Musicgoat.com » Hard Rock

Modena Release Second Time Around Video

Kate — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:31:34 +0000

As four guys dressed in various levels of rocker attire, from the most basic jeans and T’s to the full-on lead guitarist rockstar wardrobe, walk into the studio they exchange the same familiar barbs and ribbing that they have for the last 5 years.
The jokes about each other’s style, equipment preferences, and state of facial hair upkeep are old. What is new is the status of signed band they acquired last year when signing with independent label Filament Records; their first professional music video for Second Time Around; and the songs they are currently to laying down with producer Jamie King.There is a nervous excitement about this event, the untested songs, and the band’s first experience with King, after dropping the 2010 Second Time Around demo produced by the revered Jim Wirt (Incubus, Hoobastank, Jack’s Mannequin, Live).
The band said the decision to go with King had a lot to do with the quality of music he is becoming known for regionally, the work he has done with their label mates Irvine, and with the ability to work around schedules by going with a local producer to complete the album.

“Our label (Filament Records) always supports us in our artistic decisions and never tries to interfere with our music, but Tony (Andrews, Filament CEO) strongly encouraged us to take a long look at Jamie King. We heard some of the music he was putting out and felt like he could add some diversity to the album while maintaining the high quality that we required to go along side the work Jim had done with us.”

“Jim is like a coach, a member of the band almost when you work with him. He pushes you hard toward being the best musician you can be, and getting the best take possible. He doesn’t like to splice together two half-decent takes to make it sound synthetically correct. He prefers that everyone play their parts how they are meant to be played, rather than use a computer to make you sound ‘good.’

Jamie has a different style than Jim which we respect as well. We knew going in that we had to push ourselves and he would give us back as much as we gave. All in all, it drew us closer as a band, having both experiences. It also gave us two different sounds, which we feel like our fans will really appreciate when they buy the CD. This album will have the kind of diversity that we want to hear on a CD we purchase.”A release date has not yet been set, but the label is more “Thrilled” than Michael Jackson with the preliminary rough mixes they are hearing coming out of the studio so far. Filament owner Tony Andrews continues to rave about the edge that King leaves on the songs and the pure rock sound that brings out.
Second Time Around
The Second Time Around video portrays Modena’s vision of the title track. Complete with smashed glass, beer bottles, and the tell tale text message on the iPhone left behind, it’s a story of breaking up in the new millennium.
Currently available on youtube it will soon be added to rotation on over 22 MusicDish TV stations and web programing.

For current show schedule ‘like’ the band on facebook: www.facebook.com/modenamusic

Elton John To Sing With Alice In Chains

Corey Koehler — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:16:42 +0000

Yep, you read that right. Sir Elton John is going to be doing a tune with Alice In Chains on their upcoming album “Black Gives Way To Blue”. For the record I usually don’t do a ton of press release stuff but this is above and beyond Musicgoat worthy. I mean think about it, Elton John and Alice In Chains? I couldn’t have made it up if I tried. Can’t wait to check it out.

Anyway, here is the rest of the press release with some statements from the Jerry Cantrell. Read it and let us know what you think in the comments below…

Los Angeles, CA (August 11, 2009) – Among the many highlights on Black Gives Way To Blue, the highly anticipated new album from ALICE IN CHAINS, is a special guest performance by Elton John. The two rock legends collaborated on the album’s stunning title track, “Black Gives Way To Blue,” a heart-stirring tribute to Alice In Chains’ late lead singer Layne Staley. The album arrives in stores September 29.

“We were thinking about adding piano to the track and a friend suggested we call Elton,” recalls guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell. “I remember laughing and saying, ‘Yeah, I’ll get right on that.’ But I decided it was worth trying and wrote Elton an email explaining what that song means to us — that it’s a real, raw openhearted song for Layne. We sent him the track and got a call shortly after saying he thought it was beautiful and that he wanted to play on it. We were blown away. Elton John is a huge influence on me as a songwriter and having him on that song is an amazing honor for us.”

