American Beer Drinking Club-Best Seats N the House

Shinedown

2008-06-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

SHINEDOWN

THE SOUND OF MADNESS

Brent Smith - vocals

Barry Kerch - drums

Nick Perri - guitar

Zach Myers - guitar

Eric Bass - bass

So where should I begin....for me I was first introduced to Shinedown about 4 years ago when they played at a summer festival held in my hometown every year. The attraction was instant!It had been years since I had felt that kind of intense energy from a band. They drew the audience in...spun them around a few hundred times and with the grace of a seasoned band twenty years older they kicked their ass. They played again the following year and once again the band and Brent Smith blew the crowd away. With one command Brent Smith separated the crowd of 40,000 people right up the middle until a roadway was formed leading to the stage. Then he asked everyone to come together in the middle as one. I will never forget the feeling of standing on the side as the crowd became like the ocean and swept away leaving me standing alone amongst the trash and empty blankets. I remember thinking that they would follow him to hell and back if he was to ask....that is the power of Shinedown.
So being ever faithful I have waited for their follow up album and their return to my hometown. Well it took a while but finally after over a year my wish has come true this month. The new album The Sound of Madness came out the 25th of June and just a few weeks earlier I was privileged to see my band again at the same summer festival we hold every year. I am a very lucky girl! The album is by far better than anything out today and most definitely will make Shinedown part of a very exclusive group of artist....the best of the best! There is not one song of the 14 songs on my CD that is not capable of setting the charts on fire. The writing...the music....the story behind each song....well if your breathing and living a life...then you will get it! Every song will touch you because you've lived it. Shinedown had the ability to write about life,the life that we all live...the anger, misunderstandings, love, sorrow, blessings and regrets...the things we would have changed if we only knew at the time. Yes, I could go on and on and yes,you would be sick of me telling you how much I love this band. But its true and listen when I tell you that you have to buy this album. Take it home...put it in your stereo...put your headphones on or blast it through the speakers...read the words...listen to the music...hell ya its a good day in rock n roll.
I can't really give you a few tracks that are my favorites...they all are! You'll just have to buy the CD and figure out that part for yourself. The band is already touring and I'm sure they'll be on the road for a while so check their websites for the tour dates. Don't miss out on seeing them live...truly its an experience you'll never forget.
"C"

www.shinedown.com
www.shinedownnation.com
www.atlanticrecords.com

Motley Crue

2008-04-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

It's a brand new album for Motley Crue and a new hit single with "Saints of Los Angeles" They're also bringing to the table a new summer tour called "Crue Fest" which promises to be HUGH!!! Joining them on stage will be Buckcherry, Papa Rouch, Sixx:AM and Trapt. I can't wait! Tickets are on sale already and you can go through the Motley Crue website at http://www.motley.com/ and get them there...and of course check out all the new stuff going on with one of our favorite bands of all time. Don't forget you can also catch up with them at www.myspace.com/motleycrue. Go check them out...the boys are back and no one is happier than me.
"C"

July 1 - West Palm Beach, FL - Cruzan Amphitheater 3 - Tampa, FL - Ford Amphitheater 5 - Charlotte, NC - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater 6 - Virginia Beach, VA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater 8 - Wantagh, NY - Jones Beach Amphitheater 9 - Buffalo, NY -Darien Lake Amphitheater 10 - Sarnia, ON - Bayfest 12 - Philadelphia, PA - Susquehanna Bank Center 13 - Washington, DC - Nissan Pavilion 15 - Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Center 16 - Chicago, IL - FMB Pavilion 18 - Indianapolis, IN - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater 19 - Milwaukee, WI -Marcus Amphitheater 20 - St. Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater 22 - Houston, TX - Woodlands/Toyota Ctr. 23 - San Antonio, TX - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater 24 - Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Amphitheater 26 - Albuquerque, NM - Journal Pavilion 27 - Denver, CO - Fiddler's Green Amphitheater 29 - Salt Lake City, UT - USANA 31 - Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Pavilion August 1 - Las Vegas, NV - Mandalay Bay 2 - Los Angeles, CA - Glen Helen Pavilion 5 - Sacramento, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheater 6 - San Francisco, CA - Shoreline Amphitheater 8 - Seattle, WA - White River Amphitheater 9 - Portland, OR - Rose Garden 11 - Vancouver, BC - GM Place 13 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place 14 - Calgary, AB - Saddledome 15 - Saskatoon, SK - Credit Union Centre 17 - Winnipeg, MB -MTS Centre 19 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Amphitheater 20 - Cleveland, OH -Blossom Music Center 22 - Boston, MA - Tweeter Center 23 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center 24 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena 28 - Toronto, ON - Molson Amphitheater 29 - Albany, NY - SPAC 30 - Scranton, PA - Toyota Pavilion 31 - Pittsburgh, PA - Post Gazette Pavilion

Rock on the Range

2008-03-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

Columbus Crew Stadium
Columbus, Ohio

May 17th and 18th,2008!

