Paste Your Taste

If you have a Last.fm account, there is a pretty cool option called 'Paste Your Taste' which basically generates a list of your favorite bands so you can post them on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. I most recently discovered this option and had it generate my list of favorite bands. Check em' out below.

Deftones, The Murder City Devils, Monster Magnet, Machines of Loving Grace, Megadeth, Tesseract, Tool, Quasimoto, Slipknot, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Burial, Danzig, Dozer, Korn, Bochum Welt, Madvillain, Bush, System of a Down, Limp Bizkit, Motörhead, Mudvayne, Hatebreed, Fellsilent, Kyuss, Rage Against the Machine, Drowning Pool, Dudley Perkins, Interpol, The Sword, Team Shadetek, Live, Godsmack, MF DOOM, P.O.D., Gang Starr, The Verve, Madlib, Lootpack, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Radiohead, Black Sabbath, Legowelt, Black Moon, Linkin Park, The Pharcyde, Porno for Pyros, Foo Fighters, UNKLE, Pete Rock, Portishead, Aphex Twin, DJ Krush, The Smiths, Diplo, Giorgio Moroder.

Also, while you're at it check out this website which allows Last.fm users to generate banners with all your favorite band logo's so you can paste anywhere. You can have it generate your overall favorite bands which you play frequently or your favorite bands from 3 or 6 months ago. I generated one from my most recent favorite bands and below is the outcome. Dope!

Deftones Live @ The Fillmore

Last Wednesday was probably one of the best musical moments of my life. I had the privilege of seeing the great Deftones perform live in an excellent venue, The Fillmore, which is probably one of my favorite places to see a show due to it's sounds and sightlines, plus it's diverse range of bookings. I've only been there once before to see Morrissey back in '98, which was another excellent show, but both shows were immaculate in terms of quality.

At approximately 9:45pm, Stephan, Frank, Abe, Sergio and finally Chino stormed the stage and opened up the set with the genius composition, "Diamond eyes" followed by "Rocket skates" and "Beauty school". They then rolled into a few gems off their second album, 'Around The Fur' such as "Be quiet and drive" and the legendary song that got me into them in the first place, "My own summer". Each and every detail about this show was perfectly in place. The lighting, sound, crowd, and the overall ambiance was undeniably good! The way the band played that night was relentless which Chino's notes were perfectly aligned with. An assortment of tracks were played from all of their releases but the intensity level of the show really went through the roof as they went into an old school set with various songs off their first release, 'Adrenaline'. Classics such as "Nosebleed", "Birthmark" and "Engine No.9" really got everything moving, even lead singer Chino as he got off stage and interacted with the souped-up crowd. They finished things off with the ultra kicker "7 words" and before I knew it the night was over and the equipment was being broken down.

A Deftones performance can be easily described as emotional, aggressive, suggestive and intense. They know how to push the envelope, work the crowd, and bring everything together during their powerful live sets. They've mastered the art of performance and it emanates from them naturally. I've made a pact with myself to never miss a Deftones show, ever!

Below are some photos of the show. View an excerpt of the performance here and check out the entire set-list here.

Archival Thursdays: Deftones - Saturday Night Wrist (2006)

I know what your thinking, "another Deftones Archival Thursday?!" Well, yes! And that's because I went to see them perform a kick ass show last night at The Fillmore here in Miami Beach (will post pics/review soon). 'Saturday Night Wrist' was their first album after a 3-year break/hiatus that almost led to the bands demise. The wonderful opening track "Hole in the earth", was written by lead singer Chino Moreno when the band could not find themselves as a whole nor could agree on a direction for 'Saturday Night Wrist', which in turn created a beautiful release. The tracks "Kimdracula", "Beware" and "Cherry waves" are constantly being played in the great soundtrack of my life, and the rest of the album stays solid throughout the course.

I purchased this release in 2006 from eBay since Deftones vinyl is almost impossible to come across in local shops.

