Music's 3R's 11.09.09: A Rant on Miley Cyrus, Rihanna Speaks Out, Britney Lip-Syncing Controversy, Stephen Tyler Leaves Aerosmith, More

Posted by Aaron Titan on 11.09.2009

From Rihanna finally commenting on the Chris Brown incident and Miley Cyrus going TOO FAR to Britney's lip-syncing causing possible law changes in Australia, Stephen Tyler quitting Aerosmith (and possibly being replaced), and updates on Avenged Sevenfold and the Deftones, 411's Aaron Titan breaks down the Right, wRong, and Ridiculous from the week in music!


***what a role model***

Greetings

Greetings 411 readers! Aaron Titan here bringing you another smattering of the always sensational Music 3R's.

Only 4 days to go until I see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra live for the fifth time! If you get the chance to catch them on their 09-10 Christmas tour, I highly recommend it. There's enough rock, drama, lasers, and pyro to make any music fan happy. I finally got their new album Night Castle in the mail and it sure didn't disappoint. It's got all the theatrics, heaviness, and heart of their previous releases with even more cheesy epicness, if that was possible.

Oh, and officially start getting pumped for 411Mania's Top 30 Albums of the Year. I'm participating as a staffer for the first time and hope to see some of my favorites make the cut. Look for that shit in December.

OK, let's get to it! Warning to the optimists first though. This week's edition of the R's is my most Ridiculous-heavy outing to date. There's some stuff that was super-annoying to me and while I try my best to remain an optimistic person, I just couldn't remain so on some silly stuff, especially some comments from one Miley Cyrus.

The Column

For those unfamiliar with the 3R's concept, here's the breakdown. I will be reporting and commenting on happenings in the music world and categorizing all the hoopla into three sections: the Right, the wRong, and the Ridiculous. The Right will feature news, albums, and announcements music-related that I'm personally stoked about. The wRong will be the bad versions of all three of the aforementioned. The Ridiculous is the worst of it all, that which makes good ol' Mr. Titan shake his head in perplexing amazement.

The Right

Deftones Bounce Back:




This new song, "Rocket Skates," was the first new music seen from the Deftones in some time. Essentially what happened was that almost one year ago, bassist Chi Cheng was involved in a car accident that left him in a coma. Until the last few months or so, he's stayed in intensive care, but now he's recovering and is in what's been described as a "semi-conscious state." During this whole tragedy, the Deftones announced that the experimental-type album they'd been recording - Eros, was to be delayed indefinitely. This was their statement on essentially pulling the plug on Eros for the time being:

"The songs recorded for 'Eros' are very special to us as they are the latest with Chi (and we certainly hope not the last); they have history and significant meaning to us. However, as we neared completion on 'Eros', we realized that this record doesn't best encompass and represent who we are currently as people and as musicians. And although those songs will see the light of day at some point, we collectively made the decision that we needed to take a new approach, and with Chi's condition heavy on our minds while doing so. We needed to return to the studio to do what we felt was right artistically. Our inspiration and unity as a band is stronger than it has ever been before and we needed to channel that energy into our music, and deliver to our fans what you rightly deserve: the best Deftones record that we can make.

The decision to hold off on releasing 'Eros' has no connection with Chi's condition or anything associated. This was, and is, purely a creative decision by the band to write, record, and deliver an amazing product. As a result we feel like this is the best record we've ever written. And although Chi is not playing bass with us, his presence is dramatically felt in our hearts and on our minds every day when we step into that studio, and you will feel it in the music."

Since then, they've done some recording with sit-in bassist Sergio Vega for what will be their follow-up to 2006's Saturday Night Wrist. I'm happy they are moving on, because I think it would be extremely hard for passionate musicians to wait out a long coma like they are with Cheng. It's a super unfortunate situation, but you've got to think he'd want his bandmates to carry on in his absence. He's supposedly going to make a full recovery at some point, so I know I sure can't wait to see Chi back behind the bass again sooner than later. His energy and playing are truly fun to watch in the live setting, as I've seen the Deftones live thrice.

As for Eros, as a longtime fan of this band I'd really like to give it a listen somewhere down the line; however, it's the band's right to keep it locked up if they feel uncomfortable releasing it. Maybe it ended up sucking and they spared us from having to hear it. Who knows? Perhaps they could just leak it like, 50 years from now, and add to the mystique of the album. We'll see. I know they've since talked about there being a possibility of it seeing the light of day sometime down the line. To get those of us who are ‘Tones fans through this waiting period, here's this little nugget I remembered seeing on MTV as a kid (sorry for the interspersed Little Nicky clips as this was a special for the soundtrack to that film):






Avenged Sevenfold Back at It: Zacky Vengeance of the Long Beach rock band Avenged Sevenfold issued an update about the status of the group and their upcoming recording plans:

"It has been awhile since we have shed light on our current doings. Well, here is a long-awaited update into the world of A7X.