Line Up for May 17th:

Stone Temple Pilots
Disturbed
Stained
Killswitch Engage
Serj Tankian
Shinedown
Finger Eleven
Filter
10 Years
Red
Theory of a Deadman
Ashes Divide
Airbourne
and more....

Line up for May 18th:

3 Doors Down
Kid Rock
Seether
Papa Roach
Flyleaf
Alter Bridge
Sevendust
Default
Black Tide
Bobaflex
Drive A
Revelation Theory
and more

For ticket information just go to
www.rockontherange.com
or
www.myspace.com/rockontherange

Rocklahoma

2008-03-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

2008 ROCKLAHOMA LINEUP ANNOUNCED

HOLLYWOOD, CA— The line up for 2008's Rocklahoma was announced by Catch the Fever Music Festivals at a press conference held at the historic Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood.

Hosted by nationally syndicated DJ and VJ Eddie Trunk, the press conference was attended by Bret Michaels, front man of Poison, all of Warrant featuring Jani Lane, along with members of Cinderella, LA Guns, Enuf Z Nuff, Beautiful Creatures, Night Ranger, XYZ, Pretty Boy Floyd, Vain, and Lynch Mob. Trunk, who is heard nationally and on XM Satellite Radio's channel 41 The Boneyard and is seen as the VH on VH-1 Classic, invited rock fans worldwide to attend Rocklahoma, June 10-13, 2008, at the Catch the Fever Festival grounds in Pryor Oklahoma. The press conference was broadcasted live on XM's Boneyard Channel 41, as well as streamed on Wyldside Radio.

Over 80 bands will be performing on three giant stages over July 10 through July 13th. As announced, Rocklahoma's initial lineup on the main stage is:

Thursday (Pre Party for those who have bought three day tickets) Bret Michaels, LA Guns featuring Tracii Guns, Enuf Z Nuff, Vain, House of Lords and Jet Boy.

Friday: XYZ, Armored Saint, Kingdom Come, Night Ranger, TBA, Triumph and TBA.

Saturday: Pretty Boy Floyd, Every Mother's Nightmare, Tora Tora, Black N Blue, Trixter, Kix, Warrant featuring Jani Lane and Cinderella

Sunday: Axe, Beautiful Creatures, Zebra, Lynch Mob, TBA, Tesla and TBA

Additional bands on the main stage will be added in the upcoming weeks. The initial lineup and bands are subject to change as bands are added and the exact schedule is arranged.

Two side stages adjacent to the main stage feature over twenty-eight regional artists on each stage.

The Retrospect Records stage includes the following bands: Jester, Sidekixx, Pair-A-Dice, Front Runner, Tommy Had a Vision, Valor, Gypsy Blue, Whitefoxx, Blue Tiger, Wild August, Messang, Paul Shortino, Mariah, Warryor, Bad Candy, Lorraine, Nasty Nasty, Real Steel, Cuttlass, Vyper, Mass, Bad Candy, Oney, Strikeforce, Herazz, Reckless, Heartless, Ron Keel, Warryor and Alibi.

On the Tri-Label Group stage has Texas Hippie Coalition, Karnevil featuring Dario Lorina, Dirty Penny, Crooked X, Gypsy Pistoleros, Sweet FA, Banshee, Gods of Kansas, Lipstick Magazine, Pownd, Shadowside, Mindflow, Warmachine, Asphalt Valentine, Krucible featuring Lance King.

Rocklahoma is the world's largest Rock Festival of its type featuring bands from the eighties. Attendance is expected from all fifty states, every Province in Canada and every country in Europe.

Located four miles north of Pryor, OK, off Highway 69, the Catch the Fever facilities include over 6,200 assigned and numbered seats, as well as general admission on the lawn for over 50,000 people. The grounds also feature over 4,000 campsites, on-site parking, bathroom facilities, a convenience store, and overnight security provided by Mayes County Sheriff's Department. Rocklahoma features a Picture Alley that allows anyone in attendance to approach the stage during any performance and take photographs of a favorite artist at close range.

General Admission Tickets and V.I.P. tickets to Rocklahoma are currently on sale and available by calling toll free 866-310-2288 or by going online at www.feverfest.com

If you guys need more info check out the official "Rocklahoma" my space at
www.myspace.com/rocklahoma.

