Red Hot Chili Peppers: I'm With You (2011)

If there's one thing you can say about the new Red Hot Chili Peppers album, I'm With You, is that it certainly does exist and that it sounds like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Even with the loss of longtime off and on again guitarist John Frusciante the band's sound hasn't changed much but it does not go into the heavy psychedelic direction that Frusciante often drove them with good results. New guitar player Josh Klinghoffer is perfectly acceptable as a rhythm player but I'm With You lacks almost anything distinguishable in the guitar solo department (with the exception of the outro on "Goodbye Hooray"). On the positive side, Flea and Chad Smith remain a very potent rhythm section. Whether it's exploring African beats ("Ethiopia"), disco (lead single "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie," "Monarchy of Roses,") or the mid-tempo radio-friendly songs the Chili Peppers' have thrived on for years ("Look Around," "Happiness Loves Company") there's usually something interesting going on in regards to the bottom end. The same can't be said for vocalist Anthony Keidis. This may be a completely personal feeling and many others will likely disagree but his loverman shtick seems completely forced and annoying at this point. He does get in some very nice moments (especially on the celebratory tribute to a recently deceased friend "Brendan's Death Song") but really, he's just doing Anthony by the numbers. At this point there's probably not anywhere for him to go as a vocalist other than what he's previously done but mostly he just seems to be there, singing and to a lesser extent rapping. In fact the best way to describe I'm With You as a whole is that it's just there, available to be listened to but not something that demands attention. It's certainly not a terrible album but it's very unlikely that it will stick in your brain.

Rating: 3

Track Listing:

1. "Monarchy of Roses" (4:11)
2. "Factory of Faith" (4:20)
3. "Brendan's Death Song" (5:38)
4. "Ethiopia" (3:50)
5. "Annie Wants a Baby" (3:40)
6. "Look Around" (3:28)
7. "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" (4:42)
8. "Did I Let You Know" (4:21)
9. "Goodbye Hooray" (3:52)
10. "Happiness Loves Company" (3:33)
11. "Police Station" (5:35)
12. "Even You Brutus?" (4:01)
13. "Meet Me at the Corner" (4:21)
14. "Dance, Dance, Dance" (3:45)

Zebrahead: Get Nice! (2011)

It's the refreshing sounds of bands from my college years. I have always had a soft spot for the mix of pop-punk and rap-rock that Zebrahead trades in but ever since original singer Justin Mauriello left and was replaced by Matty Lewis after MFZB I just haven't found them that interesting. Part if it is that Lewis' voice sounds like a 15 year old. Combine that with the increasingly sing-songy choruses the band presents and their songs often transcend catchy to become full out annoying. This is no more apparent than on jokey tracks like terrible hair metal referencing "She Don't Wanna Rock." There's a fine line between fun and lame "She Don't Wanna Rock" goes way beyond that line. While there's nothing else as awful as that song on Get Nice! there's nothing too fantastic either. "Nothing To Lose" has a chorus that is made for sing-a-longs even if the song goes on for a bit too long, lead single "Ricky Bobby" is a good attempt to incorporate hardcore into the mix and rapper Ali Tabatabee is in fine form throughout the album. Zebrahead is still a band with energy and enthusiasm to spare and their hardcore fans probably wont be disappointed in Get Nice! but the band has made much more interesting, fun and exciting records in their career.

Rating: 2.5

Track Listing:

1. "Blackout" (3:45)
2. "Nothing to Lose" (3:53)
3. "She Don't Wanna Rock" (3:09)
4. "Ricky Bobby" (2:42)
5. "Get Nice!" (3:23)
6. "The Joke's on You" (3:03)
7. "Nudist Priest" (3:08)
8. "Galileo Was Wrong" (3:15)
9. "Truck Stops and Tail Lights" (3:22)
10. "I'm Definitely Not Gonna Miss You" (3:48)
11. "Too Bored to Bleed" (3:58)
12. "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" (4:10)
13. "This Is Gonna Hurt You Way More Than It's Gonna Hurt Me" (4:03)
14. "Demon Days" (3:05)

Rockpile: Live at Montreux 1980

Rockpile is quite simply one of the greatest pure rock and roll bands of all time. What's that? You've never heard of them? That's OK, there's no better time than now to get blown away by a new discovery. They're brand of revved up Chuck Berry music was well documented in the pub rock revival of the late 70's and even though they only released one official studio album (1980's fantastic Second's of Pleasure) they did play on great solo albums from group members Dave Edmunds (Tracks on Wax 4, Repeat When Necessary ) and Nick Lowe (Labour of Lust). While they were an outstanding studio band, on stage is where they really made their mark and now we finally have an official live album as the proof.

Live at Montreux 1980 finds Rockpile pulling songs from Edmunds and Lowe's "solo" albums as well as Second's of Pleasure and some choice covers. All the songs are played with extreme passion, energy and precision. Edmunds get most of the lead parts here and the relative lack of Lowe is one of the few drawbacks to this outstanding live document (guitarist Billy Bremner sings a couple to complement his lean but efficient solo's while drummer Terry Williams stakes a claim as one of the most underrated sticksmen of all time). You've probably heard more popular version of "I Knew the Bride" and "Queen of Hearts" countless times bedfore but until you've heard them blasted out on stage by Rockpile. They also crush versions of Lowe's "Switchboard Susan" and "They Call it Rock," Edmunds "I Hear You Knocking," Graham Parker's "Crawling From the Wreckage" and a set closing version of Jerry Lee Lewis' "Let's Talk About Us" that is sure to leave everyone wanting more.

