New Music

New Stuff: Week of May 14th, 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:23:00 GMT

Three new songs to infect your ears and brains were added to the rotation this week:

Soundgarden – Live To Rise

Since the band got back together in 2010, fans have been eagerly anticipating new material. Their first new song since 1997 is featured on the soundtrack for the The Avengers which has dominated the Box Office for two straight weeks on the way to making $1 Billion. Live To Rise was written specifically for the film, so it may not be a true representation of what the band’s new album - expected this fall - will sound like, but I’m guessing it’s close...this definitely sounds like Soundgarden.

Big Wreck – Wolves

The 2^nd single from Albatross, the band’s long-awaited third album, is a catchy pop-rock song which includes an impressive vocal delivery of a well phrased lyric, and layered instruments, which has long been a signature of the band. On an album dominated by bluesy guitar laden riffs and solos, this is a standout of the bluegrass-rock side of the band.

The Offspring – Days Go By

The Offspring are known for two distinct styles of songs: their more adult oriented pop-punk which tends to lean more on the thrashy side of things; or their immature teenage boy pop-punk which is much more kitschy. This song doesn’t really sound like either. Lyrically, it’s maturely reflective, and definitely melodic with catchy vocal harmonies. Days Go By is upbeat pop-rock, which sounds like a summer driving song.

-Crash-

New Stuff: Week of April 30th, 2012

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:14:00 GMT

One new tune was added to the Fox Rotation, this week:

I Mother Earth – We Got The Love

Since regrouping after a long hiatus, I Mother Earth have been planning summer festival shows (including an appearance at Magnetic Hill Music Festival, July 7^th w/ Nickelback) and, apparently, working on new music. I’m not sure of the status of an album, but We Got The Love sounds like they’ve picked up right where the band left off. This definitely sounds like IME.

New Stuff: Week of March 12th, 2012

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:46:00 GMT

One new add this week, via the band that opened up for the Sheepdogs.

Monster truck – Seven Seas Blues
Adopting a sound a 70’s vibe that harkens back to early Sabbath or Deep Purple, this Canadian jam band delivers a dark, brooding blues jam that you won’t be able to get out of your head. They kicked ass opening for the Sheepdogs in the fall, and with songs like this, it’s obvious why they were a perfect tour match-up.

New Stuff: Week of March 5th, 2012

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:39:00 GMT

Two new ones this week...from a couple of heavy hitters.

Slash – You’re a Lie
Slash, who this year will be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Guns N Roses (that’s a lot of abbreviated “ands”), had a massively successful solo album in 2010. On it, the guitar player invited various friends and musicians to help him out. One of the biggest standouts of the guest singers was Myles Kennedy, who is currently a member of Alter Bridge. Kennedy is one of the best rock vocalists going, and Slash liked him so much he took him on tour. So, when it came time to record a follow up solo effort, Slash had a full band (collectively known as Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators - Todd Kerns on bass and Brent Fitz on drums). You’re a Lie is vintage Slash guitar work and that distinct Myles Kennedy vocal that is sure to equal another success.

Seether – No Resolution
This South African band has made a name for itself by delivering catchy pop-rock with an angsty grunge influence. It’s no question Nirvana is a major influence, as Shaun Morgan tries to emulate Cobain’s vocal style – soft verse, followed by a growling chorus. That dynamic is present here as well, and we get an up tempo, often bluesy guitar-driven rocker that has one hell of a catchy chorus.

New Stuff: Week of January 16th, 2012

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:24:00 GMT

Van Halen – Tattoo
The reunion everyone’s been waiting for has officially happened; although, no one told Michael Anthony. Yes, Van Halen have reunited with David Lee Roth and, with Eddie’s son Wolfgang handling the bottom end, they’re even more Van-Halen than ever. The band has both a new tour and album planned for 2012, so expect to hear lots about them. Although it’s certainly not their best effort, tattoo does sound like classic Van Halen, with Roth’s cheesy talk/sing rambling overtop a tasty rhythm and guitar work. Plus, the chorus is pretty catchy...and there’s a guitar solo; naturally.

Volbeat – Warrior’s Call
Here’s a song to go along with your gym revival of a New Year’s resolution. This Danish metal band provides the soundtrack to pump you up, while you get pumped up. I can already hear this playing over the intro of some WWE event, or a hockey warm-up. Warrior’s Call sounds like Godsmack with extra cheese...but it’s definitely catchy.

Crash’s Words of Wisdom: NyQuil is a hell of a drug...

