.  A Different Light was released online just a couple of weeks ago.

I currently own their debut album, The Witness, on CD.  I will definitely invest in their second and third records as soon as I  am able to scrounge up the small amount of money required.  However, the point of this post is not necessarily to write a review, but to honor the band for their talent, promise, and exceptional studio efforts.

Under the Flood’s lead singer, Dave Nadolski, may look like Chris Daughtry, but their voices are very different.  I personally love Daughtry’s voice.  At the same time, though, Nadolski has some pipes with a very unique timbre and strong vocal range.  When these guys finally achieve some exposure, it will be easy to differentiate Under the Flood from the rest of the mainstream rock landscape.

This band’s music is very powerful, both lyrically and acoustically.  It would definitely fall into the category of hard rock, but these guys are something else.  This band brings something very refreshing to the increasingly monotonous sub-genre of hard rock.

 

Formulate your own opinion:

Album Review: Ellie Goulding – “Lights”

I have known about Ellie for a couple months now and avidly listened to Bassnectar’s remix of her single, “Lights,” off of her release of the same title.  However, just last week, I finally invested in Miss Goulding’s full CD.  I haven’t looked back since.  This record is amazing from top to bottom.  I understand this review may seem slightly abnormal compared to my other articles.  It may be hard to believe, but I have a pretty diverse taste of music, despite the heavy focus in hard rock and heavy metal.

Anyway, I dig the single version of “Lights,” but Bassnectar’s remix puts up a tough competition.  One song on this album for which no remix can do justice is that of “Starry Eyed,” the third track off the album.  It is simply an amazing song: Ellie’s voice, the beat, the melody, everything.  Another top track for me is “Under the Sheets.”  Although, this album is tight straight through.  I truly recommend this to anyone and everyone.  Ellie Goulding gives something for any type of listener with any type of music taste out there with 2011′s Lights.

This record is proof that there is still talent out there in the music industry.

Simply amazing.

 

To all of the Ellie Goulding lovers out there:

Review: Machine Head at the Worcester Palladium 2/4/12

I will begin by saying that there was surprisingly not a long line waiting for doors to open, on this first Saturday night of February in the year of our Lord, two-thousand-and-twelve.  Whether it was because of the cold weather or because a lot of Machine Head fans wanted to dodge the opening bands and the younger, poseur “metal-heads” they attracted, I have no clue.  I just know the line was not very long.  Although, of course the venue filled up as the show went on.

Darkest Hour took the stage at right about 7 PM.  They rocked the place.  They were heavy and sounded great.  John Henry, their front man, looked extremely awkward on stage.  He sounded good, but simply the way he walked around on stage was awkward.  He does not have the best stage presence, which brings me to my spiel about Suicide Silence…

Suicide Silence came on at 9-ish.  I really do not like anything about them, especially their noisy music.  That means something when I call it noisy, seeing how I love a lot of heavy stuff.  Anyway, they sounded absolutely TERRIBLE.  This was a good time to use the bathroom, and I did.  I regret washing my hands, because they felt dirtier afterwards.  I should have known better.

Anyway, I wholeheartedly respect their lead vocalist, Mitch Lucker, solely for his good stage presence.  He interacted phenomenally with the audience.  If it weren’t for him, their performance would be absolutely horrendous, considering that the rest of the band was simply playing their awful music.  Mitch was definitely a good performer, though, bringing his fans into the performance by talking to them and encouraging crowd participation.  He divided the crowd on the floor for a competition to see which side was louder, which was interesting.  He kept trashing on the left side for being really weak-sounding.  The right side was much crazier.  Lastly, the Suicide Silence drummer tossed his drumstick in my direction, and I probably could have grabbed it, but did not really care about it at all.  Okay, enough of this terrible excuse for a metal band and on to MACHINE FUCKING HEAD!!

