Milagres - Seven Summits (2010)

"Milagres" is the Portuguese word for "miracle". It also happens to be the name of this quintet from Brooklyn, NY.  On Seven Summits Milagres craft beautifully layered music which seems to melt into the background.  They are slowly beginning to garner attention in the indie music scene as they are a hard-working group.  They have had the opportunity to open for bands the likes of Women, Elf Power, A Place To Bury Strangers and even St. Vincent.  Harmonized vocals on top of rich atmospheric sounds make this quite a dreamy album which leans towards a mostly soothing soft rock sound.  The band can lean towards more traditional indie rock on tracks like album opener "Fifty Fourteneers", they incorporate an almost Radiohead (OK Computer/Kid A-era) quality to them on tracks like "Sheet Stealer!" and "Weathering" while also slipping glockenspiel, percussion and strings into other tracks, such as "Moose Collision".  The guitar work itself ranging between spanish guitar arrangements and finger-picked sections on select tracks is magnificent.  They definitely create an interesting blend of sounds and are sure to turn some heads this year.

www.myspace.com/milagresmusic

Maximum Balloon - Maximum Balloon (2010)

Maximum Ballon is the moniker of Dave Sitek of the band TV On The Radio.  After producing albums for bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Liars, The Foals, Scarlett Johansson and even his own band, Sitek steps out to create his own blend of synth-rock.  Sitek is simply the instrumentalist on this album as his vocals are absent throughout.  To make up for that, the album features guest vocalists on every single track, many of which are good friends of Dave's including Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, David Byrne and of course his own band mates Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone who each get their own respective tracks to sing on.  TV On The Radio's sound is sprinkled into the mix here but Maximum Balloon is much more synth driven.  Sitek has not abandoned his guitar roots either as many of the tracks feature riffs that Sitek's fingerprints are all over.  There is something mesmerizing about each of these tracks.  The album has its very upbeat almost disco-ish tracks while a song like "Pink Bricks" featuring Ambrosia Parsley is extremely dreamy and relaxing.  The use of multiple vocalists keeps the album sounding fresh and gives each track its own flavour.  After showing off his chops on the Dark Was The Night compilation, it is strange to not hear Sitek vocally on this album.  Perhaps after another TV On The Radio album a second Maximum Balloon album will see him return to the mic.

www.myspace.com/maximumballoon



Karen Elson - The Ghost Who Walks (2010)

Karen Elson is a model turned singer/songwriter.  She also happens to be married to musical mastermind Jack White of White Stripes, Raconteurs and Dead Weather fame.  Elson and White met while filming the video for the White Stripes "Blue Orchid", which Elson was featured in.  They married in 2005 and currently have two children together.  The Ghost Who Walks is Elson's solo debut album and features an alternative folk/country/blues sound which was produced by White himself.  The title comes from a name Elson was called in high school due to her skinny, pale appearance.  Elson has a background in cabaret which can clearly be heard on track "100 Years From Now".  The album features White on guitar and drums while White's Raconteurs/Dead Weather band mate Jack Lawrence features on bass.  Their influence can be heard on certain tracks, in particular the song "The Truth Is In The Dirt" which is heavy on organ and slide guitar.  It could practically be considered a Dead Weather b-side.  While Elson has a wonderful voice she doesn't quite sing with the same raw energy and strength as other songstresses in the same category, such as Neko Case (New Pornographers).  Her album is still a welcome addition to any album collection as it has some strong tracks on it but I feel that many reviewers will be biased over the fact of who she is married to.  Hopefully a second album will follow which will sway any naysayers and will take her out of the shadow of her husband.

www.myspace.com/karenelsonmusic

The Blood Brothers - Young Machetes (2006)

The Blood Brothers are a post-hardcore band from Seattle, Washington.  Young Machete would be the final album from this band after deciding to break up in 2007 due to members not being happy with the direction of the band anymore.  The Blood Brothers' sound on their final album is rather unique for an act on a major label.  The band blends noise and heavy riffs with some very poppy melodies.  The band is further defined by the dual vocals of Johnny Whitney and Jordan Billie.  Whitney would go on to take his screechy vocals to  his new band Jaguar Love, who now have an EP and two full-lengths under their belts.  The songs on Young Machete can go from all out chaos like insane opener "Set Fire To The Head On Fire" with rapid drum beats to slowed synth-rock/pop like on "Street Wars/Exotic Foxholes" (did I mention they throw in a bassoon on the end of this track?).  There is definitely some glam thrown into the mix.  Hell, these guys go into a cabaret-esque tune on album closer "Giant Swan" which goes on for nearly six minutes.  This is an interesting plethora of sounds and vocals which may take some time to get adjusted to but which shouldn't disappoint fans of the group.

 www.myspace.com/thebloodbrothersband

Bedouin Soundclash - Light The Horizon (2010)