“I’ve long been an admirer of Jerry Cantrell and when he asked me to play on ‘Black Gives Way To Blue,’ I was very flattered and couldn’t resist,” says John. “It was a great recording session with Alice In Chains for a beautiful song. ”

About the collaboration, Cantrell says, “Elton was finishing his Red Piano run in Vegas, so we flew there and hung out for a few hours. Walking into a studio and seeing the sheet music for that song on Elton’s piano made it meaningful on so many different levels. The whole experience was pretty magical.”

BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE is Alice In Chains’ first new studio release in more than 10 years. The quartet (guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney, bassist Mike Inez and guitarist/vocalist William DuVall) recorded the album with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Foo Fighters) at Studio 606 in Northridge, CA and Henson Studios in Hollywood.

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Music Review: Metal ala Deflagration and Acoustic Rock ala Rob Anthony

Corey Koehler — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:20:59 +0000

Well I have a few gems for you this week. I have a new metal band that I have been listening to for the past month (and should’ve told you about long before today). And an artist who was on a previous podast that has released a masterpiece of intimate and inspiring acoustic rock. Here ya go.

Deflagration “A Call To Arms” (Metal)

This stuff is damn heavy and breaks some new ground ta boot (I can’t quite pinpoint it but you’ll see what I mean). I’ve been listening before and during my workouts for over a month now and this stuff gets me really – and I mean REALLY – jacked up (which reminds me, try not to listen around your buddies that drink whiskey, unless you are looking to break up a fight).

Anyway, they kind of remind me of the band Pro-Pain (I think its the singing). Oh and don’t just take my word for it. I’ve shared their stuff with some of my live and bleed metal buddies and here are their comments;

Mark on Facebook – “Dude! I checked out Deflagration and it was awesome! Thanks!”

Bob on Facebook – “I like them. They sound different. I like the sound though. I might have to get the CD.”

My favorite tunes are “Split Wide” and “Color and Ash”. Bottom line, if you are a metal fan, you are gonna like these guys. These tunes will fit nicely in a playlist along side Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Metallica, Slipknot and many of the newer bands of that ilk. Check them out on MySpace or CDBaby.

Rob Anthony – “While the World Sleeps” (Acoustic Rock/Americana)

Speaking of metal, Rob Anthony is an ex-thrasher who has learned how to turn it up by turning it down. He has crafted a great acoustic album.

Even though I know it’s borderline heresy in the indie world, I’ve been listening a decent amount of top 40 rock, country and adult contemporary lately as part of my songwriting self-education. The stuff on this release could EASILY go toe to toe with almost anything on the pop charts. The top-notch songwriting is both timely and timeless.

His performance is very personal and very intimate. He will tap your psychy and bleed the emotion out of you on nearly every tune. There is really no way to pick a few favorites because I love pretty much every tune on the disc. And for all of you cover tune nuts, you will want to check out his take on the DePeche Mode tune “Personal Jesus”.

Bottom line, if you haven’t heard him, you are missing out. Check him out on the official Rob Anthony Site or on CDBaby. Then tell everyone you know because he deserve to be heard. Oh and be on the lookout for an interview with Rob in the near future. We’ve been in contact and are trying to find some time in our schedules.

New Cover Song: Seether Does Wham’s “Careless Whisper”…WTF?

Corey Koehler — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:10:41 +0000

Yep you read that right, the hard rock band Seether has covered the Wham! tune “Careless Whisper” (you can hear it on Seethers homepage and you can check out Wham! here).

I heard it on Sirius Octane this morning and I – like the DJ who introduced the song – have been struggling with it since (just a little bit). On one hand, from a creative freedom standpoint, it is cool that Seether has the balls to cover a tune by a band that – to put it mildly – doesn’t quite fit the their image.

