Happy 4/20 To All!

KYUSS

Song: Gardenia     Album: Welcome To Sky Valley

SLEEP

Song: Dragonaut     Album: Holy Mountain

BONGZILLA

Song: Grim Reefer     Album: Apogee

FU MANCHU

Song: Hell On Wheels     Album: King Of The Road

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When I heard that Ministry was dissolving and this was to be their last tour - I knew I had to obtain a ticket. Then I saw the tour’s banner and the words “Special Guest - Meshuggah.” By that point I was positive this was one of the best tours to see this year. I was not let down.

The opening band, Hemlock, hit the stage 30 minutes past eight at Sunset Boulevard’s House of Blues. They seem like genuinely nice guys who just really love heavy metal. They mentioned onstage that they have been together for 15 years and have only recently been signed to a record label. The singer said that no matter how hard it its to get signed as a band, you have to keep going strong and believe in what your band has to say. By the end of the show, my respect for them grew because I saw they were truly hard workers. They hang out with their fans at the end of the show and the singer even handles the merchandise. They’re cool metal dudes who show much love to their fans. I was even able to shake the singer’s hand at the end of their set.

After a half an hour set from Hemlock and a 25 minute set change, the lights went completely dark and silence filled the stage. Then – the towering boys from Meshuggah took the stage. Their aura was mysterious and I liked how they had a very dark and primitive vibe onstage. Their 45 minute show was a behemoth of a set and I have never heard a band sound so heavy live. And not only that, everything was crystal clear as I heard every single instrument come to life. My eyes circled the stage as I watched all the members of Meshuggah play their songs effortlessly and meticulously. Their sound was truly immense. The ambient parts of songs definitely stood out too as I watched Frederik Thordendal and Marten Hagstrom switch off leads and insane rhythm sections. Dick Lovgren’s sound was definitely thundering and the bass effect was glorious. Jens Kidman gave his all – shredding his throat to the point where in between songs his voice would start to get raspy. And lastly, Thomas Haake was unstoppable. He is one of my favorite drummers because of all the off-time rhythms he creates and he pulled it off absolutely perfectly. At the end of their set, Thomas gave me one of the sticks he used and I’m truly thankful.

Ministry’s choice of props for their stage that night was great. There was a chain-link fence separating the audience from the band which gave the show a very industrial atmosphere. They came out blasting with “Let’s Go” off their latest and final album “The Last Sucker” and tore down the stage for two and a half hours. All the songs they played before their encore came from their Anti-Bush Trilogy Albums: Houses of the Mole, Rio Grande Blood and The Last Sucker. Wayne Static came out during the first encore to sing along beside Al Jourgensen on “So What.” When Wayne Static left, Burton Bell, of Fear Factory fame, took the stage with Ministry until the end of the show on a few old favorites and an unexpected all-covers second encore. They played twisted versions of “Roadhouse Blues” by the Doors, “Just Got Paid” by ZZ Top and “Under my Thumb” by the Rolling Stones. Ministry coming to an end is a sad loss, but it was amazing to see them leave on such a high note – as vile and evil as they can be.

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Musical fusion is powerful. It can bring you through many different moods and feelings through the varied musical expressions the artists create. It can be uplifting, sorrowful, joyful, angry - the list goes on and on. It’s made a huge difference in the way I listen and create music.

Imagine putting together jazz, rock, Eastern music, funk and rhythm and blues and you’ll find yourself listening to the rhythmically complicated “Vital Transformation” by the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Now combine jazz, rock, Latin rhythms, rhythm and blues and funk and a result would be the very catchy tune “Birdland” by Weather Report.

Whoever started the genre “jazz fusion” can never be singled out since many artists contributed to its birth (some progressive rock bands are also labeled jazz fusion and vice versa). One person who was truly a major impact though was Miles Davis (R.I.P. – 1926-1991). He released one of the first jazz fusion albums in 1969 called “In a Silent Way.” Every musician on the album used electronic instruments and Miles started experimenting with the soothing sound of ambient music. The result was genius. During this time, Miles experimented more with different sounds and played with many different musicians. Little did the world know that the artists he inspired and jammed with would soon become some of the most influential and best-known jazz fusion players around.