After waiting for about half an hour after Suicide Silence finished, the lights went off and “Diary of a Madman” finished on the loud speakers to make way for Machine Head’s intro music.  At roughly 9:15 PM, MH took the stage and rocked the place for just shy of a solid two hours.  Some highlights of their performance included Robb Flynn’s speech before “The Darkness Within,” the images on the screen during “Who We Are,” and the entirety of the song “Halo,” along with the rest of their set.  He spoke some very wise, heartfelt words before leading into “The Darkness Within,” off of their latest release, Unto The Locust.  He talked about how music helped them and all of us get through our darkest times and feelings, especially in terms of heavy metal.  It was really touching, as were the slideshow images on the big screen during “Who We Are.”  This was just a very well thought out performance.  “Halo” was amazing, too.  Everyone went crazy during that particular song, or at least crazier than they already had been.

Overall, it was a great show.  This is definitely a tour to check out, even if die-hard Machine Head fans need to show up later in order to avoid Suicide Silence.  This is, in fact, MH’s first headlining tour in over four years.  The headliners played to their full potential, and I doubt anyone left the Palladium with any regrets.

“So Far, So Good, So What!”

Hey, so, I guess I will post here and not just on http://rathbonemusic.tumblr.com/.  As I said in my most recent post on here, go “follow” that if you have tumblr!  It’s a new music blog I am running with a couple buddies.

Anyway, I came here to talk about concerts.  This year is actually shaping up pretty well in terms of concerts, for both tours and destination festivals.  My own itinerary for the year is living proof:

Saturday, February 4th – Machine Head with Suicide Silence and Darkest Hour at the Palladium

Friday, February 17th – In Flames with Trivium, Veil of Maya, and Kyng at the Palladium

Monday, March 26th (MY BIRTHDAY!) – Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band at TD Garden

Friday, August 3rd – Mayhem Fest at Comcast Center  (tickets go on sale on April 6th)

It’s looking good so far.  I think I read about a rumor for a U.S. run by Iron Maiden at some point this year or perhaps in 2013.  That would be awesome.  I saw them back in 2008 on their “Somewhere Back In Time” tour at the Comcast Center. Despite standing in the pouring rain, that was an absolutely killer show!  They were awesome and I would love another chance to experience them in a live setting before they retire (which might be very soon…)!

With that said, I am still anxiously awaiting the reunited Black Sabbath to release some U.S. dates.  Although, I understand that Tony’s health is a crucial factor in how the band will operate.  I sincerely hope he gets better, both because I want to see the original Sabbath lineup at least once and because cancer is an evil thing from which no one in the world deserves to suffer.

For those who still have not heard, Tony Iommi was diagnosed with lymphoma a month or so ago.  So, best wishes to Mr. Iommi coming from myself and many others.  You, sir, are a very noble and strong man.  After all, you were the one who created the heavy metal sound and paved the way for an entire sub-culture to arise.  Fight this demon. You’ve got this!

In other news, the 2012 lineup for the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival was announced last week.  I posted about it on Rathbone, but I will briefly discuss it here.  I am very excited for this year’s Mayhem Fest, which will see Slipknot and Slayer co-headlining with a special guest to be announced on March 5th (presumably, Motorhead), and a rotation among As I Lay Dying, The Devil Wears Prada, and Asking Alexandria rounding out the main stage.  Anthrax will headline the Jagermeister side stage with support from the aforementioned rotating bands, Whitechapel, High on Fire, and a local opener for each date.

I will spare you my thoughts and opinions on the lineup, but if you’re interested, check them out:  http://rathbonemusic.tumblr.com/post/16468850876/mayhem-festival-2012-lineup

————————————————————————————————————-

So, I have written A LOT in this post, so I will cut myself off here.  Here are some links to check out:

Check out the news section and tour dates:
http://brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html

Mayhem Fest 2012 lineup official announcement:
http://rockstarmayhemfest.com/blog/id/1845225

A shout-out to my buddy B-Rad’s blog, check it out!!
http://musicallydiversified.wordpress.com/

Rathbone Music blog

Hey there,

So, I started working on a new music blog on tumblr with a couple friends.  Everyone who reads this and has a tumblr should click this link and ‘follow’ Rathbone Music!!:  http://rathbonemusic.tumblr.com/

I will probably be using that more regularly from now on, so if you want to read more articles by MusicTalker (a.k.a. Radio’s Tim Shaw), go and follow Rathbone on tumblr!!  I posted my first article a couple hours ago about this year’s Mayhem Fest lineup.  Check it out: http://rathbonemusic.tumblr.com/post/16468850876/mayhem-festival-2012-lineup

I hope to see people start following Rathbone!

