samo714's Blog

So yesterday I thought it was going to be a normal Thursday. you know just wake up around 4:00 am in the morning, go to work, do my thing, head home, and just play some video games and watch a movie before having to repeat the same thing all over again the next day. Well my day turned out to be just perfect and much better then expected. Some how I forgot that I had a ticket to see one of the greatest bands ever to step out of the U.K, Oasis. I have never seen them live, and in reality, I never thought I ever would. They just seemed like one of those bands that were beyond my reach. But then I thought the same thing about Velvet Revolver, The Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, L.A. Guns, Heart, Garbage and The Cult. But I have had the privileged to see them all perform live and mostly all within the first 3 rows or often front row center. So here I was at a beautifully decorated, and totally packed Staple Center.

The opening band was Bryan Adams. I wasn't too familiar with there work, but they played well, and definitely a band that I like to look into more. oasis came out next, and they just started popping out the hits from their first album starting off with "Rock n Roll Star", and following with other big hits like "Supersonic", "Slide Away" (my personal favorite song other then supersonic), "wonder wall", and the new single "The Shock of the Lightning". They finished the show off with an encore of songs, one being one of there biggest hits "Champagne Supernova", and the other being "Don't Look Back In Anger". Both songs sounded so amazing live that it just sent shivers down my spine. The amazing lighting and visuals from the screens definitely amplified the songs mood and power. At the end of the show, I just felt that they played very solid; the sound was crisp and clear. Much more then I expected. They were worth every penny, and I hope to see them again some day.

After the show my friend Margy and i were walking out. We passed by the Nokia Center. Earlier we notice they lit up the large tree made of nothing but lights. It was an amazing sight to see in person. So since the show was over we had more time to check out the tree this time around. I notice that a lot of the news media was around, and I thought why not just look around. Maybe I’ll catch a fox 11 buddy within this madness of people. Before I knew it I was right behind Jane Yamamoto and Liz Habib.

 I have to admit I felt giddy like a school girl lol. I didn’t know what to say, or if I should bug them or not. But who knows it might be my only chance to meet them. So I just went up to them and gave them a nervous "hi". Jane was in the middle of looking at herself in her compact, putting on some make up and Liz was busy talking to the camera man and Jane. Well they turned and looked at me, and said hello. I asked them to autograph my ticket stub from the Oasis concert. It was the only shred of paper that I had. But I didn’t have a pen. I pretty much made sure to leave any and all metal objects in the car because I didn’t feel like getting hassled by the security at the Staple Center. They also didn’t have a pen, which was disappointing, but then I did meet them, and that alone just made my night be from great to just grand. It was the cherry on top.

So they decided let's take a group photo, and my friend took one on his cell phone. Liz put her mic in front of me so it looks like I’m giving an interview. We chatted for a little bit. Liz asked me who was playing. I told her Oasis. Jane and Liz were familiar with the band name, but they couldn’t remember a single song from them. So I was just running down a list of songs that they might have heard of. I think after naming 1/2 a dozen they might of remembered one song. They blamed there lack of knowledge on old age. But from what I notice my friend and I were some of the few young fans there. Everyone else was around 30 to mid 40's. But it's ok that Liz and Jane weren’t familiar with them, it's never too late to learn. Plus they looked just stunning. So they look just very young. My friend and I looked older then they did and we are only in our mid 20's. I was surprised on how friendly they were to the other stations reporters. I guess since they cover so many similar stories they all see each other around often. So after I got my picture, I said bye to them, and left them to go back and do some work. But I will never forget meeting them. They were just so kind and really appreciate their fans. I told them how I’m a big fan, and how I blog often. And I def wanted to write this blog in tribute to them. I hope to meet them again someday. Maybe next time I’ll be more prepared and have a pen on me.

So here we are going back home. It’s near 12 am, and we see a trail of cop cars behind us on the freeway. There was a high speed pursuit on the 110 last night. What a way to end the night. Loud rock music, meeting 2 incredible people that I always hoped that I would meet, and end it off in a high speed pursuit. What a wild night.

Please check out some of Oasis music videos. it's easy to use. just hit the link, chose a song from the "video list", then hit the large play button that is covering the video. it should play.

http://www.oasisinet.com/Video.aspx

check out the new video by Oasis "The Shock of the Lightning" or check out some of the classic videos like "Supersonic", "Don't Look Back In Anger" , "Stop Crying My Heart Out", and "Wonder Wall".

