411 Music Roundtable: July Edition
Posted by Mitch Michaels on 07.07.2006
The 411 Music staff looks back on June, a month that saw AFI hit #1, DMX get arrested a few times, Axl Rose bite a guy's ankle and Nelly Furtado go sexpot. All this, plus previews for new albums by Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Los Lonely Boys, Thom Yorke and more!!!
It's that time once again, when the eminent and frank amalgamation of the 411mania Music Zone pauses in actions momentarily as it deliberates on the month past and chews over the musical goings-on that may be bared under the next lunar cycle. These meditations have been hailed the 411 Music Roundtable.
JULY 2006
BIGGEST WINNER OF THE MONTH
Nelly Furtado
Tim O'Sullivan: She has transformed herself from a "nice girl" into a cool, edgy artist full of world class potential. I have only heard a couple of tracks from her new disc, but "Maneater" has been huge in the UK and the future looks bright for Ms. Furtado.
Tom Petty
Mitch Michaels: With TP celebrating his 30th anniversary recording with The Heartbreakers this year, the guy has been everywhere. He kicked off a huge tour at the beginning of the month that included a headlining date at the Bonaroo Festival as well as two co-headlining shows with rock veterans Pearl Jam just this week. The concert reviews have been great, fans have loved the inclusion of kindred spirit Stevie Nicks on select shows, and his new single, "Saving Grace", finds him sounding as vital as ever. Oh, and he totally dismissed the whole "Dani California" plagiarism thing, which I thought was classy.
AFI
Brian Berry: AFI was on fire in June. Decemberundergound debuted at #1 on the
Billboard chart with nearly 200,000 copies sold in their first week, easily outshining first week sales of their last release. They have fast become one of the biggest working bands out of Northern California (only Metallica and Green Day can claim to be bigger) and their fanbase keeps growing. After catching their performance at Live 105's BFD Festival I can honestly say these guys absolutely kill live. Catch 'em if you can.
Jamie Buttineau: Ah AFI, the only band to take anime and bunnies and somehow make them all emo and gothtacular. Seriously though, bunnies? Bunnies aren't goth, not even black bunnies. You need like a wolf or a bat or maybe some kind of guinea pig. I'm telling you, guinea pigs know how to brood. Anyway, these guys scored their first Billboard #1, and for some reason I actually kinda like them so for this feat I declare them my pick for winner(s) of the month. Huzzah.
Josh Richey: AFI released their new album Decemberunderground this past month, and it was met with a great response. They are headlining the Van's Warped Tour, and had a hell of a performance on the MTV Movie Awards.
BIGGEST LOSER OF THE MONTH
Jessica Simpson
O'Sullivan: She is readying a new album. That warrants my vote for her.
DMX
Mitch Michaels: What's with this guy? Last month he's arrested for refusing to buckle up on an airplane and this month he's pulled over TWICE and gets slapped with a litany of charges. To top things off, he doesn't appear for his court date (which had been postponed twice) and, as of now, has a warrant out for his arrest. Dude, I'm thinking you need to chill out and let someone else drive you around. You're a big rap star, hire a driver.
Guns N' Roses Fans
Brian Berry: Your savior bit some dude on the ankle! Their album will likely never see the light of day and, you know what, they AREN'T RELEVANT ANYMORE! Get over it. One great album in 1987 and you've got people foaming at the mouth for twenty years.
Pete Doherty
Jamie Buttineau: When all else fails, go with what you know. Basically at this point you could either alternate between Pete Doherty and DMX for this prize because each month they seem to try to top each other with their stupidity. This month, we'll go with Pete. It's a given that if there's still a sun in the sky you're bound to hear about ol' Mr. Doherty checking in and out of rehab, hitting the smack once again, and maybe doing something very stupid. Like that vial o' blood stunt from a little while ago. So to this month's and surely many other months' and years' loser, I salute you sir.
Britney Spears
Richey: After ongoing rumors about dropping babies and her failing marriage; Britney attempted to clear everything up with a one-on-one interview with Matt Lauer. The interview only fueled speculation, and caused new concerns.
BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS OF THE MONTH
Jacko Returning to Music
O'Sullivan: That says it all really. If he gets his 'A game' on then he may still have a good album in him. It would probably be better if other people wrote for him, because god knows the lyrics he would pen nowadays. Either way, it should be interesting.
Jeff Buckley Biopic
O'Sullivan: Well, it was always in the cards. The soundtrack would rule!
