Chinese Democracy

So is this really happening? Chinese Democracy is actually going to be released??? I must admit I've been rather skeptical of anything that Axl Rose would do without Slash, Duff and Matt Sorum.

But the song I just found on their website (http://web.gunsnroses.com/splash.jsp), is actually pretty good. This sounds like Appetite for Destruction worthy, actually.

I don't know, maybe Axl's still got game!

Take a listen and tell me what you think. I may have something else to look forward to beyond the election!

Copeland: You Are My Boring Album Title

Making a transition from long time label the Militia Group to Seattle's Tooth & Nail Records, Copeland returned with Oct. 14's You Are My Sunshine, their follow up to 2006's Eat, Sleep, Repeat. Now on their 4th album (also a debut split ep, an ep of cover songs and a 2007 b-sides release) these Florida rockers follow suite of their last effort.

It's a mellow album, good for driving. My overall impression isn't one that is going to shout about any particular song or encourage you to download before everything else on your list. If you were a fan of third album, you'll enjoy this, if you long for their early two albums, you'll be dissapointed.

Departed seem to be days of guitar rock for Copeland, while much attention is given to keyboard and ambiance but singer Aaron Marsh always seems to deliver in my book and that's a plus.

Check em out here.

6 of 10 for being Copeland.

Dear in drunk Head likes: *%Hic*

Sept. 23 saw the anticipated release (by at least this fan) of Arizona rocker's Dear & the Headlight's sophomore album Drunk Like Bible Times. First off, weird title. I don't support it. Anyways, of the 3 albums I got last week this one is my favorite. I only picked up their first album last October but even up until a few weeks ago I was catching lyrics I hadn't noticed before. Singer Ian Metzger has this way of rattling on and on in his what some-may-need-to-adjust-to vocal style but I dig it, I dig it very much. It climbs unexpectedly up and over and all around like he's trying to always grasp air at the same time he wants to emphasis something.

Really, this follow up album feels like an extension of their debut but if I picked it up having not heard 2007's Small Steps, Heavy Hooves I would still seek out the other album. Again because of his singing style, I'll need some time to really digest the album. Last time there were things about the Thundercats and NES and on and on. Good times.

Musically I'm entertained, from the start of "I'm Not Crying. You're Not Crying, Are You?" whatever studio magic or effects hocus pocus they roll with creates a nice sound between my ears. Especially further down the track list with the songs "Now It's Over", "Parallel Lines" "If Not For My Glasses".

At home on Equal Vision records (one of my favorite labels), Dear & the Headlights is fun. Give a listen here

8 of 10 for knowing I'm gonna keep coming back to listen for more just like last time.

Bayside: Still the Coolest School

Lousy title I know, but I'm in California, the ocean is near. Bayside's latest album Shudder is their 4th full length release (plus an acoustic full length and a live cd under their shiny studded pleather belts available now at hot topic). Seemingly happy at home on Victory Records, this latest collection of rock was released on Sept. 23. Also seemingly happy is themselves with their style. They haven't changed all that much since their arrival in the "emo" scene a few years ago, but honestly I don't mind. I don't listen to them for depth, but for the rock they bring. Fun guitar work cause at least one guy who can hold his own with the guitar solo's.

Favorite song for sure is "I Can't Go On", mostly cause of this fun little guitar thing they do, I can't describe it, check it out. Don't hate me when you realize it's nothing real original. But then neither is this album. The lyrics wreak of crying and self-loathing, breakups and heartache as usual. That's why we kept watching Saved by the Bell though isn't it? Check out some music on their myspace.

7 of 10 for entertaining consistency value.

Joshua Radin: Simple Times

Well, I was looking forward to the new Joshua Radin album Simple Times, which weeks after the digital release, came out on CD Sept. 23rd. Sadly, I was disappointed. With a full set this time, he looses something from the first album, though I don't know what it is. Maybe you don't focus on his voice as much, or his guitar playing just isn't as interesting when complimented with your drums and other layers. He's gone from being a mostly solo act to the full band.

Highlight of the album is "Sky" with Meiko. However you'd be better off to buy his mini-ep that was released on iTunes a few months ago, it has this song but the duet plays better, the album version has Joshua singing through the entire song, and you lose the duality of him singing one experience, while Meiko sings another. Still, great song (plus the ep has another great song that didn't make it to the album but would have been tied for 1st best song by far). Opening song on the album "One of Those Days" is also good.

Terrible song of the album award goes to "Vegetable Car". Sorry, the word vegetable makes my list of words that should never be used in a song, at least he wasn't singing about emailing vegetables. I also hate songs that mention email.

When I saw him on tour last year he actually sounded great with band backing up his first album but sadly, simpler times are over. Joshua Radin's website has a few songs to listen to. Stick with the first album, ep, and handful of singles on Zach Braff movie soundtracks. Maybe next time.

5 of 10 for always having the best female accompaniments, not easy to impress me.