The 69 Eyes is a Finnish band from Helsinki that formed in 1989. They have just started to get some well deserved recognition here in the states and just finished their first U.S. tour in support of their new album “Angels”.  They started out as a garage rock/ sleaze band that has earned them the nickname of Helsinki sleaze, but has now evolved into a hybrid sleaze/gothic band which has earned them the new nickname of Helsinki vampires.

Many great bands have influenced them, and it’s noticeable. It’s almost as though they picked and choose great qualities from other bands and adapted it all into what you hear upon their music. From the deep bass vocals that are reminiscent to Elvis, Jim Morrison, and another Finnish native Ville Valo, to Jussi’s drumming style which is similar to Rikki Rockett from the band Poison. The guitar work has also changed in time from being very loud and bombastic in the early days, to taking the approach of less is more. Even though their sound came from many different styles from other artist, they still are able to remain fresh, unique, and able to distinguish themselves from other bands, and from the influences they drew upon.

I discovered this band less then a year ago, at a Cradle of Filth concert at the Anaheim House of Blues. The 69 Eyes and 3 Inches of Blood were the opening act for the night. Well I didn’t know what to expect from them. They had a punk/biker look to them, and with a name like The 69 Eyes, I expected them to be more of a punk band. But I was surprised that they sounded more like an 80’s sleaze band in the vein of L.A. Guns and Guns & Roses but with a gothic overtone. So I was just hooked on them from that day on.

One thing that I have notice about this band is that anyone can really enjoy this group. They aren’t hard on the ears, due to the lead singer not being much of a screamer, but an actual vocalist who lyrics are easily understandable.  The music itself can be very punky with songs like “Lost Boys” or “Los Angeles”, to sweet ballads like “Star of Fate”, “Only You Can Save Me” and “Still Waters Run Deep”.  It’s odd how their lyrics are just as random as their music. They mostly tend to write about their major influences from movies like the “The Crow” or “The Lost Boys”, to typical rocker subjects that deal with sex and drugs, and then they can write simple, elegant, poetic ballads.

“Every time I hear you breath, in the still night next to me, and your innocent heart to beat, I feel so complete, because let me listen to you gently breath, no words do we need, let your innocent heart to speak, still waters run deep”- Still Waters Run Deep

from left to right- Timo-Timo (guitar), Bazie (guitar), Jyrki 69 aka Jyriki Pekka Emil Linnankivi (vocalist), Jussi 69 (drums), and Archie (bass)

So I hope you check them out, and enjoy them as much as I have. here are a few links to youtube to check out some videos from the band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5rh969E9oA for the video "devils"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4oRM6tC8PQ for the video "The Lost Boys"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lS17O9nKGk for the video "Perfect Skin"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh0ZY_95smw for the video "never say die"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TLYDF00Jts for the video "Dance D' Amor"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwnIbuSfOtw live performance of "Still Waters Run Deep"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl3Z_VMnEJs live performance of "Los Angeles" bootleg, but captures the energy of the live show.

just as a fun fact- the lead singer has a master degree in analytical chemistry, and is also a UNICEF good will ambassador for Finland. He has started a campaign in trying to help stop child trafficking and sex explortation of children in west africa. so that's pretty amazing.

Over the years I have heard music from many extraordinary bands and I have been able to see many great bands perform live like Danzig, The 69 Eyes, Garbage, Audioslave, Velvet Revolver, Motley Crue, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, L.A. Guns, The Foo Fighters, and Jane's Addiction to name a few. But for me the greatest band I have ever seen live, wasn't a band that made millions of dollars, nor have their album gone muliti platinum. They didn't have pyro's or big expensive stage set. All they had was their music, and their passion for music, and their high energy, and that was enough for me and many others to be hooked to a band called "The Colour".

The story of The Colour starts off 4 years ago where the band members all met up with each other in Biola University, a Christian college. Soon after they met they all dropped out of school and began working odd jobs to support their new career.  The band, Wyatt Hull (lead singer), Davey Quon (lead/rhythm guitar), Nathan Warkentin (drummer) and Luke McMaster (rhythm guitar) all lived in a small home in Whittier as they worked on material for a demo.  Soon after they started playing at small clubs in the local area until they were signed on to Monarchy Music record label. They began recording their first e.p. “Out and About”.  The e.p. spawned spectacular songs such as “Mirrorball” and “Down the Circus”. Pretty soon they were opening up for large festival with the Psychedelic Furs, and opening up for Kasabian’s first tour as well as Ok Go.

