Saturday, December 12, 2009

Some delayed news

Sorry that I've been keeping the news from you for so long. I guess now's the time to overdose on knowledge.

After his bus accident and being in the hospital for nearly a week, Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo has been released from the hospital. The band hopes to make four tour stops on the rest of the tour with Jack's Mannequin.

The Bamboozle festival has recently released a short list of bands that will be playing in addition to headliners Paramore and Weezer.

It was recently released that Killswitch Engage will be going on tour with The Devil Wears Prada. The dates are in the press release.

Word has finally gotten out that Michael Jackson will be awarded the lifetime achievement award at the Grammys this year. Happens at a great time, as soon as it could happen.

Rapper-mogul Lil Wayne's next album, Rebirth, has officially been pushed back until February 1st. This is becoming the Chinese Democracy of rap.

A punk rock documentary about the nineties, titled One Nine Nine Four, has been in the works, but needs your help of donation to help them with the distribution of the film. Full details are here.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Thirsty Thursday News

There were a few things noteworthy in the world of music today, so let's take a look.

According to a blog entry by Where The Wild Things Are director Spike Jonze has posted that the previously snubbed soundtrack song "All Is Love", is now nominated for a Grammy. This comes after the Miley Cyrus song "The Climb" was disqualified. "All Is Love", as well as the entire soundtrack, was played by Karen O, who is the frontwoman for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

In great news, Sonic Youth have recently said that they will be headed to the studio to record another album. In the same article they say that they are working on a DVD of their recent Daydream Nation tour.

No Doubt sued the makers of Guitar Hero for the likeness of the band in the game. Well, the makers are countersuing. Luckily for Courtney Love, they didn't try to take coke money from her.

The annual Warped Tour haveannounced the preliminary dates for the 2010 installment. Check back within a week and they'll have a small list of bands for you.

Dance-punk band The Audition have finished recording their fourth record. It will be titled Great Danger.

Punk legends Suicidal Tendencies have proclaimed that they will be releasing their first live DVD.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

On The Rise: Closure In Moscow



When you travel to Melbourne, Australia you are likely to visit the beach, maybe go sight seeing at the scenic downtown view, or visit the great opportunities that the metropolitan area offers. It's very rare that you would go and look for a heavy progressive rock band in such a beautiful and seemingly calming city, but if you would desire to do so, odds are you can find one of the best ones that nobody knows about. Vocalist Chris deCinque had been a drummer in another band and guitarist Michael Barrett had been working at a hair salon until they were brought together by guitarist Mansur Zennelli, bassist Brad Kimber, and drummer Beau McKee to start what would become Closure In Moscow.

Almost immediately after the band was formed and started playing shows, they had a large amount of buzz. When they were still just beginning their touring they were chosen as the supporting act to another buzz worthy band, then Anthony Green led-Saosin. Just a week after that tour the band signed to Australian label, Taperjean Records, which is the home to other bands such as As Tall As Lions and Copeland. Closure In Moscow then set out to record a debut EP, of which they went to extreme lengths to record. Picture the average age of the band to be 21 years. Okay, now picture them quitting their jobs and each of them selling their cars so that the band could record with producer and engineer Kris Crummett. The boys of Moscow decided they wanted that esteemed producer after his work on albums by The Devil Wears Prada, Fear Before The March Of Flames, Dance Gavin Dance, and Drop Dead Gorgeous (keep an eye on this site for them).

It has been reported that American label, Science Records, signed the band on June 26th 2008. Once signed, Closure In Moscow went right to work on their debut full length while simultaneously touring with the now defunct Scary Kids Scaring Kids. After only three weeks on Science Records, the band decided to break off the deal, thinking it was best for both parties involved. During that time, they also relocated to the United States from Australia. In early 2009 they officially signed with Equal Vision Records and enlisted their good friend, Kris Crummett to help them record their first full length, First Temple, which was released on May 5th 2009. The band filmed footage of the move to the U.S. and the recording process, which will be released in the form of a documentary on their website some time. The band is still regarded in high terms in Australia and are hopefully going to be held in the same esteem State-side. Just as a small testament to this band's growing popularity; band members Michael Barrett, Mansur Zennelli, and Christopher de Cinque served as session musicians on Jonny Craig's album A Dream Is A Question You Don't Know How To Answer.

