Metalli-Crap

WHAT THE HELL IS THIS MESS? I mean I can't even hide how terrible Lou Reed and Metallica's album "Lu Lu" is. Picture putting a microphone close to your dog while he is taking a poo, and publishing the audio as the newest and most creative thing. That is what this record is. There is no polite way to say it, but this album suck in every possible way. I mean the vocals are off key. The content is odd, and there is no such thing as THRASH METAL COUNTRY. Look if you had issues with Metallica when "Load" and "Reload" came out, you are about to crap your pants with even greater disappointment when you hear this ghastly alt-universe collaboration. This thing is so bad, there should be a new ranking system that awards negative stars for stuff this awful.  

"Ceremonials" or is it "Lungs 2.0"?

"Lungs" was the "machine" that brought Florence and the Machine to the U.S. in a big way. The album is holding 70 on the Billboard 200 Charts still. Her latest LP, "Ceremonials" has yet to makes any waves within the U.S. Billboard charts in any category. So why is that?

Now before I go any further let me just say that I really like the artistic Celtic/Enya influenced sound of Florence, however, "Ceremonials" is a bit lacking in creativity. I was a bit let down when I put the album in car CD player. "Yes I am that guy that still hunts down CD, because I think it's cool so don't judge me."...
...Okay back to the issue at hand. The first track of the album had me intrigued, and I was digging it in a big way, but by the time I found myself on track 8, I was board out of my mind. It was as if every song was just another reinterpretation of the last one. Same grooves. Same vocal and lyrical progressions, Same everything. And then it hit me in a big way...
..."THIS IS "LUNGS" 2.0!" I mean come on man, give me something a little different. Now again I'm not hear hating on Florence and the Machine at all. In fact I really like her style a lot. What I'm trying to say, is that this album could have been something that was even better than the first one. Instead it's musical constipation, in which the creative juices appeared to be cramped in a stalemate position leaning towards a conservative and predictable style that may haunt or even halt the momentum of the "Machine." I would give this album a 3 out of 5 stars. Sorry Florence, I wasn't wowed...

Mylo Xyloto

Coldplay is back with their with their 5th studio album "Mylo Xyloto". Chris Martin and the gang continue to evolve and stretch the boundaries of their musical canvas.

This album is a little heavier, and offers a real balance of synth pads along the way that catapults the album towards the future. One of the more interesting observations of this album is the strong acoustic guitar parts that serve as the melodic foundation for the bands newest project in just about every song. From the fun and moving lyrics of "Charlie Brown" to the pounding anthemic groove of "Don't Let it Break Your Heart", Mylo Xyloto is worth the investment for the most hardcore Coldplay fan to the novice music lover that has never heard of the UK super-group.

The Street

Man, these Brits are killing it. Now I know what you may be thinking. "What are hardcore white British Guys doing rapping?" Well who cares! The fact of the matter is that they are awesome. I was first introduced to The Streets by my roommate in college Lonnie. These guys know how to get a killer mix of beats that will rattle around in your cranium for a while. Remember, don't judge a book by its cover. Give it a listen and take some time to support the cause and "BUY THE ALBUM!"

Old School repsects New School

First it was Legendary Country Music God, Johnnhy Cash covering Nine Inch Nails "Hurt". Now once again one of Country Music's living legends pays an overwhelming homage to Great Britain's super-group, "Cold Play".

Willie does a masterful job of taking one of Cold Play's most recognizable singles, " The Scientist", and makes it an authentic story of intrigue that only Willie can do. There is no mistaking this Country giants haunting voice, as he walks through his journey of loss, regret, love, and reconciliation. For me one of the best musical finds of the year.

Aussie Greatness

So about three weeks ago I was surfing through some of the pages I like on Facebook, and I came across Todd Sucherman's (the band, Styx's Drummer) page and was presented with this awesome video by a band called "Gotye". After I clicked on the video I was transfixed by what I heard and made it a mission of mine, to find these guys latest album "Making Mirrors."

Once I got my hands on the amazing album via iTunes, I could not stop listening to it. I literally found myself playing the track "Somebody That I Use to Know" for a week entirely. Once I got my brain off "song repeat" mode and listened to the rest of the album, I found myself drawn into an eclectic kaleidoscope of  musical influences that makes Gotye a diverse and creative group. The group goes from poppy cool Ausi chart toppers, to killer R&B soul jams that would make the Godfather of Soul yell "GET BACK!"

So here is the track the got me obsessed with one Australia's most artistic groups. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce you to Gotye...

The Down Beat...

So you may be asking yourself...
...What is The Down Beat? Well The Down Beat is new way to gain exposure to all things music. We are here to bring you new and exciting musical talent. The Down Beat provides subscribers with opportunities to look at some artists that have really contributed to the soundtracks of our lives, and new bands/artists that are leaving lasting imprints, as well, as they move up the charts. Please don't be shy and don't take any comments made about certain groups/artists personal. Whether your a hardcore blast beat metal rocker or and old school jazz kat, you have your place here and The Down Beat wants you to be part of the action. Be sure that you find us on Facebook or Google+. You'll be able to connect to the discussion by finding the brains behind this little project, Rene Rivera's profile and subscribing to The Down Beat Blog page. Looking forward to this little adventure. See you soon.