The Sweet Kind Of Cranberry

The Cranberries have always been a band I adored over the years, they will always hold a special place in my heart and memories. They are an Irish rock band that formed in 1989, actually went under the name The Cranberries Saw Us originally. They have put out six consecutive albums over the last couple of years. I believe it was the song "Zombie," which made them super famous. Dolores O'Riordan is the lead singer of this amazing band, her voice is something to be heard. I love her vocal performance, she has such a wonderful range of high notes and yodels in her lyrics. I'd have to say she is in my top five favorite vocalist, she is really that good. So i have known about The Cranberries for a number of years, but my fondest memory of them was pretty recent. I was shopping at a thrift store with my girlfriend at the time, and i happened to come across a copy of  Everybody Else Is Doing It,So why Can't We? I was pretty happy to say the least, and it was only a dollar as well. So we got in our car and drove back to Anacortes listening to the sweet rhythm of the berries , singing along when we knew the words. I remember that being a great day, Kelly could sing as well if not better than Dolores, it was like having a mini concert in the car. I will never forget that day with her in the car, she is my best friend and singing partner for life !

Her Middle Name Was Boom !

Glassjaw has always been a band I could relate too, I found myself at my weakest and most desperate moments turning to these guys. This four piece group is from Long Beach, New York City and formed back in 1993. Daryl Palumbo and Justin Beck started the band after they met at a camp supposedly. Glassjaw always had this underground rawness about them, that always turned me on. I thought Daryl was a God in my eyes, he has the craziest vocal range I have ever heard.Justin is an amazing guitarist, he can play so many different styles, whether it be slow and melodic with lots of delay, or the hard thrashing guitar riffs  that he has developed over the years. I have had the chance to see Glassjaw on three occasions now, and every time is better than the last. This last concert I saw them with a couple of my friends down in Detroit, and at the end of the show, they gave away their new ep the coloring book for free! I mean what else could you ask for. I have always admired the way Glassjaw manages them selves as  band, they always seem to come on top, and it doesn't hurt that Justin is the owner of Merchdirect.com . I am going to leave you with one of there newer songs, Enjoy

The Movement

Refused, the greatest hardcore punk band to ever live . These guys are serious about what they do, unfortunately they are no longer together. They formed the band back in 1991, in Sweden of all places ! The Shape Of Punk To Come was voted #13 most influential albums of all time. Refused sounds like your head is about to explode and you can't put out the fire in my opinion. Growing up in a fucked up family life, i turned to harder music to release more of my anger and aggression, these guys came in handy on more than one occasion. I remember the first time I ever heard them, I was watching 120 minutes one night with my brother, and the video for "New Noise" came on. Holy shit we both looked at each other with amazement and got to nearest record store the following day.So get with the program and pick up this album or else the movement will pass you by !

Let Me See Those W's

Weezer is such a great band, i grew up listening to them in junior high. They have always been one of those bands that are so nostalgic and filled with great memories. I remember I picked up the blue album one day at a K-mart, and just fell in love with every song on the album.I always thought it was funny that every song they have, you can bet that you will probably hear a guitar solo in there somewhere. Pinkerton has to be my favorite album for sure, my friend Clayton and I seem to share the same view if I am not mistaken. There is something about River's lyrics that make sense and seem to put a smile on your face no matter what. I remember listening to these guys a lot with my friends, i could probably still remember all of the lyrics.   

Blonde Or Redhead ?

Blonde Redhead is a melodic rock trio originally from  New York, they formed a band in 1993. Kazu Makino and Simmon and Amedeo Pace compose what is today known as Blonde Redhead. I can't tell you much about these guys other than I really like their sound, have always liked it since high school. Both Markino and Simmon take turns singing , and their vocal styles are really unusual, especially her's a very airy smooth vocal style. I first heard this band, in my friends room back in high school, i was listening to a song called " In Particular." On their CD "Misery Is A Butterfly," each song is part of a story, which I thought was really interesting. These guys helped me through a really difficult time in my life, when your having a bad day I suggest putting on one of their CD's. I tend to listen to more depressing music when I am in a funk.

The Good Old Days...