They also have most of the band websites listed for you. That way you can spend your day listening to all the great music...and trying to figure out where you packed away all those great T-Shirts...but leave the spandex where it is...somethings are better left to the memory.
C

Black Water Rising

2008-02-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

Black Water Rising

Brooklyn New York USA

Rob Traynor-vocals/guitar
Johnny Fattoruso-guitar
Mike Meselsohn-drums
Oddie McLaughlin-bass

So this is what I can tell you... former Dust to Dust singer/songwriter Rob Traynor has put together an amazing group of musicians to form a band that I expect will make a hugh impack in music this year. They have their debut album due out early this year and their first single "Brother Go On" has just been added to the rotation at Sirius' Octane channel. Yes, life is looking good for boys from New York. Take a look for yourself!
www.myspace.com/blackwaterrising
or
http://www.blackwaterrising.net/
Click banner below to request BWR on Sirius OCTANE
Request Black Water Rising!

Whatever you do, go to one of their sites and check out their video "Brother Go On" directed by Noah Shulman.
Have a great week!
C

Another Animal

2007-12-18T09:02:00.001-08:00

Whitfield Crane-Vocals

Tony Rombola-Guitar, vocals

Lee Richards-Guitar, vocals

Robbie Merrill-Basses

Shannon Larkin-Percussion, vocals

Another Animal released their debut CD appropriately called "Another Animal" on October 2, 2007. The band, made up of members of Godsmack, Ugly Kid Joe, and Dropbox found themselves with some extra material, an urge to do some recording and get back out on the road and tour. So that's what they did and the end result is one of my favorite albums of the year! The Cd is outstanding and its packed with the different influences that each of these talented musician has brought to this new collaboration. Yes, you can still feel the essence of Godsmack but it is soon forgotten with the vocal of Whitfield Crane who's voice is simply mesmerizing throughout . Whit had some help with Lee Richards and Shannon Larkin also laying down some vocal tracks. Robbie Merrill and Tony Rombola...they are just the best of the best at what they do, their talent is undaunted in the music industry today. Shannon Larkin's talent behind the drum kit can only be compared to that of Keith Moon and John Bonham...he is a perfect combination of both...he is in a class by himself! No doubt you have already heard " Broken Again" on the your local airwaves but you need to listen to "Distant Signs" and "Left Behind" and my favorite "Fade Away". Shannon does the vocals on "The Thin Line" which brings out some of the harder influences from his past. On the softer side is a little melody called "Interlude" a classic rock n roll beat with a little southern accent.

I love when musicians take chances...when they stir the pot...when they throw in all the leftovers and serve the rest of us a gourmet meal. I can't wait to see what they have in mind for dessert!

Another Animal is currently on tour with Alter Bridge. I was lucky enough to catch them before the holidays. What a great show...I was blown away by both bands! The tour will be on going through out 2008 and sometime after that Godsmack will be back in the studio to record a new album. So seriously folks don't miss your chance to see them in concert...its one of those situations that you don't know when this opportunity will come again. I can tell you this...if they come back through my town again I WILL be there front and center...I want one of those Larkin drum sticks!

Check them out at www.anotheranimalrocks.com

or at their myspace at www.myspace.com/anotheranimalxxx

All I want for Christmas

2007-12-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

So the big day is fast approaching and there are still some of you who have not finished all that Christmas shopping...so I am here to help...or at least help you with that music lover on your list. I have just a few ideas in my mind hope you like what I've picked out!

#5. Sirius/XM Radio: A subscription radio service providing over a hundred stations of commercial free music, sports and talk entertainment. Both Sirius and XM have their own web sites for you to find more information or you can travel over to your closest electronics store (Best Buy) where they can help you out also. I have been a long time subscriber to Sirius. I am a "Buzzsaw" girl...for many reasons including the fact that I can't see the display without my glasses... and I can't drive with my glasses. What can I say...can't drive with the glasses...can't read without! So its just easier to leave on what I love and that would usually be "Buzzsaw". Seriously though satellite radio is a lot of fun in the car, at home or even on your computer. Check it out!

#4. Ipods and MP3 players: Again a great gift especially for the person who always on the run. There are too many different ones out there for me to even know where to begin. Check them out on line or at your nearest electronic store or phone store. Personally my phone holds all my music and I am loving it! If I could only figure out how not to erase all the names in my address book I would be a happy camper.

#3. Concert tickets: Who does not love being handed a couple tickets to a show they have been wanting to see! There are a ton of tours going on right up until the holidays and then starting back up after the new year. You should be able to access a list by looking up events for your city using your computer. You can also check out sites like Pollstar http://www.pollstar.com/ or http://www.buy-event-tickets.com/ where you can see the bands currently touring all over the world. Buy-Event-Tickets will also help you find tickets. For example...they have tickets available for Led Zeppelin in London on Dec. 10th...for a mere $11,440.00 you can purchase a seat for the show (air fare not included) of course general admission tickets are only going for $5,725.00. Oh yea....I'm right on top of that one! There will be no Led Zeppelin in my stocking for this year!

