Fans of Jane’s Addiction - get ready to turn an environmentally friendly shade of green. The original line-up completely rocked a small Mexican bar in Los Angeles on October 23. We can only hope this show leads in a positive direction… The quintessential weird-asses of rock, Ween, plan to release a CD/DVD set this month. And get this-they have plans to release a coloring book in time for the holidays!
Speaking of the holidays, Thrice frontman, Dustin Kensrue, is putting out a Christmas album. Rumor has it Morrissey plans to write an autobiography. Who wouldn’t want to read the story of a celibate homosexual adored by teenage girls?… In terms of new albums, there are many musical buns in the alt-rock oven. You can expect new albums soon from The Forecast, Fallout Boy and Taking Back Sunday.
Rock, indeed.
Noah and The Whale - Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down, Interscope
Cram-packed with off-the-wall rhythm and over-your-head lyrics, this disc doesn’t disappoint fans of all things quirky. The overall sound is mostly folk-esque, which is, at times, a bit too “hippie” for most. But it works for them, nonetheless. The tempo changes pace frequently from one song to the next. It’s unpredictable, like an orgy for the blind. Some numbers are upbeat with a quick wit; others casually swagger to the beat of a melancholy drum. In contrast, lyrics are enjoyable and insightful. If you typically prefer random soup to the usual salad, this album is for you, amigo.
 (Shane Epting)
The Pussycat Dolls - Doll Domination
If you are too embarrassed to purchase erotic material, this album cover makes a fitting substitute. The provocative pin-up inside is the most impressive aspect of the CD. Well, actually, the marketing behind the album is the most impressive. The funniest thing about it - the list of songwriters is longer than the credits at the end of Mannequin 2: On The Move. The music is over-produced, cheesy dance numbers that all sound the same. If you need a gag-gift for the metal-head in your life, this is it.
(Shane Epting)
Chiodos - Bone Palace Ballet, Equal Vision Records
Most whiney post-hardcore-emo singers are, on most occasions, annoying. But these guys pull it off surprisingly well. The overall sound is similar to others in their genre, but they’ve differentiated themselves enough to stay afloat in the overwhelming post-hardcore ocean. The music changes pace frequently, which is a strong attribute. Changing the pace matches up nicely with the lyrics, as evident in “ Is it Progression if a Cannibal Uses a Fork?” and “ A Letter from Janelle.” If you’re a fan of The Mars Volta, then you’ll enjoy this one.
(Shane Epting)
In This Moment - The Dream, Century Media
Fans that have embraced the band and Maria Brink’s use of screaming vocals mixed with clean ones will notice a big difference on The Dream. Maria is actually singing more, but don’t let that scare you. She’s always had a great voice, which definitely shows on “All For You” and the beautiful “Into The Light, ” where she also plays piano. “Forever” and “Standing In The Rain” have that groove you’d expect plus a little added guitar from Chris Howorth and Blake Bunzel. Maria delivers that signature scream on “The Great Divide,” while Jeff Fabb (drums) and Jesse Landry (bass) speed the rhythm along. With every track solid, The Dream is another powerful disc.
(Travis Tutwiler)
Kellie Pickler
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Various Acts - Texas State Fair, 09/26/08 – 10/19/08
Even Big Tex isn’t immune from the slumping economy. With a lack of real star power this year, the Texas State Fair grounds had to settle for cheaper, lower-rung talent to entertain the crowds. In years past, the fair has always attracted great, platinum-level acts - but not this year.
American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler performed cookie cutter Nashville slop. Jessica Simpson attempted to do the same, with less success. Both singers covered a Dolly Parton tune, with Kellie’s “9 to 5” sounding like a Karaoke rip-off.
R&B group Bell Biv Devoe, a huge act when the first President Bush was still in office, seemed a bit dated this millennium. Their act wasn’t bad, though. It was filled with energy and the group’s biggest hit “Poison” was still a guilty pleasure for much of the crowd.
Disney pop star Jordan Pruitt was the worst of the acts, though kids in the audience ate it up and begged for more.
The biggest musical successes were in the unknown bands. Just about any time of day, a good country, pop, or rock band could be found playing with enthusiasm and excitement. Texas band The Killdares did rocking Irish-influenced sets every day, each one as fresh as the last.
Overall, the star quality may have been missing this year, but it’s still hard to beat a free show with Fair admission and a number of acts to choose from. (Jason Janik)
Norma Jean - The Door, 10/08/08
Out of their four-album catalog, these Georgia metal-core stalwarts relied mainly on their newest release, this year’s brilliant Vs. The Anti-Mother. They took the fluorescent light-adorned stage with vocalist Cory Brandan sharing guitar duties with Chris Day and Scottie Henry, while bassist Jake Schultz spun and jumped around like some kind of crack-addicted monkey. New drummer Chris Raines pounded away on older material “Bayonetwork” and the anthemic “Creating Something Out of Nothing, Only to Destroy It” as well as “Robots 3, Humans 0.” The kids in front screamed every lyric in unison, while others in the back opted to punch and kick air - prompting Brandan to declare several times, “You Guys Are Rowdy!” Of course they closed the set with signature tune, “Memphis Will Be Laid to Waste.” (D.J. Ivie)
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