This session is kinda a two part-er so bare with me. Today I was listening to one of my favorite songs and it got me thinking about how much I miss this particular CD. The Cd's name is The Home Series (Vol. V), it shares two of my favorite artist Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and Andre Kenny the Lead Singer For The American Analog Set. This split ep was released in 2004 and has eight of the best songs I have ever heard. Both Ben and Andrew covered each others songs plus there are some originals on there as well. When I first got this CD, I played the shit out of it, soon there after my friend Anthony and I began covering most of the songs. We had so much fun harmonizing together and creating music we both really enjoyed. Just a little hint to you guys out there, Girls love it when you sing to them, these songs are fairly easy to learn, I suggest you give it a go. Anyway if you ever see this CD in a store do your self a favor and pick it up, I promise you it wont disappoint .

A Opening Band That Killed The Headliner

Ivardensphere a small little getup that is based out of Canada. I first heard these guys a couple months ago, when I went to go see Combichrist. These guys opened for them, and man was I blown away. I found myself enjoying them a lot more than the actual headliner. Ivardensphere is classified as EBM, industrial tribal music. I got a chance to meet Scott Fox the lead master mnds behind Invardensphere, when i purchased a t-shirt at the merch counter. Very nice individual, I told him how happy I was to see them, because they seriously made my night. I am proud to say they just got signed on to metropolis records, and will be coming out with a new CD in Nov.

A Love That Is Hard To Listen To...

The Bird And The Bee, graceful and soothing love songs. That is how I feel about these two, Inara George (The Bird) and Greg Kurstin (The Bee.) These two started making music together in 2006, Kurstin met Inara while working on her debut album. They both had similar interest in Jazz pop electro music and put two and two together the form this wonderful band. Inara simply has one of the most beautiful voices ever, she sounds like a soft spoken lounge singer, in a good way ! I love  Greg's use of piano and guitar through out the pieces, he can really mix wonderful melodies and chord progressions together. I feel in love with these guys back in the day, with their cover of "How Deep Is Your Love," by the Bee Gee's . I remember listening to them in my gazebo back in Traverse City on a hot summer day, day dreaming. I actually turned these two on to someone very close to me, who simply loves them to death. She is the love of my life, and she actually sounds just like Inara when she sings or in my opinion a little better. Anyway The Bird And The Bee, became our band and "How Deep Is Your Love," became our song. There is a few things I hold dearly to myself, The look on her face the first time I played them for her, The way that she sang that particular song into my ear just gave me goose bumps, it's is giving me goose bumps just thinking about it. The memories we shared together with this band was all too perfect. I have trouble these days listening to them, because of the memories associated with them, but lately I have been giving them a go again. They seem to brighten up my day and allow me to think of her and our feelings toward each other in a new point of view. I will always remember the happiness I gave her when I let her have their CD, even though it was scratched a little, it's the imperfections that we remember and hold dearest to our hearts.

Three As One...

The Beastie Boys, have been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. Before there was CD's or Ipod's, there was a little thing called tapes, I used to own all of the B-Boys material on tapes super retro ! Anyway the B-Boys are composed of three intelligent  MC's  Mike D, MCA and Ad-Rock. These guys in my started out as a hardcore punk back in 1979, before they were known as a hip-hop group. They still occasionally play punk, but they are mostly known for there lounge/jazz. I think it's important for a artist to be able to play a instrument as well as write their own music. You must give respect for these three, they always put a smile on my face no matter what mood I am in at the time. I will always remember my childhood and the times associated with the B-Boys.  

The Notches That Create Your Headboard

Poison The Well,( PTW ) is my favorite band ... I can simply say they are truly the best band out there. I bleed for this band literally, I have a PTW tattoo on my left arm ! I first heard this band when I was in 7th grade, on a shitty boombox that my friend was carrying. It was actually a tape he had made that had most of the songs from the Opposite Of  December on it . I remember hearing this new type of metal, that just seriously hit me like a ton of bricks. I will always love this band, they are one of those bands that will never disappoint you, through out the years they have transitioned into their own incorporating new ideas and sounds that no other band can do ! I have seen PTW , five times thus far in my life, each time was a new experience that will stay with me for as long as I live. I am originally from Michigan, and the last time they played in Detroit, their equipment was actually stolen from their car. They actually made a benefit shirt from try and make some money to buy new equipment. " The Motor City Robbed Us." I have had the opportunity to talk with Jeff, the main singer about how much this band means to me. It was one of the greatest moments in my life, Jeff was very appreciative toward my comments and really enjoyed my respect toward the band. Poison the Well started making music back in 1997, with a debut ep and the following of (OOD,)   they currently have 5 studio albums and 4 eps. They currently are taking a break now from music, it venture into other aspects of their lives, but today....I was informed that they are getting back together on August 24th for the greatest festival i have ever heard of. http://skylarjjohnson.tumblr.com/post/9056274764/the-fest-2012-has-been-announced-and-is-to-be-held. There are so many bands getting together for this ans reunions that I have been waiting for a long time. If you live in Michigan get there for this four day event, that will one of the greatest concerts in the history of metal ! I could go on an on about this band, but ill leave you with this song !