On the other hand, from a shoot-yourself-in-the-foot standpoint, you have to wonder what their fans think about it. I can’t imagine that the typical hard rock fan is pumped to sing along with “I’m never gonna dance again…”. And speaking from a long history as a metalhead, this sort of thing would be punishable by death back in the day (lol).

Now I don’t mind Seether and the 80′s teenager that still hangs out inside of me has a soft spot for “Careless Whisper”. But, I am just not so sure they belong together. What do you think?

Music Review: Stoner Metal Grunge, Some Outlaw Country and the Record Label that Pimps Them

Corey Koehler — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:28:26 +0000

I normally don’t review multiple bands from the same record label but when I stopped by the Small Stone Recordings website, I was side tracked for a few hours and ended up burning up about thirty bucks on downloads, so I figured why the hell not. Here’s a word or two about a label and a few of the bands that you should check out.

The Label

Based out of Detroit, Small Stone – for the most part – represent bands that are of the stoner rock ilk, but, they aren’t afraid to mix it up – one of my favorite finds, happens to be country.

They have stood the test of time and have been putting out their brand of music since 1995. In an April 2008 article on Metromix, the founder Scott Hamilton explained that he wanted to model the label after Sub Pop. He also defined stoner rock as being “just a really amped up version of classic rock” with “a bunch of fat guys with beards in the crowd.” You gotta love the honesty.

The Bands

Here are some of the bands that caught my attention. And, to give you sort of a jumping off point, I’ve listed a tune or two from each (which by the way have made it into heavy rotation on my iPod).

Oh and just so you know, you can buy the cd’s on Small Stones site and if you are the mp3 type, everyone of these artists – and the tunes listed – are available for immediate download on emusic (which means you can get them for free if you don’t have an emusic account).

Anyway, check these bands out;

Roadsaw - If you are fan of early Soundgarden circa “Louder Than Love” – or just grunge in general – you need to check these guys out. I love vocals and the smooth grind that is present throughout.

I think your best bet to get a feel for what these guys can do is to get started with “Up To You” and “It’s Your Move”.

Whitey Morgan and the 78′s – WARNING: When combined with good weather, good booze and good friends, the music of Whitey Ford could leave you with a splitting headache and a pissed off boss.

This band takes a well needed and refreshing approach to old school country. They easily slip into all of the elements of 70′s era outlaw and all of their tunes will make Waylon, Wille and Bosephus fans very, very happy (and a little jagged).

I recommend that you download the whole album but if you are only going to stick your toe in the water, make sure you check out “Crazy” and “If It Ain’t Broke”.

Mos Generator – The riff heavy tunes that these guys are laying down are immediately addictive. The tune “Acapulco Gold” – which could easily be the love child of Steely Dan and Monster Magnet – documents a love affair of the smokin kind. And “Wizards of the Prophecy Pen” is a well produced tune that could very easily be an early Sabbath tune. Grab them!

There, now you have some stuff too listen to as we all wait for summer. Remember, all of this stuff is on eMusic for immediate download and if you are still doin the CD thang, check out the Small Stone online store.

I Made the Top 50

Corey Koehler — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:23:17 +0000

One of the trickiest parts about blogging and podcasting about a wide variety of music styles – in other words, being the Musicgoat – is that you run the risk of alienating readers and listeners of one particular style of music.

For instance, I will do a hard rock/metal oriented podcast one month, follow it up with an indie acoustic country show the next month and then post a review on a Hip Hop artist that has caught my ear the next. As you can imagine certain fans – within either genre – could get a little annoyed and therefore not stick around (which is a bummer but you can’t please everybody right?).

Anyway, I knew this would make it more difficult to build an audience but this is the most honest way for me to approach a music site. I knew I couldn’t talk about one style over and over when there is just to much to like from many other genres. Also, I knew that there were others out there who like to mix it up as well and I figured this would pose a great opportunity to find them.

Now, why am I telling you this? Well I just learned the other day that the Musicgoat made number 36 on the list of Top 50 Twitter Users in Hard Rock and Metal.