Closure In Moscow has been quoted as saying that their sound is "...combining the melodies that make bands like Saosin so popular with some off-time breakdowns and samples, taking little time to win over the crowd." It can easily be said that their heavier sound progresses and transforms through beautiful movements to not only provide them with a more diverse array of sounds, but a more surreal sound-scape. Early in their days in Australia, they were compared with Aussie legends AC/DC. But the band shunned the comparisons and insisted that they are more like Rush, Chiodos, and Tool. When the obvious comparisons to The Mars Volta are brought up, guitarist Micheal Barrett alluded to more of an influence from prog-rock godfathers, King Crimson and Yes. However, he did say that they aren't too terribly different from Mars Volta, but that focus on a more "natural progression".

When talking about the pure sound that Closure In Moscow has, it's true that you really can't escape the Mars Volta comparisons. However, this band captures a more catchy and melodic progressive sound than some other bands I have heard. It is as if they combine a slower progressive environment and a certain kind of sporadic madness with a punk rock attitude. It is something very rare to see the approach that this band has with their music, especially in the age of neon shirts and skinny jeans. Closure In Moscow are a breathe of fresh air in an environment polluted with what is on the radio these days. Australia believes that this band is going to be big, I think it's about time that the United States start following suit.

Recommended Listens:
"Kissing Cousins"
"Sweet#Heart"
"I'm A Ghost Of Twilight"
"Afterbirth"
"Had To Put It In The Soil"

Recommended If You Like:
The Mars Volta
Circa Survive
Tool
The Fall Of Troy
The Flaming Lips

Music News For A Wednesday

I know that it's the middle of the week and we all feel the sting, but here's some reassuring music news to help brighten your day.

In addition to his few gigs with Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton has announced that he will be performing a tour with Who frontman Roger Daltrey. As if Clapton could be more badass.

Billboard recently reported that the final track listing and some information has been released for She & Him's Volume Two. Further confirming that the record will be released March 23rd.

Washington D.C.'s own Jawbox performed last night on the Jimmy Fallon show. The band hadn't played together since 1997 and there is no further reunion plans, but everyone who has ever been involved in the post-hardcore scene knows how much of a landmark performance this was. They performed three songs and their song "Savory", and it was the only song that they aired. Luckily, we have videos of their other two performances for their songs "FF=66" and "68".



I don't usually condone this behavior, but go check out this article on Alternative Press.com about religious protest groups at All Time Low's Philadelphia stop on their tour. Mad people are protesting that All Time Low promotes and embraces gay people. Read it, because ignorance lives in these peoples minds. However, if a good music protest group has a rally at an All Time Low show, then the band could be in trouble.

It has been reported that Blink 182 drummer and overall badass, Travis Barker, has finally settled with the airline company known as Learjet, and the tire makers of the plane that he sued for not making their jets safe for public travel. It was confirmed by both lawyers that the case is settled and the specifics are confidential. Barker and DJ AM were the only people to survive the crash, but DJ AM has since died of a drug overdose.

According to a small report, a group of Canadian artists are suing Warner, Sony BMG, EMI, and Universal records for using their music without permission. The report says that the labels have admitted to owing over $50 million.

Pennsylvania metal act Debtor have announced that they have signed with Blood & Ink Records.

Released in the form of a tweet, Underoath have been snowed in. The band is stuck in Newton, Iowa and have canceled their Kansas show tonight. Emery have followed suit. But like the badasses that they are, August Burns Red has taken the reigns and will be playing a solo show.

Billboard has announced that the All-American Rejects song "Gives You Hell" was the most played of 2009. Apparently they didn't keep track of the plays that "Pokerface" had.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Snow Day Music News

We had a few events that happened on this Tuesday, December 8th. Most of them could be related to the weather, so it's fitting that it's cold EVERYWHERE!

The 2010 Take Action! Tour has announced their acts. Dates are still pending, and have not been announced yet, but the bands that are confirmed are We The Kings, Mayday Parade, A Rocket To The Moon, and There For Tomorrow. This seems like a pretty solid tour aside from the headliners. Dates will be posted as soon as they are announced.