#2. DVDs, Books and Cd's: There is just a millions options out there for what ever kind of music you or your gift recipient enjoy! Pick a band or any musician and you should be able to find a DVD of a concert or a tour or a collection of music videos. Check out your video stores, electronic stores, web sites and sometimes even the bands web site. I am hoping to finally find "The Cult" DVD under the tree this year...I have been hinting for this one for 3 years now! Books...yes books! I am one of those crazy people who can read 2 or 3 books at a time...I love to read! I always have some kind of a musical biography open....right now it's "Off the Rails" by Rudy Sarzo...one of my favorite people in this world. Another good one is "The Path We Choose" by Sully Erna from Godsmack. Ronnie Wood and Eric Clapton both came out with autobiographies this year as did Pattie Boyd (Eric's ex) with "Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me". I might have to pick up that one before Christmas along with the "Slash" by Slash...they should make for some good holiday reading. Last, but not least Cd's! What a great year of music we have enjoyed. Most of the bands I have reviewed this year have music available on their websites so that should be a easy solutions for you. Still there is so much music out there that I didn't even get to write about yet! Rascal Flatts, Kidd Rock, Ozzy and Alter Bridge (who I will be seeing next week) all have great Cd's out. The Eagles and Led Zeppelin both have out new Cd's which are topping the charts and Nickelback and Daughtry still have Cd's out that have been on the chart for over a year now... how could you go wrong?

#1: "Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rockstar" by Nikki Sixx and "Herion Diaries Soundtrack"by Sixx:AM. The book and the soundtrack were a special present I gave to myself earlier this year. The book made me laugh and cry and scared me to death! Nikki took a path many of us could very easily have taken back in those days and many will choose even now. I am amazed by what he's gone through and how he has changed the outcome of his life. The book is simply unforgettable and the soundtrack mirrors the book and then brings it all to life! "Heroin Diaries" by Sixx:AM is played in my house, my car or on my phone on a daily basis by myself or one of my sons. This is the perfect gift for the music enthusiast, those who loves to listen to music, those who love to read a heart pounding story and those who love a good ending or should I say a "unbelievably great new beginning!" What could be better than this? Well, On Dec. 7th, people living in Dallas and Dec. 9th, for those of you living in Houston stop what your doing and hurry down to Borders Books and Music! Nikki will be in town to do some book signings for those who make it out. I would call your local Borders for more information on times etc. See, you pick up the Cd, the book and have it signed by the artist all in one stop....the perfect gift!

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season...stay safe people! I have to run...got to check on flights to Dallas and Houston!!!!!!
C

Kevin DuBrow

2007-11-27T09:03:00.000-08:00

This week the music community found out the sad news that they had lost singer Kevin DuBrow of the legendary 80's rock band Quiet Riot. In 1983 Quiet Riot gained national fame while soaring to the top of the charts with the release of "Metal Health". It was a first for a heavy metal band at the time which will forever hold their place in history and the hearts of many music fans. At this time there has been no information about the cause of death of the 52 year old DeBrow. He had just spent some time in New Orleans taking time to check out The Cult in concert and then had returned home to Las Vegas where his body was found by some friends on Sunday.
Quiet Riot was one of the first bands I ever worked with in the 80's. It was the beginning of their success "Metal Health (Bang Your Head) was just climbing the charts and they were doing a club tour. It was one of those crazy days with fans banging on the doors all day, the phones ringing off the hook and everyone wanting passes to get into the show and worst part was the band had no idea what was ahead of them or how to handle it. To this day I would not wish that kind of fame on anyone...it was too much too quickly for any person to know what to do with it, especially a group of young men out of LA. Quiet Riot's line up changed through out the years except for Kevin who will go down in rock and roll history as the leader of the one and only Quiet Riot. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and all his fans....he will be missed!
C

The Pit

2007-10-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder for some of you that missed it. You can still catch Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
"Runnin' Down A Dream"
a film by Peter Bogdanovich

Thursday, Nov. 1 at 3am
and
Saturday, Nov. 3 at 3pm
(check your local times please)
on the Sundance Channel

The first time I ever went backstage was at a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers show. They set the standard for me that night. I don't think I have ever met a nicer band, staff or road crew since. To this day I will always remember what a normal, down to earth guy Tom Petty was that day. There was no ego, no attitude...just a guy doing the thing he loved and having a great time doing it! That was many years ago and I don't' think I have missed a Tom Petty show since. There is nothing better than to be at his show and hear everyone singing every song he plays! They're not just singing to a few songs...its every single song he plays... amazing! If I were to be granted a wish to go on tour with any band I wanted... for a month or whatever amount of time... I would be touring with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers...it's that simple!
Got to run...somewhere I have a " I Love T.P. " tee shirt I must find!
LATER
C

