State Of Music Address

After a disappointing 2007 in the wonderful world of music, we may have some inspiration on the horizon. I'm not going to rail on the subjects of how in the hell is Britney Spears still selling millions of copies of her CD, or that every single hip hop/rap song seems to have Ak0n in it, or even the fact that formerly decent bands such as Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers have put out just horrible shit in recent years yet they are played constantly on the radio which still continues to evolve with the times. I'm not even going to bitch about the fact I can't listen to Pearl Jam's Ten album because they play it so damn much on the radio (not to mention they have 7 other amazing studio albums that barely get a sniff) or any Nirvana whatsoever anymore because of the overplay reminiscent of Metallica. No, I'm here to focus on the positive. I mean sure, music stalwarts like Dropkick Murphys, Reel Big Fish, Incubus, and Audioslave put out duds but hey, every one can't be a winner.

In 2008, we will see efforts from Goldfinger, Millencolin, 7 Mary 3, Weezer, The Roots, The Black Crowes, Counting Crow's, Levon Helm, Mike Doughty, The Black Keys, Sevendust, Mars Volta, Local H, Roger Clyne, Ten Years, Jimmies Chicken Shack, Lizz Wright, Billy Bragg, Flight Of The Conchords, Nelly, (yes I said it), Beck, Cake, The Offspring, Rancid, Five Horse Johnson, Peter Sarstdedt, DeVotchka, Jesca Hoop, Buck 65, Murder By Death, Gnarls Barkley, She & Him, The Avett Brothers, Portugal The Man, Immortal Technique, Bon Iver, and of course the legends known as Green Day.

The new Flogging Molly "Float" album is one of their best with breakneck speed songs like "Man With No Country," ballads "The Story So Far," and a personal fav, "You Won't Make A Fool Out Of Me." Some great Irish music from the Celts who have never disappointed.

Counting Crow's new studio album (the 1st since 2002) "Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings" is also amazing and shockingly upbeat. Sure he's got the standard whiney crying songs but then some of his self loathing is upbeat like on "Hanging Tree" and "Los Angeles." My favorite track is "You Can't Count On Me." One of their best in a while. Good stuff.

Clutch have returned with "From Beale Street To Oblivion." I love these guys and they put on a hell of a revival. A great tune is the battle between a man and the old scratch in "The Devil & Me." "Electric Worry" is the badass 1st release which is actually getting some airplay and features the lead singer/harmonica player from buddies Five Horse Johnson. The final track "Mr. Shiney Cadillackness" is the best with some great propaganda play, Dick Cheney, and human sacrifice.

Finally, Pennywise went the new way of no label for their new album, 1st releasing "Reason To Believe" on MySpace for free! Thank you fellas. This album is also full throttle ass kicking and much better than their last 2, "The Fuse," and "From The Ashes" which were just so so. They pull no punches hitting you in the throat with songs mentioning you have to more than just sit on your ass and believe. Take action and fuck all who oppose you. Ya know the standard stuff but them much well articulated than in the past and with harder, damn I hate this term, "old school" riffs. Best songs are "Affliction," "Faith & Hope," "Its Not Enough To Believe," and "You Get The Life You Choose." Bad ass album, support Pennywise!

I'm starting to feel better with some good music coming out in 2008.