Bedouin Soundclash returns with a new album this year as well as a new drummer.  Jay Malinowski, now with a solo album under his belt, has carried some of his songwriting from that session over into this new album it would seem.  Opening track "Mountain Top" is a catchy and upbeat Bedouin track which is synonymous with the group's sound.  Aside from that, the only other really upbeat song is titled "Rolling Stone".  The rest of the tracks are slow movers and builders.  A little bit of Bedouin's sunshine faded I think when Pat Pengelly exited the band.  Bedouin can still write a crafty, beautiful song but I think Pengelly's input on certain songs and especially his harmonized backing vocals are sorely missed here.  Track 4, "Brutal Hearts", features guest vocals from québecoise Coeur De Pirate and features a balanced portion of both vocalists on the track.  The track entitled "Elongo" happens to be one of my favourites as its chorus reverberates joyfully while featuring layered vocals from Malinowski.  The final track on the album, "Follow The Sun" finds Bedouin in an almost Pink Floyd mode with lots of echoed vocals and lots of reverb and chorus effects on the guitars.  You almost expect to hear them break into "Money".  Sekou Lumumba, Bedouin's current drummer seems to fit the mold of the band and doesn't stray to far from what Pengelly was doing.  Having seen them live at the Dragonboat Races in Ottawa back in June, Lumumba has done a good job of taking over and even adds his own twist to old favourites.  The band did seem to have a renewed energy on stage rather than going through the motions.  Lumumba is not however a singer and therefore some of Bedouin's classics lack the punch they once had with Pengelly's vocals accompanying Malinowski's.  This is still an excellent effort from Bedouin Soundclash, but I can only hope that they do actually "Follow The Sun" in an effort to recapture the brightness that made Bedouin so fun to listen to.

www.myspace.com/bedouinsoundclash

No Age - Everything In Between (2010)

No Age hail from Los Angeles.  The band is simply a duo consisting of drummer Dean Allen Spunt and guitarist Randy Randall.  Past albums Nouns and Weirdo Rippers have taken a much more noisy approach to pop and rock but on Everything In Between the band have toned things down.  There are more melodies and guitar hooks than in the past.  They create fun pop music with a twist; while there is beauty to certain songs, those same tracks are drenched in feedback and dissonance.  It is exactly as Randy Randall put it in an interview with Dummy Magazine: "It’s hard to describe but I think it’s sounding like now we’ve had a bit more time to sit with the songs, we’re maturing, not getting boring, just getting … richer."  This is definitely the sound of a matured band.  The songs on Everything In Between are much better structured than previous efforts.  Don't get me wrong, there are still some tracks that return to roots and can really tear things up such as the ferocious "Fever Dreaming".  The track will make you perk up your ears with its feedback chorus with guitars mimicking the sound of screaming which is somehow still very catchy.  The album also contains a couple of instrumental jams like "Positive Amputation", which is reminiscent of bands such as Holy Fuck.  All in all, this album is a winner and is so far the best thing the band has produced.  Let's hope they can keep this up!

www.myspace.com/nonoage

The Dudes - Blood Guts Bruises Cuts (2009)

The Dudes are an alt-rock band from Calgary, Alberta.  This was a recommendation made by another friend of mine.  Having never heard of them, I decided to look them up only to discover that this is their fourth release in their discography (their second full-length).  These guys are working hard to make it big.  They are popular on University radio stations and CBC Radio 3 and have toured across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.  Their song "Dropkick Queen Of The Weekend" was even featured in a commercial for Rogers Wireless (found here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgUlQrZcqM4&feature=related).  Their songs feature many sing-along choruses, big guitar riffs and even cowbell on tracks like standout track "Mr. Someone Else".  If I had to compare them to other bands, I would say that on heavier tracks there's some Sloan or Trews buried within, the vocals come off as sounding Jack Johnson-esque at times and of course the biggest comparison of all is to that of Modest Mouse (it's hard not to hear it or make reference to it).  From what I understand, the title has acted as somewhat of a curse for the boys as several members of the band have suffered some form of injury.  They have included road rash, stitches to the head, broken collar bones and missing teeth while BMX biking and one of the members was even hit by a cab and broke both his kneecaps after being dragged 30 feet and yet they continued to tour.  Now that's rock n' roll!  Regardless of the series of injuries suffered, this is a rockin' album and am glad I was introduced to it.  Time to start going through their back-catalogue.

