I've been a little absent from here lately (being an over-committed over-achiever can have that effect on you) but some huge musical things have been happening that I felt I must comment on. So here's to hoping that my absence has only made your heart grow fonder and your ears opener, or something like that :)
Alice in Chains- Nutshell--Most everyone has heard the news this week of the tragic passing of former Alice in Chains bassist, Mike Starr. So as my little homage to him and the entire band that was so influential to the music of the nineties (and still today in their new reincarnation) I give you my favorite AIC song, and quite possibly my most favorite song of all time, "Nutshell." (And before you get your panties in a wad, I do know that Starr is not playing bass in this video as he had already left the band at this point. But I feel like the words and the emotion of the song can relate really well to the situation.) This is seriously such a painfully beautiful song, and I adore everything about it, from the guitars to that undeniably beautiful and unmistakable voice of Layne Staley. Also, if you like this song, there are some really great covers of it, including one by Staind and, my favorite, by Brent Smith of Shinedown and Shaun Morgan of Seether. I'll plug that video in for you, too, because it is seriously glorious. Oh yes, it's that good. But, back to the point: RIP, Mike Starr, and Layne, too, while we're on the subject. You both did amazing things for music, and now can serve as lessons for young musicians of the path not to follow. Drugs are bad, m'kay?
Foo Fighters- Rope-- It has been a while since the Foo Fighters have put out a new album (Four years, actually, not counting their 2009 greatest hits album). With the release of "Rope," the first single off the new record "Wasting Light" that is due out April 12, Dave Grohl and the boys have stirred up quite a bit of interest from fans old and new alike. The song is very reminiscent of old school Foo, while still being different and fresh. Really interestingly, the band recorded "Wasting Light" in Grohl's garage without using digital recording equipment. Maybe that's part of the reason it has that vintage vibe. No matter, this "atomic beast of a single," as so aptly Rolling Stone calls it, has that awesome Foo Fighters sound that you've been craving. (Also, as a side note, if you love that classic Foo-style video where the boys are dressing up and acting a fool (go watch "Learn to Fly RIGHT NOW if you haven't seen it), check out "White Limo." It's got some great cameos and is seriously funny. Oh, and the song's n0t bad either! Also, Taylor, if you're reading this, I love you and think you're beautiful and you play drums real pretty and we should get married. That is all.) Official site: http://www.foofighters.com/us
Seether- Country Song-- Don't panic y'all, Seether hasn't pulled a Hootie or an Aaron Lewis and gone country. The title of the first single from "Holding on to Strings Better Left to Fray" definitely has a country groove to it, but is still very much rocking (and the lyrics don't even say a word about losing a wife or dog or a preferred color of transportation while plowing a field). Shaun Morgan, the man with the voice, says, "It's basically a feel good song, musically, with a lyrical contrast dealing with the realization that a relationship has reached it's conclusion." And, as for the southern-fried-flavor of it, he accredits that to the city I (and it sounds like he) loves so much: "It's definitely not country, but we recorded the album in Nashville, and felt like it was a small homage to such a wonderful city. The release of this first single and their upcoming tour dates in a city near you (Who's gonna be at Busters?!) makes me and the hoards of other enthusiastic Seether fans very excited about what's to come from Seether. The new album is set to drop in May. It's gonna be a long couple of months waiting for this one. Official site: http://www.seether.com/
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