eaglesdare

I always worry about a band that is forced to move up an album's release date, mostly because these dates are set for good reason.  Thrice's newest album, Beggars, however is doing well despite its untimely internet leak.  It's kind of like Christmas came early.  

The most interesting part of the album, as a whole, is the amount of piano.

On one such piano driven track, "Wood & Fire," the chorus contains a harmony, reminiscent of 70s southern rock.  And somehow the melodious track flows seamlessly into straight-up post-hardcore, complete with the heavy guitar that Thrice is known for.  

The album ebbs and flows with an uncanny smoothness.  

It's great album with an excellent title/ending track, on which Teppei absolutely rips it up, making up for a noticeable absence on much of the album.  A

I'm never one to get political, but I'm going to toe the line with this journal.  My aim is not to put down anyone's views, but, rather, to point out the ridiculousness that is humanity.  And now that my disclaimer is over... please enjoy!

And in other news, hell froze over today while a swarm of flying pigs flew through Los Angeles.

In an interview with MTV, Vanessa Hudgens mentioned that she would like to play Janis Joplin because she's just so amazing (Joplin, not Hudgens).

I'm not trying to hate, but let's be real, Janis would be rolling in her grave if she knew.

At least 'Nessa knows she looks nothing like Janis... so thankfully, her chances of ever getting that role are slim to none.  But, just for good measure, let's see a side-by-side.

Yep.  Nothing alike.

Plus, isn't Janis Disney unapproved?  I mean, the woman was a crazy drug addict from Beaumont, Texas (shout-out to my family, hi guys!).  Although, 'Nessa's most recent batch of nudie pics are also not mouse-friendly (seriously, girl, keep it to yourself).  You've had your naughty pictures exposed via internet twice now.  Remember, no clothes, no camera.  You'd just be tempting fate otherwise.

Also, your voice is too smooth.  Have you even heard Janis Joplin?  For that matter, can you name one of her songs other than "Piece of My Heart?"  Can you name the band she was in?  

But since I'm picking on her, I might as well pick on a few other people.  MTV also reports that Pink, Zooey Deschanel, and Renee Zellweger are in talks for separate Joplin biopics.  

I would die if Pink got the role.  Seriously, no.  I'm begging you, Hollywood, please don't.

And as much as I love Zooey (because who can resist those blue eyes) I'm not sure she's got it in her to play Joplin.

I'm also on the fence with Zellweger, yet it's easier to imagine her as Joplin than any of the aforementioned ladies.

Here's to waiting to find the perfect actress (yes, actress, not musician) for the part.

The Royal Opera House presents "The Twitter Opera"

...and in news that is just too ridiculous to be made up, The Royal Opera House is creating an opera in which the libretto will be comprised of Twitter messages (further mixing my emotions about whether Twitter is the devil's work or ingenious).

(Warning Twittering may be hazardous to your health)

You, too, can get in on this zaniness by sending your messages to @youropera on Twitter (I'm tempted to create an account of my own). 

The New York Times reports that the music will be a mix of familiar opera and new music composed by Helen Porter.

Although no cast has been reported, the opera will run from September 4-6 at The Royal Opera House.  Too bad for us on the wrong side of the pond.  Perhaps they'll YouTube it?

Les Paul, the man who invented the solid-body guitar, passed away at the ripe old age of 94 due to complications with pneumonia (or... he was just really old). read on...

Here's a shocker, today Buzznet is not putting Millionaires down.  Why?  Because we're not focusing on their musical abilities or lackthereof.  And to restore your faith in humanity, Buzznet is here to prove that there's goodness in everything... even Millionaires.  Find out more...

What happens when you mix the Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stoneage, and Led Zeppelin?  A whole lot of magic.  And while the super group was just a rumor, with cryptic confirmation by Brody Dalle of the Distillers, there is now hard evidence of the collaboration (and a Twitter account!) Find out just what Them Crooked Vultures have in store for us...

If you were bummed that you missed out on Paramore's tour with No Doubt this summer.  Be bummed no more!  Paramore is headlining their own North American tour.  The tour kicks off at the end of September, which means tickets go on sale very soon.  Find out about how you can get more Paramore.

If you haven't heard, Buzznet is giving away a pair of tickets to go see Katy Perry at the Hollywood Palladium on August 29th 2009!  Make sure you're waking up in Hollywood, not Las Vegas.

For those of you who didn't get the memo, My Chemical Romance and KROQ put on a special show for loyal fans, street teamers, and a few other folk at the Roxy tonight.  And while most of MCR's shows tend to be in large arenas, tonight's exclusive show was just big enough to fill the small club.  Read on...