For the full extent of the band's recent injuries visit:

http://www.chartattack.com/news/77659/the-dudes-are-horribly-accident-prone.

www.myspace.com/wearethedudes

The Futureheads - This Is Not The World (2008)

On previous album News & Tributes, The Futureheads were located on the 679 label.  When poor sales resulted, 679 dropped the Futureheads.  The boys from Sunderland, England were not going to stand for it and came up with the idea to create their own label.  Nul Records was born in 2006.  The band began writing new songs for their next album over the course of a couple of years.  If you're looking for an album that can cram in a whole bunch of power-pop from beginning to end, then look no further than This Is Not The World.  The Futureheads' formula seems to be 3-minute pop-driven rock anthems.  The problem with The Futureheads and this album in particular is that they have lost their unique sound, found on their debut self-titled album.  There is nothing to distinguish them from any other English power-pop group.  This may doom them to be lost amongst the waves of British bands like The Kaiser Chiefs.  Fortunately I had the chance a few months back to hear their new album The Chaos (2010) and was relieved to hear a refreshed Futureheads sound complete with multi-layered harmonies.  This Is Not The World is without a doubt a high energy album and seems like it would be right at home in your car stereo on a long drive.  This is definitely worth a listen if you're searching for something upbeat.

www.myspace.com/thefutureheads

Brian Posehn - Live In: Nerd Rage (2006)

Brian Posehn may have a familiar face to some people.  He has featured on shows like The Mr. Show with Bob & David (which he also wrote for) he had a recurring role on Just Shoot Me, he was the voice of Jim on Mission Hill and has even been on an episode of Seinfeld.  When it comes to Posehn's stand-up he keeps the jokes coming but his routine is aimed at a specific audience.  Brian Posehn loves to smoke pot and chances are if you're a stoner, you'll find some of this stuff pretty hilarious.  Posehn is not afraid to openly mock himself either.  He knows he's a huge nerd and a huge metal fan.  He also knows he tends to write some of his worst jokes when he's high and even offers up a joke on how he's trying to quit smoking up so he can write better jokes.  He even mocks himself for having no segues between jokes and will simply launch into another subject to the surprise and delight of the crowd (i.e. talking about puppies then instantly talking about how religion is weird).  Coming back to his obsession with metal, the album even features a couple of metal tracks ("Metal By Numbers", which is an original and "Try Again, Again" which is a spoof on "Enter Sandman") with Posehn on vocals.  Posehn often comes off as sounding like a Muppet past its prime.  The songs are performed by drummer John Tempesta (Exodus, Testament, White Zombie), Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning, Anthrax) on bass and finally Jonathan Donais (Shadows Fall) and Ian Scott (Anthrax, Stormtroopers Of Death) on guitars. This stand-up album provides a few chuckles but most of the time it's simple fart and wiener jokes which Posehn is known for.  Does it come as any kind of surprise that he would title his next album, released this year (2010), Fart And Wiener Jokes?  Very original.

www.myspace.com/brianposehn

Linkin Park - A Thousand Suns (2010)

My first thought upon hearing Linkin Park's new single "The Catalyst" was "What the hell are they doing and what direction are they going in?"  I was very reluctant to even give this album a spin, but began hearing rather positive things about it online.  Chester Bennington and crew aren't dabbling in hard rock or nu-metal anymore; this was made fairly evident during their last album Minutes To Midnight which caught the band in a transitional phase of their career.  The boys have begun to embrace the lighter side of things.  There are times where Linkin Park even explore somewhat industrial leanings on their new album A Thousand Suns.  Fans of The Hybrid Theory  and Meteora will surely be disappointed if they are looking for a heavy album.  This album is big on sounds and effects to create atmospheres.  In a sense, this album was a test for Linkin Park to see what avenues they could explore.  This is a band branching out beyond expectations.  While they have taken a new direction, it seems to me they are no less anthemic than before.  Gone are the days of teen angst.  You won't be hearing any "Don't turn your back on me, I won't be ignored!" as heard in the song "Faint" from Meteora.  I believe though that the album suffers from a lack of organics.  The album feels somewhat cold in the sense that the band's traditional instruments are for the most part missing.  Guitar, bass and drums in some cases have all been replaced with synthesizers and samples.  When an instrument is present, it is so distorted or saturated in effects that it is barely recognizable.  On the brighter side of things, Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda provide some of the best vocal work they've done.  It is the type of album that must be heard from beginning to end without skipping any tracks to be truly appreciated.  This is a much more mature Linkin Park than we're used to.

www.myspace.com/linkinpark

Screaming Females - Castle Talk (2010)