Dixie Chicks Have Their Ups & Downs
Mitch Michaels: I found the rise and fall of the Dixie Chicks this month to be particularly noteworthy. After laying low following some unpopular comments, the Chicks have exploded onto the scene again recently to promote their new album, Taking The Long Way. Country radio wouldn't play their hateful "Not Ready To Make Nice" single, so they blasted country back, saying they were no longer part of the genre. Their singles tanked on all radio formats. Then, the album came out and sold great, topping the charts for two straight weeks this month. Things seemed to be looking up for the Chicks and their "to-fuck-with-country" attitude, but then tickets for their coming tour went on sale and nobody was buying them. It got so bad that a lot of dates were pulled. Not a good sign for a group whose last tour was the top money-making jaunt of the year. Can I repeat myself? YOU FUCKED UP! YOU FUCKED UP!
Sleater-Kinney Breaks Up
Jamie Buttineau: This one just barely snuck in there for this month, but this is pretty big news to me. They had one of the best albums of the year in 2005 with The Woods and have made a name for themselves for being the most rocking females in the world. The departure of this band is a huge loss for the music world, and I can only hope they don't all fade away into obscurity and at least one of them goes onto to have a solid career with a solo album or new band, because the world always needs a little Sleater-Kinney. Farewell ladies.
Jay Z boycotts Cristal
Richey: What can I say? It's been a slow month in music news.
MOST NOTABLE RELEASE OF THE MONTH
Donnell Jones Journey of a Gemini
O'Sullivan: One of my favourite R&B/soul artists returned to the game last month, and has produced yet another classy set.
Counting Crows - New Amsterdam: Live At Heineken Music Hall February 4-6, 2003
Mitch Michaels: It's been a while since the Crows have put anything out and, to be honest, I wasn't looking too forward to an album featuring a three year old live performance. Boy, this disc knocked me on my ass. It really showcases how great this band plays live, how engaging frontman Adam Duritz can be, and what a great catalogue of songs CC has put together with just four albums. Heck, the big hits aren't even here, but the band manages to keep things solid from A to Z. It's just a reminder of how awesome the Counting Crows have been and remain. Can't wait for that new album!
The Black Heart Procession - The Spell
Brian Berry: This album fucking rules. Well worth the wait...and just as dark, timeless
and atmospheric as their previous releases. If you've been waiting for Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds to morph into Californians check these San Diego natives out.
Regina Spektor Begin To Hope
Jamie Buttineau: Ah, my sweet Soviet goddess. This was without a doubt the best thing that came out all month; I actually found it to be a rather slow month for releases so this one easily gets the duke. I loved Spektor's first album and her sophomore album is just as good. Perhaps a little more polished than Soviet Kitsch, but excellent regardless. Cap it off with an excellent live performance on Conan and you have a winner.
Lostprophets - Liberation Transimission
Richey: My second favorite band returns with another badass album. It's not quite as good as their prior release, Start Something, but, c'mon, it's the Lostprophets...they're still better than 99.9% of the music out there. Only the Deftones are superior in my eyes.
MUSIC DVD OF THE MONTH
KanYe West: Late Orchestration
O'Sullivan: Live at Abbey Road studios in London, Kanye produces the goods in this awesome DVD. John Legend joins him for a superb rendition of "Heard Em Say" but I can't single out one specific performance. It's all superb. A disc for all DVD players.
Tenacious D: The Complete Masterworks
Mitch Michaels: Forget about the TV show; the concert and videos are what this double-disc set is all about. The D takes a two-acoustic guitar duo and turns it into something so hard rocking and metal and HILARIOUS that you can't help but get into it. Funny songs are all well and good, but the D have taken a parody of an entire genre and made it rock harder than Spinal Tap. Plus, you have to love the Saxaboom solo and the giant inflatable hyrda. Don't know what I'm talking about? Buy the DVD!
Coachella
Brian Berry: This DVD has great performance footage and, most importantly, if you own a high-powered magnifying glass you can spot me in the crowd during performances by Fischerspooner, Mars Volta, Polyphonic Spree, Belle and Sebastian, and also in a scene where they roam around the campgrounds and show a teepee (my red tent is right next to it).
PJ Harvey: Please Leave Quietly
Jamie Buttineau: Haven't seen it, but I like PJ Harvey and the review I saw (here on 411music! Check it out!) seemed to make it out to be a good disc. I say buy it, for the good of the nation!
