Album Review: Blink 182 - Neighborhoods

Band: Blink 182
Album: Neighborhoods
Release: September 27, 2011

History: It has been about 8 years since new music has been out for this pop punk trio, but there has been a lot of things in-between, the biggest being their "indefinite" hiatus. Tom ventured off to a space, ambient, progressive rock known as Angels and Airwaves. Three album in, there is a mature state that Tom is in. On the other hand Mark and Travis made +44, named after the international code for England when they were talking about the project. When Your Heart Stops Beating  is a straight forward rock album with electronic influences. Being apart for 4 years, they gained knowledge in song structure, using experimental sounds and growing up in general. Having said that, saying that Neighborhoods would be the next Enema of the State or Take off your Pants and Jacket, is complete nonsense.

To understand Neighborhoods, look at the history. The first couple of years after the break up there was bitter tension from Mark and Tom. Mark made a clear statement on Tom in "No It Isn't" :"Please understand, This isn't just goodbye, this is I can't stand you". Tom responded in "Rite Of Spring": The summers gone, the years have passed, my friends have changed, a few did last". Tom started experimenting with sounds and effects that would give AVA their signature sound. Aside from +44, Mark became a producer, so he learned about sounds and music from the producer stand point. Travis was featured in rap music, so he started venturing off in different genres. 


Their happy reunion started off with a horrible tragedy. The first was the death of their long time producer Jerry Finn. After that,Travis and DJ AM were involved in a plane crash in late September that kill their close friends. During his rehabilitation, Tom decided to speak to everyone. 5 months later, after months of a rumored reunion they announced their reunion almost at their 4 year break up anniversary.    


Fast forward to when the album was released after 2 years of making their album they were almost true to their word. It is a continuation of their last album. It did venture off into experimental elements. It would include influences from their side projects. BUT it is not a progressive album as Tom stated. It is just a rock album, with the pop punk foundation in which they are based of. 

Brand New to re-release "Your Favorite Weapon"

Hello!

I wasn't able to attend any shows this week, but I did stumble upon some awesome news! Brand New is planning on re-releasing their first album that was originally released in 2001, "Your Favorite Weapon." It is being re released to commemorate it's 10th anniversary.

This re-release is set to come out November 22. There is already a pre sale available here:

http://www.shopradiocast.com/products/Brand-New-%252d-Your-Favorite-Weapon-LP.html

Price as of now is $16.49. This price includes the LP of the album and an instant download card which contains some previously unreleased demos.

The track listing of the LP is as follows:

1. The Shower Scene

2. Jude Law and a Semester Abroad

3. Sudden Death in Carolina

4. Mix Tape

5. Failure by Design

6. Last Chance to Lose Your Keys

7. Logan to Government Center

8. The No Seatbelt Song

9. Seventy Times 7

10. Secondary

11. Magazines

12. Soco Amaretto Lime

The LP is also going to have new art work. From the forums, it is definitely getting mixed reviews from the fans. Some love it, some hate it and prefer the original.

--Relic

Concert Review: French Cassettes

Band: French Cassettes. Opener: Tibetan Method and Travis Vick
Date: September 23, 2011
Location:  Fox and Goose, Sacramento, CA

Preconceived Thoughts of the Band -  I met one of their band members weeks ago to discuss a project, in which we would have to coordinate. I am somewhat their manager/consultant. The band member was generous in giving me their EP. I gave a listen to and instantly was hooked. They have a poppy/catchy guitars, soothing vocals and groovy bass. For a baby band, they had their signature sound already figured out. I showed them to my friend and they also became instant fans. I wanted to hear more, so I found out they were playing a show in sac and we drove the venue.

Brand New: Review

Band: Brand New
Date: September 9, 2011
Location: Senator Theater, Chico, CA











Preconceived Thoughts of the Band -

Brand New is my all time favorite band, but this was my first time seeing them live. Before going to the show, I had heard mixed reviews from other fans about their live shows. Some things that I had heard was that their live performance were not nearly as good as their recorded albums. I heard that usually the band was off and Jesse (the lead singer) didn't always sound good. I really wasn't sure what to expect, but since they are my favorite band and I had never seen them before, I would decide then. One thing I was concerned about before the show was the fans though. When you are a Brand New fan...you are a BRAND NEW FAN. You live, breathe and exist in the realms of their music. I'm not going to lie, I am definitely one of those kinds of fans, however, I have proper concert etiquette, something that a lot of other concerts goers dont necessarily have.

Hey All!

I wanted to inform you of a couple of the upcoming concerts that I will be attending in the next month. The following includes the date, venue and bands playing at each show. I cant wait for all of these! October is going to be so awesome for shows!
September 27- NeverShoutNever at The Warfield in San Francisco, CA
Never Shout Never is an American pop rock band, formed in Joplin, Missouri in 2007. The band
has released two albums and six extended plays. Their third album, Time Travel, is set to be
released on September 20, 2011.

October 2- Blink 182, My Chemical Romance, and Matt and Kim at the Sleep Train Amphitheater in Wheatland, CA
Blink-182 is an American pop punk band consisting of vocalist and bass guitarist Mark Hoppus,
vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. They have sold over 27 million
albums worldwide since forming in Poway, California in 1992.

October 9- Yellowcard and Every Avenue at Slim's in San Francisco, CA
Yellowcard is an American pop punk/alternative rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in
1997, and based in Los Angeles, California since 2000.[1] Their music features the use of a violin, unusual for the genre. They are best known for their songs "Ocean Avenue," "Only One," "Lights and Sounds," and "Light Up the Sky," and "For You, and Your Denial." The band went on to a two-year hiatus then announced their return in August 2010 and released their latest album,
When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes, in mid-March 2011.

