sonic slang

Guitar Hero III Has Better Sound Than Death Magnetic?

Just when I was giving the Metallica boys props for a comeback, their public image takes another shot with fans up in arms about alleged crappy sound on the new disc.  In fact, according to Mastering Engineer Ian Shepherd, who compared the audio of the retail CD to the version appearing in Guitar Hero III, the latter features far superior sound quality. 

Fortunately for Metallica, many of their long-time fans are partially deaf by this point, and have hardly noticed.

Gallagher in Hospital Following On-Stage Attack

It appears that the Oasis camp isn't intending to just "Roll With It" and will in fact "Look Back in Anger" following Sunday night's on-stage attack.  (Sorry, couldn't resist.)  Though Noel Gallagher finished the set, he was later taken to the hospital to be examined for a suspected fractured rib and ligament damage. The attacker was detained and will be charged with assault.

Read the full band statement at the official site.  No word yet on how this might affect Oasis' Terminal 5 gig this Friday in NYC.

Allman Brothers Band Sues over Digital Royalties

The Allman Brothers Band has sued UMG Recordings, citing "digital exploitation" and demanding $13 million + additional royalties.  Because what's more rock and roll than lawsuits over ringtones?

Wolfmother is Dead, Long Live Wolfmother

Two-thirds of Grammy-winning rock act Wolfmother, specifically bassist/keyboardist Chris Ross and drummer Myles Heskett, have left the group, according to a post on the band's official site. Singer/guitarist Andrew Stockdale will retain the band name, auditioning new musicians in the coming months.

Wolfmother won the Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy in 2007 for "Woman," a track from the Aussie band's self-titled debut.

The Ryan Adams Rumor Mill Sets Its Sights on Tracey Emin

Rumors of a single and possibly smelly Ryan Adams courting Turkish artist Tracey Emin have been fueled by a mysterious sub-directory on Adams' official site, located at: "tracey_emin/this_ones_for_you_baby"

I for one think this is just one artist (and fellow pizza enthusiast?) giving props to another.  Emin's work has been getting a second look lately, and with a book of poetry and prose on the way, Adams would do well to get himself in with the cool kids. But of course, page views for a "Ryan Adams Bangs Someone"  post would probably be a wee bit higher.

Ryan Adams Googles Himself, Smells, Says Tipster

Another week, another Ryan Adams drama-related story - But will the internets side with Mandy Moore on this one?  Remember, Adams is trying to be a "better person," and Moore already launched a very public smear campaign about previous ex Zach Braff's alleged douchiness. 

Ryan Adams Responds to "Reality-Challenged" Haters

I knew he couldn't resist this for too long - After Courtney Love's semi-coherent ramblings implicated Ryan Adams in a plot to pilfer Francis Bean Cobain's trust fund of $868,000 to fund one of the "worst records in rock history," Rock and Roll, Adams has responded a substantially more lucid post on his website.  He never explicitly calls out Love, but I can only assume who the "possibly reality-challenged" refers to.

Did Bruce Bring Down the Berlin Wall?

Depending on where you live, your political leanings and the depth of your music knowledge, opinions on Bruce Springsteen's "Americanism" veer from flag waving patriot, to loud mouth liberal, to anti-American communist.  Now an online debate is brewing that tackles both extremes.  One side (Reuters!) has The Boss tearing down the Berlin Wall, while the other (American Conservative) calls Bruce “Scorn in the USA” Springsteen, "one of the most anti-American rockers on the scene." 

Regardless of the truth to Springsteen's politics, popularity and effect on the German people, this is a completely ridiculous argument.  Everyone knows the Berlin Wall was brought down by David Hasselhoff.

Courtney Love Accuses Ryan Adams of Theft, Bad Music

A MySpace rant from Courtney Love post Friday night found an unexpected target: "Ryan Adams you fucking weasel. deal with it.858,00$. Current mood: determined"

To quickly translate in English - The former Mrs. Cobain is claiming that the "beyond mediocre" Adams had something do with stealing $858,000 from her and her daughter France Bean, during the recording of "one of the worst records i can think of in rock and roll history" Rock and Roll.  It's all quite confusing and reads like the late night ramblings of a 7th grade girl high on cough syrup.  Check out Gawker's post, which Love's "Open Letter" in its entirely.  Yikes.

PS - Love has been spazzing out a bit more than usual lately, blasting Billy Corgan for not attending Frances Bean's sweet 16, and suffering a panic attack before meeting with Gwyneth Paltrow. 

