It's All About The Rock & Roll

As a necessary requirement for the music this week (or at least the first two artists), I'm going to ask you to turn up your volume to at least 90%.  Ok, the first group this week is Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Based out of LA this trio create good old fashioned rock music. They have been around since their first record (B.R.M.C.) hit the scene in 1999. Their sound is inspired by British rock bands like Jesus and the Mary Chain or The Verve. They play fuzzed out, feedback heavy guitars with a driving rock beat that gets your feet stomping and your hands clapping. Their records seem to have two different styles. The first two albums were very electric guitar based and rugged. But with their third release (Howl) they drew more on acoustic guitar and folky Bob Dylan-esque sounds, while still keeping that foot stomping beat. "Howl" got a great response so it was a surprise when "Baby 81" came out and they had reverted back to the electric guitar heavier rock sound. But, the album was incredible so no complaints from me. Now they have a new album due out March 9th and the single, "Beat The Devil's Tattoo," that was just released this week hints at a return to the acoustic influence. It has a folk backwoods feel to it but then heavy guitars come in and it reminds me of Queens of the Stone Age or Eagles of Death Metal. In Short, heavy fuzzed out guitars, vocals like dylan or Lennon, and heart pounding beats; what could be better?

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Spread Your Love (B.R.M.C.)


Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Ain't No Easy Way (Howl)


Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Berlin (Baby 81)


Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Beat The Devil's Tattoo (New Single)


The next song I have for you is Jimi Hendrix's new single. That's right if you didn't know already there is a new Jimi Hendrix album coming out with unreleased stuff. Hell Yeah! The single is the title track called "Valleys of Neptune." I think it was actually part of some special compilation but it was never officially released. Anyway, the songs were recorded during Jimi's last studio session and the album is set for release on March 9th.  Valleys of Neptune is typical Hendrix with great psychedelic guitar riffs and that voice we all miss.  To me, the sound seems to be between "Electric Ladyland" and "First Rays of the New Rising Sun."  Take a listen.

Jimi Hendrix - Valleys of Neptune


My artist you have to hear this week is Scott Matthews. Scott is a singer songwriter from the UK. His debut album "Passing Stranger" consists of, what I like to call, acoustic blues songs with a twist. He uses melodies and tunes that are influenced by worldly music such as Middle Eastern, Indian, or European folk sounds. He has a voice that reminds me of Eddie Vedder in that is exudes power but stays reserved and soft. His second album was released late last June and is called "Elsewhere." It still has that worldly feel that is helped by the artistic influence of Robert Plant. It has more variety of sounds than his first album, and though I think that I prefer the first album, "Elsewhere" is still fantastic, creative, and unique music that makes Scott Matthews an artist to watch.

Scott Matthews - Underlying Lies (Elsewhere)


Scott Matthews - Fractured (Elsewhere)


Scott Matthews - Dream Song (Passing Stranger)


Scott Matthews - City Headache (Passing Stranger)


Hope you enjoyed the music and that I didn't completely destroy your eardums.

-Emerson