I had the opportunity to catch Screaming Females at Zaphod Beeblebrox in Ottawa, Ontario back in June as they opened for Ted Leo & The Pharmacists.  I was amazed at how much sound they were producing for a three-piece but what struck me most was the raw energy that was brought by lead vocalist/guitarist Marissa Paternoster.  She had a set of pipes on her; when she sang, you listened!  She could go from simple melodies to all out screams and her guitar skills were up there too!  Paternoster's vocals range somewhere between Jemina Pearl (ex-Be Your Own Pet) and Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) with perhaps even a hint of Tegan & Sara thrown in.  As an ensemble, Screaming Females craft a variety of delicious sounds.  You can hear garage rock, pyschedelia, punk and even grunge in the tunes on what is Screaming Females fourth album.  Certain bass lines even reminded me of the exact tone, popiness and catchiness that Krist Novoselic used to add in Nirvana (and Novoselic could create some memorable bass hooks).  In fact, this whole album has a very 90s sound to it, right down to some of the dreamier-sounding guitar riffs of the Smashing Pumpkins.  The track "Deluxe" is somewhat of a filler track as it is a short song which doesn't really seem to fit on the album.  While it's a nice change of pace and interesting to hear the band go acoustic, the song simply isn't long enough to have any kind of worthwhile impact or effect.  While the album won't capture the band's aggressive live performance it is still a phenomenal record and I highly recommend you pick it up and get out to see them in person if you can.

www.myspace.com/screamingfemales

Wolf People - Steeple (2010)

It would appear as though Wolf People wasted no time in releasing a follow-up to this year's Tidings album.  Member Jack Strong has noted that the majority of the songs and sounds found on Tidings were collected between 2005-2007 and were actually recorded by Strong himself before Wolf People was formed.  Gone are the interludes on this album and we finally receive a worthy full-length album from this band.  According to Wolf People's label Jagjaguwar Records, the album was recorded in a converted barn on the grounds of a 17th century Welsh mansion; a huge leap from their early bedroom recordings.  This album is loaded with melody, feedback, distortion and psychedelia ("Tiny Circle" even brings back the flute heard on Tidings), which is what has come to be expected from these natives of Bedford, England.  It is nice to hear the full extent of what this band can do as this album has a much better flow to it especially now that they have some touring experience under their belts.  It seems they have found their niche and I do hope they continue to pump out this well-crafted music.

www.myspace.com/wolfpeople

Wolf People - Tidings (2010)

Wolf People are a UK-based psychedelic rock band.  On their first outing, Tidings is a mixed bag.  Each song is drenched in garage-sounding psychedelia but in between songs the "interludes" they insert can be somewhat grating on the nerves as they use loops, tracks played in reverse and random snippets from what sounds like studio banter to fill gaps.  It's almost as if the band rushed to put this album out and needed filler.  The flow of the album is constantly interrupted.  It makes for interesting listening but would get very old very quickly after multiple listens, especially for those just seeking the music.  The incorporation of flute on "Cotton Strands" is a nice touch as is the harmonica on "October Fires".  What music is there seems to be a good foundation for what is to come.  I believe the band will be able to expand upon their sound and truly create an epic record in the future.

www.myspace.com/wolfpeople

Hey Rosetta - Red Songs EP (2010)

Hey Rosetta! are a Canadian rock band from St. John's, Newfoundland.  Their sound can be classified as somewhat soft rock with a garage twist, but this 6-piece group tends to also incorporate violin and cello into their sound.  With the addition of synth and piano the band seem to be aiming for the same road travelled by Montreal band The Arcade Fire.  This 3-track EP is available either online digitally or on limited vinyl available via the band's website at www.heyrosetta.com/html/store.htm#Dinfo.  While this EP is short for Hey Rosetta! it is some of the most beautiful acoustic music I've heard in a long while.  One cannot help but hear a Beatles tone and quality to their music.  Lead singer Tim Baker's vocals are clear and mesmerizing while the rest of the band does a fantastic job of accompanying him and building up a massive wave of sound with little materials.  Track "Who Is At My Window Weeping? (The Silver Dagger)" features a simple acoustic guitar rhythm backed by hand claps and foot stomps eventually introducing violins to give the song the boost it needs.  Some Canadians may have heard Hey Rosetta! before without even knowing it as their song "Red Heart" from the album Into Your Lungs was played during the Vancouver Olympics.  If any of this has intrigued you, you might want to give this little indie band from the Maritimes a listen!

www.myspace.com/heyrosetta

Edwyn Collins - Losing Sleep (2010)