Ryan Adams Splits with Mandy Moore, Internet Braces Itself for the Awesomeness

Don't get us wrong - we wish nothing but the best for our buddy Ryan Adams and we're sure that one of these days he'll find that LES hipster of his dreams.  But if his recent breakup with Mandy Moore yields a return of his awe-inspiring, melodramatic, sometimes touching and sometimes bewildering adventures in blogging, his loss is most definitely the Internet's gain.  Or maybe he'll just give us another Hearbreaker.  Either way, his fans win!

Hey Ryan, Morrissey made a pretty good living out of being mopey.  Just sayin'.

Editor's note - Being that this is, after all, a blog, we assumed this went without saying.   But, umm, we're just teasing.  "Chin up, Cheer Up" Ryan!

Jani Lane Shocker!

"The interwebs were rocked early this week by shocking footage of a drunk or high Jani Lane struggling through a horrifying Las Vegas gig with his band Warrant.  Lane, who famously cleaned up his act while shedding dangerous excess pounds on VH1's groundbreaking reality series Celebrity Fit Club, appeared out of sync, off-key and visibly shaking as he butchered a 90s metal classic.  Watch the entire clip from this tragic performance after the jump."

So - Did we sell it?  It's a slow news day...

Kanye West IS ANGRY!!!!

Dearest Kanye,

You've made some of the best hip hop of this young century, sold a gajillion records, have never been arrested nor accused of selling crack, impersonating a fed, stabbing a party-goer or plotting to burn a house down with your ex-wife in it, and you loved your mama - Why must you make it so gosh darn hard for us to love you back? Sincerely ~ Sonic Slang

Amy Winehouse Not Recording New Bond Theme

Despite her train wreck of a life, we really thought Amy Winehouse was a spot-on choice for the next Bond theme.  Too bad that said train wreck wouldn't allow it.  Producer Mark Ronson has deemed her "not ready to work." 

Hmm...This is the woman who's managed to "work" while covered in scabs, high on crack, and often looking like she'd just gone 3 rounds with Tyson - but now she's not ready?  We can only imagine what that looks like.  Wait, no we can't.

Slash Goes Online to Replace Weiland, Himself?

Not that the remaining members of Velvet Revolver are exactly champions of artistic integrity or crusaders against shameless self-promotion (see Slash's mildly creepy appearance in the new Rock Band commercial), but did we REALLY need to turn another band's search for a new member into a marketing opp? 

But, in a far less reliable (but infinitely more awesome) rumor, perhaps VR will be looking for a new guitarist as well before long.  Slash and Axl were seen in the same city, at nearly the same time! 

Pete Doherty Enjoys Jailhouse Perks

It sounds like Pete Doherty isn't making any friends on the inside, following his recent incarceration for insider trading - Oh wait, it was drugs.  Right.

Anyway, rumor has it the Babyshambles frontman is enjoying a lot of perks for his celebrity, including a private cell with TV and radio.  These privileges are typically awarded about a few weeks' good behavior, but I guess lovable ole' Pete just charmed his way into

Axl May Join Reality TV Herd, Doherty Finally Does Time

No way this is actually happening:  Axl Rose is allegedly in final negotiations to star in a (yup, you guessed it) reality show chronicling the making of the 15th most buzzed about album of 1993, 98, 2004 and the first month of 2007, Chinese Democracy.  Apparently the label is scrambling to find ways to promote the disc, which has already run up a tab over $15 million, just to be bought by Blabbermouth employees and Sebastian Bach.

Wait, this must have happened already, right?: Those ball-busters in the British legal system are sending poor Pete Doherty to the slammer for 14 weeks, despite repeated promises to clean up his act, and less than one arrest per month in 2008.  Come on guys, give the bloke a break!

Pink-Slipped Scott Weiland Fires Back

Well, it looks like the Scott Weiland/Velvet Revolver divorce is official.  After the band yesterday ousted the once and future STP frontman from the group, today Weiland shot back with his own kiss-off, reaffirming his commitment to his Stone Temple Pilots mates, and suggesting Sebastian Bach as a "fantastic choice" for his replacement.  Not sure if that one was a joke or not.

In any case, a reformed STP continues to move forward with plans for a "major tour" in 2008.

Van Halen Tour Postponed Due to Eddie Illness

After days of speculation on the future of the Van Halen "reunion" tour, is appears that the hold up isn't Diamond Dave drama or band in-fighting, but something far more sobering - another health scare for Eddie.

A Live Nation official statement has confirmed that four shows, including last night's show tonight in Dallas, have been postponed because of an unspecified medical condition afflicting guitarist Eddie Van Halen.  It goes on to say "According to Eddie Van Halen's physician, he is undergoing a battery of comprehensive medical tests to determine a defined diagnosis and recommended medical procedures."