-Crash-

New Stuff: Week of January 9th, 2012

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:54:00 GMT

City & Colour – Weightless
Dallas Green’s solo effort has become his main gig after parting ways with Alexisonfire, and with the most recent C&C album, it’s evolved into something befitting a full band. With drums and electric guitars, the first single, Fragile Bird, had a vibe that was comparable to the Black Keys. Weightless continues that vibe, and with a SOLD OUT show at the Playhouse next month, it’s obvious people like it.

Crash's Words of Wisdom: Heat lamps and rum before Noon is a perfectly acceptable - and affordable - substitute for a Jamaican vacation.

-Crash-

New Stuff: Week of December 26th, 2011

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:48:00 GMT

It’s been a barren wasteland of new stuff leading into Christmas...not much to “write home about” as they say. However, one Canadian band has grabbed our attention and offered the lone non-holiday themed new song added to the fox rotation in a few weeks:

Our Lady Peace – Heavyweight

I’ll admit that their last album, Burn Burn, was (and is) my least favourite - in fact, it’s the only which I don’t own. As a fan, I’ve been yearning for music which was a little more reminiscent of the band I first got into in the mid 90’s. Heavyweight seems to be the bridge connecting that old familiar vibe with the modern sound of the band. It’s possibly their best single in years, which ups the anticipation for their 8^th album – due out sometime in the coming months. The fuzzy distortion of the opening riff transitions into a catchy chorus, and the song seems more energetic than anything on Burn, Burn. And is Raine using his falsetto again? Beauty.

Crash’s Words of Wisdom: Resolve to not resolve, and you’ll solve the mystery that is: Keeping a New Year’s Resolution.

-Crash-

New Stuff: Week of Nov. 7th, 2011

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:38:00 GMT

Three New ones go into rotation this week:

Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Monarchy of Roses
The band’s latest album, I’m With You, is the first since John Frusciante left the band, giving Josh Kinghoffer a chance to flex his muscle. However, this one is a Flea showcase, if you ask me. It’s what I love about the Chilli’s: It’s groovy, funky and catchy. It’s quite possibly my favourite of the album.

Chevelle – Face to The Floor
They haven’t had a big song since their breakthrough – with The Red - in 2002, but attempt to do again with the first single from the band’s upcoming 6^th album, Hat’s Off To The Bull. (Available Dec. 6^th) This song is what Chevelle do best: a Tool-esque hard rock song with a guitar riff and vocal hook that works up the inner head-banger in us all.

State Of Shock – Wish I Woulda Wowed U
State of Shock have been hovering closer to the Adult Contemporary side of things for quite some time, so this was a surprise. It’s a concise, catchy pop-rock song. Plus they kept the text-lingo (“U” for “you”) so they didn’t lose their cred amongst the youth of the world....anyway, the new album is out now, called Rock N’ Roll Romance.

-Crash-

New Stuff: Week of October 3rd, 2011

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:50:00 GMT

One new one this week...and it just so happens they’re coming to town next month too.

Big Sugar – A Little Bit a Alright
Big Sugar have always been a band of various styles. Their reggae-infused blues has achieved massive success in this country, making Gordie Johnson one of our most beloved icons. This is the 2nd single from the band's comeback album, Revolution Per Minute, and highlights their reggae roots more than Roads Ahead. In fact, this song, in general, sounds much more like the Big Sugar we’ve known and loved..and, in some cases, expected to hear. I think it’ll be a big one.

Crash’s Words of Wisdom: A Half-pound Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup is totally worth the subsequent heart-burn and sugar coma.

-Crash-

New Stuff: Week of September 26, 2011

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:14:00 GMT

Two new ones this week: A 90’s post-grunge band returns and so does the band everyone loves to hate...

Nickelback – Bottoms Up
It was inevitable...Nickelback were bound to release a new album sometime; that some time is November 24^th. So, with that comes two brand new singles, the softer ballad, When We Stand Together - aimed at pop and light rock - and the ode-to-alcohol rocker Bottoms Up. It was a no-brainer, this got an add almost before hearing it. In fact, you don’t need to hear it to know how it goes. You’ve heard it all before...and you’ll hear it all again...and again... :P

Bush – The Sound of Winter
Bush achieved some major success in the mid-to-late 90’s; kind o f the British wave of post-grunge. Songs like Comedown, Glycerine & Swallowed put them as one of the top names of the era. Then they disappeared and Gavin Rossdale has more recently been best known as Gwen Stefani’s baby-daddy. Bush recently released their first album in 10 years: The Sea of Memories. Their latest single, The Sound of Winter, certainly sounds like Bush:

Crash’s Words of Wisdom: Zuckerberg is gonna make more money by NOT charging us to use....don't kid yourselves...and stop yelling in my news feed.

-Crash-