ChordStrike

Jack Johnson's Green Tours

Jack Johnson doesn't just talk the green talk, he walks the green walk.  In an Amazon.com-exclusive video, Jack Johnson discusses how he attempts to leave the smallest footprint possible in the areas he plays by adding environmentally friendly touches to his tour.  With recycling on site, refillable water stations, and promoting green causes, he gives back to concerns very close to his heart.  And it's not just touring: His new album, To the Sea, was recorded in studios that harness solar power, and the packaging for the album comes from recycled materials.  Check out the video here.

Malcom McClaren Dies at age 64

Whether you found him to be a genius or a charlatan, the man made a definite mark on modern music.

See the New York Times article here.

Metal On the Open Seas

Start saving your pennies now, kids.  In just a little over a year, what will no doubt be the loudest and scariest boat ride since the Sex Pistols took over the Thames will be happening from Miami, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico with 70000tons of Metal.  January 24, 2011 the cruise embarks with room for 2000 metal fans for 4 days on the high seas with 40 bands playing over the duration.  Only six bands have been confirmed so far, but they are pretty impressive:  Amon Amarth, Sodom, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius, Trouble, and Witchburner.  Even with just these first six acts, you're looking at quite a wide variety of metal.  I'll certainly check back to see who else gets added over the coming months.  I'm not saying I'm going, but I am very intrigued.  You can find everything from the line-up to the sign-up right here.

Robert's 5 Favorite Metal Albums of 2009

Metal music fanatics are not only die-hard in their love of the music, but stone-hard in their opinions about what makes great metal.  I certainly have mine, and they tend to lean towards bands that push the boundaries of the metal.  I am welcoming a debate about my choices.  Please critique, harangue, and question my list.  And most of all, add your favorites in the comments.  I'm always looking for recommendations.  Cheers!

1. Wolves in the Throne Room - Black Cascade

This Washington-based, environmentally-minded band just gets better and more focused with each record.  From beautiful ambient drone washes to the harshest of black metal screams, this record encompasses what is great about metal in the new millennium.

2. Mastodon - Crack the Skye

Mastodon are the most consistently great band in metal.  No record or live show ever disappoints.  Complex, moody, and striking, Crack the Skye is another milestone in a career made of them.

3. Cobalt - Gin

This Denver-based band has taken all of the elements from their past records and combined them into something unique and totally gratifying.  Another group expanding the definition of black metal.

4. Jesu - Opiate Sun

Justin Broadrick has never rested on his laurels.  Always challenging himself, this new Jesu EP strips away some of the more light elements of the last few releases and ups the crunch, while still keeping the pop songwriting sensibility (in the loosest of terms).  Amazing.

5. Katatonia - Night is the New Day

Katatonia has mastered it's melding of doom and progressive metal to the point that it could become rote.  But the band pushes itself enough with each release that every album is a new discovery.

R.I.P. Dickie Peterson of Blue Cheer

Dickie Peterson, founding member and bassist for Blue Cheer - the band that pulled the flower children into a heavier space - passed away yesterday.  His band's contributions to psych rock and hard rock cannot be overstated.

Houston Press obituary here.

Happy Birthday Nick Cave

Nick Cave turns 52 today.  A man who has always followed his singular vision, Nick Cave not only changed the way many of us felt about music, but introduced us to a whole slew of new and old artists through his associations and inspirations.  His last album, Dig!!! Larzarus Dig!!!, was one of his best in years, and he just released his second novel, The Death of Bunny Munro.  Not a bad way to bring in your birthday.

Many happy returns!

Heaven and Hell/Neurosis - WaMu Theater, Seattle - 8/8/09

Short and concise review:  Neurosis took the stage, rocked my face off, then put it back on slightly askew.  Heaven and Hell followed, and Dio cemented my face back on with dragon's blood, while Tony Iommi stitched it in place with what are still the most impeccable guitar riffs ever created.  I'm healing nicely.

Go if you can.

Indie Supergroup Monsters of Folk Unleash Download

M. Ward, Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes, and Jim James of My Morning Jacket are all in the new group Monsters of Folk, whose eponymous album will be released on September 22nd.  You can get a sneak peek at one of the songs, "Say Please", by heading over to their official website and using the magic word.

Seeds Frontman Sky Saxon Dies.

They say they come in threes.  This will be the big one for me.  The Seeds were my introduction to garage rock.  Their eponymous debut was a blistering piece of psychedelic fuzz rock that set the tone for many bands following them.  He will be missed.

See the Associated Press Obit.

Happy Birthday, Siouxsie Sioux

Happy Birthday Siouxsie, who turns 52 today.  From Bromley Contigent, to the Banshees, to the Creatures, to her own solo work, her influence can be felt far and wide. She's someone who has always listened to her instincts--something that at times has caused her a lot of interesting press (and some well-documented bouts with them).  But she's always followed her muse, and for that, among many other things, she is still an inspiration to me.

I raise my champagne glass to you, Siouxsie Sioux.  Many happy returns.

--Robert Arambel