 

Thanks,

MusicTalker

GET PUMPED!!

Musictalker here.  It’s going to be an exciting few weeks, at least for me.  My Lamb of God pre-order for their new album, Resolution, will be arriving in my hands at some point next week!  You can probably expect a review on that soon enough.

I will also be seeing Machine Head at the Worcester Palladium on Saturday, February 4th, with support from Suicide Silence and Darkest Hour.  A couple weeks later, I will experience In Flames and Trivium co-headlining the Palladium, on Friday, February 17th.  I will definitely try to get some timely show reviews on here for both of those concerts.

In other news, the Boss released a new song, which is very different for him, but pretty damn good.  I definitely want to see Bruce for the fourth time, so I hope he announces U.S. dates SOON!

Speaking of U.S. tours, Red Hot Chili Peppers just added one New England date to their upcoming U.S. tour at the TD Garden in Boston on May 7th!  Apparently, tickets are $62 or so.  If that’s the case, that isn’t too bad, especially considering how big the Chili Peppers are, as well as the show being at the Garden.

 

I think that’s all for now.  I will check back in very soon! Stay tuned, everyone!

Back Just In Time!

Hello there,

MusicTalker here!  I haven’t posted here in several months, but now that my mind is free from the restraints called schoolwork, I am able to update my music-related thoughts once again!  AND, I’m back in time to post a “Top Albums of 2011″ list and have it be relevant!

This year’s list is MUCH more diverse than my past one(s).  However, it still relies heavily on my niche of heavy metal.

Check it out:

 

METAL:

1. The Devil Wears Prada – Dead Throne
2. Darkest Hour – The Human Romance
3. Machine Head – Unto the Locust

 

HIP-HOP/RAP:

1. Childish Gambino – CAMP
2. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne
3. Drake – Take Care

 

ALTERNATIVE:

1. Foster the People – Torches
2. Cage the Elephant – Thank You Happy Birthday
3. Incubus – If Not Now, When?

 

TOP TEN OF 2011:

1. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne
2. Foster the People – Torches
3. August Burns Red – Leveler
4. Warbringer – Worlds Torn Asunder
5. Childish Gambino – CAMP
6. Machine Head – Unto the Locust
7. Trivium – In Waves
8. Lazarus A.D. – Black Rivers Flow
9. The Black Dahlia Murder – Ritual
10. Cage the Elephant – Thank You Happy Birthday

Pretty solid? I personally think so.  This was a great year for albums, not the best for tours.  Next year looks amazing for both so far, though!  I mean, Black Sabbath reunion tour and album!!  Nothing tops that!

 

That’s all for now, but I plan to post here much more often now that I am done with school (forever!).  I also am planning to  start a website with a few friends devoted to all types of music – more on that in the coming weeks or so.

I hope everyone had a great year and Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it! Happy Holidays to everyone else!

 

- MusicTalker

MusicTalker updates

Hey there,

It has been quite a while since my last post on here.  With that in mind, I figured I would give whoever ever reads this an update on what’s going on with MusicTalker.

Since last fall, I have been handling my own metal radio show on Bridgewater State University’s student-run radio station, 91.5 WBIM, in Bridgewater, MA.  I am also the  metal director for the station, a position that entails me promoting new hard rock/metal music, reporting to CMJ (College Music Journal (kind of like the college radio equivalent to Billboard)), and some other duties.  As some perks for the job, I am able to go to concerts for free and conduct band interviews for my show, Severe Auditory Trauma.

With that said, here are some links you all should check out:

http://www.youtube.com/user/severeauditorytrauma (my show’s YouTube channel – subscribe to that shit)

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=161155 (Blabbermouth article for my interview with Megadeth’s David Ellefson – follow the links to Severe’s YouTube channel and check out the rest of my interviews!!)

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=161062  (Devin Townsend interview)

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=158269  (Steve Zetro Souza interview, audio clips – go check it out at Severe’s YouTube channel, too!!)

 

Also, a shout goes out to the authors of the following two articles for the name drop:

http://www.rockaaa.com/news/new-megadeth-album-a-modern-classic-7309

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/megadeth_th1rt3en_is_a_modern_classic.html

 

 

So, yeah, check those out and keep your eyes peeled, because I will try to post a little more often than I have been.  I know, I know.  I’ve said that before, but this time I mean it!