The Cult

2007-10-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

Ian Astbury/vocals

Billy Duffy/guitar

Chris Wyse/bass

John Tempesta/drums

Time is not usually a friend to the life span of any band or musician. It looks so glorious from the outside but for those who have led this life especially for those who survived the 70's and 80's to be around today is pretty miraculous. Back then the bands were led around on a leash by record companies who's only worry was how much money they could make in the shortest amount of time. The bands toured constantly playing every town where a buck could be made. It was not unusual to see Judas Priest, Iron Maidon, or Van Halen 3 or 4 times in a months time. One of my old roommates reminded me how we complained about having to go see ACDC for the 3rd time in 2 weeks. Yes, I could and should kick myself for that one. This past weekend was my first time to see The Cult....I have waited years for this! The Cult is basically everything I don't usually like in a band. They have attitude...they fight amongst themselves...break up...get back together... break up again...and basically its done their way or it doesn't get done. They do what they want, how they want to do it and I LOVE them for it. They headlined a show which included 5 other bands including Drowning Pool and Stone Sour, so there was a short set list and a shorter time period to get it done. Which was fine I will take what I can get and what I got was everything I ever wanted. A bad ass band with attitude! I dragged those who were with me to the stage since I wasn't sure when this opportunity would come my way again. Finally, there I stood in front of Billy Duffy with Ian Astbury to my left...it just does not get any better. They started off with Dirty Little Rockstar and then played classic after classic after classic! Now no one loves to listen to a singer carry on more than me. I could listen to Steven Tyler's rambling on stage for hours and I will stand mesmerized as Brent Smith of Shinedown will magically bring a crowd to their knees with a single command. There was none of that with Ian Astbury...he spoke only a few time....mentioning how damn cold it was (outside show in October) and some short introductions to the songs. Which is exactly my point, it was all about the music and the music is why I was there. I only wish they could come back through here and play a regular show so I could hear more but I don't think there is much chance of that since its been 6 years since they're last visit to my city. So if you have a chance to see the Cult get your ass up out of your chair and"GO". Who knows when they will tour again. It would be a sin to miss out on Billy Duffy strumming on his guitar and that voice of Ian Astbury! It just doesn't get any better than Ian singing for me!

They're latest CD "Born Into This" came out earlier this month. It is the Cult at their best....straight in your face rock n roll....just how I like it! Check them out at www.myspace.com/cultmusic or http://www.thecult.us/ . Remember they are touring the US through the end of the year. Get your tickets now don't be an idiot and wait 20 years like me. Damn... definitely need my ass kicked!

Barleyjuice

2007-10-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Barleyjuice
Celtic/Folk Rock/Rock
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Kyf Brewer
Keith Swanson
Billy Dominick
Jimmy Carbomb
Erick Worthington
Gregor Schroeder

Ah...where to begin? How about if I use one of their own quotes "Six Yanks dedicated to the preservation of fine drikin', fightin', courtin' and sailin' songs of Ireland and Scotland". That should just about say it all and yet there is much more to tell! There is so much diverse talent in these 6 musicians it's almost unfair to all the rest. They have singing/songwriting ability and are capable of playing just about any instrument known to man including bagpipes, fiddles, banjos, whistles, accordion, violin, bodhran, haggis (I have no clue what a haggis is) my favorite mandolins and of course all the usual everyday type of instruments that the rest of us struggle with. Most of all though they are just having a damn good time doing what they're doing and it shows whether in their songs or in their stage performance. This is old hat for some of them including singer Kyf Brewer who has been in the music business for a few years now. He started back in the 80's with the Ravyns (the good old days!) then moved on to Company of Wolves and now he is again enjoying great success with Barleyjuice. Yes, there is still some time to work on some side projects for those of you who have followed his career. Keith Swanson or Swanny,another one of the founding members of the band was Pipe Major of the Loch Rannoch Pipe Band before starting up Barleyjuice a year later. I could go on and on with the individual talent in this band but the truth is if you throw these six guys in a pot, stir it round a bit, you have gold.
They have already done 3 albums starting in 2003 with "One Shilling" followed by "Another Round" and finally giving us "Six Yanks" in 2006. I am told there is some new stuff in the works! We'll let you know about that later!

Below are 5 songs for your listening pleasure including:

"Pretty Wild Bride"

"Whiskey To The Sea"

"Tartan in the Colour"

"Mush Mush"

and my all time favorite"What's Up Yours"!

Be forewarned you will end up singing it for days to come...its OK just go with it...I'm sure the band won't mind.

The band is touring constantly with dates posted on their site through the next year. So put on your kilts...don't tell me you don't own one! Alright you might have to find one...look on the Internet under "kilts" and get down to see the band. I promise you the time of your life, but after all the whiskey and beer I won't promise you that you'll remember it. Just an excuse to do it again!

C

www.myspace.com/barleyjuice

http://www.barleyjuice.com/

Gavin Mikail

2007-10-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

Gavin Mikfail
Pop/Rock
Nashville, Tennessee

My question is this! How did this person become so wise at such a young age? While reading his bio I am amazed at how grounded Gavin seems to be within his life and career. I think it takes most musicians a lifetime to achieve this ability. Gavin seems to have it all together though and I have to admit its very refreshing! So let me tell you a little bit about this boy.

