As the year comes to a close, see what alternative news made the top ten list this year:
1. Gallagher Brothers’ Legal Troubles:
Liam and Noel battled it out in the media and in the court system this year. The Oasis brothers went back and forth with name-calling, possible Oasis reunion, and claims of alcoholism and violence. As it stands, with both brothers touring separately on new projects and fair-weathered apologies, fans will have to wait and see if a reunion will actually happen.
2. Biggest New Artists: Foster the People, Awolnation:
Foster the People hit number three on Billboard’s “Top 100” list for Torches. Their hit single “Pumped Up Kicks” crossed several genres of music and also made it to the number three spot in the same list for eight weeks; the song getting a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” Aaron Buno finally found his niche with Awolnation and their first single, “Sail,” has been on the charts for 44 weeks, peaking at number five. They’ve recently released their third single “Not Your Fault” off their hefty 15-track album Megalithic Symphony.
3. Bush Tours:
After several years Bush finally came back on tour this fall (with Chevelle and Filter) to promote new album The Sea of Memories. Their single “Sound of Winter” is currently at number one on Billboard’s Rock Songs and has been in the running for 19 weeks now. The album reached to the number five spot for “Top Independent Albums.”
4. Big Boys of 2011: Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Arcade Fire:
The Foo Fighters had the longest run of being number one this year (13 weeks) on Billboard’s Alternative Songs list for their hit “Rope.” The band has six Grammy nods, including Album of The Year for this year’s released album Wasting Light. The Black Keys had a huge year receiving 3 Grammys regarding their Brothers album and are up for category “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for the 2012 Grammys. They are currently number one on Billboard’s Alternative list for “Lonely Boys” off their just released album El Camino. Cage the Elephant has made several appearances this year in Atlanta promoting album Thank You, Happy Birthday, which was released at the beginning of this year. The album made it to number two on the Billboard charts and had three hit singles, “Shake Me Down,” “Around My Head,” and “Aberdeen.” Arcade Fire had a big year with awards, winning the 2011 Grammy Album of the Year; the band up against top 40s heavy hitters Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. The group also won the 2011 Juno Award for Album of the Year and 2011 Brit Award for Best International Album for Suburbs.
5. R.E.M. Disbands:
The Athens, GA band that has been around since 1980 and many of us grew up with decided in September to say their goodbye to fans. Mike Mills explained, “…there’s no disharmony here, no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring-off. We’ve made this decision together, amicably and with each other’s best interests at heart. The time just feels right.” They reached stardom with many hits like “Losing My Religion” and Friends favorite “It’s The End of The World,” and were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2007. We will miss you R.E.M.!
6. 2012 Hall of Famers:
Legends Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys have been chosen to be inducted in the Rock Hall of Fame, and will be included with Guns N’ Roses, Small Faces/Faces, Donovan, and Laura Nyro. The Beastie Boys will be the third band in the hip-hop genre to have the prestigious honor. The ceremony will be on April 14th at Cleveland’s Public Hall.
7. Blink 182 Back Together:
The trio made their appearance at the Grammys earlier this year proving they were back together for good, or until they decide to call it quits again. Each had their own separate projects going on since they broke up in 2005. It seems they’ve settled their differences and released single “Up All Night” from released album Neighborhoods. The single debuted at number two on the charts, so it seems fans are welcoming them with open arms.
8. Steve Jobs Dies:
The genius of Apple died on October 5, 2011 from pancreatic cancer. He had announced his resignation as CEO less than two months before. Jobs had helped changed the face of technology with Apple inventions, and was also a quietly known philanthropic who used his ideas to help those in need.
9. White Stripes Breaks Up:
The previously married eccentric duo is no more. The band took a break, but still released a reissue of some of their albums. However, in February it was officially announced that they would no longer be recording together. Jack White continues to play for The Raconteurs.
10. Kings of Leon Tour Troubles:
Only days after coming to Atlanta for their tour to promote album Come Around Sundown, the band had to playing stop mid performance in Dallas. Lead singer Caleb Followill claimed voice issues and that he would finish out the concert, but never returned on stage. This led to a cancellation of the rest of the U.S. tour. Rumors spread of internal issues, alcoholism, and a break-up. The band did not talk about resuming any dates in the U.S. at this time, but their documentary, Talihina Sky, is available in stores.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Foo Fighters Cause Earthquake
In New Zealand, a Foo Fighters show caused an earthquake because of the 50,000+ people who attended. Check out the full story here.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
99X's Year In Review
Here is the Year In Review I did for 99X.com. Let me know what else should be on the list!