Lastly, please go to my show’s YouTube channel, show some love, subscribe, spread some links, etc.!  And, if you want to be super awesome, go “like” my show’s page on Facebook!  (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Severe-Auditory-Trauma)

 

Thanks!!

- MusicTalker

Top Albums of 2010

The year 2010 definitely delivered in the music aspect of society, especially in terms of rock and metal.  As anyone who has read my other articles knows, I focus mainly on hard rock and metal news and information.  However, I have to note that I thoroughly enjoyed Eminem’s 2010 release, Recovery.  It was a great return for the rap artist, especially after his disappointing Relapse of 2009.  So, Eminem gets my vote for best album of 2010 in terms of mainstream pop/hip-hop/rap music.  With that said, let’s get to the goods…

Musictalker’s Top 10 Rock/Metal Releases of 2010:

10. Holy Grail – Crisis in Utopia  (Phenomenal new band. For fans of Black Tide, these guys sound like a thrashier version of Black Tide when they were still good and promising for a return of old school metal. Holy Grail actually has a future. Hopefully, they won’t pull a Black Tide and kill that potential!)

9. Deftones – Diamond Eyes  (I don’t usually listen to Deftones normally, but this was hard not to give a good listen. great album)

8. The Devil Wears Prada – Zombie EP  (I sort of gave these guys a listen with their earlier stuff and wasn’t really a fan, but this release is much heavier and has the potential to appeal to a larger audience)

7. The Acacia Strain – Wormwood  (Another band I never really bothered listening to, but this is a killer album.  It still wrecks your ears and makes that brutal statement The Acacia Strain never fails to force upon their listeners, but also forges a sound that other types of metal listeners can relate to.)

6. The Damned Things – Ironiclast  (This is more bluesy hard rock, but so catchy and so good.  It is a very weird collaboration of musicians, though.  The Damned Things consists of members of pop-punkers Fall Out Boy, hardcore band Everytime I Die, and Big Four thrash metallers Anthrax.  Very, very weird combination, but the musical product is really good!)

5. Avenged Sevenfold – Nightmare  (This is bound to appear on many ‘best of 2010′ lists.  Despite the loss of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan, A7X delivers a solid release, utilizing Dream Theater’s [now former] drummer, Mike Portnoy.  I only listen to a few A7X songs here and there, but this album was good overall.)

4. Death Angel – Relentless Retribution  (Thrasherpiece!  These guys killed it with this record.  They showed their power and expertise and why they are still playing strong after 20+ years of thrashing hard.  I actually interviewed lead guitarist Rob Cavestany for my radio show.  These guys are simply awesome and I really want to see them live!)

3. Exodus – Exhibit B: The Human Condition  (Another absolute killer thrasherpiece!  While I am not really a fan of their current vocalist, Rob Dukes, Exodus showed why they, too, still belong on that stage, playing heavy ass thrash metal.  Dukes actually gets the job done with this one.  Great thrash metal record.  Exhibit B and Relentless Retribution are neck-and-neck for best thrash metal record of 2010 in my book, with Overkill’s Ironbound close behind!)

2. Black Label Society – Order of the Black  (Oh. My. God.  This album is just too good.  I think it tops 2005′s Mafia.  I think Zakk realized how much of a failure Shot to Hell was and stepped it up BIG TIME!  I think Zakk getting sober may have worked out with his music after all. Good job, brother!)

1. As I Lay Dying – The Powerless Rise  (Awesome metalcore, dare I say, masterpiece.  These guys have found their own sound and direction.  AILD managed to bring back their brutality from their earlier years, maintain their melodic components from their more recent albums, and just step up everything, creating an altogether awesome effort.  I interviewed lead guitarist Nick Hipa for my radio show and he was wicked cool.  He was a great subject for an interview and proved how down-to-earth these dudes really are.  That fact enhances the power of their music.  Anyways, this was definitely #1 of 2010 for me.)

There you have it, folks.  Musictalker’s Top 10 Hard Rock/Metal Albums of 2010.  That’s all for now! Stay tuned to my blog, stay metal, and keep loving music, everybody!