“Out & About” was filled with blues guitar licks, a gospel smacking tambourine, about every decade of sounds as they pour it in a bucket of ideas. The Colour is able to put all these ideas together in a way that makes sense, keeping it short, simple and sexy. Every song on the album just gets you in the mood to dance and embrace the music, as music was once embraced back in the days of Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin in the 60’s.

I saw the band perform for the first time when they opened up for Kasabian. I had no idea of who they were, but I could tell their was something special about them. They stood out from the rest of the opening band. Judging by how the crowd reacted to them, I think the crowd knew what I knew too. I remember after the show ended going to the merchandise table asking the clerk what was the name of the 2nd band that went up. He told me that they were the colour, and I bought their first e.p. it took 3 days before I listened to it. I wanted my hearing to come back completely before I listened to it. I wanted to hear the full quality of the cd, and not judge them harshly because the music didn’t sound as good due to the ringing in my ear from the show. I remember liking what I heard, and pretty soon, I couldn’t go a day without listening to it. I was hooked on them.

The second time I saw them, was a few months later at chain reaction. By that time they were changing labels to RETHINK, and beginning work on their 2nd e.p. entitled “Devil’s Got a Holda Me” and a few tracks would later be called the cave session. Like before they were amazing live. The fans were going wild; Wyatt was stirring it up like he only knows how. His present on stage is a mix of Jim Morrison from The Doors, and had the pure octane of David Lee Roth on stage. Everyone in the club was singing along, dancing and cheering the entire time. After the show was over I was able to meet the drummer again, even though I didn’t know I met him the first time until I met him the 2nd time.  Again he was at the merchandise table selling items, but this time I was able to finger him out. We talked for a bit and laughed at how I didn’t recognize him the first time I met him. I wasn’t wearing my glasses the first time, so I couldn’t tell what they looked like since I was a bit far away from the stage.  Later on I met the rest of the band. They were all great guys, very nice, funny, and never too busy to pose for a picture, or sign an autograph. They even stuck around to talk to me for half an hour, then they left to eat, and head home.

After seeing them a few times and getting to know them, they actually remembered me, and we would talk about music that inspires them, and what inspires their lyrics. Some of Wyatt’s biggest influences were The Clash, and T. Rex. But you could tell that other bands like Led Zeppelin and The Cure was an influence as well on his vocal style on their full length album “Between Earth & Sky”. It’s a throwback to the classic rock sound and just taking what they did in “Out & About” and taking the next step.

The last show I saw them at, was in Fullerton at a small venue called The Alley. It was the second to last show they were playing, before they hung up their boots. They decided as a band, they have gone as far as they can creatively, and thought it was time to move on. I remember picking up my sisters for the show. They live 2 hours away from the o.c., but they were dying to see them live. They were also big fans. So my cousin and I drove for 4 hours, had no sleep almost and nearly got in a pile up accident just to see The Colour. The pile up accident was not our fault; it was some speed demon that kept changing lanes that ended up side swiping a SUV that flipped over 3 times. Don’t worry everyone was fine. I pulled over, and checked on them, as my sisters called 911.  So later on that same day we saw them in their final show. As we waited for the band to take the stage, I remember seeing Wyatt head over to the back stage. He waved at me, and I went up to him and wished him luck on the show.  Then 30 minutes later the show started and my family and I had a great time. It was everything I knew it was going to be, and more. It was one of the best shows I saw.  The show was just full of life and energy. After the show we got to say our goodbyes to the band, and well wishes, and just thanked them for all the great music, and memories.  They were surprised by what we went through to see them, and appreciated us taking the time and energy to see them.  Music has always meant a lot to me, but this band is one of the few that is always going to have a lasting impression on me, and I was glad to take part of that band journey.