Scary quotes for a guy who already did battle with the C-word once.  Get well soon Eddie!

Noel Gallagher vs. James Blunt

We don't often pay much mind to perpetual blow-hard Noel Gallagher - But this time, dude's got a point.

According to London's The Sun, the Oasis rocker is selling his summer home because he can't live there knowing that fellow neighborhood resident James Blunt is nearby making terrible music. 

The Sun's "Bizarre" section quotes an unnamed source who says: “Noel has been going to Ibiza every summer for years. But he’s fed up of hearing James Blunt bang on about Ibiza like he owns the place.

“It’s taken the charm out of it for him so he’s put his villa up for sale. It’s close to Blunt’s place, and he [Gallagher] says he can’t stand the thought of Blunt writing crap tunes up the road.” (via NME)

Scott Weiland Back in Rehab

Looks like we might have to wait a while on that STP reunion - Scott Weiland is back in rehab.  Most days this would barely qualify as news, considering that the Velvet Revolver frontman normally plays the Phil Mickelson to Pete Doherty's Tiger Woods in the drug abuse FedEx Cup.  But recent hints about a summer tour with his old mates in Stone Temple Pilots have is disappointed, if not terribly surprised.

How this news affects his current band's upcoming Australian tour is still unknown. 

The Format Hangs it Up

Arizona pop act The Format is calling it quits, according to a recent statement.  Primary members Nate Ruess and Sam Means are looking to concentrate on other affairs.  The band's last disc, Dog Problems, was released in 2006.

"We came out of tour last fall and realized that we all have different aspirations right now," Ruess said in a statement. "It didn't feel like the right time to create a new Format album."

Though the band has not ruled out a future release, Ruess is already working on his first non-Format album, which is expected to be released later this year.

Morrissey Loses Voice, Cancels More Gigs

You know, this Morrissey revival over the last few years has been great fun, but perhaps at 48 the strains of constant touring and recording has begun to take its toll on the mopey Mozzer.

According to reports, Morrissey has backed out of another set of London gigs (1/25-27), citing the same voice problems that quashed several dates last summer here in the States.  His publicist issued a statement saying Morrissey was under doctor's orders to rest the pipes, but no further details about the problem were revealed.

Though we'd hate to sound like a crashing bore, but maybe those in-tour drinking games need to stop?

John Mayer Hangs Up His Keyboard

John Mayer has retired from blogging!  Allow us a moment to exhale one long, very sarcastic sigh of relief.  The competition for intelligent blog discourse on friend chicken was getting just a little too steep for our tastes.

We can now return to critiquing his curious taste in women and pretending to not love his music.

Kinder, Gentler Ryan Adams Still Draws Bloggers' Ire

Ryan Adams went and got all respectable-like on Easy Tiger, but the media seems unwilling to let go of his wild boy, tantrum-throwing past.  Check out the below excerpt from a recent gig in Cali.

via Spinner.com: "The musicians were all backlit and shrouded in an ever-changing mosaic of mood lighting. When a heckling fan complained that she couldn't see Adams' face, he held up a lighter and suggested she "go see Coldplay" instead."

See - The old(ish) Ryan would have kicked his ass out the door, or more likely just walked off stage in a huff.  New Ryan resorts to gentle ribbing and sarcasm.  This constitutes news??  We can see the next post now: "Ryan Adams Freaks Out, Hangs Up on Telemarketer.  What a Dick." 

Remember folks, if you want a taste of melodramatic Ryan, YouTube is just a click away.

BBC Censors Attack Pogues' Christmas Classic

In a move that shows how truly ridiculous and out of touch censors can be sometimes, The Pogues' Christmas classic (and perennial SS favorite) "Fairytale of New York" has had a naughty word edited out, some 20 years after its release.

The song, a duet between Pogues front man Shane McGowan and Kirsty MacColl, has been a holiday-season staple for years, and was even ranked as the #1 Christmas song of all time in a 2004 VH1 poll.

Toris Amos to Fans: Get the F**K Out!

Word to the wise: If you ever make it to a Tori Amos show, and happen to sit in the front row, use the bathroom before she gets on stage.

According to NME, Amos had two girls escorted out of her  Wednesday night appearance at the Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego, saying  “It's a privilege to sit in the front row and I reserve those seats for people who appreciate music. Get the fuck out,” while fans cheered her on.

Check out the clip after the jump.