We came off of the road amidst one of the most turbulent times in history. Everything going on around us was overwhelming, frightening, frustrating and confusing. I must confess that it was also very exciting to me. I'm sure you can share my sentiment.

We have been focused on only one thing: writing and preparing to record what to me is our most personal and epic Avenged Sevenfold album. The reason is the fact that everything happening around us in the entire world might be a once-in-a-lifetime source of inspiration and direction. We have been harnessing every aspect of what makes A7X truly unrelenting and building off of that. I don't think we sleep too much anymore because of the excitement we feel while writing this album. Only a world spinning out of control could inspire the music and vision we have now. Once again, it is fucking exciting.

We will continue finalizing our songs until we feel every note does both you [the fans] as well as us justice. We are also in the final stages of solidifying our production team, studios and engineers so that the second the axe falls and the album is written we will spend day and night in the studio until it is complete. This album will definitely take you on a very dark journey..."

As much as I would prefer artists leaving the terming of "epic" to the fans instead of themselves before the album's even out, I am excited about this. I've become less of a casual AX7 fan and more of a…fan over the last year. Their most recent album (self-titled) was absolutely stellar from start to finish. I listen to "A Little Piece of Heaven" on the way to watching hockey games like, every single road trip. They really broke out of their mold and brought a lot of different musical styles from country, theatre, metal, and alternative rock to the table. I mean, as cool as their previous efforts were, I think they've finally found a way to make really accessible albums that still have a lot of integrity and gusto to ‘em. And hey, if you don't like Avenged Sevenfold, that's your right. Just let the rest of us enjoy their tunes.

Oh, and they really kick ass live too. I saw them when "Bat Country" was huge on Ozzfest 2006, but they really kicked ass on their headlining tour I saw them on last fall.





The wrong



Stephen Tyler Gone from Aerosmith?: I will post that photo of Stephen Tyler any and every chance I get. This is its second appearance in the column thus far and I still find it hilarious.

So apparently, that's pretty much the case right now. Stephen Tyler, Aerosmith's only frontman since the group's conception, supposedly quit the band, and quite passive-aggressively from how Joe Perry tells the story:

"Steven quit as far as I can tell. I don't know any more than you do about it. I got off the plane two nights ago. I saw online that Steven said that he was going to leave the band. I don't know for how long, indefinitely or whatever. Other than that, I don't know."

They're also talking about replacing that big-lipped bastard:

"Right now I'm adjusting to how we're going to go on. Aerosmith is such a powerful band, I mean it's like a steam locomotive. You just can't disregard 40 years of four guys who play together as well as they do. We're just trying to — at least I am — trying to figure out what direction the band should take.

As far as replacing Steve, it's not just about that, it's also four guys that play extremely well together, and I'm not going to see that go to waste. I really don't know what path it's going to take at this point, but we'll probably find somebody else that will sing in those spots where we need a singer and then we'll be able to move the Aerosmith up a notch, move the vibe up a notch."

Dudes, really, just hang it up. First, they are fuckin' old. Enjoy your money and golden years man. This is how old the guys in Aerosmith are according to Wikipedia:

Joe Perry: 59
Brad Whitford: 57
Tom Hamilton: 57
Joey Kramer: 59

Stephen Tyler: 61 (just in case you were wondering with the Botox and all)

So yeah, these guys are getting close to social security, Medicare, and all that great stuff. Plus, the guys listed above are all the classic members of the group, so why muddy that up with getting a new lead singer and pissing off your longtime fans. I mean, when I think of Aerosmith, I think of Stephen Tyler. He's the face of this band and always has been. Granted, Joe Perry is pretty cool and all, but Aerosmith just ain't Aerosmith without the guy. I mean, AC/DC pulled off replacing the great Bon Scott with Brian Johnson, but that was still pretty early in the band's career. Aerosmith's been around the block a few too many times to maintain what credibility they have left with some new guy. Touring with a new frontman would sort of turn them into a nostalgia Journey-like act at this point.



Rihanna Comes Forward: Rihanna finally came forward last week commenting pretty candidly on the now widely-reported Chris Brown assault back in February the night before the Grammys on 20/20. Here's a clip if you missed it:





Honestly, I'm glad she came forward and shed some light on just what happened. It sucks that it was something she kind of had to do given her fame. Most people who have been the victims of domestic abuse don't have to relive it in front of cameras and the whole world, but then again, most people don't have the fame and therefore, the option to make a difference by making their story heard to such a wide audience. Good for her for handling this with quite a lot of poise. I feel that in some small way, this can help victims of such abuse see that they do not have to tolerate it and suffer. I didn't watch the whole 20/20 interview, so I'm not going to comment a whole lot more on this, but I will say this: FUCK Chris Brown.

The Ridiculous



If You Seek Refunds: So get this! Britney Spears' "Circus" tour has been rolling through Australia and people are getting pissed that she's lip-syncing her shows. HA!