Gavin Mikhail began his musical career at the ripe old age of seven with classical piano and the pipe organ. He would later graduate from Purdue with a degree in finance only to decide to follow a career in music instead. Good choice considering in 2006 he sold over 10,000 Cd's and had 30,000 downloads internationally without the support of a record label. In late 2006 he signed with Trolley Bus Records, a Japanese label and his latest CD "Like Normal People Do" was release. He is married ladies and with the birth of his daughter he just seems to have it all and most importantly he knows it! What makes this all even better is that the man is truly talented. Which is something you need to check out for yourself. He has a few songs up on his website "Brave", "Fight the Sky" and "Days Gone By" and a acoustic version of "Not Enough" plus there is a small introduction by Gavin himself. Gavin will tell you that he spends most of his time writing and playing his music and telling himself that he will never be a rock star. I have news for you though Gavin...your well on your way to stardom in more ways than one.

C

Check him out at www.myspace/gavinmikhail.com

Candice Clark

2007-10-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

Candice Clark

Pop/Rock/Indie

Mason, Ohio

We've had an overwhelming amount of request from singers, songwriters and musical groups of all kinds, from across the world to check out their sites and their music. So to begin with here are just a few from the United States that we thought you might find interesting. Lets get started with the ladies.

Candice Clark is a aspiring young singer/songwriter out of Mason, Ohio. Don't be fooled into thinking she's one of those Brittney/ Lindsey deals....she's not. If I had to categorize her, which I hate doing, I'd have to say she's more similar to Kelly Clarkson. She started singing at the age of seven and soon decided that's what she wanted to do with her life. I think she made the right decision.

She recently released her first CD titled "Let Go". Being such a multi talented girl she sings all the vocals including backup and plays a half dozen instruments or more.

I like all her tracks but "Let Me Be"

is probably my favorite right now.

Other songs include:
"Too Good To be True"

"Tell Me Why"

"Livin For Today"

Yes Candice, we think you have what it takes... as long as you stay off that pop princess path...it's too steep a path for those who choose to wear 3 inch heals. Check out her myspace page at www.myspace.com/candiceclarkmusic or her web page at www.candiceclark.com/ . Let me know what you think but I'm sure you'll agree she's worth listening too.

C

The Pit

2007-10-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Just a few quick words of wisdom for a Tuesday morning.

Today is the release of Kid Rock's "Rock and Roll Jesus" and Alter Bridge's "Blackbird"!!!! I have "Blackbird" blaring in the stereo as we speak and "yes" I am one happy girl! More on Alter Bridge later this week.

Already out this week (my guilty pleasure) The Cult with "Born Into This". This is classic Cult, my eardrums are ringing...but who cares!

Also this Saturday, October 13th is the official release of "Stay Down" from the Federation of Horsepower, one of the American Beer Drinking Club's friends. Congratulations to them!

One last piece of info for you...Sixx AM is in the #11 spot on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks with "Life is Beautiful". Much deserved!
Later....
C

Click on the ITunes button next to the song to pick it up today!
The Cult "Dirty Little Rockstar"

Altered Bridge "Blackbird"

American Bang

2007-09-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Jaren Johnson

Neil Mason

Kelby Ray

Ben Brown

Nashville

Warner Bros. Records

It's been nothing but a good time for me since I came across this band's myspace long ago. Originally from Nashville and calling themselves "Bang Bang Bang" this group of high school friends joined together to form this band in 2005. Recently (to avoid future legal issues )they changed their name to "American Bang". It's all good though, I can't think of a better name for this southern, kick-ass, rock n roll band! You've probably already heard them a few hundred times since they've been featured recently in the television ads for Verizon Wireless but I'm sure you'll be hearing much more of them when their 4 track EP "Move to the Music" is released on October 23rd. That's just the beginning though! Now signed with Warner Bros. Records they are working on a full length CD which is due out next year and is being produced by one of my favorite producers and musicians James Michael (Sixx AM). To top it off they are currently on a huge tour of the United States running through to next year. What more could any band want? I'm not sure but I know that whatever it is ...they're going to get it. These boys have great chemistry and I am having a great time following them through their blogs and pictures. Can't wait to see them...that is as soon as they decide to ride into my little city here...hint hint! But, I'm sure I won't have to wait too long and neither will you. I predict they will be touring the world by the end of next year and kicking everyone's ass along the way. So take a deep breath...dive in... no time to come up for air... and who would want to...they're having way too much fun...and so will you!

Check out their myspace at www.myspace.com/americanbang

Click on the ITunes button next to the song to Pick up American Bang's
"American Ride"

"Move to the Music"

"Good As Gold"

and "All Night Long"

SIXX:A.M.