America's new sweetheart band, Muse, have confirmed their first tour dates of the 2010 tour. You can find ticket information here. In support of them on this tour are L.A.'s shining star, Silversun Pickups.

According to their MySpace blog, Underoath got in a van accident. The driver was the only one injured, but the wreck caused them to cancel their Omaha date of the tour with August Burns Red and Emery. Pictures of the van and what is left of it are posted on the band's website

Small rockers The Narrative have posted a recorded version of Brand New's "Tautou". Seems like everybody is trying their hand in covering some Brand New favorites.

Paramore's Hayley Williams was spotted in Germany with pop punk rockers, Set Your Goals. The group merry misfits can be found performing the Set Your Goals song "The Few That Remain" right here.

Apparently Coldplay doesn't like being an arena rock band. For the follow-up to their album Viva La Vida, they are going for a more stripped down sound. I wonder if they will steal some acoustic hooks.

Florida darlings Anberlin have released the b-sides off their album New Surrender onto their PureVolume page. All of the songs will be available when the band re-releases the album.

You can head down to the December 26th date of this ticket site and notice that Bob Nanna (of Braid), Mike Kinsella (of Owen and Joan Of Arc), and Joe Trohman (of Fall Out Boy) will be playing a show consisting of only Morrissey covers. The show's ticket sales will go to benefit Girls Rock Chicago.

Today we remember two very special people. Just 29 years ago, John Lennon was shot and killed. Known as an event that shook the entire world, Lennon was not only a Beatle, a recognized public figure, but a visionary for world peace and a clear advocate for anti-war. His legacy has lived on in thriving spirit and we think about him everyday.
Just five years ago we saw the murder of guitar legend "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. "Dimebag" was the guitarist for such metal bands as Pantera and Damageplan. For those of you who don't know, Abbott was shot onstage by a concert goer during a Damageplan show in Columbus, Ohio. For those involved in the metal scene, "Dime" is a constant figurehead to guitarist and is rightfully remembered for his contributions to music.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Just Another Manic Monday

It's about time for your healthy dose of daily music news. And there is a lot of news to be said.

You can head on over to our good buddies at Billboard to check out their list of the 100 greatest one-hit wonders of the 2000s. You may be surprised at some of the names that pop up, but hopefully you aren't.


Just to follow up on the bus crash that hospitalized Weezer's Rivers Cuomo, there have been pictres posted of the emergency crews getting to the bus. There is now some more word on the condition of Cuomo. From what we are told Rivers has suffered three broken ribs, internal bleeding, and a lower leg injury. Needless to say that the remaining dates on the Weezer and Jack's Mannequin tour have been canceled. There are only a few, but you can find the complete gallery of pictures taken right here.

There is a video circling YouTube of indie man Kevin Devine covering Brand New's track "Moshi Moshi". The video proves that the song should only be played acoustic.

Another band suffers a terrible fate of wrecking. Every Time I Die's bus has been totalled but everyone in the band is okay. This proves, everyone please be careful on the roads.

If you ever needed a reason to not trust Spin magazine as a publication, this is it. Let's just say that it involves Radiohead.

The Cab are the newest band to be confirmed for the 2010 Alternative Press Tour. Also to be known as "grab your neon shirts and scream tour". But at least they are an acceptable band.

Coheed And Cambria have announced that their new album Year Of The Black Rainbow will be released in April.

The 2010 Experience Hendrix tour is finally taking shape. You can go to the Experience Hendrix site for more information, but some guests include Joe Satriani, Jonny Lang, Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Brad Whitford (of Aerosmith), Doyle Bramhall II, Ernie Isley, and bassist Billy Cox.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Hangover Sunday News

Here are some of the news snippets that are swirling around the internet world of music today.

Worse just keeps getting worse for Portugal. The Man. It started with a fan going missing a little over a week ago. Now their valuables have been stolen from their van. The band was performing their last show in Europe, and one of those stolen items was all of their passports.

In the early hours, Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo was involved in a bus crash. As of right now, the condition of Cuomo is unknown.

The band Such Gold have posted up covers of two Movielife songs on their myspace. I encourage you to check it out.

Time for the real news: GREATEST GIF EVER!!!!