R. Kelly: Trapped in the Closet, Chapters 1-12 (Unrated Version)
Richey: Perhaps one of the most ridiculous works of art in the history of music. It might also be the most original and unintentionally funny thing that you'll ever see.
CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE MONTH
112 - Part III
O'Sullivan: A proper urban album that stands head and shoulders above any set from an R&B group since. Inevitably, it's been downhill for the quartet since this album, but tracks such as "Player", "Dance With Me" and "It's Over Now' helped make this album their finest hour.
Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell<
Mitch Michaels: I picked this up on vinyl this month. Damn if it ain't a great album. I'd never realized just how much Meat Loaf absolutely commands this music. The songs are dramatic and theatrical, but hardly cheesy ("Paradise By The Dashboard Light" aside). With tracks as epic as "Bat Out Of Hell" and "Hot Summer Night", as well as terrific ballads like "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad", this album is a testament of what a truly great vocalist and entertainer like Meat Loaf can do with music by an artist as skilled as Jim Steinman. The only sad part is it makes me yearn to see Meat live in his 1970's prime.
David Bowie The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars
Jamie Buttineau: Glam rock at its finest and a concept album to boot! Everybody knows the iconic look of Bowie during his Stardust period and this album is more than good enough to make up for it. Man that look is creepy. God bless his crazy androgynous ass.
Bush - Sixteen Stone
Richey: A modern masterpiece. I've listened to this album over a hundred times and have no intention of stopping now. It's as good of an album as you'll ever find.
LYRIC OF THE MONTH
O'Sullivan: "Gettin' born in the state of Mississippi/Poppa was a copper and-a momma was a hippie/In Alabama she was swinging hammer/Price you gotta pay when you break the panorama/She never knew that there was anything more than poor/What in the world does your company take me for?" - Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Dani California"
Mitch Michaels: "Square one, my slate is clear/Rest your head on me, my dear/It took a world of trouble, it took a world of tears/It took a long time to get back here." - Tom Petty, "Square One"
Brian Berry: "Doctors leaving for the holiday season/Got crystal ice picks, no gift for the gab" - Pavement, "Grounded"
Jamie Buttineau: "My baby loves me/I'm so angry/Anger makes me/A modern girl/I took my money/I couldn't buy nothin'/I'm sick of this brave new world." - Sleater-Kinney, "Modern Girl"
Richey: "We are Baldwin brothers/Not the good one but the others" - The Bloodhound Gang, "Pennsylvania"
NEXT MONTH'S NEW RELEASES
Thom Yorke The Eraser
O'Sullivan: I don't really know why he's going solo here. I would prefer to hear a Radiohead album, but this may still be interesting.
Brian Berry: Thom finally breaks from the constraints of Radiohead to do his own thing. I think The Eraser will impress...but will a Jonny Greenwood solo album ever deliver? Plus, wasn't the new Radiohead supposed to come out a while back?
Jamie Buttineau: I can't believe it's not Radiohead! And only half the calories!
V/A - Now That's What I Call Music 22
O'Sullivan: We're on like Now 60-something in the UK! Catch up States.
Jamie Buttineau: Jesus, another one of these goddamn things?! Just listen to the radio, it's already on there! Stop buying these things!
Richey: [sarcasm]Yay![/sarcasm]
Pharrell In My Mind
O'Sullivan: So, it's finally coming out then! I love a lot of his work with others, but his solo stuff has always been mediocre in my book. We'll have to wait and see.
Jurassic 5 - Feedback
O'Sullivan: I'm excited to hear this set, but, if I'm honest, I am not expecting greatness. They have produced some killer tracks over the years, and Quality Control was a class, all round album. Hopefully this can match that.
Richey: Really looking forward to this one.
Johnny Cash - American V: A Hundred Highways
Brian Berry: All of the American recordings have been good so far and I expect no less from this release. Some of Johnny's best releases were at the twilight of his career so don't be surprised if this posthumous release matches his best work.
Mitch Michaels: With American IV and the Unearthed box set, I was almost certain that the vaults were closed on Cash's Rick Rubin era. I'm glad this set is seeing the light of day, but I have to say the track list doesn't look near as interesting as the previous American albums. Add to that the fact that Cash was near the end of a long struggle with his health, and you have to think this CD will make a nice souvenier, but won't set the world on fire. Check out Personal Fire if you're looking for some more of Cash kicking ass with just him and his guitar. American V may be more of a P.S. than a goodbye.
Jamie Buttineau: So, what, are they gonna just keep churning out new album after new album from this guy like he's the country western Tupac? Seriously, music is the only art form where you keep making new stuff even after you're dead.