I am writing this review at the request of a friend who has appreciated the music of Edwyn Collins for a while now.  I personally only recognized the name and had never heard any of his own or his former band Orange Juice's material.  Collins is a Scottish alt. rock singer and songwriter who about 5 years ago suffered two brain hemorrhages.  After surgery to repair the problem, he was left with difficulty of speech and underwent much neurological rehabilitation.  It would take him a couple of years to get back to performing.  Collins' latest album (while I have no previous albums to compare to) sounds quite refreshing and features many guests who either feature or have co-written tracks.  Some of these guests are youthful modern musicians while others are established and familiar faces in the realm of indie rock.  Tracks 2 and 7, entitled "What Is My Role" and "I Still Believe In You" feature Ryan Jarman of the Cribs, track 3 called "Do It Again" features Alex Kapranos and Nick McCarthy of Franz Ferdinand, "In Your Eyes", which is track 6, features members of The Drums, track 8 called "Come Tomorrow, Come Today" was co-written with Johnny Marr and lastly, track 9 called "It Dawns On Me" was co-written and performed with Romeo Stodart of the Magic Numbers.  Edwyn Collins' voice is somewhat of an acquired taste but does not hinder the album in any way (Bob Dylan and Neil Young weren't great singers either) and the guest vocals do help move the album along.  Each time Collins has a guest sing on a track, it seems the song benefits and is lifted by that person's personality.  Musically songs are what you would expect in particular with Collins' collaborators.  The song co-written with The Drums definitely has a similar feel to what you would find on said band's debut album.  Collins when not collaborating has a very traditional alt-rock feel to his songs without coming off as boring.  Many songs are upbeat and can really rock overflowing with deep guitar hooks and catchy drum beats.  Considering this is Collins' first album since his medical issues put music to a halt this is a very optimistic and earnest record which is deserving of your time and attention.

www.myspace.com/wwwmyspacecomedwyncollins

Japanische Kampfhörspiele - Bilder Fressen Strom (2010)

The latest from these German grindcore metallers brings us a fresh look at what this band is capable of creating.  Bilder Fressen Strom is an achievement for these guys who have expanded their sound and begun to flesh out songs.  Blast beats and some catchy/bouncy bass hooks (as heard in "Deutsche") make this a well-rounded album and their heaviest yet.  They have shown much promise, maturity and evolution.  The duelling vocals (one growler and one shrieker) make for an interesting combo but are, as usual, next to incomprehensible.  As mentioned in the post for the Luxusvernichtung EP, even if you speak German, the lyrics are uttered in such a way that you still won't be able to understand them.  I am truly appreciating the type of music this guys are putting out these days.

 www.myspace.com/jaka

Melvins - (A) Senile Animal (2006)

This is a great album from the Melvins.  It was their first album to feature just themselves (after one album with Lustmord and 2 albums with Jello Biafra formerly of the Dead Kennedys) since 2002's Hostile Ambient Takeover.  (A) Senile Animal continues in the Melvins latest trend of sludge metal.  For this album, members King Buzzo and Dale Crover joined forces with (bassist) Jared Warren and (drummer)Coady Willis, members of Big Business to form a new Melvins line-up which has continued for the next 2 albums and still remains to this day.  So yes, the Melvins currently have 2 drummers.  It makes all the difference in the world as multiple beats and rhythms can be achieved to create new sounds and cause songs to shapeshift; just listen to "Civilized Worm".  Heavy yet intricate riffs show that these guys haven't run out of ideas considering they've been around since the 80s.  They've gone from punk rockers to metalheads.  Easy comparisons are Black Sabbath or even Tool at certain points.  These boys are sounding extra awesome these days!

www.myspace.com/themelvins

M.O.D. - U.S.A. For M.O.D. (1987)

Thrash metal, one-line songs and absurd (while sometimes disturbing) lyrics... it could only be from a band featuring Billy Milano.  M.O.D. (Method Of Destruction) is the crossover project for Milano while S.O.D. (Stormtroopers Of Death) took a short break.  From what I've read, the follow-up to S.O.D.'s debut Speak English Or Die would have been titled U.S.A. For S.O.D. but since the band went back to pursue more normal careers (with bands like Anthrax), Billy Milano chose to keep the joke songs going with a new band.  The album features songs like "Aren't You Hungry" or "A.I.D.S."  which go a little overboard on the twisted humour as some lyrics are not for the faint of heart.  From an instrumental approach of things, the band was producing some fairly epic thrash which still lives up to this day's standards.  If you're looking for a light-hearted chuckle and enjoy your thrash metal then by all means check out Method Of Destruction's debut album.

www.myspace.com/modmethodofdestruction

Neil Young - Le Noise (2010)

At the age of 64, Neil young is still cranking out the tunes and he shows no sign of letting up any time soon.  Young's latest venture entitled Le Noise features 8 tracks.  It clocks in at just under 40 minutes and manages to capture both the heavy side and the folk side of the artist.  Tracks like album opener "Walk With Me" features fuzzed-out guitar which maintains a folky guitar riff lying in the undertone to keep the track moving. As has been his tendency lately, Young explores the theme of war and the devastating effects it has on the lives of people as heard in the song "Love And War".  The softer side of Young is heard on tracks such as "Peaceful Valley Blvd." where it's just Neil's voice and his gentle acoustic guitar.  This is a strictly solo album for Young as he appears to be the only performer on the album, aside from maybe a few snippets from producer Daniel Lanois.  The tracks do not feature any kind of drums, only the guitar is used to create any kind of rhythm.  One interesting thing that Lanois has done as a producer is towards the end of most tracks he has taken Young's music and twisted it, looped it and created warbled vocal effects to finish out the tracks.  It makes for some haunting closers to certain songs.  This is a really great collection of songs by Neil Young and I do hope he continues putting out music as he still seems to have a lot of things to say and a nearly endless flow of music to let out.