"Since bands can no longer sell audio, FF declined to provide it."  This is the opening line of the crazy/brilliant blog post on the Fiery Furnaces website.  Angered at the current state of the music industry, indie machine-rock darlings Fiery Furnaces' next album will be... well, not an album?  Find out how one band got pushed to its limits and how its dealing.

The summer of 2009 will always be known by Panic! fans as their most tumultuous summer.  But, split aside, Panic! At the Disco seems to be doing quite well for themselves.  [cut= "Maybe a "New Perspective" was all they needed..."]

While the split has sent shock-waves out across the internet and has affected our own little community, Panic! At the Disco is looking as strong as ever.  In fact, their song, "New Perspective," will be available in stores August 25th on the "Jennifer's Body" soundtrack.  Megan Fox and Panic! at the Disco... what a combination.

But if you're looking for a little more excitement, Panic! At the Disco will be on tour with Blink-182, Fall Out Boy and Chester French throughout August.  And if that's not hot enough for you, Panic! will be joining No Doubt and the Sounds on select dates:

8/04 – Milwaukee, WI – Marcus Amphitheater

8/06 – Boston, MA – Comcast Center

8/07 – Las Vegas, NV – Hard Rock-the Joint  *With No Doubt & The Sounds 

8/08 – San Diego, CA – Cricket Amphitheater  *With No Doubt & The Sounds 

8/09 – Wantagh, NY – Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

8/12 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Park Pavillion

8/13 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend

8/14 – Burgettstown, PA – Post Gazette Pavillion

8/15 – Chicago, IL – First Midwest Bank Pavillion

8/16 – Council Bluffs, IA – WestFair Amphitheater

8/18 – Minneapolis, MN – Xcel Center (Concert Bowl)

8/20 – Indianapolis, IN – Verizon Wireless Amph. Lot

8/21 – Darien Lake, NY – Darien Center

8/22 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Center

__-=end-bn-cut=-__

Weezer will forever and always remain in my heart as a great band that has influenced modern alternative rock and emo over the years.  But lately, they've been putting out some real crap.  And I'm so distraught about the state of Weezer that I've decided to guide you through the best of the band and briefly commenting on their current state.  This is the good, the bad and the ugly... of Weezer.

Don't worry, as with many of Courtney's ramblings, this attack was doled out via the internet (Twitter, specifically).  Find out what Courtney's beef with Lil J is...

wiL Francis, otherwise known as William Control in his solo endeavor,  frontman of Aiden, is a deep guy and he wants you to know it.  What do lyricists write other than music?

As the Kaiser Chiefs opened for Green Day in New York, frontman Ricky Wilson fell off the stage, breaking a rib.  I thought the expression was break a leg...

Although this change won't take effect until the third installment of the series, the role of Victoria has been recast!  Was Rachelle Lefevre's hair just not red enough?  Was she tearing apart the cast by having secret meetings with Rob Pattinson?  Find out who the new red-headed vampire is... 

Normally I complain about how Hollywood has lost all of its creativity (sadness is the only emotion to describe when the most original film out these days is about talking spy hamsters).

And my first reaction to the Rotten Tomatoes headline of "The Wolf Man to Howl in 2010" was, 'really?  Another remake?'

But then I began to read the article, which, honestly, doesn't say much about the actual plot of the movie.  It does, however, mention the top-billing actors.  And the names that caught my eye?

Hannibal himself, Anthony Hopkins, Benicio Del Toro, and the lovely Emily Blunt. 

Such a star-studded cast will at least put on something mildly entertaining.  

The one still that is featured in the article looks pretty camp, but if it's done purposefully it will be really fun.  Because cinema could use a return to B-movie, self-aware, campy movies.

Anyway, the movie was originally slated to be released earlier but has been pushed back to February because of Twilight: New Moon.  

The author of the article doesn't see any reason for the move because, "If the R-rated "Wolf Man" had two weeks on its own at theaters to win over moviegoers, why worry about a vampire film that is aimed at much younger film fans?"

Let's face it, there's going to be enough overlap in the audiences for New Moon to be sizeable competition.  Better to be safe than sorry.  February is a great time to see a movie.  It's too cold to go outside, but you're feeling the cabin fever (or are in need of date ideas).  

So here's to escapism!

French rock quartet Phoenix tore up (and sold out) early summer concert dates.  And while sell-outs are great news for bands, it often means that many of us don't get a chance to see our favorite performers.  Good news for those of you who missed Phoenix this summer...

Like catching Wavves?  The surf-noise hipster rockers are getting ready to go on tour.  Did I mention their video?