In no particular order
1. Gallagher Brothers’ Legal Troubles:
Liam and Noel battled it out in the media and in the court system this year. The Oasis brothers went back and forth with name-calling, possible Oasis reunion, and claims of alcoholism and violence. As it stands, with both brothers touring separately on new projects and fair-weathered apologies, fans will have to wait and see if a reunion will actually happen.
2. Biggest New Artists: Foster the People, Awolnation:
Foster the People hit number three on Billboard’s “Top 100” list for Torches. Their hit single “Pumped Up Kicks” crossed several genres of music and also made it to the number three spot in the same list for eight weeks; the song getting a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” Aaron Buno finally found his niche with Awolnation and their first single, “Sail,” has been on the charts for 44 weeks, peaking at number five. They’ve recently released their third single “Not Your Fault” off their hefty 15-track album Megalithic Symphony.
3. Bush Tours:
After several years Bush finally came back on tour this fall (with Chevelle and Filter) to promote new album The Sea of Memories. Their single “Sound of Winter” is currently at number one on Billboard’s Rock Songs and has been in the running for 19 weeks now. The album reached to the number five spot for “Top Independent Albums.”
4. Big Boys of 2011: Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Arcade Fire:
The Foo Fighters had the longest run of being number one this year (13 weeks) on Billboard’s Alternative Songs list for their hit “Rope.” The band has six Grammy nods, including Album of The Year for this year’s released album Wasting Light. The Black Keys had a huge year receiving 3 Grammys regarding their Brothers album and are up for category “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for the 2012 Grammys. They are currently number one on Billboard’s Alternative list for “Lonely Boys” off their just released album El Camino. Cage the Elephant has made several appearances this year in Atlanta promoting album Thank You, Happy Birthday, which was released at the beginning of this year. The album made it to number two on the Billboard charts and had three hit singles, “Shake Me Down,” “Around My Head,” and “Aberdeen.” Arcade Fire had a big year with awards, winning the 2011 Grammy Album of the Year; the band up against top 40s heavy hitters Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. The group also won the 2011 Juno Award for Album of the Year and 2011 Brit Award for Best International Album for Suburbs.
5. R.E.M. Disbands:
The Athens, GA band that has been around since 1980 and many of us grew up with decided in September to say their goodbye to fans. Mike Mills explained, “…there’s no disharmony here, no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring-off. We’ve made this decision together, amicably and with each other’s best interests at heart. The time just feels right.” They reached stardom with many hits like “Losing My Religion” and Friends favorite “It’s The End of The World,” and were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2007. We will miss you R.E.M.!
6. 2012 Hall of Famers:
Legends Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys have been chosen to be inducted in the Rock Hall of Fame, and will be included with Guns N’ Roses, Small Faces/Faces, Donovan, and Laura Nyro. The Beastie Boys will be the third band in the hip-hop genre to have the prestigious honor. The ceremony will be on April 14th at Cleveland’s Public Hall.
7. Blink 182 Back Together:
The trio made their appearance at the Grammys earlier this year proving they were back together for good, or until they decide to call it quits again. Each had their own separate projects going on since they broke up in 2005. It seems they’ve settled their differences and released single “Up All Night” from released album Neighborhoods. The single debuted at number two on the charts, so it seems fans are welcoming them with open arms.
8. Steve Jobs Dies:
The genius of Apple died on October 5, 2011 from pancreatic cancer. He had announced his resignation as CEO less than two months before. Jobs had helped changed the face of technology with Apple inventions, and was also a quietly known philanthropic who used his ideas to help those in need.
9. White Stripes Breaks Up:
The previously married eccentric duo is no more. The band took a break, but still released a reissue of some of their albums. However, in February it was officially announced that they would no longer be recording together. Jack White continues to play for The Raconteurs.
10. Kings of Leon Tour Troubles:
Only days after coming to Atlanta for their tour to promote album Come Around Sundown, the band had to playing stop mid performance in Dallas. Lead singer Caleb Followill claimed voice issues and that he would finish out the concert, but never returned on stage. This led to a cancellation of the rest of the U.S. tour. Rumors spread of internal issues, alcoholism, and a break-up. The band did not talk about resuming any dates in the U.S. at this time, but their documentary, Talihina Sky, is available in stores.
In no particular order
1. Gallagher Brothers’ Legal Troubles:
Liam and Noel battled it out in the media and in the court system this year. The Oasis brothers went back and forth with name-calling, possible Oasis reunion, and claims of alcoholism and violence. As it stands, with both brothers touring separately on new projects and fair-weathered apologies, fans will have to wait and see if a reunion will actually happen.
2. Biggest New Artists: Foster the People, Awolnation:
Foster the People hit number three on Billboard’s “Top 100” list for Torches. Their hit single “Pumped Up Kicks” crossed several genres of music and also made it to the number three spot in the same list for eight weeks; the song getting a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” Aaron Buno finally found his niche with Awolnation and their first single, “Sail,” has been on the charts for 44 weeks, peaking at number five. They’ve recently released their third single “Not Your Fault” off their hefty 15-track album Megalithic Symphony.
3. Bush Tours:
After several years Bush finally came back on tour this fall (with Chevelle and Filter) to promote new album The Sea of Memories. Their single “Sound of Winter” is currently at number one on Billboard’s Rock Songs and has been in the running for 19 weeks now. The album reached to the number five spot for “Top Independent Albums.”
4. Big Boys of 2011: Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Arcade Fire:
The Foo Fighters had the longest run of being number one this year (13 weeks) on Billboard’s Alternative Songs list for their hit “Rope.” The band has six Grammy nods, including Album of The Year for this year’s released album Wasting Light. The Black Keys had a huge year receiving 3 Grammys regarding their Brothers album and are up for category “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for the 2012 Grammys. They are currently number one on Billboard’s Alternative list for “Lonely Boys” off their just released album El Camino. Cage the Elephant has made several appearances this year in Atlanta promoting album Thank You, Happy Birthday, which was released at the beginning of this year. The album made it to number two on the Billboard charts and had three hit singles, “Shake Me Down,” “Around My Head,” and “Aberdeen.” Arcade Fire had a big year with awards, winning the 2011 Grammy Album of the Year; the band up against top 40s heavy hitters Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. The group also won the 2011 Juno Award for Album of the Year and 2011 Brit Award for Best International Album for Suburbs.
5. R.E.M. Disbands:
The Athens, GA band that has been around since 1980 and many of us grew up with decided in September to say their goodbye to fans. Mike Mills explained, “…there’s no disharmony here, no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring-off. We’ve made this decision together, amicably and with each other’s best interests at heart. The time just feels right.” They reached stardom with many hits like “Losing My Religion” and Friends favorite “It’s The End of The World,” and were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2007. We will miss you R.E.M.!
6. 2012 Hall of Famers:
Legends Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys have been chosen to be inducted in the Rock Hall of Fame, and will be included with Guns N’ Roses, Small Faces/Faces, Donovan, and Laura Nyro. The Beastie Boys will be the third band in the hip-hop genre to have the prestigious honor. The ceremony will be on April 14th at Cleveland’s Public Hall.
7. Blink 182 Back Together:
The trio made their appearance at the Grammys earlier this year proving they were back together for good, or until they decide to call it quits again. Each had their own separate projects going on since they broke up in 2005. It seems they’ve settled their differences and released single “Up All Night” from released album Neighborhoods. The single debuted at number two on the charts, so it seems fans are welcoming them with open arms.
8. Steve Jobs Dies:
The genius of Apple died on October 5, 2011 from pancreatic cancer. He had announced his resignation as CEO less than two months before. Jobs had helped changed the face of technology with Apple inventions, and was also a quietly known philanthropic who used his ideas to help those in need.
9. White Stripes Breaks Up:
The previously married eccentric duo is no more. The band took a break, but still released a reissue of some of their albums. However, in February it was officially announced that they would no longer be recording together. Jack White continues to play for The Raconteurs.
10. Kings of Leon Tour Troubles:
Only days after coming to Atlanta for their tour to promote album Come Around Sundown, the band had to playing stop mid performance in Dallas. Lead singer Caleb Followill claimed voice issues and that he would finish out the concert, but never returned on stage. This led to a cancellation of the rest of the U.S. tour. Rumors spread of internal issues, alcoholism, and a break-up. The band did not talk about resuming any dates in the U.S. at this time, but their documentary, Talihina Sky, is available in stores.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Digital Media
This is a cool digital project a friend of mine did for class. These pics were taken at Hangout Festival and a Pretty Lights/Bassnectar show.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Ticketmaster To Pay Up
Ticketmaster is being sued for making money off of processing fees and not declaring the fact to their customers. Looks like they're settling and customers from 1999-2011 will receive $1.50 per ticket order up to 17 orders per person. Not a lot of money per customer, but hefty for Ticketmaster. The company will still be able to make money off future processing fees, but have to let the customers know. However, don't expect to get the credit until after April 15, 2012.
See full story here: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/everyone-used-ticketmaster-last-12-190940783.html
See full story here: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/everyone-used-ticketmaster-last-12-190940783.html
Thursday, December 1, 2011
99X's The Stuffing II Review (November 23rd)
Here is the review of 99X's 2nd Annual Stuffing event with Manchester Orchestra, Cage the Elephant, Dear Hunter, and several more upcoming bands from Favorite Gentlemen Recording. Hope you guys like it!
The Stuffing II sold out again for its second year and brought all the creepy mustaches of “No Shave November” and students coming home for Thanksgiving to fill up on one night of local music before Turkey Day. 99X and Rival Entertainment featured several artists from headliner Manchester Orchestra’s independent record label, Favorite Gentlemen . Kevin Devine, Death on Two Wheels, All Get Out, Junior Astronomers, O’Brother, Big Jesus, and Gobotron took the stage, as well as some other local acts at venue Center Stage/Vinyl/ and The Loft. It seems the record label is one big happy family as several members have a heavy hand in several of the side project bands under Favorite Gentlemen, obviously encouraging them to explore the different sub-genres of rock--Andy Hull and Kevin Devine for Bad Books, MO’s Robert McDowell as Gobotron, Johnny Dang guitarist for O’ Brother and Big Jesus, etcetera, you get the point. The music ranged from indie alternative rock towards an edgier metal sound; add some 50s pop rock and roll with a pinch of the eclectic and you have a recipe for The Stuffing Part Deux.
Big Jesus might have looked young to be serious musicians up on The Loft stage, then again Manchester Orchestra started in high school, but they delivered to a good-sized crowd that enjoyed the deliciously dark lyrics which teetered into the realm of a Pearl Jam sound. A: The Color downstairs at Vinyl created more of a Muse vibe with style and lingering high-pitched notes from singer Ethan Jack, who held onto a bright fluorescent light the entire set for effect and imagery. Guitarist Zach Beachman impressed with intense guitar riff creations heading into heavier songs. Back up at The Loft I watched Death on Two Wheels give a charged classic hard rock performance. Considering the band title and alluring badass persona they gave, I fully expected some motorcycles on stage to rev fire. The band invited Kevin Devine, whom performed later solo, on stage where he calmed the rough sounds to the melodic ominous tune “Brother’s Blood.”
Harrison Hudson took his turn on the Vinyl stage, and introduced the crowd to early Beatles sounds and cutesy lyrics dressed up in bad boy image-- think Johnny Depp’s Crybaby character without the cheesiness. Hudson offers endearing lyrics for love advice in happy-go-lucky tunes like “Cherish The One You Got” and “Every Girl” from his just released album American Thunder. All Get Out upstairs kept the crowd laughing with their jokes and even welcomed a fan all the way from Australia. The band ventured into the indie side of things while singing radio worthy “Bring It Home,” but weren’t all about pretty tunes; some songs loud and fervent kept the energy alive in the audience. Andy Hull’s solo side project Right Away, Great Captain! played an acoustic set on the small Vinyl stage, and with the intimate setting it was as close as fans could get to the bearded musician.
Center Stage finally opened to the crowd as they rushed in to gain prime spots in the mini arena-like venue for the last three main acts, The Dear Hunter, Cage the Elephant, and Manchester Orchestra. Hailing from Rhode Island rather than Atlanta, The Dear Hunter kept the crowd’s taste buds satisfied. Singer Casey Crescenzo electrified the audience with songs “He Said He Had A Story” and “Home.” The band likes a congruency between their albums such as The Color Spectrum compilation, and delivered the same to their performance. While Kevin Devine finished out as the last act for the smaller stages, Cage the Elephant sidelined once again with Manchester Orchestra in Atlanta for the third time this year. This time we saw from frontman Matt Shultz several multiple dives into the crowd, in fact within the first few songs, and audience members actually holding him up vertically before jumping into the sea of hands again. He showed us his quirky side by wearing little bows in his hair as he stood still and with eyes closed crooned “Flow,” a gem that shows the band’s softer side before taking it up a notch again. The grungy rockers played several songs from latest album Thank You, Happy Birthday including radio favorites “Shake Me Down,” “Aberdeen,” and “Wicked.”
Then there was only one band left to top us off with that last slice of musical pie to make sure we really were stuffed, Manchester Orchestra. Andy Hull has the ability to cast a spell over a crowd and taking them on a rollercoaster of rises and falls through his songs from slow simple notes with just his voice and fans murmuring lyrics with him to fevered beats and screams connecting the pieces of the whole band back together in the same tune, such as in “End of The World.” The band played songs mostly from Simple Math like “April’s Fool,” “Pensacola,” and “Pale Black Eye.” Manchester played a slowed down version of “The Only One,” without the full band having so much of a part, entrancing the audience even more. Keyboardist Chris Freeman impressed with his ability to pay attention to electronics, keyboard, and rock out on drums during the performance. For encore, I was expecting Cage the Elephant to return to the stage like they did at The Tabernacle for a duo performance. However, Kevin Devine came out and charmed us with an acoustic duet with Andy Hull for their Bad Books song “You’re A Mirror I Cannot Avoid,” before a slew of several drum sets and drum players finished out the night with “Where Have You Been.”
I am excited to see how the newbie bands under Favorite Gentlemen’s wing will progress in the competitive Atlanta music scene, but they have a good fighting chance from the talent I saw at The Stuffing event. Until next year when we come together again to fill our ears with great music! Check out pics from the photos here.
Big Jesus might have looked young to be serious musicians up on The Loft stage, then again Manchester Orchestra started in high school, but they delivered to a good-sized crowd that enjoyed the deliciously dark lyrics which teetered into the realm of a Pearl Jam sound. A: The Color downstairs at Vinyl created more of a Muse vibe with style and lingering high-pitched notes from singer Ethan Jack, who held onto a bright fluorescent light the entire set for effect and imagery. Guitarist Zach Beachman impressed with intense guitar riff creations heading into heavier songs. Back up at The Loft I watched Death on Two Wheels give a charged classic hard rock performance. Considering the band title and alluring badass persona they gave, I fully expected some motorcycles on stage to rev fire. The band invited Kevin Devine, whom performed later solo, on stage where he calmed the rough sounds to the melodic ominous tune “Brother’s Blood.”
Harrison Hudson took his turn on the Vinyl stage, and introduced the crowd to early Beatles sounds and cutesy lyrics dressed up in bad boy image-- think Johnny Depp’s Crybaby character without the cheesiness. Hudson offers endearing lyrics for love advice in happy-go-lucky tunes like “Cherish The One You Got” and “Every Girl” from his just released album American Thunder. All Get Out upstairs kept the crowd laughing with their jokes and even welcomed a fan all the way from Australia. The band ventured into the indie side of things while singing radio worthy “Bring It Home,” but weren’t all about pretty tunes; some songs loud and fervent kept the energy alive in the audience. Andy Hull’s solo side project Right Away, Great Captain! played an acoustic set on the small Vinyl stage, and with the intimate setting it was as close as fans could get to the bearded musician.
Center Stage finally opened to the crowd as they rushed in to gain prime spots in the mini arena-like venue for the last three main acts, The Dear Hunter, Cage the Elephant, and Manchester Orchestra. Hailing from Rhode Island rather than Atlanta, The Dear Hunter kept the crowd’s taste buds satisfied. Singer Casey Crescenzo electrified the audience with songs “He Said He Had A Story” and “Home.” The band likes a congruency between their albums such as The Color Spectrum compilation, and delivered the same to their performance. While Kevin Devine finished out as the last act for the smaller stages, Cage the Elephant sidelined once again with Manchester Orchestra in Atlanta for the third time this year. This time we saw from frontman Matt Shultz several multiple dives into the crowd, in fact within the first few songs, and audience members actually holding him up vertically before jumping into the sea of hands again. He showed us his quirky side by wearing little bows in his hair as he stood still and with eyes closed crooned “Flow,” a gem that shows the band’s softer side before taking it up a notch again. The grungy rockers played several songs from latest album Thank You, Happy Birthday including radio favorites “Shake Me Down,” “Aberdeen,” and “Wicked.”
Then there was only one band left to top us off with that last slice of musical pie to make sure we really were stuffed, Manchester Orchestra. Andy Hull has the ability to cast a spell over a crowd and taking them on a rollercoaster of rises and falls through his songs from slow simple notes with just his voice and fans murmuring lyrics with him to fevered beats and screams connecting the pieces of the whole band back together in the same tune, such as in “End of The World.” The band played songs mostly from Simple Math like “April’s Fool,” “Pensacola,” and “Pale Black Eye.” Manchester played a slowed down version of “The Only One,” without the full band having so much of a part, entrancing the audience even more. Keyboardist Chris Freeman impressed with his ability to pay attention to electronics, keyboard, and rock out on drums during the performance. For encore, I was expecting Cage the Elephant to return to the stage like they did at The Tabernacle for a duo performance. However, Kevin Devine came out and charmed us with an acoustic duet with Andy Hull for their Bad Books song “You’re A Mirror I Cannot Avoid,” before a slew of several drum sets and drum players finished out the night with “Where Have You Been.”
I am excited to see how the newbie bands under Favorite Gentlemen’s wing will progress in the competitive Atlanta music scene, but they have a good fighting chance from the talent I saw at The Stuffing event. Until next year when we come together again to fill our ears with great music! Check out pics from the photos here.
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