SHOW REVIEW: Escape The Fate at The Masquerade

On January 28th, Escape the Fate brought their Dead Masquerade tour to Atlanta. Being a fan of the band since their first album was released in 2006, I was more than ecstatic to have the opportunity to see them in their first headlining tour in support of their self-titled third album, Escape the Fate. At around 9:30PM, the lights dimmed, and the intro track, “Choose Your Fate”, began to play. The crowd was already moving wildly and screaming in anticipation of the band they had waited all night to see. Still with no lights on stage, the members of the band began to emerge from backstage one by one, only silhouettes visible; each met with louder and louder screams. Once all members had arrived the lights came up and they immediately went into the song “Massacre”, a hard-hitting song with electronic beats infused and a shredding guitar solo. I knew at this point that I was in for an electrifying show. The band was dressed in their best garb that consisted of leather jackets, ripped jeans and plenty of makeup, which I’m sure took a few parents in the crowd back to their glam rock days of the '80s.

Escape the Fate played through their set with a great sense of charisma and prowess, definitely making obvious their origins in Las Vegas. The show itself made me feel as if I was watching a band reminiscent of Motley Crue or Def Leppard. In a day where many hard rock/heavy metal bands just stand around and headband a little, Escape the Fate uses just enough theatricality in their show to keep it interesting and give it its own personality, with plenty of audience involvement. Vocalist, Craig Mabbitt, even jumped into the crowd near the beginning of the set, breaking his in-ears used to hear the rest of the band’s instruments, but they continued on with an amount of professionalism that is not often seen in such a young band. At the end of their set, they made sure to thank the fans, letting us know that the only reason they could do what they are doing now is because of us, which a lot a bands seem to take for granted a lot. It takes a lot for a band to be mature enough to realize that fans are the sole reason they are able to keep touring and making music.

To just be having their first headlining tour after the release of their third album, Escape the Fate shows no signs of slowing or tiring of doing what they love. This is definitely a band to keep watching as the years go on and I look forward to seeing more great things come out of this band. I know they have absolutely blown the roof off of every venue they have stopped at thus far, and if you like your music a little on the heavy side, be sure to check them out next time they are at a venue near you.

www.escapethefate.com

A WORD FROM: Tyler Alley

It's not even 2 months into 2011, and the year has already been keeping A Million Watts of Sound busy. Last year, I added Brian Jimenez and Becky Cruz to the team, and just last month, Will Avery. I'm so thankful for such great contributors! Especially during the weeks that sickness knocked me down a few pegs.

There is SO MUCH music out there! A lot of great music doesn't easily find it's way to the listener's ears as quickly as it should. With so many genres, the more of us posting, the more we can share with you.

So, it's my pleasure to introduce you guys to Tyler Alley. He is one of my dearest friends, with one of the most diverse and eclectic tastes in music I have ever experienced. LOL. No joke. We may not always agree on a song or artist, but that's ok. He has definitely opened up my ears to many new artists and genres, many whom I had never heard of before.

In his own words...

Ever since birth, I have enjoyed music in every form. My parents influenced my tastes a good bit, exposing me to such great artists like Yanni, Depeche Mode, Garbage, The Smashing Pumpkins, etc. It is from the sharing of their music that I also love to share the music I love with other people. Anyone that has ever ridden in a car with me will tell you that one minute we can be listening to the soothing voice of Celine Dion and immediately go straight to the shrieking vocals and down-tuned guitars of The Devil Wears Prada. I hope that by writing for the blog, people come to learn and grow in their appreciation of all different types of music, as I have over the years.

 You can contact Tyler at millionwattsoftyler@gmail.com.

VIDEO: Radiohead - Lotus Flower

Just a few days ago, Radiohead announced the release of their upcoming album, The King of Limbs. In fact, if you pre-ordered it, the digital downloads were scheduled to be available tomorrow, 02.19.

A band that likes to do things their way, Radiohead gives us an unexpected treat by releasing the album one day early. So no need to wait! The best part of the weekend is here! I'm downloading my pre-ordered copy as I write this!!! So excited!

Also released, is the first video from the album, check out Lotus Flower, below. Thom Yorke has got some crazy dance moves, but damnit if that voice and that music don't send tingles down my spine.

