Black Duck can best be described as a supergroup featuring as it does key members of the Chicago music scene such as guitarist/bassist Douglas McCombs (Tortoise, Eleventh Dream Day), guitarist Bill MacKay (Broken Things, Sounds of Now), and drummer Charles Rumback (Colorlist, Leaf Bird). I confess to only really being familiar with McCombs due to his involvement in those bands who I’ve listened to for a number of years and hence why my interest was peaked when selecting this album for review purposes.
After a seven-year wait, psychedelic rockers Blood Ceremony are back with their new album The Old Ways Remain (Rise Above Records). This is their fifth record and it sees the Canadian quartet successfully add Folk, Pop, and Jazz elements to their already multifaceted, woozy psychedelic rock.
Funko, the global sensation of popular vinyl collectible toys company has finally released the POP Rocks! Vinyl Collecable figure of iconic Heavy Metal singer for Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and his solo career- Ronnie James Dio. Other artists who have gotten the Pop! Rocks treatment includes Slipknot, N.W.A., Kiss, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Prince, Rob Zombie, FFDP, Alice In Chains, PanterA, Dee Snider, Twisted Sister,a set of the guys in Twizted, Glow in The Dark Iron Maiden,and more. The Funko brand, which sells other figures and licensed merchandise, went public with an IPO in 2018.
Funko, the global sensation of popular vinyl collectible toys company has teamed is currently holding its Pop! A Palooza as they unveil new pop figures ahead of the holidays. New Funko POP’s already for sale or coming soon include a 4-set of PanterA, the long-teased Dee Snider in his Twisted Sister days, Ronnie James, Black Sabbath, a set of Twizted, Glow in The Dark Iron Maiden,, and more! Check out the awesomeness below! Other artists who have gotten the Pop! Rocks treatment in the past includes Slipknot, N.W.A., Kiss, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Prince, Rob Zombie, FFDP, Alice In Chains and more. The Funko brand, which sells other figures and licensed merchandise, went public with an IPO in 2018.
Gaupa burst onto their native Sweden scene with their self-titled EP in 2018, and quickly built up a fine reputation and steady following in their home country. They released their full-length debut album Feberdrom in 2020 which caught the attention of Nuclear Blast Records, who added them to their roster of Swedish bands. But Gaupa certainly doesn’t fall into the typical “Metal” category that you might expect when looking at their label mates. In fact their roots sit firmly in the stoner rock genre, but on Myriad, their second LP and debut for their new label, they far exceed being pigeonholed into just one sound and have created a record befitting of its title, with a plethora of intriguing styles to be found within.
Funko, the global sensation of popular vinyl collectible toys company has teamed up with Five Finger Death Punch for a new figure in the Pop Rocks! series. The FFDP mascot is the new recipient of a Funko POP! Vinyl figure and you can get notfied of the pre-orders for the “Knucklehead” at the link below. See images of the figure below as well. Other artists who have gotten the Pop! Rocks treatment in the past includes Slipknot, N.W.A., Kiss, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Prince, Rob Zombie, and more. The Funko brand, which sells other figures and licensed merchandise, went public with an IPO in 2018.
With no less than twenty-two studio albums behind them, NWOBHM legends Saxon are back again but with something a little different this time. Instead of just rummaging around in the attic for an old live recording, or throwing together a contractually obliged “Best Of…”, Barnsley’s finest have taken their time during lockdown to produce something a little more imaginative. Looking to the past, the band has recorded Inspirations (Silver Lining Music/Militia Guard), a collection of songs by artists who made an impact on them at the start of their musical journey. Continue reading →
Marvel Studios and Disney+ series WandaVision aired its fourth and so far, pivital episode this weekend (January 29th, 2021). As the closing credits rolled, Jimi Hendrix’s classic rock anthem “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” – perfectly matching the mystical elements of the show. The track comes from Jimi’s iconic Electric Ladyland album. The show stars Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff a.k.a. The Scarlet Witch and Paul Bettany as Vision in the continuation of the MCU movies directly following the events of Avengers Endgame and Spiderman: Far From Home.Continue reading →
According to TMZ, a rare guitar by Jimi Hendrix has been acquired by Kruse GWS Auctions for sale. Jimi’s early 1960s Japanese Sunburst electric guitar that’s expected to snag at least a cool $50,000, although it may fetch a much higher fee. Legend has it he used this guitar when he returned home from the U.S. Army in 1962 and moving to Clarksville, Tennessee. While he was there, Jimi played the Chitlin’ Circuit with some incredible talent — like The auction takes place on August 8. Other precious items at this auction will also feature Prince’s custom purple boots, Elvis Presley’s owned and worn Neo-style sunglasses, Tom Hanks “Cast Away” costumes, and Muhammad Ali’s custom white terrycloth “World Champion” robe!!!Continue reading →
Arguably the architect of the Rock music genre that spawned Rock N Roll as a cultural phenomenon, Little Richard, has passed away. He was 87 years old. The musician’s son, Danny Penniman, confirmed the pioneer’s death to Rolling Stone but said the cause of death was unknown. Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia in 1932, Richard’s incredible songwriting, unmatchable singing voice, and flamboyant androgynous, yet taboo-shattering mix of sexual energy and religious music in his personality became the playbook for all young rockers to follow. Rolling Stone Magazine eloquently said his “fervent shrieks, flamboyant garb, and joyful, gender-bending persona embodied the spirit and sound of that new art form.” His influence can be felt from The Beatles, to The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Elton John, Billy Joel, Keith Emerson, KISS, Motörhead, MotörheadLed Zeppelin, Tom Jones, Van Morrison, as far back as Elvis, and even into the early stages of Heavy Metal with Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Rainbow, and Pentagram, his musical touch will be eternal. Starting a string of hits to start his career with ‘Tutti Frutti’, ‘Long Tall Sally’, ‘Rip It Up’ all in 1956,’Lucille’, ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’ those early hits shaped generations of fans. We send out sympathy to Little Richard’s family, friends, and fans at this time.