In my opinion, three of the best jazz fusion bands are:

THE MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA 

The Mahavishnu Orchestra started in 1971. My personal favorite version of the band (there were two different line-ups – 1971 and 1974) was led by “Mahavishnu” John McLaughlin (guitars – formerly of the Miles Davis band) along with Billy Cobham (drums), Jan Hammer (keyboard, piano and synthesizer), Jerry Goodman (violin) and Rick Laird (bass). Their sound was original and powerful. Billy Cobham’s ferocious drums are so irregular, different and complicated that I now consider him my favorite drummer. Jerry Goodman’s fast, emotional playing on the violin delivers. Rick Laird’s powerhouse rhythm and backing boost their sound and Jan Hammer’s perplexing melodies put you in a trance. Some of the songs I recommend by them are: “Meeting of the Sprits,” “Birds of Fire,” “Noonward Race,”  “One Word”

RETURN TO FOREVER 

Chick Corea (keyboards – also from the Miles Davis band), Al di Meola (guitars), Stanley Clarke (bass) and Lenny White (drums) made up the golden line-up of Return to Forever. They released three equally-amazing albums between 1974 and 1976, as this line-up, and displayed that every player in a band can be a virtuoso yet still be heard. There sound is so distinguishable because of the interplay between the instruments that usually appears in every song. No one has succeeded at copying the sound of this band and that I love. Some tunes I dig from them are: “Vulcan Worlds,” “The Shadow of Lo,” “Sorceress,” and “Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant (Part I & Part II)”

WEATHER REPORT 

Not only did Weather Report’s constant line-up include Joe Zaniwul (R.I.P. – 1932-2007) on keyboards and Wayne Shorter on saxophone (both from the Miles Davis band), it also contained Jaco Pastorius (R.I.P. – 1951-1987) – one of the best, if not the best, bass players who have ever walked this earth. I loved how they mixed Latin sounds and rhythms and had different percussion instruments like congas, timbales and many others. It made them stand-out even more since they already fused funk, rock and world music. Their music was unpredictable and fantastic yet sometimes very accessible. Here are a few tracks from them that I enjoy: “Birdland,” “Black Market,” “Gibraltar,” and “Teen Town”

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Starting this summer, people shall have the chance to witness four geniuses reunite and play some of the best jazz fusion the world has ever seen. Al di Meola, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White – the band Return to Forever – have come together once again to dominate audiences worldwide. Return to Forever’s influence on jazz fusion and progressive music has been massive and their reputation in the world of music is highly regarded. Chick Corea’s fluid, beautiful keyboard melodies; Stanley Clarke’s bombastic, groovy bass; Al di Meola’s sharp, lightning-fast riffs; and Lenny White’s tight, precise percussion will have eyes glued on to stages everywhere. Return to Forever has returned and I’m damn glad about it.

Here are the Tour Dates (so far):

5/29/08 – 6/24/08: USA

6/25/08 – 6/27/08: Canada

7/02/08 – 7/25/08: Europe     

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1. The Doors – L.A. Woman: The Doors’ music is dark, mysterious and unpredictable. They are also, in my opinion, the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band to ever walk the face of the earth. My obsession with the Doors began a few years ago when I bought their greatest hits album. Their music hit me quite differently than the other rock ‘n’ roll bands of that generation. Their poetic lyrics, mystical melodies and very distinct sound separated them from all the other bands. Their last album “L.A. Woman,” combined all the aspects the fans ever loved. Their special blend of blues, psychedelia, soul, rhythm & blues and rock ‘n’ roll made the Doors the rock ‘n’ roll band for me.

2. The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: The Beatles shall always be considered “the” rock ‘n’ roll band. Everybody knows their story – they started off as pop superstars and became the rock ‘n’ roll band of the century. So if you’re familiar with the Beatles – you should’ve already heard “Sgt. Pepper’s.” It’s the Beatles’ defining album and one of the albums that brought rock ‘n’ roll its fame. It is a complete and utter masterwork.

3. Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti: Led Zeppelin took a big step with “Physical Graffiti.” It’s a 15-song double album that contains Led Zeppelin’s best overall work. It contains the epic and immortal songs “Kashmir,” “Trampled Underfoot” and “Ten Years Gone.” Led Zeppelin has always been a big band for me. Jimmy Page’s playing is absolutely brilliant and unpredictable. Their music shall never die and their following can only get bigger.

