Another Loose Canon Gone Bi-Polar, or Why I Love Shinedown

Please believe Shinedown are not a Glam band. They are, however, an awesome rock act influenced by  over-the-top stage shows of the 80s Metal bands we love. Shinedown's new album The Sound of Madness is an impassioned modern rock experience. A true, in-your-face Metal explosion. There's no faking here. The band are who they are and that's o.k. with me.

The Sound of Madness features 11 tracks - all a unique story told through high-end guitar pickups and Marshall amplifiers. Sure the album's title track is easily the strongest - but other high points are "Devour," "Second Chance" and "Call Me." The Sound of Madness runs the gamut of heavy to passionate and back again giving Shinedown the distinction of actually having depth.

The more I think about it, Shinedown just might be exactly what the rock world needs right now to survive. The crux of the matter is that true rock acts are a dying breed and for good reason: they get no support. "Fans" steal music, commercial radio doesn't play songs and big box retailers like Wal-Mart sell censored versions of albums. The good thing about The Sound of Madness is that the songs have a good edge, but many are still melodic enough to actually get radio play once in awhile.(I must admit satellite radio does give Shindeown a fair shake).

I was very impressed with Shinedown when I saw them last month playing second fiddle to Hinder. Make no mistake, Shinedown blew Hinder off the stage - and I don't think they were even trying that hard. This live performance made me want to investigate the Jacksonville band more.

Back to "The Sound of Madness." I freaking love this song. In fact, I might make it my new anthem:

"Yeah, I get it,
You're an outcast.
Always under attack.
Always coming in last,
Bringing up the past.
No one owes you anything.
I think you need a shotgun blast,
A kick in the ass,
So paranoid...
Watch your back!"

The beginning is just so...heavy and...perfect. I love the way singer Brent Smith growls out the words at the beginning of the track. Beautiful production + great writing = Allyson in love.

All told, Shinedown has released three albums since forming in 2001. I'll be backfilling my collection - I suggest you give the band a shot.

Oh, and sometimes goodbye really is a second chance. Just sayin.'

Fattest Bass Line in Rock?

Yesterday Eric and I took a little afternoon trip down the highway to IKEA. I mean, it is the Glamest home store on the planet as all the furniture comes from Sweden. Anyway, I had extended time to listen to Hair Nation in the car. Ozzy came on and I didn't think much of it: until I really starting dissecting "No More Tears."

I own "No More Tears" on CD. I've heard the song a million times. It is possible, however, that I've never really listened to the song until last night. As I sat in the car, focusing on the song, I realized that "No More Tears" just might win the award for having the fattest bass line of any rock song - period. Actually, "No More Tears" has some awesome guitar solos too. There are times when the solos end so abruptly I can't help but wonder if the producer was a little "clip happy" but other than that, I'd say the track is basically perfect.

Before "No More Tears" started blaring from my car's speaker system, the Hair Nation DJ mentioned Ozzy has a new album coming this year. How can Ozzy release a new album when the man can barely talk? That question aside, I'll be interested to see if the guitar work is as good on the new tracks as some of the old ones. Black Rain was pretty good - but no track on that disc holds a candle to "No More Tears."

So, do you agree? Does "No More Tears" have the fattest bass line in all of rock? Can you trump my selection?

Better Logo?

I was thinking about band logos a littlelast night. It dawned on me that 80s Glam bands had some of the best logos of all musicians. I don't know if it was the Metal, the time period or just a fluke - but it just doesn't seem like modern bands/artists have impressive logos.

That said, I've been trying to determine which Glam band has the single best logo. (Notice I say Glam. If I just said "best rock logo" I'd easily pick Aerosmith). Of course, such decisions are subjective but I think I've got it narrowed down to two bands: Def Leppard and Crashdiet. Now, I know there is some (small) debate over Def Leppard's Glam status. I consider them 100% Glam because of their hugely popular 80s sound and influence on other bands.

Anyway, I can't think of a Glam band that has a more recognizable logo than Def Leppard. I mean, their brand image is instantly recognizable which is hugely important in today's over-saturated music market. Having a great logo didn't help Def Leppard create a great album in Songs from the Sparkle Lounge but I bet it did help sell a few extra shirts during the recent tour. I have several Def Lep shirts - all because of the awesome logo.

From the modern era of Glam, there really is no contest when it comes to logos: Crashdiet takes the cake. In a lot of ways, the Crashdiet logo is very similar to Def Leppard's brand. There are hard-shaped letters, smushed together in just the right way to create a brand synonymous with a certain type of music. While I often think of Glam as "inclusive welcome-to-the-party Metal" the logos of both Crashdiet and Def Leppard juxtapose this idea. The hard edges of the letters symbolize the danger of Metal - the closeness of the letters welcome listeners to the fun. I highly doubt the band members had such symbolism in mind when the logos were originally created - but it's possible such ideas were subconscious.