2007-09-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

Nikki Sixx
DJ Ashba
James Michael

Years ago, actually many years ago back in Baltimore, my old roommate Larry and I would go to this record store called Record and Tape Collectors. We would do this maybe once a week looking for that certain album or that undiscovered band that no one knew about...our next great find! Larry was a bass player in a band and a part time DJ at one of the local clubs called Hammerjacks (the original Hammerjacks).

I remember standing in the import section of the store and picking up this album by this band called "Girl". I had never heard of them but the singer was good looking so it caught my attention. About that time Larry walked up to me and shows me this album with a cover picture of some lace up leather pants... hmmm... this could be interesting! Then he turns it over points at this guy and says "that's the coolest bass player I've ever seen!" We bought both albums that day.

The singer for my band "Girl" was of course Philip Lewis (LA Guns) and the guitarist was Phil Collen (Def Leppard) so I didn't do too badly picking out this band, but Larry's album was the first for this band called "Motley Crue" and his bass player was of course none other than Nikki Sixx. We went home, put the album on the stereo, stared at each other in disbelief, got dressed, took it to Hammerjacks and Larry played it all night! Needless to say things were never the same again!

Motley has always had a special place in my heart but that's not to say they didn't usually piss me off and for the most part disappoint me. I always wanted this band to be great, not just because of the "sex, drugs and rock and roll" and everything they got away with...I wanted them to be great for their talent. Don't get me wrong it was the 80's, it was rock and roll and The Crue was just the best, but can you imagine what this band might have done if they had been sober even half the time?

Well finally, thanks to Nikki Sixx, I have my answer with "The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack" by Sixx:AM. It is worth every one of those 25 years I had to wait. Nikki Sixx, DJ Ashba and James Michael have put together the most anticipated CD of the year and the result is a masterpiece! I love the music, the songwriting, the guitar playing of DJ Ashba, the vocal of James Michael and Nikki's voice telling his own story. I love that I put it in my car stereo and didn't stop driving until it was over, and most of all I love the fact that Nikki had the balls to make this CD in the first place.

My favorite songs on the CD? Well, if I have to choose I have to say "Life is Beautiful" and "Girl with the Golden Eyes" but that's a hard decision to make! I don't think I have skipped a track yet!

Nikki has also written a book called "The Heroin Diaries: A Year In the Life of a Shattered Rock Star" which you can pick up at any of your local bookstore this month. Look, we all have our demons in our past we have to deal with sooner or later but right now its all good for Nikki Sixx and Sixx:AM. I am so happy for this band and all the effort they have put into making this new beginning come true. I am also so happy that I was right all these years...there was always great talent hidden away under the mask of "Motley Crue".

Grab the book and read it...pick up the CD and listen to it. We don't all get second chances in life so take a lesson from Nikki Sixx...when you get one...run with it!
C

Click on the ITunes button next to the song to pick it up today!
"Life is Beautiful"

"Girl with the Golden Eyes"

Check out the band at sixxammusic

Mrnorth

2007-08-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Colin Smith
Emmett O'Malley
Oisin O'Malley
Adrian Mordaunt

What can I tell you about Mrnorth? Well, let me say that the band itself is a bit of a mystery. Which is fine...I enjoy a good mystery! What can I tell you about their music? Spellbinding! The writing ability of Colin Smith and Oisin O'Malley is to say the least above and beyond most anything you will find in any music store today.

From the beginning of their latest CD "Fear and Desire" you are pulled into this story. It's dark and it's gut wrenching, and anyone who has ever been in a relationship will feel all those emotions come creeping back in....but its also beautiful and hypnotic and much like that relationship, you must stay till the end.

The musical talents of this band are mesmerizing and the vocal talent of Colin Smith tells me there are great things ahead for this New York based band.

Click on the ITunes button next to the song to Check out and listen to
"Rope"

"For the Moment"

or my personal favorite "Sleeping Dogs"

You can also check out Youtube and find several videos of the band. These guys have all the makings of a great band but like I said at the start, they are a bit of a mystery. So if their lives are reflected in the music they write...well this girl will be reading this bestseller from cover to cover. Enjoy...but keep the tissue handy...they're going to break some hearts!
C

mrnorth myspace page

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

2007-08-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

Peter Hayes
Robert Levon Been
Nick Jago

Some time ago a friend gave me a CD to listen to called B.R.M.C. by a band called Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. He assured me it was so different and I was going to like it. Well he was right, I did like it and it was different...different from what we were hearing at the time on all the radio stations. But there was something familiar in the music, it was loud, exciting, rebellious, pissed off and dangerous...oh yea danger! I loved it!

"Spread Your Love" and "Love Burns" two of my favorite songs, take me back to the time of "The Wild Ones". A biker film staring Marlon Brando, where the band discovered their name. What could be better than youth revolting against society, forbidden love, motorcycles and alcohol?

