Freedom Hawk Coolness

Hey everyone!  They had this sweet widget up on the Freedom Hawk website and I thought it would be a good way to share some of their outstanding music again.  Enjoy.
 

Careful with that...

I've recently had some luck unearthing some epic music the past few weeks.  Clutch is one of my favorite bands, and I am pleased to find out that they are embarking on a short headlining tour in the U.S. in the near future.  There are details on their website.  This EP was a promo sent to radio stations and such.  According to Discogs, the cover art came from a contest held on the band's website, and the band chose the winner.  Several of the songs can be found elsewhere, but the radio edit of the title track is neat if you haven't heard it.  It's mixed a little differently.  And, the last song, Frankenstein, is an extended cut that is exclusive to this promo EP.

Enjoy some Clutch and show some love if they come to a city near you.

Songs for the Death

Songs for the Death (Alternate Versions from the album 'Songs for the Deaf')

Track Listing:

1		You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar But I Feel Like A Millionaire (Rough Version)	2:36
2		No One Knows (Orchestral Arrangement. No Guitar Solo. Piano Conclusion)	4:44
3		Firth It Giveth (Slow. Rough Version)	3:18
4		Hanging Tree (Album Version. Unmixed)	3:07
5		Go With The Flow (Rough Version. Added Percussion)	3:04
6		Do It Again (Alternate Lyrics)	2:48
7		God Is On The Radio (No Reverb On Guitar & Drums)	5:43
8		Another Love Song (Album Version. Unmixed)	3:01
9		Song For The Deaf (Instrumental)	5:01
10		Mosquito Song (Alternate Vocal & Guitar Arrangements. Minus Alain Johannes Guitar)	5:36

I ran across this extremely rare gem at a local record store that has re-emerged here in Johnson City, TN. Backdoor Records was home to this outstanding find.  Most rock fans will probably need no introduction to Songs for the Deaf.  Queens of the Stone Age has become quite a musical force in the alternative rock, stoner rock world.  This album is a collection of some alternate mixes and versions of songs from the previously mentioned QOTSA classic.

I have been able to find very little information about this release, if anyone has any additional info, let me know.  Also, if this one is new to you, leave a comment.  I was really excited about this find, I hope you guys are too.

Righteous Fool

These fellows opened for Clutch and Kylesa when I saw them on New Year's at the Orange Peel.  Great sound, but I would hope so coming from a couple of Corrosion of Conformity veterans.  This is just the two song EP, but they are two good songs.  An excellent blend of metal, hard rock, and stoner rock.

The story about how I got these songs is pretty neat, if anyone would be interested, just ask.  I got these from the source, with some awesome customer service.  Righteous Fool is in the studio recording the full length and it should be around soon.  Keep a check on these guys.

Devon Allman's Honeytribe

I got to see these guys last night at a new music venue in Johnson City, TN.  Spring Street Music Hall looks to be a really nice place, and a decent sized local venue.  I really hope it gets a good start and does well.  It will be a great enhancement to the local music scene.  Devon Allman's Honeytribe put on an outstanding live show!  Devon Allman is the son of Gregg Allman, and, honestly, he sounds a lot like him too, but with a newer, rockier twist.  They showcased some southern rock, blues, funk, and pulled it all off well.  I was pretty surprised by the awesome cover of "Purple Rain."  And, of course, he threw in some new versions of his dad's songs.  Kevin Abernathy Band opened, and did not disappoint.  Abernathy could really shred the guitar, and his rhythm section was outstanding.  Overall, a great show in a rockin' new venue.

Space Age Blues is the Honeytribe's second album.  I really love the whole thing.  A great blend of rock, funk, and blues.  Allman's vocals are soulful and strong, and he is a very impressive guitarist.  The band sounds great, and the recording is a must for any fan of the Allman Brothers, southern rock, rock, and blues.  Huey Lewis appears on the album's opener to pepper in a little harmonica.  I would highly suggest checking these guys out if you get a chance.

Sahg II

Hello all.  Today, I'm going to introduce many of you to a rockin' Norwegian band, and you're going to wonder why you've never heard of them before.  Sahg is a hard-rockin' 4-piece who released their debut, appropriately titled, Sahg I, in 2006.  They've released a total of 3 albums.