(Left to right) Davey Quon(lead/rhythm guitar, piano),Wyatt Hull (lead singer), Derek (bass)Nathan Warkentin (drummer)

"Out & About"- 1.St. Micheal, 2. Mirrorball, 3. Down the Circus, 4. Open Up The Boulevards, 5. Building Situations, 6. Tambournie

"Devil's Got A Holda Me"- 1. Devil's Got A Holda Me, 2. Save Yourself, 3. Chariots of Gold, 4. Until We're High

"Between Earth & Sky"- 1.Can't You Hear It Call, 2. Devil's Got A Holda Me, 3. Save Yourself, 4. Silver Meadows, 5. Our Children Were the Stars 6. Black Summer, 7. Just A Taste, 8. You're A Treasure, 9. Kill The Lights, 10. Salt The Earth, 11. Bearded Lady, 12. Dirge to Earth & Sky

check out thier music video for "Devil's Got A Holda Me"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkDToTJ9g8s

live perfromance of "Kill The Lights". this video shows how well they play live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U5HCDXkjKc

watch them perfrom 2 songs live on the  jimmy kimmel show. it shows off their true live stage presences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fb3uqm6pMQ

a very special live acoustic concert by the colour.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_XoWPMDT30

The Cult is back with a new album entitled "Born into this". As most Cult fans know, this album sounds nothing like their past work. The Cult is known to always be evolving as time goes by.  They first started out as a punk/Goth band, then turned into a hard rock Americana band by their “Electric” album, then became more of a glam/arena rock band, then changed to an alternative rock band, and on their last album ended up going to a more heavy metal/ hard rock sound. This time the change seems more of a comfortable one for the band. It’s not as harsh as with the last album “Beyond Good and Evil”. Their vibe is very similar to their “Electric” album. It’s raw, it’s stripped down, and it’s energetic. It’s The Cult going back to their roots and rediscovering themselves as artist.  I don’t think any of the songs stick out, since the whole album is very solid. It’s an album that I can listen to over and over again easily without having to skip a track. It’s that good.

The album starts off fast and furious with “Born Into This”, and follows up the energy from that song to the 4th track of the album “Dirty Little Rockstar” hits.  Then “Holy Mountain” brings the album to a mellow, surreal pace.

Ian Astbury - “Holy Mountain' is probably the pinnacle for me ... it involves my girlfriend and (a time) in life where I felt kind of like, I won't say washed up, but I definitely felt drained. I felt frustrated and I felt undynamic and went on this journey and ended up at Everest. So that song is literally the zenith, the high point, and everything sort of flows down from that song."

“I Assassin” brings the mood from “Holy Mountain” to a literal stop. Almost like waking up from a dream, and getting smacked in the face with reality. It follows up with the more uplifting “illuminated” and brings it back to a darker overtone with “Tiger In The Sun” and “Savages”.  The album ends with “Sound of Destruction”, a heavy bass rocker, that kind of makes you forget the darker overtones, and reminds you just to rock out.

So what does the lead singer hope that the listener get’s from the album? "A life-changing experience. Spiritual upliftment. Some kind of an awakening, hopefully. I think one thing about this record is, it has all the ingredients in it. The teeth and claws haven't been taken out of it. It's not a nice little domesticated indie house pet. A lot of stuff was written in wild places: (while) denizens of Paris, (while) stuck in lodges in the Himalayas and (during) white-out snow storms."

There is also a special edition version of the cd, with a bonus disk that contains 5 tracks. I think it’s more for a die hard fan, rather then a new listener. “Stand Alone” and “War Pony Destroyer” are two great tracks that I don’t understand why they weren’t put in the original album.  The rest are demos and a full version of “Savages”. They are great demos, not a whole lot different then the originals, but they are great to listen too.  “Born Into This” is a great short, in your face album. It’s worth checking out and great album for new comers to the band to learn what this band is all about, and find out why they have been able to exist till this day. I give it a 4 ½ out of 5 stars. I think the price of 25 bucks for 5 extra tracks and only 2 being originals isn’t a great buy, but the album delivers in every track and translate beautifully live. I can’t find a track that isn’t good on this album. Check out the band live on tour. You don't want to miss out. Belive me, i have seen them live on their current tour.