Well, finally with the release of their newest CD "Baby 81" I get to go there again! This CD is raw, take no prisoners, in your face rock and roll. Listen to "Weapon of Choice" with its political undertones about the state of the world. "Berlin" states the obvious about our society in its lyrics "fools in need, foolish to believe". And "Took Out a Loan" about all the confusion of a misunderstood relationship that we all experience somewhere in our life.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club who wrote and produced this CD just simply tells you like it is...it’s that simple! The CD is quickly climbing the charts and the band just back from Europe is touring the United States. So go jump on that Harley, pick up the CD and a six pack, go home, get out of the heat and check out the band and their music...enjoy...do you have anything better to do right now?
C

Click on the ITunes button next to each song to pick it up Today!
"Spread Your Love"

"Love Burns"

"Weapon of Choice"

"Berlin"

"Took Out a Loan"

You can check in on Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (B.R.M.C.) at their web site Blackrebelmotorcycleclub

Civilized Tears

2007-07-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Aliens (2006)
Indie

Tim Bennett - vocals & guitar
Jonty Finn - drums & percussion
Ben Kelly - guitars
Max Faulkner - bass

There are days when I get on the Internet and I literally spend hours roaming from site to site. I weave in and out of people’s lives, getting lost over and over again without the worry of finding my way home but never finding anything of interest either. Then there are days on my never ending Internet trek that I stumble onto a treasure chest, and the day I accidentally stumbled into the myspace of Civilized Tears I discovered gold! I remember sitting back in my desk chair with my headphones on and listening to this amazing song called “Blue Sunrise” over and over and over again! Where the hell have I been? Who is this band? Why haven’t I heard this song before? Such a relief for my ego when I realized that the band was new, having only been together a little more than 2 years. The music and the band itself were still being developed. This was just the beginning for these guys. Regardless, I knew I was hooked and I immediately stole “Blue Sunrise” for my own space. Since that day I have watch as this band and its leader Tim Bennett have worked endlessly to make their dreams come true and get their songs heard. I can’t say enough about the songwriting. There are stories for each song, most stemming from the life experiences of singer Tim Bennett. He has lead a very interesting existents so far, with more than enough life changing experience for such a young man with such an old soul. They started their own Indie label called “Happy Aliens” in the summer of 2006 and plan to release their first single in September of 2007. I can’t wait! If you visit their “myspace” you can follow along on their journey since Tim keeps everyone updated on a weekly basis. He also keeps this very entertaining blog of his adventures past and present…I know there is a very steamy best selling novel in this man’s future! I will be first in line at the bookstore! If for no other reason you must visit their myspace to hear “ Blue Sunrise” and my other favorite “Black Rain” and “Flying Over America”. Get to know the band and go along for the ride…I think its going to be a great one!
C

You can listen to Civilized Tears Music at Civilized Tears

TESLA

2007-07-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Tesla
Real to Reel
Tesla Electric Co. Recording

Jeff Keith-vocals
Frank Hannon-lead guitar
Brian Wheat-bass guitar
Troy Luccketta-drums
Dave Rude-guitar

I am not a fan of the bands that go out and decide they can take a classic song and make it better. Some things in this world just can't be improved on, they always have been and always will be perfection. Somehow though this late 80's band has put together a song list from the 60's and 70's and created one of my favorite CD's of the year called Real to Reel. I cant' tell you a favorite track though it would be unforgivable not to mention "Thank You" from Led Zeppelin. Between the vocals of Jeff Keith, the guitar magic of Frank Hannon and drum work of Troy Luccketta this version could possibly be even better than the original itself. "Ball of Confusion" the 60's hit brilliantly done by The Temptations is masterfully redone! The same rebellious lyrics sung then still hold so much meaning in today's world and no one better than Jeff Keith to be belting it out. Who doesn't stop what their doing whenever "Stealin" by Uriah Heep starts up on the radio and what better way to end the CD than "Dear Mr. Fantasy" my favorite of all Traffic songs. So do I have anything to bitch about with this CD? Hell ya! I couldn't wait to pick up this CD just so I could endlessly repeat "Seasons of Wither" the Aerosmith classic. "War Pigs" and "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" were also missing...what's up with that? It seems you have to buy a ticket to a Tesla show in order to get Reel 2 or the second CD in the set! Which would be fine if Tesla was touring anywhere near where I live this summer. Come on guys are you going to make me fly half way across the country just so I can have it all? Anyway, has Tesla succeeded with this CD? Well they have this girl endlessly grinning and begging for more... isn't that what any good band wants to accomplish with their music? By the way...does anyone have an extra ticket to see Tesla this summer? I can be ready in minutes...
C
TESLA - "Thank You"

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You can go to www.myspace.com/teslatheband to hear their version of "Seasons of Wither"
Also available http://www.teslarealtoreel.com/ or http://www.teslatheband.com/