What that means is that I haven’t completely alienated the metal community, in particular one of its biggest proponents, ~~Marc~~ Mark Carras (RockMyMonkey.com and HeavyAsHell.com). Mark, the author of the list, is one hardcore fan of all things metal. Having him endorse the Goat is an honor. Thanks Marc!

The list also features some pretty high profile rockers, writers and labels so you might want to look through to see is there is anyone you might want to follow. Check it out! And if you want to follow me, be my guest. Just look to the right in the sidebar under “Find Me Online.

Music Review: Metal ala Deflagration and Acoustic Rock ala Rob Anthony

Music Review: Extreme is Back With a Guitar Lovers Feast

Corey Koehler — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:30:28 +0000

I was flipping through eMusic the other day when I noticed a new release by an old favorite of mine, Extreme. I was a little apprehensive at first but figured what the hell, I’ll download it. Boy am I glad I did. Here is a quick review.

The title of the release is “Saudades De Rock“. In the opening line on the track “Slide” Gary Cherone sings “Find a groove and then drop the hammer.” That pretty much sums up most of the tunes on the release.

One of the reason i was a fan of Extemes music was because I am a sucker for good guitar. I always loved Nuno’s guitar work and this release did not do anything to change that. He is one of a seemingly dieing breed of guitarists who can dance over the fretboard, navigating a path of tasty grooves throughout every song.

The whole CD is about what you would expect from Extreme if you were a fan of some of the their popular stuff like “Pornograffitti” and/or “Three Sides to Every Story” but they do venture into new territory and pull it off well.

Bottom line, if you love active guitar, meaty grooves and solid songwriting, this is a no-brainer.

FEED YOUR POD! If you are interested in downloading any music – including the stuff discussed in this post – while at the same time supporting Musicgoat.com, click on the image above or use either of the following Musicgoat-friendly links: eMusic, Amazon.
THANKS and YOU ROCK!

MMP034 – A Hard, Heavy and Very Metal Resolution

Corey Koehler — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:34:15 +0000

Grab your studs, your air guitar and a beer (or three). I keep the intensity level high as you and I check some out some tunes from all over the metal spectrum.

Press play and listen as we explore some newer metal music ranging from Hard Rock to Thrash.

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Robot Lords of Tokyo - “Mergatroid” (get it free on eMusic)
Robot Lords of Tokyo – “Belly Full of Greed”
DC4 - “Candy Caine” (get it free on eMusic)
SNEW - “Got Love” (get it free on eMusic)
SNEW – “She’s A Real Gunslinger” (get it free on eMusic)
American Angel – “Turns to Grey” (get it free on eMusic)
Top Johnny – “X-Tasy”
Exodus – “Children of a Worthless God” (get it free on eMusic)

Websites Mentioned on this podcast;
SNEW frontman interview on the Classic Metal Show

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

MMP033 – The Christmas Music Show I Swore I’d Never Do

Corey Koehler — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:52:35 +0000

Yep, I swore I would never do one of these but hell, why not. These songs are just to good not to share.

Also, I figured it would be an great opportunity for you and I to sit down and have a holiday beverage together.

Lets do it. Grab something to drink, press play and have yourself a merry Christmas.

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Geoff Smith – “Some Christmas Higgin and Kissin”
Winzenreid aka Hollywood Drunks – “Here Comes Santa Claus”
Skid Row – “Jingle Bells” (Monster Ballads Christmas)
Tom Kiefer of Cinderella – “Blue Christmas” (Monster Ballads Christmas)
My. Vegas – “Hey Santa”
Rockosaurus Rex – “Auld Lang Syne”

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

MMP032 – Are These Artists Worthy of a 2009 Grammy Nomination?

Corey Koehler — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:06:09 +0000

Here’s a few artists that you most likely won’t see on stage getting an award or even performing at the Grammy’s BUT certainly could be.