I LOVE YOU, RADIOHEAD!!!!!

www.radiohead.com/deadairspace

www.thekingoflimbs.com

VIDEO: May Stands Still - Matter of Time

Check out this video from May Stands Still. The title track from the EP they released last July, Matter of Time is a beautiful song that I just love, love, love. Just discovered there was this video for it, so enjoy it with me... just click play. :)

SPECIAL: Bonnaroo

Photo Courtesy of Becky Cruz

Do you smell that? The smell of aimlessly wandering hippies and porta-pottie lines stretching for miles are beginning to linger. The overbearing heat-rays are beginning to burn the skin and music goers across the south are rejoicing at the announcement of artists billed on Bonnaroo’s tenth year anniversary lineup. Originally a festival for jam bands and the hippie dwellers, Bonnaroo has been able to expand their genre to a wide array of diverse artists with a catalog of past performers consisting of Sigur Rós, Kanye West, Metallica, Deadmau5, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, M.I.A, and many more. For four days we are united for an unforgettable experience only attainable in Manchester, Tennessee where your looks and your life outside are the least of importance. So pack your large quantities of sunscreen, your tent (though hardly used), minimal clothing, and your love of music because Bonnaroo is coming.

Eminem • Arcade Fire • Widespread Panic • The Black Keys • Buffalo Springfield feat Richie Furay, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Rick Rosas, Joe Vitale • My Morning Jacket • Lil Wayne • String Cheese Incident • Robert Plant & Band of Joy • Mumford & Sons • The Strokes • The Decemberists •Ray Lamontagne • Bassnectar • Iron & Wine • Girl Talk • Primus • Dr. John and The Original Meters performing Desitively Bonnaroo • Alison Krauss & Union Station • Pretty Lights • Florence + the Machine • SuperJam featuring Dan Auerbach and Dr. John • Explosions in the Sky • STS9 • Gogol Bordello • Beirut • Big Boi • Scissor Sisters • Gregg Allman • Ratatat • Robyn • Warren Haynes Band • Deerhunter • Opeth • & Many More!

For more information concerning camping, tickets, transportation, or anything else Bonnaroo related visit Bonnaroo.com

www.bonnaroo.com

twitter.com/bonnaroo

www.myspace.com/bonnaroo

SPECIAL: The Return Of Radiohead

“Thank You For Waiting”

Radiohead are back. Similar to their previous unexpected announcement of In Rainbows, Radiohead reveal The King Of Limbs, their 8^th full-length album. Entitled as the “worlds first newspaper album”, the bundled release is set for May 9^th while the mp3 version is to be released this Saturday February 19th, 2011.
The bundle consists of:

• Two clear 10" vinyl records in a purpose-built record sleeve.
• A compact disc
• Many large sheets of artwork, 625 tiny pieces of artwork and a full-colour piece of oxo-degradeable plastic to hold it all together.
• The Newspaper Albums digital download is compatible with all good digital media players.
• The Newspaper Album will be shipped on Monday 9th May 2011
• The MP3 is available on Saturday 19th February 2011.
• Shipping is included in the prices shown.

Newspaper Album + MP3 - $48.00 - May 9th, 2011

Newspaper Album + WAV - $53.00 - May 9th, 2011

MP3 - $9.00 - February 19th, 2011

WAV - $14.00 - February 19th, 2011

The King of Limbs is presented in two digital formats:

• MP3 version is a 320k constant bit rate file
• WAV version is a full CD quality uncompressed digital audio file

One lucky owner of the digital version of The King Of Limbs, purchased from this website, will receive a signed 2 track 12" vinyl.

For more information visit The King Of Limbs

http://www.thekingoflimbs.com/

http://radiohead.com/deadairspace/

VIDEO: Linkin Park - LIVE in ATL 01.23.11

Video footage from Linkin Park's A Thousand Suns tour.
The Messenger and In the End from the show at Philips Arena, on Jan. 23, 2011.
So excited these two songs are captured on the same video. The Messenger is definitely one of my favorite songs from their new album A Thousand Suns, while In the End is one of my old school favorites.

Download now or watch on posterous

VID_00103-20110123-2213.3GP (28298 KB)

www.linkinpark.com

SHOW REVIEW: Linkin Park at Philips Arena

A couple Sundays ago, I was feeling pretty lousy. In the late afternoon, my fever just broke, after it started almost 40 hours before. With just over 2 hours before the opening act came on stage, I told my boyfriend to get the car ready, we were headed to Atlanta. I was going to see Linkin Park.

I remember when the band first came out with Hybrid Theory a decade ago. I played it all the time, and it got me through some significant moments. Over the years, I still listened to some Linkin Park, but not nearly as much as I used to. I had always wanted to see them LIVE but hadn't been able to before. So, I was pretty excited for the opportunity to go to this show. I knew they'd play some of my old favorites, but I was really looking forward to their newer music.

Gallery Images below courtesy of Linkin Park

My first observation upon arrival at the venue was how crazy the lines were. Also, I found it interesting to look at all the kinds of people attending the show. Not what I would've expected. In addition to those around my age (who were in college when Linkin Park first hit it big), I saw teens, young adults, families, and some even old enough to be in their late 60s early 70s. I was impressed by the diversity of people around me!