4. Bob Dylan – Highway 61 Revisited: Bob Dylan’s sixth studio album may be his greatest work. Sure he was a pure folk musician who turned electric but so what? His words are always heard and analyzed because of their value to society. This album contains his greatest songs like “Like A Rolling Stone,” “Tombstone Blues,” and his most ambitious song – “Desolation Row.” Dylan’s words stand as a testament to music.

5. Phish – A Picture Of Nectar: Known for their “jam-band” status, when it comes down to it – Phish’s music displays and centers around rock ‘n’ roll. They are considered a “jam-band” because of the expanded and improvisational parts in their music but their sound is absolutely indescribable. They mix rock ‘n’ roll, funk, rhythm & blues, Latin rhythm with progressive tendencies. All of the members of the band have virtuoso ability and their improvisational skills are mind-blowing. This album should be listened all the way through to fully realize and appreciate Trey Anastasio and the mighty Phish.

6. The Doors – The Doors: The Doors’ first album was a fantastic debut album. With songs like “Break On Through,” “Light My Fire” and “Soul Kitchen” on the album, the Doors popularity broke through. Their killer sound impressed audiences everywhere and their repertoire began to grow. This might just be the greatest rock ‘n’ roll debut ever.

7. Lynyrd Skynyrd - (pronounced ‘l?h-’nérd ’skin-’nérd): Southern rock’s heroes Lynyrd Skynyrd are a band to behold. They’re down to earth and they play rock ‘n’ roll fused with Southern elements and country. Their infectious grooves captivated listeners everywhere with songs on the album like “Tuesday’s Gone” and “Gimme Three Steps.” “Free Bird” needs no explanation. Period.

8. The Who – Tommy: The Who is another huge, influential band from the rock ‘n’ roll generation. Their album “Tommy” is one of the best concept albums ever made. When it was first released, critics didn’t know whether to consider it a masterpiece or trash, because of the concept’s dark nature. But nowadays, there is no question whether or not it is a masterpiece. From the very start of “Overture” to the last note of “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” The Who’s Tommy is a record that is so loved and respected.

9. The Beatles – Revolver: The Beatles need no introduction and neither does “Revolver.” It’s their seventh album and contains some of their most famous songs like “Taxman,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Good Day Sunshine,” and “Tomorrow Never Knows.” This album was also the breakthrough for George Harrison’s songwriting as he contributed three songs. This album also contains their ode to marijuana – “Got To Get You Into My Life.”

10. The Rolling Stones – Let It Bleed: From the opening guitar lick of “Gimme Shelter” until the end of the anthem “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” the listener is captivated. The Rolling Stones bring you their world of rock ‘n’ roll swagger, rhythm and blues, and even soul. Their dynamics keep the listener hooked and the album packs a big punch. What I love about this album are the bluesy tones and the rawness delivered by the Stones.

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11. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV: “Stairway To Heaven” became the rock ‘n’ roll song that everyone wish they wrote. But for me – it was the whole album, every single song on Led Zeppelin IV. Not only did it make me a Zeppelin-head, it made me wish I had Jimmy Page’s fingers. It seemed like they could do no wrong and every song, riff and note on this album stuck in my head.

12. Aerosmith – Rocks: Joe Perry is a bluesy riff-making machine and Steven Tyler can sure wail on vocals. This was what ran through my head the first time I heard Aerosmith. Their attitude and songs are so “rock ‘n’ roll” but they have so much more to offer than that. The reason though that I picked this album over their other ones like “Aerosmith” or “Toys In The Attic” is that it showed them at their most consistent. It’s definitely the one that “rocks” the most out of their whole discography.

13. Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Elton John still rules the charts up to this day and there is only one reason for it – he rocks. His piano and songwriting skills are amazing and the band that backs him up deserves applause. I picked this album because it contains my favorite Elton John song – “Funeral For A Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding.” It’s worth the price alone.

14. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Electric Ladyland: Is it possible to have never heard about Jimi Hendrix? His music and life story have been written about so many times but the sad thing is the world didn’t really appreciate him until his death. He shot to fame only after his death and this should not be the case. His guitar playing was so emotional, powerful and spontaneous and his sound was genre-fusing too. He played bluesy, psychedelic, soulful rock ‘n’ roll with meaning.

15. The Doors – Morrison Hotel: Morrison Hotel is another Doors record to behold. It’s powerful, bluesy, lively, and breathtaking; and it also showed the Doors maturing. It came after the highly underrated “The Soft Parade” and it resurrected the Doors’ music career. It’s a record that’s very alive and it showed that the Doors were still a presence to watch out for.

16. The Black Crowes – Amorica: The Black Crowes were the best rock ‘n’ roll band of the ‘90s. They took the blues, country, folk, rhythm and blues, soul and fused it with the attitude of rock ‘n’ roll. Their swagger reminds me of the Stones and that’s a plus in my book. Their first three albums were exemplary and I feel that “Amorica” is the best of the lot. With powerful numbers like “Gone,” “High Head Blues” and “P.25 London,” the Black Crowes made the best rock ‘n’ roll of the ‘90s.

17. Led Zeppelin – Houses Of The Holy: If you take a look at this list again, you’ll bizarrely find none of Led Zeppelin’s first three albums (even though they too were genius). I did this because I like their more mature sound over their earlier works. “Houses Of The Holy,” Zeppelin’s fifth album, is a stunning record – another perfect album created by Page, Plant, Jones and Bonham.

18. Deep Purple – Machine Head: “Smoke On The Water” made this album famous. Even though the song was actually tossed together fairly quickly and used just so that there would be another track on the album, it gained them success they would have never believed. And though it is the most popular of the songs from this particular album, it’s certainly not the best. Packed with unbelievable riffs and songs like “Highway Star” and “Space Truckin’,” Machine Head is the defining album of Deep Purple.

19. The Beatles – Rubber Soul: Rubber Soul was the first album the Beatles made after their pop-superstar era. It was the first album they made that showed them in a different light. They brought in psychedelia and started experimenting with drugs. Their sound grew and so did their fanbase. What makes “Rubber Soul” a special album is that it showed the world the different side of the Beatles. It showed that they were not afraid to experiment and that was all the world needed. It opened the minds of listeners to new sounds, instruments, even song arrangement. It mainly displayed that it was okay to differ from the norm and still be successful and respected.

20. Phish – Junta: Phish’s “Junta” is a spectacular double-album full of progressive rock suites and insane improvisation. It’s full of complicated melodies, arrangements and grooves. It’s also an album with a variety of genres and I honestly think that’s that what Phisheads really love. Phish’s secret weapon was how their sound constantly changed and evolved throughout their career.

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Meshuggah’s new album is truly a work of art. Every song stands out on its own and has something different to offer. I would say that the specific sound of the album would be a mix of ALL their albums. The insane tempo switches and ever-changing time signature sound from “Chaosphere” is there. The absolute heaviness and ambient segue sound from “Catch 33″ is present too. The thrash attack from their earlier works like “Contradictions Collapse” and “Destroy Erase Improve” is also there and shown in songs like “Combustion.” Fredrik Thordendal’s guitar work is godly. His uber-heavy, impressive riffs shine once again and his jazzy, out-there solos are as mind-bending as before. Thomas Haake has returned behind the drumkit and is stronger and more tight than ever and Jens Kidman delivers his best vocal performance. Meshuggah has outdone themselves once again proving to the metal community that they can release masterpiece after masterpiece.

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1. Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here: I had the hardest time choosing the number one spot for the top progressive rock album. My choice was between Pink Floyd’s “Meddle” and their other album “Wish You Were Here.” I can never pick my favorite Floyd song – “Echoes” or “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” But after a few hours, I made my choice. The reason I picked “Wish You Were Here” is because unlike “Meddle,” every song resonates in the listener’s head.

2. Yes – Close To The Edge: For an album with only three songs, Yes manages once again to pack incredible melodies and changes into their songs. They grabbed the world’s attention with the song “Roundabout” and they had to find a way to top the album “Fragile.” And of course they did. For me, “Close to the Edge” defines the band Yes and it is certainly one of the best albums to ever come from progressive rock.