See if you agree by pressing play now.

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Hype – “Push Me” (Available at CDBaby and iTunes)
Kelly Richey Band – “I Want You” (get it free on eMusic)
John Taglieri – “Booty Call” (get his older stuff free on eMusic)
Pauline Pisano – “Don’t Forget” (get it free on eMusic)
G Tom Mac – “Wish You Well” (get their older stuff free on eMusic)
Daydream On Autopilot – “Better Off Alone” (get it free on eMusic)
Daydream on Autopilot – “Call Me” (Blondie Cover)

Websites Mentioned on this podcast;
Mike Cameo’s Indie Top 10
Social Blend
Mixx.com

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

MMP029 – The Tastes Like AC/DC Snack Pack

Corey Koehler — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 05:06:05 +0000

I am kind of at a loss for words right now so I will just get to the point. It’s just you, me, my f@#k ups and some tasty music by some talented, hard rocking, late 70′s sounding artists.

Press play now and enjoy. Simple as that.

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Stripwired – “Another Shot” (get it free on eMusic)
Lauren Harris – “Steal Your Fire” (get it free on eMusic)
Crash Kelly – “Ride the Wire”
Moonstone Project – “Slave of Time”

Other sites and podcasts mentioned in this show;
Sneak peak of the new Metallica “Death Magnetic” Rock and Roll Geek Show style

BRAIN FART ALERT: My apologies to Lauren Harris. I said your name correctly the first time but then – right before the song – I mentioned some other Lauren.

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

MMP028 – Meaty Metal Crunch With A Hint of Hard Rock Featuring Sevendust

Corey Koehler — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:48:09 +0000

Are you ready for a healthy dose of crunch? You better be damn it because it’s on. A little screamin, a little crunch and nothin but head bobbin, fist pumpin metal goodness for your listening enjoyment.

You are about to listen to what could possibly be my best metal podcast yet!

Press play and brighten your f#$@%n day.

Click Button To Play | Right-Click To Download

Here are the songs heard on this podcast and the links to each artists website;
Dream Evil – “Fire Battle in Metal” (get it free on eMusic)
FEFF – “I’ll Tell You”
Sevendust – “Deathstar”
Warrel Dane – “When We Pray” (get it free on eMusic)
Ground Mower – “Down”
Pride Tiger – “The Lucky Ones”
Supagroup – “Born in Exile”
Paradise – “Lady Luck”

Other sites and podcasts mentioned in this show;
Live Metallica with King Diamond ..very cool
Heavy metal christmas album on the way (yep you read that right)
Mike Cameo’s Indie Top 10 Rock Podcast

Most of these and a ton of other great artists can be found on the Pod Safe Music Network.

Uncensored and Raw: Witness Life on the Road with the Band Jetboy

Corey Koehler — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:37:29 +0000

You and I both have our ideas about what life must be like for rock bands on the road. Whether it the penthouse suites and first class treatment of superstars like Bon Jovi or the lonely outsider depiction outlined in Bob Seger’s melancholy classic “Turn the Page.” Today you get a chance to see – and hear – for yourself what it’s like for lesser known, harder working bands to be on the road.

For a few weeks now, I have been following a guy named Micheal Butler around the Midwest. Micheal Butler is the host of one of my favorite podcasts called the Rock and Roll Geek Show. Since he is also the hired gun on bass for the band Jetboy – who is on tour with Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy – he is documenting snippets of the tour on video and audio for all to see.

Unlike much of the scripted reality stuff on TV, this is about as legit as it gets. You get to see (and hear) first hand what its like to be in a band on the road.

For anyone, the series is solid online entertainment. Its interesting, addictive and good for an occasional laugh. For the real rock and roll fan it is must see.

Watch as these California rockers travel though the midwest while human nature and old man winter throw everything they can at them. Check out the Rock and Roll Geek Show Jetboy tour updates starting with day one now, follow along and be glad you did.