My second observation were the "bible thumpers" just outside who were telling everyone to repent. Now don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with religion, and myself belive in God. But I was like...what in the world are these guys doing at a Linkin Park show?! Did they think they were some kind of bad influence? Ummm... Far from it! In fact, one of the things that stuck out the most to me from the show, was Linkin Park's support of Music for Relief - a group of artists, music industry professionals, and fans working together to create positive change. Their mission is to support disaster relief and reduce global warming. Is that not cool?! I thought so. I love when artists give back and help to make this world a better place.

Gallery Images below courtesy of my Blackberry

In regards to their performance, it was pretty amazing. Their energy and stage presence was pretty invigorating. As sick as I was when I got to the show, for the couple hours of their performance, I forgot about how terrible my body physically felt. I had already lost my voice due to intense coughing for several days, yet I wanted (and tried badly) to scream in excitement. It was fun feeling like I was in my 20s again when they sang their older songs. But, their newer songs were just as good. Linkin Park has grown and matured a bit in their sound, but the energy and the passion are still just as much, as they were ten years ago. Overall, it was a great show, and it was worth the extra effort to go despite being sick. I'm SO glad I didn't miss it!

Big on their fans, the band encourages you to post all your photos, videos, tweets, etc. of the show and tag them. I thought that was pretty cool because a lot of the shows in bigger venues don't usually allow photography and such. I myself had brought my camera, but when they couldn't locate my photo pass for the pit, I decided not to bring it in. Which ended up working out, because I got to enjoy the show more, just sitting back and watching.

One of the other cool things that Linkin Park does for their fans is give them the opportunity to download the entire LIVE show of any of their performances...EVER. They are available for purchase on their website. However, as part of A Thousand Suns tour, instructions are displayed on the projector screenson how you can get a code that allows you to download that particular show for free. So now, I can relive the experience anytime I want. Check out the player below to listen and experience with me! If they are coming to a town near you, I definitely recommend going.

www.linkinpark.com

SPECIAL: More Benefits for the Georgia Theatre

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the Avett Brothers performing a benefit show in Athens to help rebuild the Georgia Theatre. It seems the fun in Athens is about to continue with another benefit concert being lined up for March 5 at the famous 40 Watt. On the bill for the night is Don Chambers and GOAT, The K-Macks, Lera Lynn, and the Borderhop Trio. Doors to the show open at 8:30 and the show starts at 9. In addition to the four bands performing, there will be a few door prizes given away, with the big one being a pair of tickets to the sold out Avett Brothers show. This is another great chance for you to go out and see some local music for a great cause.

SPECIAL: The White Stripes End

Today is a sad day in music indeed. I can remember being in high school and picking up a copy of White Blood Cells and thinking this band was going to represent the new wave of an alternative music scene. A new band that was ready to be heard not just through burnt CD’s and mix tapes but a band that would ultimately gain an iconic stance and stand beside artists such as Nirvana and R.E.M. Boy was I ever right.

With a career spanning over 13 years with 6 studio albums and several EP’s, The White Stripes have set their place in music history. With the release of their self-titled album and second release De Stijl, The White stripes gained small critical acclaim. They garnered the attention of a small but vital population of music-goers dwelling on an underground music scene consisting of Interpol, The Strokes, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, all of whom were to launch their own successful careers in time. Jack and Meg were different however, and their concept of a color scheme, two-piece duo, and a female drummer could have driven many off but it didn’t. It did the complete opposite by attracting a population of music lovers from almost all genres. It wasn’t until their third release White Blood Cells, where everyone was able to truly hear what The White Stripes had to say. The album was a critical success gaining them an immense popularity that fans and the band members themselves never truly expected. Elephant brought a hard grungier sound and gave way to one rock and rolls most profound anthem of all time, “Seven Nation Army”, which was immensely successful worldwide. Although their later releases Get Behind Me Satan and Icky Thump were a tad stray from their grunge rock roots, it only showed how further and creative the band could push their limits and prove how far they had come from a band that started out in Detroit playing bars every Friday night to headlining large music festivals and sold out stadiums.

The White Stripes were able to show us how loud, creative, and original they were with just two straightforward instruments; a drum set and guitar. The music population shouldn’t mourn the loss of this duo but should be pleased with the outcome of their 13-year career span and should be thankful for their catalog that will surely be played over for many many years to come. Although the small void created today in rock history will never be filled, we look forward to the many bands to come with a sound greatly influenced by The White Stripes. Jack and Meg, thank you. You will truly be missed.

“The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”

-Meg and Jack

http://www.whitestripes.com/

http://www.myspace.com/thewhitestripes