Salon Calls BS on Amy Winehouse Saga

Today on Salon, novelist James Hannaham attacks Amy Winehouse, but not for the reasons you'd suspect (squandering her career on drugs, marrying a deadbeat, hanging out with Pete Doherty, too much eye makeup).  Hannaham instead accuses the troubled R&B diva of something potentially much more damning: He thinks she's full of shit:

"She may be a tragic talent," writes Hannaham, "but she's also playing the part of the tragic talent." Hannaham reasons that Amy is attempting to become a legend by not only singing the blues, but living them -- and that her entire persona has been self-constructed with "legend" status in mind."

If that's true (and dude, it's not) then she is one hell of an actress. 

Morrissey Hits Back at NME

If anyone thought that NME was gonna get of the hook with a simple lawsuit, they don't know the Mozzer very well.  Today, in response to the long-running Brit music mag's accusations of racism, Morrissey sent The Guardian a blistering attack on the New Musical Express and what he sees as its severely diminished journalistic returns.

Morrissey Defends Honor, Cuts New Deal

Some of the those Smiths-loving blokes at NME might be branding him a "cowardly racist," but we still love us some Morrissey and at least for now, are giving him the benefit of the doubt.  So while the Mozzer fights the good fight to clear his name, take solace in the fact that his next LP already has itself a Stateside distributor in Polydor/Decca. 

Amy Winehouse Bombs on Tour's First Stop

According to reports, British tabloid mainstay Amy Winehouse had a disasterous kick off to her 17-date tour, ending with fans booing and marching out in droves.  Only nine months removed from her Best Female Solo Artist win at the Brit Awards, the "Back to Black" singer allegedly stumbled around stage, slurred her speech and then cursed out her fans for their jeers. 

This news comes amid daily gossip about Winehouse's health, and her recently jailed husband.  Hopefully this uber-talented gal will pull it together before she self-destructs.  Otherwise, all we can look forward to is more performances like this:

Stop Us If You've Heard This One Before

No wonder the dude looks so bummed out.  Seriously folks - Isn't Ryan Adams bashing sooo 2003?  You know, he does play a good gig on occasion.  (Thanks Emily.)

UPDATE: Apparently the show kicked ass after all.  Guess some people just gotta drink the Haterade...

You Mean, Lou Pearlman Wasn't In It For The Music?

Shouldn't we have seen this coming?  Sleezeball Behind Boy Bands.  Though it's interesting that none of these concerned parents or singers came forward until Pearlman was behind bars, and the gravy train derailed.  "Sure, you can fondle my son's privates.  Just wait till the check clears."

Meg White Sex Tape a Fake

Bad news for you pervs out there - That Meg White "sex tape" that's been floating around the web is, according to a publicist for the White Stripes drummer, a total fake (via pitchfork):

"Some people have a very twisted sense of humor and this prank is in particularly bad taste. The tape circulating on the internet as featuring Meg White is fake. It’s definitely not Meg."

Insert Icky Thump joke here.  Ahh well, back to ogling that chick from Heroes!

Musicians Fight YouTube Over Copyright Issues, Bad Taste

The ongoing battle between YouTube and the recording industry continues today as representatives for The Village People are preparing to file suit against the video sharing juggernaut.  A clip showing footage of a dancing Adolf Hitler, set to "Y.M.C.A." sparked the controversy.  The long arm of the Internet law then stepped in, as Web Sheriff president John Giacobbi  made repeated attempts to remove the offending video, only to have it uploaded by a new user each time.

"It's highly inappropriate," Giacobbi said. "Consider that the song's composers were both Jewish. It's not funny. It's stupid and hurtful."

We're not sure exactly what law is being broken here, but this does come on the heels of Prince's announcement that he will also sue YouTube.  A statement released on his behalf cited lax filtering practices that encourage copyrighted materials to be uploaded.

"YouTube ... are clearly able (to) filter porn and pedophile material but appear to choose not to filter out the unauthorized music and film content which is core to their business success."

Lawsuits are nothing new to YouTube so we doubt they'll be getting too worked up over cranky calls from a dude dressed like a biker cop, but Prince might just have enough clout to make some changes.  If nothing else, it might speed up the company's release of a proposed new filtering system, previously planned for release this month. 

Kanye v. Fifty: Round 1

As anyone with access to the Internet no doubt knows, the Kanye/50 Cent Battle Royale finally kicks off today.  Whether or not you care about either of the new releases by these hip hop moguls, they should, if nothing help, usher in the biggest Billboard week of 2007. 

Our prediction: Kanye tops 50, 650,000 copies to 500,000.  (With Black Francis bringing up the rear, but winning our hearts with 12,000 blogger promo CDs moved, hehe.)