www.myspace.com/neilyoung

Suckers - Wild Smile (2010)

Suckers are a fun new indie rock band from Brooklyn.  They craft well-rounded, fun, poppy and sometimes anthemic tunes.  The band chose to release their music at the most opportune time; this is definitely a summer album with its catchy hooks and sing-along choruses.  The songs can vary widely in sound and therefore the album never feels repetitive.  During my listen, I found that they could shift from sounding vocally like Band Of Horses to Klaxons.  The band throws us a curve ball by introducing a horn on the track titled "Martha".  Musically and vocally they even sound like Montreal's Wolf Parade at times.  I dare you to not be bobbing your head or whistling along with infectious track "It Gets Your Body Movin'".  With two vocalists (Austin Fisher and Quinn Walker), the band can take many directions and have many influences to choose from.  As you can see it may be hard to pin them down to just one sound.  This is a high energy album which I strongly recommend!

www.myspace.com/suckers

Soundgarden - Telephantasm (2CD/DVD Limited Edition) (2010)

Soundgarden is back... sort of.  Due out September 28th is the career-spanning retrospective album from Soundgarden.  The single-disc edition will be made available in stores on its own or by purchasing the upcoming Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock (due out the same day), which is the first time an album has been offered bundled with a popular video game title.  Your other option is the version featured here which includes a second disc of material as well as a DVD.  Telephantasm offers singles plus alternate takes, rarities and live performances.  The live performances sound good musically, however vocally, Cornell's voice sounds strained.  He has a hard time hitting a lot of the notes (especially the high ones) and it makes one cringe to hear just how poor his voice has become considering what he once had.  Just listen to "Pretty Noose" performed live on Saturday Night Live to hear what I'm talking about.  To be honest, the performance of "Burden In My Hand" from that same television appearance sounded much better so I'm not quite sure why they chose to go with the former.  Fans and non-fans alike may appreciate how much more of Soundgarden's back catalogue is present here including oldies such as "Fopp", "Hunted Down" and "Big Dumb Sex".  Lastly, just to keep the fan who has everything interested, the boys in the band have uncovered an unreleased track from the Badmotorfinger sessions entitled "Black Rain" and boy does it rock hard.  The DVD included in the package contains most of their music videos (according to the liner notes some remain absent due to lack of proper video quality which wasn't up to the band's standard and therefore probably wouldn't have been for the true fans either), which are sure to make you remember the days when MTV and Muchmusic actually played band's videos.  I would recommend this strictly for the hardcore fans.  If you're simply in search of their biggest hits, look no further than A-Sides.

 http://www.soundgardenworld.com/

Various Artists - Roadrunner United: The All-Star Sessions (2005)

What a concept!  4 teams, 4 team captains, 57 artists, 18 tracks.  Some of the biggest names in modern metal (which all happen to be under the Roadrunner label) come together to form a well-rounded album which should please most metal fans.  Joey Jordison (Slipknot/Murderdolls), Matt Heafy (Trivium), Dino Cazares (Fear Factory/Asesino/Divine Heresy/ex-Brujeria) and Rob Flynn (Machine Head) were chosen as the team captains who would oversee the tracks written and recorded for the record.  The album encompasses all forms of metal, including death, black, nu-metal, melodic metal, etc.  Like I said, it's a well-rounded album.  Highlights include single "The End" with Matt Heafy on vocals, as well as "The Rich Man" with Corey Taylor (Slipknot/Stone Sour) on vocals and "Enemy Of The State" sung by Pete Steele (Type O Negative), who sadly just recently passed away.  Another fallen hero, the late Paul Gray (bass player for Slipknot) also makes an appearance on this album.  There is something for every metalhead on this album.  For those interested in knowing who was chosen to play on each track, here's the tracklist: 