First off, DUH! Of course she's lip-syncing! I mean, did you really think she was going to actually sing? At a music concert? Plus, would you really pay to hear Britney Spears sing live? I just don't find her that talented as far as the whole vocal thing is concerned. Her songs are total production, unlike someone like, say, Christina Aguilera, who actually has pipes that deserve the ticket sales. Britney Spears' niche is in entertaining, not necessarily performing. So yeah, sorry you got duped over there Aussie Brit fans! Shoulda' seen it coming though! Just saying.

But here's the cool part: Virginia Judge, the New South Wales Minister for Fair Trading, is going to try and make it so ticket retailers have to print a disclaimer on concert tickets when the artist is lip-syncing so fans know when they are paying to see a phoney-baloney! Says Judge:

"Let's be clear -- live means live. If you are spending up to $200, I think you deserve better than a film clip. The NSW Government would be happy to look at options, such as a disclaimer on a ticket which would warn consumers a performance is pre-recorded," said Judge in a statement."

Seriously, that's pretty awesome! Ridiculous that we really have musicians making millions of dollars when they can't pull their act off live to begin with, but them having to admit it publicly on the very tickets they're selling, that's pretty hilarious. Lip-syncing is no laughing matter though in all seriousness. Oh wait, yes it is. It really is:





And then when poor Ashlee tried to sing for real…




Oh man. You guys, comparing Britney to Ashlee Simpson was too much and Chris Crocker is pissed…





Sorry man. My bad. I'm of course only apologizing because of the amazing techno beat to which you chastised me you know.

Again, any time I can post that video, I will. Any excuse I can find for it. I love it!

Miley Cyrus is a Dumb Stupid Imbecile and This Report is Proof: Miley Cyrus has this song out called "Party in the U.S.A." and it's supposedly a bit hit. To be honest, I heard a clip of the song on TV at some point, so when I went back to listen to a snippet of it for this report, the hook sounded vaguely familiar. I chose not to post a YouTube video of it here to spare you all the task of scrolling farther down to skip listening to it. I know I would!

Well in the song, she's singing about a Jay-Z song saving her from some sort of teenage celebrity anguish or whatever. She was asked about what song she was referring to and gave the following response:

"I don't know, I didn't write the song, so I have no idea. Honestly, I picked that song because I needed something to go with my clothing line. I didn't write it [and] I didn't expect it to be popular, originally. It was just something that I wanted to do and I needed some songs and it turned out for the best."

I've never heard a Jay-Z song. I don't listen to pop music. ['Party in the U.S.A.'] is not even my style of music. I'm really blessed for it to have done as well as it has. Totally blessed. God has definitely put me in an amazing position with amazing people."

OK, begin rant here:

Dear Miley Cyrus or Hannah Montana or whatever,

First of all, I'm not even going to knock you for not writing your own lyrics. I listen to some musicians that hire songwriters, but if their job is to be a performer and they do it well enough that it entertains or moves me in some way, then cool. We all benefit from some great tunes in the end, right? So yeah, good for you for having the resources and clout to have some songwriters that can write tunes for you to sing that a lot of people seem to enjoy.

Based on your comments regarding your song "Party in the U.S.A.," it would appear that you don't give two shits about the music you are putting out. This is the part where I would say, "I'll be the first to say that ‘Party in the U.S.A.' is a turd of a song;" however, you've already done so. You yourself said that this song wasn't your style of music and you only recorded and put it out to make money and get some music out there for your clothing line. Comments and music like this limit your fanbase to the little girls whose parents' wallets are the source of your riches. When these children grow up (and they will in a few more years), you're going to make the switch to attempting to make serious music. Your fanbase will wake up and no longer be your fanbase and you will therefore, have little to no fans left. If not, well…fuck.

I mean, Justin Timberlake was able to pull the shitty boyband-to-musician transition pretty well, but let's face it: the guy has skills. You may or may not be a fan of his music Miley, but the guy can sing, play instruments, and act the socks off of your ass everyday of the week and twice on Sunday. He was pretty good in the movie Black Snake Moan. If you haven't seen it, you should take 90 minutes out of your day of pissing me off to check it out.

In closing, you should fuck off for a while. You have absolutely no integrity and you will fall into obscurity like your father did so many years ago. Then, you will try to ride the coattails of the success of your child, again, much like he has. And we will laugh at you for it. A lot. The fact that I've dedicated this much cyber-print to what it is you do saddens me, and here is where we must part Miley.

Regards,

Aaron Titan

PS – I had to listen to Slayer to lessen my anger after reading the report that inspired this letter, Miley. Since you've never listened to Jay-Z, I'm assuming Slayer is also not on your iPod. Slayer is one of the heaviest bands of all time and theoretically, should make more more – not less – angry. That's how much you've upset me Miley.

PSS – Slayer's new album World Painted Blood is really kickass. It makes me want to party…in the U.S.A. Sorry Miley, I couldn't help myself there!

Hasta Luego

Ahhh, that felt good. That's a wrap on another edition of what we call around these parts, Music 3R's. Leave any feedback you wish below and we'll see you here same time next week.