This is my favorite of the albums.  It's got a little something for everyone.  Mighty riffs, awesome vocals, and a thundering metal groove.  Definitely check these guys out. 

It's the Bongjam

This one was a rare find.  I had heard "Bongjam" a couple times a long time ago, and found the mp3 on Kazaa or Napster or something back in the early days.  Then a few months back I found this one used for next to nothin', and realized that it was a legitimate release.  6 tracks, including a couple different mixes from the Pushing the Salmanilla Envelope, the "Bongjam", and an acoustic song.  If you like Jimmie's Chicken Shack older stuff, definitely give this one a try.

Zaphire Oktalogue

Zaphire Oktalogue released their self titled debut in 2008.  This is a very interesting album, and I have been throwing in my mix for the past few months.  Good bluesy weirdness that is wild to listen to.  I had a rough time trying to get information regarding these guys, but I did find out that they are now playing under the name Okta Logue.  They have a new album called Ballad of a Burden, which I could find no where.  I may be ordering that one soon and I can comment on it then.

For now, All That Is Heavy had a good write up with the cd.  "Zaphire Oktalogue, 3 friends, between 15 and 20, mix up their different tastes and abilities to make their own incisive kind of progressive music. Playing for nearly a year, their music combines energetic Blues-Rock with pieces of overflowing Post Rock , drifty and danceable parts with huge atmospheric influences, crosses Weird Folk elements with a psychedelical 60s flair and has always an intensive sense for melodies and a dash of pop. On their debut album, they present their individual sound, created by Philip Meloi´s hypnotical avant guitar play, the high voltage drum rhythms by Robert Herz and the sensitive melodic lines by bass and singer Benno Herz. In only one year they have found their very own sound."

Jimmie's Chicken Shack

I've had a bout with some nostalgia the past couple weeks and I dug this awesome album out of my collection.  It had been way too long since I've listened to this one.  Jimmie's Chicken Shack burst onto the scene and faded out almost as quickly.  They are still recording some albums, but none have been able to hold a candle to this one (in my humble opinion).  Pushing the Salmanilla Envelope is chock full of catchy licks, groovy riffs, and some very unique vocals.

When I first heard them circa 1998, this album did not leave my cd player for several months.  This album has a little something for everyone.  They had released a couple previous albums that definitely showed some promise, and this is their first major label release.  It included some previously recorded tracks, redone with much better production.  Their follow up, Bring Your Own Stereo, had a few good tracks, but overall it was tough to follow this excellent album.

Keep an eye out for their Bongjam EP.  I'll post it soon.

Chris Cornell

This is a 2006 recording of an acoustic Chris Cornell show.  This is a freakin' must for any fan of Cornell's amazing voice!  I love the cover of Redemption Song and Thank You.  He's touring this year with an acoustic solo show.  The scalpers at my nearest venue wiped the tickets out before they even went on sale to the public.  Oh well, at least I've got this bad ass bootleg.

It's Here!

Well, digitally anyway.

I posted a brief summary of the Chicago Odense Ensemble project a couple of weeks ago.  Finally, the masters have been sent off and albums should be sent out around the middle of February according to www.chicagoodenseensemble.com.  However, being that I pre-ordered I received a digital copy as an unexpected and very pleasant surprise.  Check their site out and order a copy.  You'll get the digital download right away.  I'm hoping to get to listen to it thoroughly today, and will give a more detailed review later.  My brief listen yesterday reminded by of some 70's era Miles Davis' recordings.  I'm excited. 

I'm also in the process of listening to the Tortoise and Isotope 217, who are both represented in the Chicago Odense Ensemble.  I'll let you know how that goes.

Showroom of Compassion

Cake has always been a guilty pleasure of mine.  I've quietly enjoyed their music for years.  And now, Cake has put out a new one!  Showroom of Compassion is their first studio album in six years.

Overall, Showroom of Compassion is a good album.  All the classic elements of Cake are represented within.  The cool trumpet lines, the super groovy bass tracks, the catchy guitar licks, and McCrea's signature vocals are all showcased in Showroom. 

The single, "Sick of You," is a pretty catchy song, but I've been really enjoying track 2, "Long Time."  McCrea succeeds in making me smile with his lyrics and the trumpet section in this song is cooler than the underside of your pillow.