Buckle up record collectors, music lovers, and hipsters! Record Store Black Friday is upon us! While the list is long, these albums will almost only be available at your local record store, and the process of getting these records varies from store to store, this is a great way to get some rare vinyl to add to your collections. Check out our top picks for this years’ event, and see the entire list below
From the sublime to the ridiculous, Slipknot have been criticised for many things over the years, but playing it safe is one accusation that rarely arises. While it’s true the Iowan nine-piece possess a patented, signature sound, it’s also clear they’ve never been afraid to take chances, pushing the envelope at every turn. Even on their 1996 full-length demo Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat. Slipknot were taking risks. Risks that led to the reward of a major label deal and a hugely successful career built on a foundation of unpredictability.
When Brazilian thrash legends Sepultura parted ways with frontman Max Cavalera in 1996, many thought that would be the end of the road. An acrimonious divorce that seemed to favour neither party, the remaining members auditioned several well known musicians before eventually choosing Ohio born Derrick Green as the man to replace the outgoing Cavalera brother.
Arguably the most divisive album in the history of metal, no other record seems to split opinion quite likeMetallica’s The Black Album (Elektra). Otherwise known simply as Metallica, whenever the San Franciscan act’s fifth studio album is mentioned even in passing, the results are usually the same. Like a red rag to a bull, loud and vociferous “true fans” are still guaranteed to leap straight in with comments like “only the first four albums are real”, “sell-outs” and “commercial bullshit” etc.
The anti-heroic Superhero series, The Boys, based on the popular comic created by Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Punisher) and co-created, designed, and illustrated by Darick Robertson (Wolverine, HAPPY!) just saw the first three episodes released to Amazon Prime Video this week. As was the case in season one, the show is a blur of action sequences, bloody gore, cursing like a sailor, sand social commentary, and smart musical choices. Already heard in season two so far are The Rolling Stones (“Sympathy for the Devil”), Talking Heads (“Psycho Killer”, U2 (“Where the Streets Have No Name”, Goo Goo Dolls (“Iris”), and Billy Joel, who was one of the signature artists heard in season one (“Pressure”, “Piano Man”, “You’re Only Human”). The first three episodes and the post-show hosted by Ayesha Tyler are all streaming now. New episodes arrive every Friday through early October. Continue reading
Ghost Cult is bringing you the premiere of a brand new song from Shawn Perry – “Six Feet Apart”. This ode to love in the time of the pandemic is a funny and fun summertime jam. Check out the single and the visualizer here!
“Ethereal Rock?!”, I hear you exclaim. Oh aye. Look, just stick with me on this. The U2-esque jangling chords of Celtic Rock – check; the delicate, swirling atmospheres of Ambient Drone – check; the drifting, gossamer beauty of the heavenly hereafter – check. See? Told you. Michigan duo Windy Weber and Carl Hultgren, purely known as Windy and Carl, have been quietly growing this subtle monster for two decades and latest album Allegiance and Conviction (Kranky Records), written and composed over six years, musters all of the above criteria in a realm of sinister grace.Continue reading
Following up on last month’s relief efforts to aid bands affected by the coronavirus. Renowned Grammy-winning producer Marc Urselli (U2, Foo Fighters, Nick Cave, John Zorn, Mike Patton) is collaborating with Latin Grammy-winning Kevorkian Mastering (Beyoncé, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews Band) on a crazy giveaway!
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The advent of improved technology means “everybody can be a producer”, but talent, fundamentals, and studio skills still matter. We talked to a master who has made 100s of albums with legends. Dumb and Dumbest Episode #359 is streaming now and it’s an interview with Producer Marc Urselli (Foo Fighters, U2, John Zorn) Comes On the Pod! Marc’s contest for a FREE MIX for bands ends on 3/29/20! Dumb and Dumbest is hosted by Matt Bacon (Dropout Media, Ripple Music, Prophecy Productions), Publicist Curtis Dewar (Dewar PR) and Keith Chachkes (Ghost Cult/BDWE Media). In addition to the podcast, Matt, Curtis, and Keith all host The Music Marketing Challenges: low-cost, super high-value private training to bands and artists. And we just launched a Get hands-on practical experience to market your band like a pro today! DM Matt or Curtis at the links below for detailsContinue reading
Renowned producer Marc Urselli (U2, Foo Fighters, Nick Cave, John Zorn, Mike Patton) is mixing three bands for FREE as a part of a giveaway he is hosting to support independent artists during the coronavirus crisis. All bands need to do to sign up at the link below and enter their bands’ name. Bands can direct fans to this same page which acts as a poll. The three highest vote-getters will each get a song mixed for free by the legendary producer.Continue reading