Soul Asylum Silver Lining
Brian Berry: Soul Asylum were once a decent trashy rock 'n roll band, paying homage/stealing from the sound of fellow Minneapolis natives The Replacements. Today (and for the past fifteen years) they aren't relevant and/or worth listening to, but I hope they put something good together. Please Soul Asylum, no more tear jerking videos about missing children.
Steve Earle - Live At Montreaux 2005
Brian Berry: I don't know how good the recording of this live concert is and I don't care. For the love of god: STOP LISTENING TO POP COUNTRY AND PICK UP SOME STEVE EARLE ALBUMS (see also: Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings, Joe Ely, Kris Kristofferson).
Mitch Michaels: Ah, Steve Earle has kinda pissed me off with his political shit lately. His output over the last decade has been either really great (Transcendental Blues, Del McRoury collaborations) or just not up to par (Jerusalem). Of course, live albums are always good for a trip down memory lane, so this should at least deliver some fun.
Los Lonely Boys Sacred
Brian Berry: White people who want their Hispanic friends to think they're into World music like Los Lonely Boys. I think this shit sucks. This is pat AOR stuff for yuppies. Bunk.
Mitch Michaels: As overplayed as it was, I enjoyed "Heaven". And I don't give two fucks what my Hispanic friends think.
Jamie Buttineau: Whenever I hear these guys I'm reminded of George Lopez. I really don't know why.
Richey: Vuelva a México
Flogging Molly - Whiskey On A Sunday
Brian Berry: Irish pub music for people too young for The Pogues. Their albums have been hit or miss. They really shine live in concert. Check 'em out.
Jamie Buttineau: Now THIS is drinking music. Love these guys, celtic punk is a severely underappreciated musical genre. OY!
Muse Black Holes & Revelations
Jamie Buttineau: Radiohead + Coldplay + Dream Theater + The Mars Volta + whatever other band you wanna throw in = these dudes. The most original unoriginal band in the world. But I still loves them.
Sufjan Stevens The Avalanche: Outtakes and Extras From Illinois
Jamie Buttineau: Illinois was my favourite album last year, and it was the same way for a lot of people. Unless all the songs on here are absolutely god awful, there's probably a good chance of this being my favourite album of July. Although, personally, I'd like him to start working on his next state already. Come on man, North Carolina needs an album about them quick!
Billy Ray Cyrus Wanna Be Your Joe
Jamie Buttineau: Seriously dude, you did "Achy Breaky Heart". Your musician's license should be revoked.
Mitch Michaels: The sad thing about Billy Ray Cyrus is the fact that he actually makes decent country music, but will always be seen as a joke because of his big single and dance craze. Songs like "In The Heart Of A Woman", "Some Gave All", "Trail Of Tears", "Deja Blue", etc., all rocked the radio, but when Cyrus lost his label support, he went from hitmaker to pop trivia question. No one will buy this, but I don't think it will be bad. Maybe a hit comeback single will come of it, but I doubt it.
Richey:
Tom Petty Highway Companion
Jamie Buttineau: To be fair to the Chili Peppers, when you play "The Last DJ" backwards, it does sound a bit like "Naked In The Rain".
Mitch Michaels: TP fans have been dying for this album since it was announced almost a year ago, and it's finally here. Petty & The Heartbreakers seem to have taken their place among rock royalty as of late, so I look for nothing less than stellar reviews of this new set. Plus, Petty's other two solo albums, Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers, are his most successful (and best) ever. Shaping up for a homerun on this one.
Spoon Telephono + Soft Effects
Jamie Buttineau: Sweet, new Spoon album. I hope there's more beat-boxing on this one.
Third Eye Blind A Collection: The Best Of Third Eye Blind
Richey: So this album has, what, 3 songs on it?
Mitch Michaels: Didn't Pam Anderson eat this band? Or was that Lit? I think it was Lit. She should eat these guys, too.
Alien Ant Farm Up In The Attic
Richey: For their sake, they'd better have another Michael Jackson cover.
Sammy Hagar Livin' It Up
Richey: Yes Sammy, live it up. You shouldn't have much time left.
Chris Knight Enough Rope
Mitch Michaels: Fuck the live Steve Earle, get this CD. I've heard it and it is an absolute barn burner. The best country music you won't hear on the radio.
THE END
And that'll do it for this month. Join us next month for another awe-inspiring edition of the 411 Music Roundtable!
