Middle Class Rut Pick Your Head Up Bright Antenna A sophomore album is always a risky proposition.  It’s a balancing act; a band has to stay true to the “sound” they developed on their first offering, lest they alienate the fans tuning back in for more of what they know and love, but at the same time, they have to exhibit some musical growth, or else the music snobs and […]

The Flaming Lips The Terror Warner Bros. With the oddly-twisted synths and bass-driven rhythms that dominated 2009’s Embryonic, the Flaming Lips made the first step away from the bright psychedelic pop and splendor that dominated every record since their 1999 magnum opus, The Soft Bulletin. And while those records always had themes of melancholy and death, they were mixed with celebrations of love and life. Embryonic may have hinted a […]

The Misfits Dea.d. Alive Misfits Records The Misfits continue their fiendish rule with their live album, Dea.d. Alive. Recorded in the center of Times Square in New York on All Hallows’ Eve of 2012, the Misfits unleashed their ghoulish persona unto the masses. Their raw live performances of the 14-track album are proof that The Misfits’ legacy lives on. The first seven songs are from their 2011 album The Devil’s […]

Sound City: Real To Reel Sound City: Real To Reel RCA I came into this album with an open mind, not totally sure what to expect.  Knowing that Dave Grohl, who in my mind is the most powerful individuals in music today, is the backbone of this album and the associated movie I was hoping for something special. With an all-star cast of amazing, experienced musicians and singers, the creativity […]