Live at Montreux 1980 isn't the perfect place to start listening to Rockpile (any of the studio stuff is more essential) but it is a fantastic album that captures a truly phenomenal (and vastly underrepresented) live band at their peak. Get a copy, turn it up and let the music blast. This is what rock and roll at it's core is is all about.

Rating: 4.5

Track Listing:

1. "Sweet Little Lisa" (2:34)
2. "So It Goes" (2:49)
3. "I Knew the Bride" (2:46)
4. "Queen of Hearts" (2:56)
5. "Switchboard Susan" (3:16)
6. "Trouble Boys" (3:16)
7. "Teacher Teacher" (2:42)
8. "Girls Talk" (3:23)
9. "3 Time Loser" (2:54)
10. "You Ain't Nothin' but Fine" (2:49)
11. "Crawling From the Wreckage" (3:07)
12. "Let It Rock" (2:52)
13. "I Hear You Knocking" (2:34)
14. "They Called it Rock" (3:50)
15. "Ju Ju Man" (3:22)
16. "Let's Talk About Us" (3:59)

Fountains of Wayne: Sky Full of Holes

It seems there are very few bands making smart, funny guitar pop these days. Fountains of Wayne are one of the few and the best of the bunch. Their fifth album, Sky Full of Holes, is a another solid outing that doesn't feature anything sure to top the charts like "Stacy's Mom" did a few years ago but no matter how poppy Fountains of Wayne's music is (and it's very poppy), it's never really been about "hits" either. Between the pseudo-surf guitar hook of "This Summer Place," the folk-rock shuffle of "Richie and Reuben," the horn fueled 80' pop of "Radio Bar", the steel guitar driven country of "Road Song" and the power pop of "Down By the Water" there are plenty of songs that wouldn't feel out of place on the radio and it's a shame that none of them likely will end up there. While Fountains of Wayne are masters of pop music stylings, it's their lyrics that make them a great band. They're funny, intelligent story songs paint a great picture and sometimes come out of left field (who else would rhyme "Cracker Barrel" with "Will Ferrel?") If there's a downside to Sky Full of Holes it's that a couple songs cross the line from memorable to annoying ("Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart," "Action Hero") and a few of the ballads take a long time to sink in. Sky Full of Holes is certainly not the best Fountains of Wayne album but it's a fine entry into the catalog of a criminally underrated band.

Rating: 3.5

Track Listing:

1. "The Summer Place" (3:31)
2. "Richie and Reuben" (3:32)
3. "Acela" (3:13)
4. "Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart" (3:54)
5. "Action Hero" (4:00)
6. "A Dip In the Ocean" (3:35)
7. "Cold Comfort Flowers" (4:26)
8. "A Road Song" (3:04)
9. "Workingman's Hands" (2:39)
10. "Hate To See You Like This" (4:14)
11. "Radio Bar" (2:56)
12. "Firelight Waltz" (3:14)
13. "Cemetery Guns" (2:54)

John Paul Keith & the One Four Fives: The Man That Time Forgot

It seems that in today's musical climate most artists tend to go one of two ways; either they attempt to push genres forward in search of something unheard before (which is almost impossible at this point) or retreat into the past with retro stylings. Memphis rocker John Paul Keith and his band the One Four Fives are firmly in the second category. Their sound may not be anything that isn't based firmly in the past (specifically the late 50's and early 60's) but it's played with such passion, skill and intelligence that it's impossible to not get caught up in the music.

Their second album, The Man That Time Forgot, is a fantastic showcase for not only the bands musical abilities but Keith's excellent songwriting and clever lyrics. Every song is a winner featuring great hooks, obvious passion and an excellent variety of styles. With songs ranging from early-era influenced rock and roll ("Never Could Say No," Anyone Can Do It," the Buddy Holly vibe of "Bad Luck Baby), classic country both upbeat ("You Devil You") and reflective ("The Last Last Call"), blue-eyed soul ("Songs For Sale" and the beautiful "Somebody Ought To Write a Song About You") and even some jazz ("I Work At Night") Keith showcases a great ear for the past but his lyrics remain planted in the present. The garage rock influenced "Afraid To Look" and the weeping title track, tackle issues of both economic and social unrest. "Anyone Can Do It" reflects on the current state of music with humor and unfortunately isn't far from the truth.

The Man That Time Forgot is certainly a fitting title for the music of John Paul Keith and the One Four Fives. It's a great retro rock album that will likely go down as one of the most purely enjoyable albums of the year. My highest recommendation for anyone with even a passing interest in roots music.

Rating: 4.5

Track Listing:

1. "Never Could Say No" (2:38)
2. "You Devil You" (2:35)
3. "Anyone Can Do It" (2:34)
4. "Songs For Sale" (2:34)
5. "Afraid To Look" (3:06)
6. "The Man That Time Forgot" (2:34)
7. "I Think I Fell In Love Today" (2:32)
8. "Dry County" (2:05)
9. "Somebody Ought To Write A Song About You" (3:07)
10. "Bad Luck Baby" (2:09)
11. "I Work At Night" (4:05)
12. "The Last Last Call" (2:55)

Wednesday Video: Frank Turner: "If I Ever Stray"

Frank Turner has just released the second video from his excellent new album England Keep My Bones. The song is a pure sing-along and the video is pretty simple but definitely gets the point of living a simple life across. Enjoy.