So, which logo is better: Def Leppard of Crashdiet...or some other band? Why?

Pure. Glorious. Glam.

So I was flipping through YouTube last night while my husband watched bowl game...after bowl game...after bowl game. (Glam aside: how is it possible to watch 17 back to back football games? I don't get it). Anyway, I was looking for some vintage Glam clips to share with you on this post-holiday season Friday. I'll call this "hangover Friday." Not because I've had too much to drink - because I haven't - but because the holidays tend to turn schedules and the world upside down. So, while we're all getting back to normal routines, I thought some vintage Hanoi Rocks was in order. This clip is amazing! Sweaty Michael Monroe belting it out, 1983-style.

Watch and pray to the Gods of Glam.

Start Me Right in 2009

Happy new year and welcome to 2009!

Like the title of this article says, get me started right in 2009. I have $35 sitting in my iTunes account, just ready for me to spend. What should I buy? (And yes, I already own the new Shinedown. I know some of you have mentioned that disc over the past few days – rest assured, I have it on my iPod already).

Remember, if it’s classic Glam, there’s a 99% chance I already own it – so I’m looking for either newer bands or the obscure. Something I can really enjoy over my next few days off from work.

Please don’t suggest Motley Crue, Aerosmith, Poison, Alice Cooper, Van Halen or Def Leppard – I’ve already got it!

I want some really heavy Metal, too. You know, for those rage-filled days.

I thought a new year would be the perfect time to start with some new bands I don’t already know. This is a resolution to rock to some new guys (and gals!)

I have other resolutions too – all of which should be broken by January 3 at the latest. Care to share resolutions? Mine are to work less, spend less money on music (and since the $35 was gifted it doesn’t count!) and to relax more.

We’ll see how I do.

New Year's Rockin' Eve - Motley Crue Style!

Here's a great clip of Motley Crue ringing in 2004 to the tune of "Girls, Girls, Girls." This is a smokin' performance - I think you will agree! (Too bad the audience is just sorta standing around).

Do you have Glam New Year's Eve plans?

Make a Resolution to Rock and Get Wild in 2009, Special NYE Ticket Promotion

ALGONA, IOWA (December 31, 2008) - Forget the same old resolutions. Each year, millions of people vow to lose weight, quit smoking, save money. In 2009, make a resolution you'll actually want to keep: vow to party your ass off at Rock Gone Wild! Nowhere else in America will you get more than 40 national recording artists on two stages over four days of hard rock and heavy metal. Even better, platinum and VIP packages mean you'll get food, entertainment and beverages of all sorts at one convenient price - talk about an economic stimulus plan! Get a jump on that resolution: now until midnight E.S.T. on January 2, 2009 purchase two (2) general admission tickets receive two (2) additional tickets FREE! That's four tickets for the price of two. Tickets are available now by visiting www.rockgonewild.com. Rock Gone Wild is slated for August 20-23, 2009 in Algona, Iowa.

Bands already announced for Rock Gone Wild 2009 include Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, Skid Row, Candlebox, Tantric, Kix, Saxon, Great White, Hardcore Superstar, Saigon Kick, Tigertailz, Lizzy Borden, Dangerous Toys, Helix, Rhino Bucket, Junkyard and the Gypsy Pistoleros with many more to come!

For a limited time, fans can visit www.rockgonewild.com and enter to win two (2) FREE general admission tickets. Daily winners will be announced starting January 5, 2009.

Rock Gone Wild fans are able to purchase tickets at all three price levels: platinum, VIP and general admission. Platinum ticket holders are allowed exclusive access to the Sinners Lounge. The Sinners Lounge features buffet style lunch, dinner and nightly snacks daily, liquor and beer, soft drinks and water - all to enjoy in an air-conditioned tent. The Sinners Lounge is the perfect nightclub setting for all rock fans! Platinum ticket holders sit in the first ten rows. Only a few tickets remain at this price level.

VIP ticket holders also get special Rock Gone Wild privileges. These ticket holders will sit in rows 11-30, enjoy buffet style lunch, dinner and late night snacks daily, plus beer, soft drinks and water. VIP fans will enjoy their food and drink in air-conditioned tents. General admission tickets are also available. To purchase tickets, please visithttp://tickets.rockgonewild.com.

Rock Gone Wild will take place at the Freedom Park festival grounds, located at 2507- 160th Avenue in Algona, Iowa.

Visit www.rockgonewild.com and http://anatomyofafestival.wordpress.com/ each Tuesday in 2009 for a new band announcement or other exciting news and contests!

If you build it, they will rock.

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