October 28-Skrillex at The Warfield in San Francisco, CA

Sonny Moore, professionally known as Skrillex, is an American complextro producer from Los
Angeles and former front man for the American band From First to Last.

October 29- Deadmau5 at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, CA
Joel Thomas Zimmerman better known by his stage name deadmau5 (pronounced "dead
mouse"), is a Canadian progressive, electro, and house producer based in Toronto.

October 30- Anamanaguchi at Slim’s in San Francisco, CA

Anamanaguchi is a chiptune indie rock band from New York City that makes loud, fast music
with a hacked NES from 1985.


Keep checking back for reviews of these shows :D

--Relic

Concert Review: Maroon 5 and Train

Band: Maroon 5 and Train
Date: September 15, 2011
Location: Sleep Train Pavilion, Concord, California

Preconceived Thoughts of the Band - 
     This is my first (and hopefully last) "mainstream" concert that I've been too. I've heard of maroon 5 through their singles such as "She Will be Loved" when I was like 12 but I never got into that band. Why? It sounded to adult contemporary rock and I couldn't deal with Adam's singing. It sounded like he had something caught in his throat. I was also in a pop punk phase where blink-182 and New Found Glory were on repeat.
     As for train, they passed my generation. I can remember "Drops of Jupiter" being a huge hit on Top 40 radio, but I was too young too appreciate it. It was also out of my genre. 
     Either way, they both have solid careers and an establish fan base. Being a "mainstream" concert I expect the best from them, from the sounds, music and visuals. 

Concert Review: Fleet Foxes, and The Walkmen.

Band- Fleet Foxes and The Walkmen
Date - September 10, 2011
Location - The Greek Theater, Berkeley, California

Preconceived Thought of the Bands-
     I can't say anything mean about Fleet Foxes. I love their first album and their second is better produced and composed. They experimented with their sounds and instrumentation which gives them a unique signature sound that a lot of bands don't have now. My friends saw them two years ago with Blitzen Trapper at the Fox Theater, and with confidence they stated that it was the best concert they have ever been to. So my expectations were extremely high. I also thought for their style of music it would be a very intimate setting with little or no stage presence. 
     I did not know that The Walkmen opened for them, and for a moment I was quite confused at this tour package. From what I heard, they sound more edgy, more punk rock than the acoustic atmosphere of Fleet Foxes. Their music is more upbeat and has more electric guitar. I only have their newest one, so I was looking forward to listen to their old catalog. 

Upcoming Concerts!

Salutations! Wolf James Here.


I just want to inform you about some upcoming shows that I will or might attend. Hope to see you all there! =D

• September 23rd French Cassettes @ Fox and Glove, Sacramento
• French Cassettes is an upcoming band that I'm managing/consulting from San Francisco. Their EP is catchy. I can't wait to here them soon!
• September 23rd Two Door Cinema Club @ The Warfield, San Francisco
• The trio are from Ireland. Dance influenced with catchy guitar riffs. Their first album is  critically acclaimed.
• October 1st – Beirut @ Fox Theater, Oakland
• Santa Fe, New Mexico band, known for their unique sounds and instrumentation. Newest album released in August. 
• October 2nd – Toro y Moi @ Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
• Also known as Chazwick Bundick. Transitioned from chillwave/experimental to lo-fi/indie rock. Newest album released in February.
• October 2nd – Blink 182 @ Sleep Train Amphitheater, Sacramento
• Returning after a 4 year hiatus, they are now headlining on the Honda Civic Tour with My Chemical Romance and Matt and Kim. Their newest album Neighborhoods will be released September 27th. This is the concert I'm most excited about!!
• October 30th - Anamanaguchi @ Slim's, San Francisco
• Known for their chiptune with a punk rock edge. They are also featured and scored the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World soundtrack. Their newest album is Dawn Metropolis.

That's all for now. Subject to change of course! Next week I will do a concert review for Fleet Foxes and Maroon 5.


Onward!
-Wolf James-


PS. I might do an album review for blink-182's album Neighborhoods. keep an eye out!

Concert Lovers Unite!

Hello Music Lovers!
My name is Noely Gonzalez also known as Wolf James. I am a music management major. I am fascinated in concert production, the planning of it, the experience, the music and the fans. I've been through countless of concerts over the years, some memorable, some traumatic. I want to express my experiences to benefit the new coming artists or give the fan an incentive to watch them live or to completely disregard them.

I take concerts very seriously. I believe in following the unwritten concert etiquette in order to have an unforgettable experience. There will be times when these rules will not be enforced, in that case, things can go horribly wrong. I've dealt with experiences like that, got through it, but managed to have a good time. Either way, I will say what I feel.

-Wolf James-

Royal BITCH

Hello Critics of the Internet World,

This is Lauretta, but on the interwebz I am better known as Relic. I have come to blogger to blog about my one true love, concerts. More precisely, my Brainy Intelligent Thoughts on Concert Habits (BITCH). So, maybe you've never been to a concert, maybe one or two, or like me, 100's over the past years. You found yourself here to see what I have to say about bands in the indie, alternative rock and rock genres of music. Over the next months I plan on attending a large number of concerts of the aforementioned genres and blogging about my experience at these shows. If you have been to a show before, you know that not all experiences at shows are pleasant; whether that is due to the all too plenty concert assholes pushing you around or a shitty show by the band you were super excited to see.

Throughout the years I have been to tons of great, kick ass shows, but there are still things that are easy for me to bitch about. It could be because I am naturally just a bitter bitch in general, but most of my thoughts and ideas are still legitimate concerns. Here you will read my thoughts, both good and bad, of the shows I will be attending in the upcoming months, as well as a few noteworthy ones from my past. I love getting to know all the readers, so feel free to bitch back if you agree or disagree with me :)

--Relic

Relic & Wolf James