November 07′ Rehash
Time again to cram as much opinionated nonsense in 30 words or less (sometimes more, mostly less). Good thing November proved to provide some decent tunes to get through the snoozefest that was December (and most of January).
AFI - I Heard A Voice: Love From Long Beach Arena (Interscope)
The audio companion to the DVD I’ve never seen, but from what I can hear (and have seen with my own eyes in the past), they can put on quiet a show that the crowd really responds too (unless someone turned up the audience noise artificially — conspiracy?). It is a tight set list, and right off the bat gives a one-two punch of some heavy hitters from their catalog, delves into a few lesser-known fan favorites before closing with their biggest single to date, “Miss Murder”.
Duran Duran - Red Carpet Massacre (Epic)
I love Duran Duran. A class act all around from their early MTV days up until present day. They’ve always known how to balance a sense of style with a sense of substance that makes fans of 80’s music as giddy as can be. “Astronaut” produced some strong songs and hopes were high for this one as well. That said, they could of done better. No doubt there are some stand-up tracks on here such as the single “Falling Down”, but the collective talents of the members of Duran Duran, Justin Timberlake and Timberland are one of those things you just know could be better. That said, I am kicking myself for missing the Broadway shows and wish they would tour already so I can have a reason to talk about how good they are live.
Hellyeah - Below The Belt (DVD) (Epic)
A little cheesy, but a little good too. There are boobs in it after all, or illusions to boobs, and isn’t that what they really mean when they say sex sells anyway? The illusion that there will be boobs in your future? Regardless, it’s hard not to sing a long to these songs, and having caught them a few times myself (review coming shortly), it does a decent job at capturing their live energy.
Incubus - Look Alive (DVD) (Epic)
Another band that knows how to put on an impressive live show. From the “Morning View” tour, through Lollapalooza and the “Crow Left Of The Murder” touring cycles, the many times I’ve seen them have always been consistent in delivering the goods. Then the tour behind “Light Grenades” never came anywhere near here, so this DVD will have to do instead. There is a lot of stuff not featured on their previous DVD release that act as a bonus and incentive to those to find a loving home for this release in their Incubus collection.
The Killers - Sawdust (Island Def Jam)
Honestly, I liked this better then “Sam’s Town”. Don’t get me wrong, I liked “Sam’s Town” and listened to it more then once (apparently this makes me a minority). However, this is just better. Don’t know if it is the Lou Reed cameo or the Joy Division cover, but this album saw the band performing much more naturally. They weren’t being something they weren’t or trying to reach some unattainable standard to show they were above the sophomore slump, they were being themselves, and this career spanning collection of b-sides is a step in the right direction if it hints at how their third album may sound.
London After Midnight - Violent Acts Of Beauty (Metropolis)
Been a long time. Has it been worth the wait? A few more listens may provide more concrete evidence, but so far, so good. With a flair for the punishing meets melodramatic, the goth scene has been gobbling up the few treats the group has left them over the years, and I don’t foresee this release being any exception. Nine years in the making, this should be enough political rabble rousing to hold the scene over until the next KMFDM album (whenever that may be).
Mudvayne - By The People, For The People (Epic)
Novel concept and novel execution. Thirty plus tracks on my iTunes playlist seem to concur. The fans vote on the tracks they wanted, the band delivered… with an intro. Every song is introduced with a history behind the b-side, live track, demo, etc., etc. that lends itself to a personal touch rather then a completely immersive listening experience (and that is not a bad thing). Plus “Dull Boy” works as a good single.
Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full [CD/DVD Deluxe Edition] (Hear Music)
While Divorce Court continues to go full-on in the McCartney world, many took a break from National Enquire and opted to check out his new album is. In fact, more then checked out his previous album [the power of Starbucks?]. The latest in the ever expanding catalog is solid all around, catchy and very Beatles-esque at times. Plus, the latest extras provide some standard b-side material, the not so great but passing stuff. The real gem that is offered in the deluxe edition is the DVD, featuring live material from an intimate London gig and the two promotional videos from this album. McCartney still reigns supreme.