Sunday, May 25, 2014

Song Of The Week: 5/25/14







Song: "Closer"

Artist: Earshot

Album: "The Silver Lining"

Year: 2008



"Closer" appears to be a song where a relationship began warm in a sense, then became cold after a while. You get a feeling that the vocalist isn't the most stable person and the other person maybe felt that she could save him. Soon, she became very cold towards him. You sense that just her mere presence instills fear and anxiety in him. He wants her to let him go. He definitely doesn't want any more to do with this relationship but, throughout the song, you feel as if he's almost caged by her. Earshot formed as a band back in 1999, hailing from Los Angeles, California. Vocalist Wil Martin was inspired by bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Metallica, Thin Lizzy, U2 and Soundgarden when forming Earshot. In 2002, the band signed to Warner Bros. Records and released their debut album, "Letting Go". This album featured the singles "Headstrong" and "Get Away". "Get Away" peaked at #4 on the Modern Rock Charts and stayed in the top 100 for over sixty weeks. The success of the album earned Earshot opening slots on tours supporting acts such as Staind, Kid Rock and Stone Temple Pilots. In 2004, the band released their second album "Two". This album featured the singles "Wait" and "Someone". By 2007, the band had signed with a subsidiary of Universal Records and in 2008, they released their third full length album, "The Silver Lining", featuring the lead single "Missunderstood". In 2009, Earshot released the single "The Ugly Truth" for free through the band's official website. Some four years of virtual silence would follow the band until 2014 when they announced a brand new single entitled "Now That It's Over". This single would appear on a soon to be released mini-LP called "Aftermath" which is most likely to be a digital release through Itunes. No official date has come out for this release as of yet. This new release reflects the current state of Earshot, which is they are still together and still making new music. While the band did achieve some moderate success early on in their musical career, they have not really sustained it. Their music is basically hard rock/alternative metal in the same vein as many post-grunge acts such as Seether, Chevelle or Staind. They never quite left a mark on the industry like those bands however, though they certainly have a strong cult following. Perhaps this new mini-LP will offer something more. Until it comes out, Earshot is a band that just remains in the pack, not at the forefront.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Song Of The Week: 5/18/14







Song: "On The Nod"

Artist: Avail

Album: "Dixie"

Year: 1994



"On The Nod" appears to be a song about going out of your way to avoid any kind of responsibility. The vocalist in the song really seems intent on going through life by not making any hard decisions. He seems afraid to be personally responsible, let alone be responsible to someone else. If things get to tense for him, his plan of action is to get up and leave and start a life somewhere else. Avail, from Richmond, Virginia, formed as a band back in 1987. Original vocalist, Brein Stewart performed on two demos, 1988's "Each Other" and 1989's "Reaching Out" as well as the band's first EP, "Who's To Say What Stays The Same". Tim Barry, the band's future vocalist, played drums on this EP. By 1990, Tim Barry was the full time vocalist of Avail. In 1992, the band self-released their debut full length album, "Satiate". This album would be re-released through Lookout! Records, with whom the band signed. 1993 saw two releases from Avail, "Attempt To Regress", an EP, and "Live At The King's Head Inn", the band's first live album. In 1994, Avail released "Dixie". 1996 saw the band drop their third full length album, "4AM Friday". This album featured the song "Simple Song", definitely one of the most popular songs in Avail's catalogue. In 1997, the band released "The Fall Of Richmond", a split EP with the band (Young) Pioneers. In 1998, Avail released "Over The James", a full length album and their second live record, "Live At The Bottom Of The Hill In San Francisco". In 1999, Avail signed with Fat Wreck Chords and released the EP "100 Times". This EP featured re-recordings of old songs. A third live album, "V.M. Live Presents...Avail" was also released that year. 2000 saw the release of their fifth full length, "One Wrench". In 2002, "Front Porch Stories" was released. This would be the last album released by Avail. All of the band's recordings for Lookout! Records would be re-released through Jade Tree Records as well. Avail never officially disbanded, but they haven't released any new material since 2002. Vocalist Tim Barry has been doing the solo thing since 2004 and he seems to be focusing on that more than anything. Currently, it appears the book is closed on Avail. As I said, Barry is completely focused on his solo career while the other band members are also pursuing other projects, whether they are in music or other ventures. While not having any major success as a band, there is no doubt that Avail is well respected in the hardcore punk community, in fact, they are legendary in their hometown of Richmond, Virginia.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Song Of The Week: 5/11/14