1. "The Dagger" – Music - Robert Flynn. Lyrics - Howard Jones/Robert Flynn
• Howard Jones (Killswitch Engage, Blood Has Been Shed) - Vocals
• Robert Flynn (Machine Head) - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
• Jordan Whelan (Still Remains) - Rhythm Guitar
• Jeff Waters (Annihilator) - Guitar Solo
• Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory, Arkaea & Burn It All) - Bass
• Andols Herrick (Chimaira) - Drums
2. "The Enemy" – Music - Dino Cazares/Roy Mayorga. Lyrics - Mark Hunter
• Mark Hunter (Chimaira) - Vocals
• Dino Cazares (Fear Factory, Divine Heresy, Asesino, & ex- Brujeria) - Rhythm Guitar
• Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) - Solo/Acoustic Guitar
• Paul Gray (Slipknot) - Bass
• Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour, ex-Soulfly) - Drums
3. "Annihilation by the Hands of God" – Music - Joey Jordison/Rob Barrett. Lyrics - Glen Benton
• Glen Benton (Deicide, ex-Vital Remains) - Vocals
• Matt DeVries (Chimaira) - Rhythm Guitar
• Rob Barrett (Cannibal Corpse) - Rhythm Guitar
• James Murphy (ex-Disincarnate, ex-Death, ex-Obituary, ex-Cancer, ex-Testament, ex-Konkhra, solo) - Solo
• Steve DiGiorgio (Death, Testament, Vintersorg, Sebastian Bach, Sadus, Autopsy, Control Denied) - Fretless Bass
• Joey Jordison (Slipknot, Murderdolls) - Drums
4. "In the Fire" – Music - Matt Heafy. Lyrics - King Diamond
• King Diamond (King Diamond, Mercyful Fate) - Vocals
• Matt Heafy (Trivium) - Lead/Rhythm/Acoustic Guitars
• Corey Beaulieu (Trivium) - Lead/Rhythm guitars
• Mike D'Antonio (Killswitch Engage) - Bass
• Dave Chavarri (Ill Niño) - Drums
5. "The End" – Music - Dino Cazares. Lyrics - Matt Heafy
• Matt Heafy (Trivium) - Vocals/Solo
• Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) - Rhythm Guitar
• Logan Mader (ex-Machine Head & ex-Soulfly) - Melodic Guitar Harmonics
• Rhys Fulber (Front Line Assembly, Delerium, Conjure One) - Keyboards/Programming
• Nadja Peulen (Coal Chamber) - Bass
• Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour) - Drums
6. "Tired 'N Lonely" – Music - Joey Jordison. Lyrics - Keith Caputo
• Keith Caputo (Life Of Agony) - Vocals/Keyboard
• Matt Baumbach (ex-Vision Of Disorder) - Rhythm Guitar
• Tommy Niemeyer (Gruntruck) - Rhythm Guitar
• Acey Slade (Murderdolls) - Rhythm Guitar
• James Root (Slipknot, Stone Sour) - Solo/Harmony Guitar
• Joey Jordison (Slipknot, Murderdolls) - Drums/Bass
7. "Independent (Voice of the Voiceless)" – Music - Robert Flynn/Phil Demmel. Lyrics - Max Cavalera
• Max Cavalera (Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, ex-Sepultura & ex-Nailbomb) - Vocals
• Robert Flynn (Machine Head) - Guitar/3-part Guitar Harmonies/Keyboards
• Jordan Whelan (Still Remains) - Rhythm Guitar
• Jeff Waters (Annihilator) - Solo
• Christian Olde Wolbers (Ex-Fear Factory, Arkaea & Burn It All) - Bass
• Andols Herrick (Chimaira) - Drums
8. "Dawn of a Golden Age" – Music - Matt Heafy. Lyrics - Dani Filth
• Dani Filth (Cradle Of Filth) - Lead vocals
• Matt Heafy (Trivium) - Vocals/Lead & Rhythm Guitar
• Justin Hagberg (3 Inches of Blood) - Rhythm Guitar
• Sean Malone (Cynic & Gordian Knot) - Bass
• Mike Smith (Suffocation) - Drums
9. "The Rich Man" – Music - Robert Flynn. Lyrics - Corey Taylor
• Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour) - Vocals
• Robert Flynn (Machine Head) - Rhythm Guitar/Keyboard
• Jordan Whelan (Still Remains) - Rhythm Guitar
• Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory, Arkaea & Burn It All) - Bass
• Andols Herrick (Chimaira) - Drums
10. "No Way Out" – Music - Joey Jordison/Matt Sepanic. Lyrics - Daryl Palumbo
• Daryl Palumbo (Glassjaw, Head Automatica) - Vocals
• Matt Baumbach (ex-Vision Of Disorder) - Lead/Rhythm Guitars
• Junkie XL - Programming Synths
• Joey Jordison (Slipknot) - Drums/Bass
11. "Baptized in the Redemption" – Music - Dino Cazares/Roy Mayorga. Lyrics - Dez Fafara
• Dez Fafara (Devildriver, ex-Coal Chamber) - Vocals
• Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) - Rhythm Guitar
• Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) - Solo/Wah Wah Guitar Effects
• Paul Gray (Slipknot) - Bass
• Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour) - Drums
12. "Roads" – Music - Josh Silver. Lyrics - Mikael Åkerfeldt
• Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth, Bloodbath, ex-Eruption, ex-Steel ex-Katatonia & ex-Sörskogen) - Vocals
• Josh Silver (Type O Negative) - Keyboards/Backing Vocals
13. "Blood & Flames" – Music - Matt Heafy. Lyrics - Jesse David Leach
• Jesse David Leach (ex-Killswitch Engage, Seemless, The Empire Shall Fall) - Vocals
• Matt Heafy (Trivium) - Lead/Rhythm/Acoustic Guitars/Vocals
• Josh Rand (Stone Sour) - Rhythm Guitar
• Mike D'Antonio (Killswitch Engage) - Bass
• Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative) - Drums
14. "Constitution Down" – Music - Joey Jordison. Lyrics - Kyle Thomas
• Kyle Thomas (Exhorder, Alabama Thunderpussy) - Vocals
• Matt DeVries (Chimaira) - Rhythm Guitar
• Rob Barrett (Cannibal Corpse) - Rhythm Guitar/Trade-Off Solo
• James Murphy (ex-Disincarnate, ex-Death, ex-Obituary, ex-Cancer, ex-Testament, ex-Konkhra, solo) - Intro solo
• Andy La Rocque (King Diamond) - Trade-Off Solo
• Steve DiGiorgio (Death, Testament, Vintersorg, Sebastian Bach, Sadus, Autopsy, Control Denied) - Fretless Bass
• Joey Jordison (Slipknot) - Drums
15. "I Don't Wanna Be (A Superhero)" – Music - Matt Heafy. Lyrics - Michale Graves
• Michale Graves (ex-Misfits) - Vocals
• Matt Heafy (Trivium) - Lead/Rhythm Guitar
• Justin Hagberg (3 Inches of Blood) - Rhythm Guitar
• Mike D'Antonio (Killswitch Engage) - Bass
• Dave Chavarri (Ill Niño) - Drums
16. "Army of the Sun" – Music - Robert Flynn/Dave McClain. Lyrics - Tim Williams
• Tim Williams (Bloodsimple, ex-Vision Of Disorder) - Vocals
• Robert Flynn (Machine Head) - Rhythm Guitar
• Jordan Whelan (Still Remains) - Rhythm Guitar
• Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory, Arkaea & Burn It All) - Bass
• Andols Herrick (Chimaira) - Drums
17. "No Más Control" – Music - Dino Cazares/John Sankey. Lyrics - Cristian Machado
• Cristian Machado (Ill Niño) - Vocals
• Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) - Rhythm Guitar
• Souren "Mike" Sarkisyan (Spineshank) - Harmony Guitar
• Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) - Harmony Guitar
• Marcelo Dias (ex-Soulfly) - Bass
• Dave McClain (Machine Head, ex-Sacred Reich) - Drums
18. "Enemy of the State" – Music - Joey Jordison/Matt Sepanic. Lyrics - Pete Steele
• Peter Steele (Type O Negative, ex-Carnivore) - Vocals/Keyboards
• Steve Holt (36 Crazyfists) - Rhythm/Acoustic/Slide Guitars
• Josh Silver (Type O Negative) - Keyboards/Samples
• Dave Pybus (Cradle of Filth, ex-Anathema, ex-Dreambreed) - Bass
• Joey Jordison (Slipknot) - Drums 