1. Born Into This 2. Citizens 3. Diamonds 4. Dirty Little Rockstar 5. Holy Mountain 6. I Assassin 7. Illuminated 8. Tiger In The Sun 9. Savages 10. Sound of Destruction

Bonus disk: 1. Stand Alone 2. War Pony Destroyer 3. I Assassin (demo) 4. Sound of Destruction (demo) 5. Savages (full length version)

Since I heard that The Smashing Pumpkins were going to reform I was really excited. I was hoping that the last album “Machina” wouldn’t be the last album I would hear from them. I still felt that they had a few more albums and years in them, but a break from touring was much needed. Then I found out that only the lead singer Billy Corgan and the drummer Jimmy Chainberlin were the only two members coming back. Neither James Iha, nor D’Arcy was coming back to the band. I was even more surprised that they didn’t even invite Melissa Auf Der Maur back. She even stated that she’s willing to come back if they asked her too. So I don’t really think it’s a true reunion. But for any educated pumpkin fan, they know that Billy was the mastermind in the studio. So maybe it doesn’t make a difference if James and D aren’t in the band. But I still think many fans feel like they were cheated out of a real reunion and that Billy only brought back the name to cash in on it and to get attention from the media.

When the pumpkins broke up in 2000, Billy made a new super group (featuring Billy and Jimmy) named Zwan. The band didn’t last very long, but the one and only album they made sold well, but was soon forgotten. After that Billy made a solo album called “The Future Embrace”. The album did poorly compare to his past work. So the only way for Billy to save his career was to do a reunion. So that’s what he did, and he mentioned it first on the Chicago Times news paper with a full page ad. This was news to all the former band members.  At the end no one other then Jimmy decided to join.  So here we are now with a half hearted reunion, and a new album.

“Zeitgeist” German for “The Spirit of the Age” is the first album made by the Pumpkins in 7 years. The album already hit #2 on the billboard charts with 145,000 + copies sold in America on the first week. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the album when I first bought it. The last 2 albums were softer, poetic albums. So since it’s been nearly a decade, I was expecting more of the same since they are older and have matured more over the years. Lyrically, the album is very political compare to there past work. It’s the first time the the pumpkins have ever really spoke about something in a non poetic sense. So that was a shocker to me. What also shocked me is that this is the most aggressive album made by them as well. The songs come in fast, furious, lot of distorted guitar layering and amazing drum work. Their aren’t too many moments in this album where they give you a breather from this musical assault, but when they do give you a chance to catch your breath their ballads will easily take your breath away.  Songs like “That’s the Way (My Love Is)”, “Neverlost”, and “Bring the Light” seem to be more memorable, and full of life then the heavy rocker songs that after a while all seem to just blur together due to lack of individuality.

This album came out in many different versions. Each album version has a different color cover containing different bonuses. The standard red version has the basic 12 tracks. The deluxe red cover version has a book that accompanies it. Then there is the best buy orange color version that has the extra bonus track “Death From Above”. The blue cover I-Tunes version has the extra track “Stellar”, and the purple cover Target version has the bonus song “Zeitgeist”. I really hate these different versions of albums. It seems like it’s the new way for the music corporation to cash in on us fans. They purposely make different versions just to trick us into buying each copy. It’s really annoying; I don’t see why they just can’t make 2 versions. One should be the standard version and the other one being the deluxe version. Why do we need more then 2 versions?

But overall it’s a good album. I doubt many will feel its better then there “Mellon Collie” album. But I think its worth picking up if you’re a Pumpkin fan, and if your not, then this wouldn’t be the first album from the Pumpkins that you would want to add to your collection. It doesn’t showcase the full potential that they have. So out of a 1 through 5 scale, I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I think the only crappy song on the album was “Pomp & Circumstance” and I felt that “United States” was too long of a song.

       1.        Doomsday Clock

       2.        7 Shades of Black

       3.        Bleeding the Orchid

       4.        That’s the Way (My Love Is)

       5.        Tarantula

       6.        Starz

       7.        United States

       8.        Neverlost

       9.        Bring the Light

      10.       (Come On) Let’s Go!

      11.       For God & Country

      12.       Pomp & Circumstance

Bonus Tracks

13.              Death From Above (Best Buy orange cover version)

14.              Stellar (I-Tunes Blue Cover version)

15.              Zeitgeist (Target purple cover version)

here is a link to see the first single off the album "Tarantula"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5V2m3E4VvA

here is the link to see the second single "That's the Way (My Love Is)"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg-9rAOezeg