3. Chicago Transit Authority – Chicago Transit Authority: This might just be the best debut album any progressive rock band has ever created. While some people may argue that they’re not progressive rock, I beg to differ. Just listen to the debut album of Chicago Transit Authority (who later just changed their name to “Chicago”). If you are convinced that songs like “Introduction,” “Beginnings” and “Questions 67 and 68” have no progressive leanings, please – give it another spin for me.

4. Camel – Moonmadness: Camel was a band who came from the so-called “Canterbury Scene.” Their sound was progressive, jazzy, ambient and relaxing. I own their first six albums and I must say that they are a very consistent band. This band’s music has almost a tranquilizing effect on the listener.

5. Rush – Permanent Waves: How is it possible that only three people made such an album? The powerful trio’s seventh album is their best one for me. With songs like “The Spirit of Radio,” “Jacob’s Ladder” and the epic “Natural Science,” Rush showed the world what they were made of.

6. Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Tarkus: This is the only band on this list that is certainly and literally a “supergroup” - coming from the following bands: The Nice, King Crimson and Atomic Rooster. With their amazing keyboards and rhythm section, “Tarkus” is definitely their masterpiece.

7. Van Der Graaf Generator – Pawn Hearts: Being a progressive rock band with a darker sound, Van der Graaf Generator is an underrated band. The quite-lengthy tracks of this album contain different sounds, melodies and textures. I believe what makes this band so enjoyable are the strange interludes, jazzy sections and their overall “mysterious” sound.

8. Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells: Mike Oldfield deserves more respect. I never hear his name nowadays and that’s pretty sad. A multi-instrumentalist who blends progressive rock, folk, world music, classical, even electronic music and many others, Mike Oldfield always breaks boundaries with his unique experimentation through his albums. This album is actually his most famous and respected work because the main melody from the album was used as the theme for the movie “The Exorcist.”

9. Genesis – Selling England By The Pound: Genesis is known for their ‘80s popular sound when Phil Collins took over as the group’s leader but, personally, I loved their sound when Peter Gabriel led the group. “Selling England by the Pound” is a landmark for Genesis and progressive rock, with its colossal strong structures, gorgeous melodies, even impeccable drumming by the underrated Phil Collins. I suggest this album along with their other one, the double-LP “The Lamb Lies on Broadway.”

10. The Mars Volta – Frances The Mute: I know that the Mars Volta are a recent group and that rest of the bands on this list are quite older but I have a very good reason to include them on this list – they’re just too damn good. This album contains progressive rock, ambient segues, Latin influences and time signatures that are just so out-there that it just makes the listener think: “How do they come up with these parts?”

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The Police sold more than 2.5 million tickets and earned $131 million with the highest grossing tour of 2007. The reunion was for their 30th anniversary and was expected to be their last tour ever. They have now extended the tour with added shows in Los Angeles and many other cities. They shall be joined onstage by Elvis Costello and the Attractions. Here are the rest of their 2008 Reunion Tour Dates:

05/01 - Ottawa, Ontario - Scotiabank Place
05/03 - Buffalo, NY - HSBC Arena
05/04 - Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena
05/10 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena
05/11 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
05/13 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
05/14 - Omaha, NE - Qwest Center
05/16 - Orlando, FL - Amway Center
05/17 - West Palm Beach, FL - Cruzan Amphitheatre
05/20 - Woodlands, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
05/21 - Dallas, TX - Superpages.com Center
05/23 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena
05/24 - Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Wireless Pavilion
05/26 - Chula Vista, - CA Coors Amphitheatre
05/27-05/28 - Los Angeles, CA - The Hollywood Bowl
07/11 - Ridgefield, WA - Clark County Amphitheatre
07/12 - George, WA - The Gorge
07/14 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre
07/16 - Concord, CA - Sleep Train Pavilion
07/17 - Marysville, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheatre
07/19 - West Valley City, UT - USANA Amphitheatre
07/21-07/22 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
07/25 - Milwaukee, WI - Marcus Amphitheater
07/26 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Center
07/28 - Burgettstown, PA - Post Gazette Pavilion
07/29 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center
07/31 - Mansfield, MA - Tweeter Center
08/01 - Saratoga, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center
08/03 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center
08/04-08/05 - Wantagh, NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

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