A Bong Hit With Satan !

Electric Wizard the greatest stoner metal i have ever heard ! These guys are one of the coolest bands i have came across, I actually was turned on them by my friend Anth. These Guys formed back in 1993 in England. I really can't tell you all that much about these guys other than i really like them. What i can tell you are some great stories I have associated with this band.Anyway back in the day when i smoked a lot of pot, I would smoke with a couple of guys I went to school with down the street from my house. I remember My friend Eric just got a new grinder so we were testing it out, I slipped on Electric Wizard as we were doing our ritual, both of my friends Eric and Ben really liked it. So me being me I told them about how the guys from Electric Wizard are pot smoking Satanist.... wait what ? Turn that shit off said Ben ! Not knowing these Christian boys didn't care for Satan, but were perfectly ok with smoking my medical grade ganja ! Go figure right ?  So anyway that's my story and I am sticking to it , If you want to know more about EW, visit my friends blog http://whatanthonyhasbeenlisteningto.blogspot.com/.

You Need This Virus !

Ebola... A pseudonym  for Ben Hudson . The greatest DJ/Produced/Sound engineer and the Co-producer of Wrong Music, A great net label which releases some really good breakcore music along with others, and to top it all off most of the material is free! Anyway Ben's music varies between grimme/Dub/breakcore, the fundamentals to any great breakfast of champions. I simply love his style, splicing really great sound clips from chezzy horror flick, and a rhythm that no one eles is making today. I first heard of Ebola through a friends page on myspace, and that's all it took for me to fall in love. It was a song off of his Predator ep, that really got to me. I happen to be a big fan of Schwarzenegger, and to find two things I love like breakcore/gabba with predator sound clips, well just call me a happy guy! Ben is currently busy with a side project called Baconhead, which features Autobee and his self. The side project is a mash up between chiptune music and grimme dubstep. How you check out this artist and his side project !

Even Deeper...

Nine Inch Nails, is by far one of the best bands out there. Their one of those bands to me, that I never get tired of. Trent Reznor the front man for this industrial master piece, started this project in 1988 in Cleveland Ohio. NiN made industrial music more acceptable to many listeners. You could say they popularized it in a way, even though there are so many bands that started this movement far before  NiN . Trent has a way of gettting under your skin, placing you in the emptiness of your soul, at least that's what they do for me. NiN has recorded eight studio albums over the years, and a hand full of ep's . Instead of calling them CD's Trent refers them ass halo's, which I always thought was interesting. Once again my brother Tradd, turned me on to this band. I remember the first time  I heard them, Tradd was lifting weight's and reciting anatomy vocabulary for school. NiN has helped me get through some very tough times in my life. They take me to a place I need to go to sometimes.

The God Father ...

Venetian Snare, the god father of breakcore ! Aaron Funk, lets just stop a second and reflect on how cool that name is ! Anyway he is from Canada, and is one of my favorite artist. His grasp on controlling sound is simply amazing. He uses a software called Renoise to produce his mashed up electronic madness. I have never seen him perform live, but I am dying to see him someday. I discovered VS when I first got into electronic music, I believe it was a remix he did, of a Doormouse song called Skeleton Chairs, with the catch line "Pussy hairs!"  Aaron has worked with numerous artist over the years, and continues to bring great chaos to the ears of his listeners. WARNING... This song may induce seizures!

On Repeat...

Crosses(ttt)... This is a fairly new side project from Deftones front man Chino Moreno. I don't know much about this project, other than it envolves Chino  Shaun Lopez, guitarist from Far and Scott Chuck. This side project is really good, pretty much anything chino does is great. Teamsleep has been on out of the picture for far to long if you ask me. But this side project is kind similar, very soothing and dynamically very powerful. I just came upon this band the other day, but i have been listening to it a lot lately. I found the lyrics to be very similar to the situation I am in right now, with a love interest of mine <3. Also this five song ep is free right now, so go out there and grab it.http://www.killyourstereo.com/news/10903/crosses-offer-free-downloadable-digital-ep/ . Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

A Weakness ...

APC or A Perfect Circle is close to godly. Maynard James Keenan the front man for APC, Tool and Puscifer has a beautiful voice, more so he has a clear a profound message in his lyrics. I have had the chance to see ACP twice in my life, and Tool twice as well. Amazing and very personal concerts just like the ablums make them out to be. ACP recorded an album called the 13th Step, which i believe the songs on the album are a play on the 12 steps of AA. Anyway this band has always been a favorite of mine, my brother Tradd like many bands turned me on to them. I really enjoy this verson of Weak And Powerless, because it has a rougher cut than the original. Enjoy

Greeting's From Triangle-Earth

Look it's a bird it's a plane ! Nope just my favorite artist ever, Otto Von Schirach . How do you describe the UN-describable ? Otto is know for his crazy antics and show presence. He currently resides in Miami Florida, I can't say enough about him. He is truly a diamond in the ruff, Otto allowed me to look at music in a entirely new way. Music is not only sound, the magic of vibration to travels through space and time ! The first time I saw OVS, was at a Skinny Puppy concert. He was one of the opening acts. He came out on stage with inflated breasts and a Pinocchio nose chanting some demonic ritual at the crowd. I fell in love with his music that night, and he actually inspired me to make my own music.  I had a chance to meet him personally, back when i was in college. I went to one of his shows in Detroit. Which happened to be a funeral rave, not knowing it at the time my friends and I dressed up in some pretty wacky costumes. My brother Tradd, created a helmet for him we called it the Poop Plug Processor , because it was a helmet made of what looked like shit. Anyway if that doesn't sound weird enough i had a lot of fun meeting my idol that night. So here he is i hope you enjoy him as much as i do.

A New Find

16volt...just got back from seeing them last night. I had one of the best nights in along time. 16volt was one of the opening bands for KMFDM ...one another note they also killed it last night. But back to the topic on hand, these guys have been around since 1988. They are an industrial rock back, with lots of powerful lyrics and hard guitar riffs. Eric Powell is the lead singer of 16volt, i had a chance to meet him last night and talk to him a little about his music. He is a very personal person, great guy and really appreciated my comments.I first heard 16volt on a Nine Inch Nails tribute CD, in my opinion they were one of the only good songs on that particular  CD.Anyway if you haven't checked this guys out yet... DO SO NOW !

Can You Still Feel The Butterflies ?

(Jew), Or Jimmy Eat World ! This Band is simply amazing. The CD Clarity is absolutely in my top ten CD's that i would take to the moon! We all have those lists right? I remember the first time i heard JEW, it was on a bus ride to junior high. My friend Nick Polarski had a CD player and he shared them with me on the back of the best. I believe it was, "Lucky Denver Mint," I fell in love right then and there. Jim Adkins has an amazing way of splicing drunken nights and emotions into a great story. So Jew, formed in 1993 and they have been writing music ever since. They are also one of those bands that have been through a lot of bullshit with their record label, but came out on top ! I have a chance to see them next week, which I am very excited about, due to the fact I have never seen them, and have always wanted to. I share a common interest with my best friend Anthony Riskey, we have performed "A Sunday," on many occasions. Anyway.... This one is for you Anth.

Opening up

Today was something special, i found myself revisiting one group who always seemed to express how I felt at that particular time. Death Cab For Cutie  (DCFC), was a little indie band that got their started in Bellingham, Washington in 1997. I used to live in Anacortes, Washington , which was only a half hour away. Anyways... Ben Gibbard the lead singer has a way of stringing words together, that make since in many situations. Whether it be a relationship that just ended, or one that just began, he always seems to make me wonder, is this song about me ? Of course it isn't but, I'd like to think so! Ben also had a side project named All-Time Quarterback. So right now I am going over many of their songs that hit close to home. I remember the first time I saw DCFC, it was at my best friend Anthony's sister's college, They were touring on The Photo Album. It was quiet a show. This was before  in my opinion they became Too big as a band. But enough said i hope you enjoy the song .... 20th Century Towers