Yes - barring a minor miracle, Curtis will be forced to either hang up the mic, or be branded both a has-been and a liar.  But I think we all know how this plays out.  Unless he's that arrogant, 50 had to know that beating Kanye out of the gate was a near impossibility, even before the weak singles and mediocre buzz.  And even if the competition has sworn off MTV, Kanye is still hip hop's reigning champ. Plus, Graduation is good, Curtis is meh.

But nothing reinvigorates a rap career like a temporary "retirement."  Yep, 50 Cent can count those Vitamin Water dollars for a couple years, and we can look forward to that comeback disc sometime around 2010.

New Pornographers Change Labels, Fight Leaks

SS favorites The New Pornographers have changed up their Canadian label, moving from Mint Records over to Last Gang for the August 21 release of Challengers.  They will stick with Matador for the US release, the dudes who recently laid the smack down over illegal downloads of bonus track "Speed of Luxury."

Founding member Carl Newman had this to say about playing the heavy in the ongoing mp3 leak debate:

"Nobody's trying to intimidate (fans)," Newman said. "It's kind of maddening when you're trying to be nice to people and give them a bonus song and there's always somebody coming back at you as if somehow we're villains."

Check out The New Pornographers' recent interview with The Star right here.

Lindsay Lohan Loves Drugs and Brits

Hmmm - You know, we'll just let this cocaine and boobie binge speak for itself.   Oh, and check out the accompanying music video here.

Pete Bjorn and John Can't Be Stopped!

I guess you can't fight city hall, or Stereogum plugs.  And we called him a dedicated loser!  Oh well, there's always the Arcade Fire backlash to latch onto...

Snoop Busted in Sweden

We learned something about the Swedes this morning: They might churn out some top-notch indie pop or slightly derivative but entertaining enough garage punk, but they don't know the first thing about good ole' gangsta rap.  Snoop Dogg was held overnight this weekend in Stockholm, Sweden on suspicion of (wait for it) "using illegal narcotics." 

Matts Brannlund of the Stockholm police, who definitely does NOT have Doggystyle in his CD collection, is hard at work on cracking the case:

"He underwent some tests that will now be sent away for analysis.  In two to three weeks, we'll know if he was on something."

We'll hold our breath on that one, but one suggestion: If Snoop every brings the "Puff Puff Pass" tour to Sweden, just keep your windows rolled up.

Eddie Derails Van Halen Reunion

Those of us assuming that the "postponed" Van Halen reunion tour was derailed by rock star brawls between a spandex-clad Roth and the rest of the band are in for a reality check.  The truth is actually much, much less cool:  Eddie's boozin' seems to have finally caught up with him.

via TMZ:

I would like Van Halen fans to know how much I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Without you there is no Van Halen.

I have always and will always feel a responsibility to give you my best. At the moment I do not feel that I can give you my best. That's why I have decided to enter a rehabilitation facility to work on myself, so that in the future I can deliver the 110% that I feel I owe you and want to give you.

Some of the issues surrounding the 2007 Van Halen tour are within my ability to change and some are not. As far as my rehab is concerned, it is within my ability to change and change for the better. I want you to know that is exactly what I'm doing, so that I may continue to give you the very best I am capable of.

I look forward to seeing you in the future better than ever and I thank you with all my heart.

Love,
Ed

Very sad indeed.  But almost just as sad?  It looks like the only people on hand for Van Halen's induction this weekend will be FORMER MEMBERS Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony.  Might as well trot Gary Cherone up there at this point...

Moss and Doherty Booted from NME Awards

Kate Moss and Pete Doherty were kicked out of the NME Awards last night...but it's not what you think.  Drugs played no role (ok, probably a small role), as the on-again, off-again couple were asked to leave for becoming too "amorous" for security's liking.

via NME:

According to a source who spoke to NME.com on the condition of remaining anonymous, the couple got into trouble after becoming too amorous for the security personel's liking. The source said the loved-up pair were first caught trying to get into the venue's toilets together and were later caught in an alleyway at the back of the building together. The anonymous source said: "Pete and Kate were trying to get into the premises' toilets but they were removed by the bouncers and told to go back to their table. "Later they were both caught in a dark alleyway at the back of the building. So we got their own security guards to put them in a car and take them home."

Hey, in all fairness, who could resist this hotness?  (Those crack houses need to let in some sun.)

PS - He got a penguin stoned too...

Liam Gallagher Attacks Photographer

Yeah we know - This is about as newsworthy as Britney crotch shots or Pete Doherty drug busts, but check out this recent clip of Liam Gallagher charming another member of the press: