Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Make A Scene

The ridiculously delicious opening cut "Revolution" tweaked my interest huge. The album unfolds as a fairly paint by numbers dance record for the most part. It doesn't have enough good material to rival the overrated and over hyped Lady GaGa record. Sophie is very much trying to walk in the shoes of Robyn and GaGa with her 2011 record. The songs aren't as good as Robyn's material from the E.P. releases of last year. What she does achieve is an album that should finally make her a successful artist in the mainstream dance clubs of North America.

The excellent club tune "Not Giving Up On Love" could be her moment as far as dance chart success goes. Another of the better tunes is "Can't Fight This Feeling" that harkens melodies from early era New Order. It's wrapped up in a very 1977 disco flavor but if you listen close you can find its heart pulsing along to that New Order groove. There is nothing on this album after the opener of great interest but for the dance kids out there and girls who like vanilla house music this will suit their undeveloped musical tastes just fine.

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Shinedown - Somewhere In The Stratosphere

As fas as live albums go they usually suck because most of the studio wizards twiddling the knobs make artists sound great which live they don't most of the time. Then there are those artists who really are great live like Three Days Grace, STP, Testament, Kiss, Iron Maiden and now Shinedown can be added to the list of good live acts. I've listened through the entire two disc package of the album and upon an unusual third listen threw for me of a live record I really like some of the bands songs a little better here than on the studio release. The early stuff really sound vibrant and full of life.

Overall this package in the extended version with the live DVD is the best choice to purchase. It's a pricey set but if your a fan of good hard rock music there is no reason for not owning "Somewhere In The Stratosphere". The second disc of acoustic performances is very strong which shows that this band has the chops live. I find myself going back for listens of "Hereos" on a regular basis over the studio one each time because it has much more emotion and energy than the album version. Now I will admit the acoustic version of "Devour" is not my favorite for sure but it has a certain theatrical charm but lacks during the chorus. Still a good package with plenty to be entertained by from one of the bands I've become a huge fan over the last few years.

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American Idol Ends For Another Season

This season of Idol had some decent singers and a slew of mistakes. The mistakes started from the judges not picking the right ones. There were at least six I can remember who should have been given a chance on the show. The attempt to further the black content and minorities blew up because America seemed to eliminate them one after another.

The inclusion of Naima was some sort of joke I think because that woman was terrible but consistent for sure. Then the length of time that absolutely awful waste of air time Jaccob Lusk was ridiculous. That kid has a voice that makes me feel nauseous when he sings. I never once heard him and thought he was good. Each week he would sing and he'd do that crying thing in the power spots that drove me crazy. He was truly the shows downfall all season but wasn't the only wasted slot on the stage the other was Haley. She is a pretty girl but she sings poorly and to have made the top three really makes me wonder about how much the show might work the votes to whatever they feel.

I have to admit the show had some cheese as well and it was called James Durbin. He more often than not was laughable after his first few performances. The garbage he pulled on Elton John week and then the rails came off quickly as he constantly pulled his one trick out on every song. He didn't have much to offer outside of his wail. I don't know what the future will hold for that kid but I honestly don't see him doing well as a solo artist. He might find success as the member of a band. The eviction of Pia was a highly debated one between myself and a couple of friends who more so enjoyed her physical form than noticing she couldn't sing anything but torch songs ala Celine Dion. Even though her voice was big and she could blow out some big notes she also was a one trick pony and that is why she went home. She was boring and lacked charisma which was proven when she attempted to sing an uptempo number.

The saving of Casey was the right decision because Casey is the most talented contestant on the show this season. He was outside the box from his look to his style to his voice and he in my opinion should have been in the top 3. No other contestant could pick songs better than Casey nor could they be as cool as him. He messed up with the Nirvana cover and it was a huge mistake. Otherwise he was fantastic but couldn't penetrate the mass of fourteen year old girls who sum up most of the voting public for the show. Still I am very convinced he will have a wonderful career as a musician and vocalist doing whatever he chooses.

The one thing about Idol this season is that the two most deserving of being American Idol winners were in the top two. I picked Lauren from audition night to win and Scotty was easily just as good. Those two almost flawless in their song choices and performances ended up where they belonged at the top of the heap. I knew Casey was too cool for mainstream America so I wasn't shocked he was voted off twice. Now Scotty and Lauren are tailor made for mainstream America and with how it all unfolded I'm not surprised. Scotty gets the title but in the end Lauren will outsell him. I know my stuff and Lauren is the far superior talent. She will be bigger than Carrie Underwood and might even rival Kelly Clarkson. Scotty will be a huge success as well and he should be the most successful winner since Underwood.

At this point my prediction of Lauren is right as she is outselling Scotty on I-Tunes so far today upon release. This will be a constant because as I stated previously she's the one. Overall a good season and the judges were pretty good this season. I hope that Tyler and Lopez are not there next season because they just didn't have the overall chops to slice and dice the performances and Randy had to always be the honest one and looked like the bad guy a lot. I think American Idol is in trouble considering that The Voice! and X-Factor are revving up to give them a run. I think that both shows are better concept wise and The Voice! has a really great cast of judges. X-Factor is sitting on Simon Cowell and will introduce the ever charming and beautiful Cheryl Cole to North America. This spells disaster for the show but if slotted right they can all have their space to find success.

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Top 20 Rod Stewart Songs Of All-Time

As far as rock n' roll goes the immortal Rod Stewart is it personified and one of the greatest vocalist in the history of music. There are very few to ever have sang that can tell a story with such grace and emotion that effects a listener at the deepest depth of the listeners soul.

20. The Motown Song
19. Broken Arrow
18. Mandolin Wind
17. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
16. Ain't Love A Bitch
15. Hadbags & Gladrags
14. Love Touch
13. I Don't Want To Talk About It
12. Hot Legs
11. Do Ya Think I'm Sexy
10. Maggie May
09. Tonight I'm Yours (Don't Hurt Me)
08. What Am I Gonna Do
07. Some Guys Have All The Luck
06. You Wear It Well
05. Never Give Up On A Dream
04. Ooh La La
03. You're In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)
02. I Was Only Joking
01. Tonight's The Night

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The 20 Best Heavy Metal Frontmen

These lists are always up for debate but here is the best of the best in my un-humble opinion.

20. David Draiman - Disturbed
One of the new kids on the metal block but he can pull off just about any sub-genre in the metal world. He does the nu-metal thing really well and the power ballad almost as well but really shines in the more mainstream modern era hard rock. All in all he's one of the most well rounded of the new school.

19. Biff Byford - Saxon
Legend of heavy metal maybe one of minor ones but all in all he's been around for many years knocking the thunder around for sure. His sonic textures are sometimes very close to the mastery of Bruce Dickenson. Biff still has the chops and might even be better today than he was back in the early 80's.

18. Dan McCafferty - Nazareth
Some might not consider the band heavy metal but they surely were in their day. One listen to Razamanaz or the viciousness of his delivery on Expect No Mercy and you can't deny his metal cred. One of the most influential voices in all the sub-genre's attached to hard rock/heavy metal.

17. Dee Snider - Twisted Sister, Desperado, Widowmaker
Big voice with supreme power unmistakable and really sounds like no other.

16. Ian Gillan - Deep Purple
Because heavy metal is inspired by the blues Gillan's voice gets to be here. His stage charisma oozes from every pore in his body when he hits the stage. He can still blow audiences away and pretty much destroy vocalists half his age. Gillan might be at number sixteen but with the amount of great singers in this list its still not a terrible place to sit.

15. Paul Stanley - Kiss
Stanley has fronted one of the greatest bands for almost 50 years and his style and stage rants are second to none.

14. Klaus Meine - Scorpions
Probably the most identifiable voice next to Ozzy in this list. One note and you know beyond a doubt who's singing. He's voiced some of the genre's greatest songs and the man is incredible live. His live singing ability is stellar and never does Klaus disappoint in a concert setting.

13. Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth - Overkill
As leader and vocalist of one of the greatest thrash metal bands ever Blitz has carved out his nasal shriek to a point where metal fans can instantly know who's singing. His style and phrasing is impeccable and a standout in the thrash metal genre.

12. Ronnie James Dio - Dio, Rainbow, Elf
Ronnie will forever be cemented as one of the greats. He delivered more often than he disappointed and never changed to appease the masses. He stayed true his metal roots for his entire career and life. Not to mention he gave us the "Horns Up" hand gesture.


11. Marylin Manson
This man took heavy metal into the millennium and paid dearly for doing so as he became the focus of religious groups and parent groups. The man has a great and versatile voice. He has written some white hot metal tunes and put himself up with the greats by creating his own style and niche even while showing who have influenced him.

10. James Hedfield - Metallica
Not the best on the list but his impact and style will never be confused with another. The band is James and without his vocal styling they would be nothing. I actually think James is a great metal vocalist who has been fairly steady throughout his career.

09. David Lee Roth - Van Halen
Nothing needed to be said about Mr. Roth and his ability as a front man. A classic and original.

08. Chuck Billy - Testament
No other vocalist on this list has the true power of Chuck. He sings with a voice as big as his stature. The man is a heavy metal vocalist that can pull a growl from so deep inside himself it can be intimidating. The studio or in a live venue Chuck delivers everything a metal singer needs to deliver to have credibility and be a next level performer.

07. Joe Elliot - Def Leppard
Joe's brilliance is the way he brings an arena into his inner circle. He commands the stage with authority and knows when to sit back. He never over does the stage antics and doesn't need to curse or be dirty to keep fans of the band engaged. One of the most charismatic personalities that naturally draws people.

06. Robert Plant - Led Zeppelin, Honey Drippers
Stealing almost everything they created from the american blues artists of the south doesn't change the fact they are one of the ten most important bands of rock. Plant is the golden god and his stature, hair and aggressive vocals pretty much became standard for the sub genre of Glam.

05. Bon Scott - ACDC
Bon's voice has been immitated by many bands who attempt to rock his style but almost always fail miserably. He is a one of a kind singer that has made such an impact on music history he will live forever.

04. Ozzy Osbourne - Black Sabbath
Ozzy needs no introduction as his legendary status in the music world is cemented by the catalog he created as a part of Sabbath and then the trail he blazed as a solo artist. His debauchery aside the guy is unmistakable original.

03. Bruce Dickenson - Iron Maiden
Another of the trail blazers that set the genre on its ear when his air raid vocals soared on his debut in Maiden.

02. Alice Cooper
The man who took it to the next level bringing the pain and writing some of the greatest rock music ever recorded. The Coop has survived every trend some better than others. He only wrote the best anti disestablishment song ever in "Schools Out". A true heavy metal pioneer.

01. Rob Halford - Judas Priest, Halford, Fight, Two
Rob is the metal god and he is without a doubt the greatest heavy metal frontman of all-time. Besides creating the entire look of the genre and defining an era he has been credible and current for his entire career.

Honerable Mentions:

Don Dokken, Geoff Tate, Sully Erna, Steve Lee, Noddy Holder & Andy Deris

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The Vines - Future Primitive

This month just got better with the release of a new Vines record. Future Primitive includes thirteen tracks of punky pop inspired by all things Kinks and the British Invasion first wave. The album opener is a spunky rocker called "Gimme Love" that is exactly what I expected from the band. They follow it with a spacious mid-tempo Brit pop number that is not only fantastic it is one of the bands finest moments on record to date. The group is in super form on this 2011 album and probably their best album so far when it comes to a complete album.

There are moments of flower power psychedelic rock them explodes into kick ass garage rock that never allows for a stale or forgettable moment. I absolutely love the groovy angst of "Future Primitive" the albums title track. It's two minutes of genius that will probably be lost on most listeners but I'm sure some out there will feel it. The bands harmonies are above grade almost every time they sing together. It blends so flawlessly that with each listen the ear candy just seems to sound sweeter. On the song "Riverview Avenue" the boys have a nice little bongo passage that I'd usually roll my eyes about but completely works for The Vines.

The band get very gritty and dirty on "Black Dragon" with a swagger that only The Vines could. A wickedly cool blend of all things 60's and a stellar full sounding production allowing the song to breath. I would not be surprised if they used all analog recording gear for this record because of cool it all sounds. The organic nature and clean spirit of the performances is sorely lacking in today's rock music. The eclectic beauty which this album brings to the fore front is so necessary in 2011. Another great record for a band that is overlooked again and again. I plead for any and all to get behind this band and take them to the top because they truly deserve it.

Song Highlights: Gimme Love, Leave Me In The Dark, Cry, All That You Do & Candy Flippin' Girl

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Hell - Human Remains

Cheesy over the top Christian's who play for the other team are behind this music. The evil eerie satanic musical journey Hell takes us on is eyebrow raising at times even eye rolling silly. I have to admit the guitar playing is pretty good on the album and the production is also solid. The lead singer isn't King Diamond but he does remind me of him with similar phrasing. I do enjoy some of the songs even though I nearly chuckle at the juvenile lyrics and the 'I'm So Evil' delivery.

The song "Let Battle Commence" has a pretty good power metal groove and pace it really does have that King Diamond feel on this track. Obviously you can find better heavy metal to listen to and the laughable lyrics do detract from the music but if your bored and enjoy pretending to be evil and that satan is real along with hell than this should be right up your alley.

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Lady GaGa - Born This Way

It's been leaked I've listened to it and now here is my review. It is definitely an album made for the homosexual clubs of the world. The overall package of music lacks somewhat and the best tune on the album is obviously the title track. There are some good songs like "Hair" and "SchiBe" which have decent dance grooves but aren't anything to write home about.

The album has some terrible crap like "Bloody Mary" and the abismal "The Edge Of Glory" that suck beyond anyone's imagination. She seems to have been listening to way to much Abba, Boney M and Madonna. She pulls much of the sound out those artists back catalog which gives the album a true disco feel which comes off as passe, stale and all too obvious. It all sounds like she's repeating everything from her debut with more synth sounds and larger production values but misses all the inspiration and spontaneity of her debut. When she steps out of her typical 'I Wanna Be Madonna' run of the mill dance music and creates a good song she still sounds like Madonna as what happens on "Electric Chapel" which sounds like it could have been released ten years ago when Madonna dropped Music or even Ray Of Light let alone Confessions On A Dance Floor.

This album is a complete disappointment considering how great the title track was/is. The only song that is really a standout and worthy of the hype this album has been getting is the Shania Twain-esq "U&I" which should be a number one hit for GaGa when it becomes a single. The song has all the trappings of a great pop tune and with a small tweak could be a country pop hit. Save your money and purchase the few singles you might like instead of shelling out full price for an album of wasted time spent recording. I can't believe how paint by numbers this album is but common for a sophomore debacle.

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Seether - Holding On To Strings Better Left To Fray

The brand spanky new Seether album comes with much anticipation and plenty to live up to as well. Their last album was nothing short of spectacular and one of the best nu-metal/modern rock albums of its release year. The band have continuously matured and gotten better with age. This time the band once again are at the top of their game showing any and all that Seether is a band that plays for keeps. The music mixes radio friendly hard rock with dark swirling modern rock even includes a power ballad. It is tough to say anything negative about Holding On To Strings because each song is good and the band has stellar production values along with solid musicianship.

I have to admit I'm a fanboi when it comes to Seether but it didn't start out this way. I panned their debut album but I began to like them more and more with each album. This album has surpassed all my hopes and has achieved the bands second excellent album in a row. I sure hope that they are able to continue writing such infectious music that is immediate and leaves a lasting impression.

Song Highlights: Tonight, Forsaken, Hear & Now, Country Song, Desire For Need & Down

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Anvil - Juggernaut

The Anvil drops once again in hopes of actually making an impact to land a decent tour some sort of audience to perform in front of this time. The bands what now 14th studio release arrives and what we get is well produced album by a band that is more tenacious and fierce than I would have expected after watching The Story Of Anvil. The big difference here is that Juggernaut some how covers up the usual cheese ball vocals of Kudlow which makes this band sound heavy and powerful. Now lets be honest a miracle isn't performed here and his goofy Spinal Tap vocals still come through now and again.

The album opens with a pretty kick ass heavy metal thumper called "Juggernaut Of Justice" that fires on all cylinders. As the album plays through the trio drops some really high energy heavy metal goodies. Songs like "On Fire" or "Turn It Up" are totally worth a listen and should bring you some fun times headbanging while losing just a little more of your hearing. Overall this is the first time I've ever been remotely impressed with an album by this band. The album includes twelve tracks which is a good amount of music and even includes a couple near gems.