www.myspace.com/rrunited

Torche - Songs For Singles EP (2010)

Torche are back with their latest EP Songs For Singles and they sound rejuvenated!  The original intent was for Torche to release their third full-length album however, Torche felt they needed more time to work out some of the songs.  Due to time constraints and not wanting to let fans down, they have released this 20-minute piece which acts as a sampler for what is to come.  Let me tell you, if the full length sounds anywhere near as good as this then we're in for a treat.  Torche still bring that sludgy garage hard rock and the guys in the band even decided to produce this one themselves.  For those worried about some of the songs being too short, don't worry too much as the last two tracks clock in at 4:32 and 6:11 so you will still get your epic rockers.  The melody on here is spot on and the harmonic solo work on "Hideaway" is awesome!  Don't miss out on this as it would appear to be a good precursor to what is to come!

www.myspace.com/torche

The (International) Noise Conspiracy - The Cross Of My Calling (2008)

The most recent album by these guys finds Rick Rubin at the helm again.  Rubin must have realized he had stumbled onto something good after producing the band's last album, A New Morning, Changing Weather.  Once again, Rubin has beefed up the drums and bass to make them the driving force behind the album.  While the guitars are still very present, they take a backseat.  This album is extremely poppy.  Fans of the garage-rock sound these guys had may be disappointed to hear radio-friendly music.  But what did you expect?  You could slowly hear the band moving closer and closer to that sound with each album.  It really comes as no surprise.  And while it's not like the album is a complete lemon, fans will have to simply adjust to the new sound.

www.myspace.com/internationalnoiseconspiracy