Song: "Light Years"

Artist: Pearl Jam

Album: "Binaural"

Year: 2000



Usually my blog on my "song of the week" features a short possible meaning of the song and then goes on into a quick history, highlights and achievements of the band who performed the song. This week is different. I chose "Light Years" by Pearl Jam as a tribute to a friend of mine who left this Earth much too soon. As I write this, I realize that today is Mother's Day. The one thing that any mother, and father, should never have to do is bury their child. That is not the cycle of life. Unfortunately, this is the sad truth as of a couple of days ago as my friend was found by his mother, not breathing and unresponsive. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Right now, it still seems unreal to me. I know it will hit home and become real at the wake and funeral. I've known this person for almost twenty years. He had his issues, but who doesn't? Sometimes, addictions are hard to overcome. I don't want to speculate, but I thought my friend got through those struggles. Now.. I'm not so sure. At his worst, I thought he would be gone more than 10 years ago. It was pretty bad, but like I said, I thought he overcame all that stuff. Whatever the cause, it really doesn't matter at this point. He's gone and he's not coming back. My heart goes out to his Mom, Dad and brother and also all of his friends and family. I'm not a very religious guy, but I guess you could say I'm spiritual and I do believe that your spirit lives on. I hope wherever you've gone, you are happy and at peace.


Rest In Peace,

Vinny Candelora

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Song Of The Week: 5/4/14








Song: "Fur Cue"

Artist: Seether

Album: "Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray"

Year: 2011



"Fur Cue" is a song that appears to be about someone who is fed up with and has had enough of someone else's lies and deceptions. The vocalist is clearly sick of playing her games and can see clearly just how fake she really is. I get a feeling that her looks still make him smile, but her act and her personality has worn thin on him. Seether formed as a band back in 1999, hailing from South Africa. Originally, they went under the moniker Saron Gas and independently released one album under that name called "Fragile". In 2002, the band officially changed their name to Seether and dropped their first album, "Disclaimer". This album featured the singles "Fine Again", "Driven Under" and "Gasoline". In 2004, a reworked and revamped version of "Disclaimer" was released under the name "Disclaimer II". This album featured all the songs from "Disclaimer" as well as some new tracks and remixed versions. It also featured a newly recorded version of the song "Broken" with guest vocals from Amy Lee from Evanescence. This track was Seether's stepping stone to mainstream success as a band. In 2005, the band released "Karma And Effect" which debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 charts. Singles such as "Remedy", "Truth" and "The Gift" helped this album become gold certified. In 2006, an acoustic gig in Philadelphia was recorded and packaged as a cd/dvd called "One Cold Night". 2007 saw the band release "Finding The Beauty In Negative Spaces". This album debuted at #9 on the Billboard 200 charts and featured the singles "Fake It", "Breakdown" and "Rise Above This", a song written as a tribute to vocalist Shaun Morgan's brother who committed suicide. "Rise Above This" would go on to reach #1 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. In 2011, Seether released "Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray". This album was their highest charting effort, reaching #2 on the Billboard 200 charts. The album was produced by famed Pearl Jam producer Brendan O'Brien and featured the single "Country Song". In 2013, Seether released a greatist hits compilation called "Seether: 2002-2013". Along with their hit singles, the album also featured three newly recorded tracks, including a cover of Veruca Salt's "Seether", the song which is credited for which the band chose it's name. Currently, the beginning of 2014 saw Seether getting together and working hard on their new album. Titled "Isolate And Medicate", the album is due out in July of 2014 and the first single on the album is "Words As Weapons". Seether is a post-grunge, alternative rock type band. They have toured with the likes of Evanescence, Three Days Grace, Finger Eleven, Breaking Benjamin, 3 Doors Down and Staind and their sound is very similar to all of those bands, some heavy riffs, focus on melody and sing-a-long choruses. Their lyrics have a bit of a dark edge to them, paying homage to early 90's grunge.