It has only taken this band thirty years to release an album that doesn't work against them and should work for them. If you are an Anvil fan then this will be your favorite album by miles and miles if your a metal fan or thrash metal fan this will be a good addition to your collection.

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Check Out Mýa

Mya - K.I.S.S. by JulienSpencer

Or the trailer video if you prefer

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10 Songs That Should Be On Everybody's I-Pod

This one is some of the newer stuff I'm rocking out to that I've added to my I-Pod.

10. Mr. Money by Dynazty
09. Dough Boy by Lil Mama Feat. Mishon
08. Bad Karma by Ida Maria
07. World Goes Round by Black N' Blue
06. Something To Die For by The Sounds
05. Sad Song by Lenka
04. Get Up by Korn Feat. Skrillex
03. Kissed It by Macy Gray Feat. Velvet Revolver
02. Wide Sargasso Sea by Stevie Nicks
01. Old Alabama by Brad Paisley Feat. Alabama

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Check Out Krome

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View - Break & Circuses

Another good band this time from Scotland which is becoming the norm from the U.K. over the past few years. The album is a seriously infectious record with a tight power pop sound that has been done before but these guys do it so well that it doesn't matter. As the album progresses towards completion it ebbs and flows perfectly between Brit Pop, Alternative and Indie influences without ever being too much of one or the other.

The Squeeze influences are abundant as well as The Smiths and Blur but they only borrow now and again while still maintaining their own sound. That is not an easy balance to keep throughout an album The View achieve it which sounds as done effortlessly. There are moments when they descend into pub-rock territory on "Grace" and "Beautiful", in particular, but overall they are solid, well-written and anthemic.

The View - "Friend" | from "Bread And Circuses"

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U.D.O. - Leatherhead

So after the re-birth of Accept with their new singer Mr. Dirkschneider releases a four song E.P. and much to my surprise it doesn't totally suck. The band sounds full and powerful although the guitar solo on the title track is a little weak. Udo's voice sounds pretty good when he stays in his lower register and he sounds like age might have helped his screech as well.

The second song "Rock N' Roll Soldiers" has a good riff with that "Balls To The Wall" bass line formula following along underneath it. The song shows his yearning for the glory seconds of fame from 1983 but by the time the chorus hits the song loses its way. Another in a long line of Udo compositions that seem to fall just as short as his stature. Again this doesn't completely suck but it will make you snicker and grin because it is almost a tragic comedy of sorts. If the music would have used his more natural tone and less of the screeching metal growl the songs might have more teeth.

The closing number "Run!" is a pretty good European style heavy metal power ballad. I do like the song but wouldn't pull the album out to listen to the track very often. Check out the music video for the title track.

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A Supergroup Of Epic Status

Here is the video for the heavy metal pioneers supergroup which brings together Niko McBrain, Tony Iommi, Ian Gillan & Jason Newsted. The project is more of a Gillan/Iommi and friends deal but still this is pretty awesome on paper. The bands sound sticks right in with the mark II 80's reunion Deep Purple sound and everything Iommi has been doing for the last 15 years. It's a little droning but has a decent melody and fits along side the Heaven & Hell dirge with the slow melodic sludge metal tempo.

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Warrant In The Studio For Rockaholic

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The Cars - Move Like This

Well this one is going to be a short one, the album sounds like the Cars. Ric still sings in his same off beat flat tone and the music is about as bubblegum or new wave as they could be in 2011. Overall the album lacks the serious punch that Orr would have given to the reunion. The album lacks a song as good as the "New Cars" original "Not Tonight" which hit the perfect chord a few years back. I don't hate the album but I don't think it does the legacy much good.

This album is not as good as some of the other bands who have been reuniting over the last few years and if I was to compare it to the new album from Nazareth it would be a first round knockout win for the Cars but next to the new Stevie Nicks it wouldn't even have a chance to swing a punch. If your a huge fan then you should support them if your a casual fan or too young to actually know them outside of their massive hit singles "Drive", "You Might Think" or "Magic" then I suggest you pass on Move Like This.

Soon by The Cars

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