Archival Thursdays: Deftones - Diamond Eyes (2010)

This Archival Thursday is dedicated to the great Deftones. I'm not going to sit here and tell you how good their latest release 'Diamond Eyes' is, I already reviewed this gem a few months back on here. But what I can tell you, in-case you're too lazy to read it, is that as far as I can remember I've never heard an album that is solid all the way through, from front to back. There is always at least one shitty "filler" track on each and every full length, but not this one. And since they just announced their stop at The Fillmore here in Miami Beach this August, making me feverishly hit-up the computer the day tickets went on sale, I figured it's the perfect release for this Archival Thursday.

This copy was purchased on eBay and is the limited white vinyl version. Click here for Deftones tour dates and to buy tickets. Now is the time!

Deftones - Diamond Eyes

Back in June of 2009 when the Deftones mentioned that they were working on the best Deftones record they can make, they weren't mistaken, not one bit. After several months of pain and suffering the Deftones finally deliver a record that will go down as their best release in their career. This album is definitely a turning point for the boys as they're delivering something fresh and unique, possibly even opening up new genres along the way.

'Diamond Eyes' is exactly what it means...a gem! A release that stays on point from the get-go. A recording which takes you on a journey to another place familiar with aggressive tones, dark atmosphere's and subtle emotions. It sounds like a beautiful tragedy that can become obscure, yet optimistic, but definitely enough to win your heart over...over and over!

Opening with the album’s title track, “Diamond Eyes” hold it's own weight as it trades blows between Stephen Carpenter’s furious, heavy guitar rifs and Moreno’s soulful chorus, while the next song “Royal” follows, lending a sound that resonates as far more distanced, though not any less powerful with a scream at the end from Moreno which is enough to fend off the demons.

“CMND/CTRL” rides the powerful trend on the album, though it’s Carpenter who stands out on the track. Quickly employing a thick bounce he commands immediate attention despite Moreno’s blazing vocals which rival the sharpness of the guitarist’s sound. “You’ve Seen The Butcher” offers the first aural break in the record, a 30 second introduction, which gives way to a boiling riff that is later accompanied by Moreno’s piercing howl. Sounding like a tune one would hear in a place where debauchery and lust coexist endlessly.

“Beauty School” ventures to slow the record down, albeit just slightly, as it relies on Abe Cunningham’s beat to keep an active backdrop to Moreno’s soothing, drawn-out wail. “Prince,” while opening to a calm pace, picks up momentum as the track progresses. It has been compared by many to one of the Deftones earlier recordings off 'White Pony' titled "RX Queen". By the end of its three and a half minutes it becomes a showcase for Moreno’s paint-peeling bellows and the band’s snowballing rhythm, one which eventually washes the song away into nothingness.

The album’s fiercest riff opens “Rocket Skates,” giving the listener zero time to recuperate from the swell of energy that has been rumbling throughout Diamond Eyes. While the album’s lead single may not be its best track, “Rocket Skates” is certainly one of the most memorable, offering a glance back into the aggressiveness that has weaved its way throughout the band’s history.

“Sextape”, the ebb to “Rocket Skates”’s flow, harnesses a sentimental tone and wraps itself around Moreno’s equally comforting imagery. “Risk”, “976-EVIL”, and my personal favorite in which Moreno sings his heart out, “This Place Is Death” serve as the album’s final three tracks, each relatively similar in their moderate pace, which is interesting when considering both the aggressive nature of Diamond Eyes and its flair for contrast.

The album gets released on May 18, 2010 and it's already floating around the internet since it was leaked just last week. Crazy! However, this album is too good to pass up. Buy it and show support! After all, they worked real hard and it's relevant as each track on this album is a standout. I for one will be on the lookout for a vinyl edition if the powers that be permit. For more info on the Deftones visit their site and show some love! Check out some photos of the recording of 'Diamond Eyes' below.





Photos by Frank Maddocks

Rocket Skates

The time has finally come for The Deftones to enlighten us once again. After many delays and most importantly with bassist Chi's condition on their minds, they have just released a free mp3 download on their website of the new single 'Rocket Skates' and have even provided us with the track listing for their new album "Diamond Eyes" which is due to be released on May 18, 2010.

'Rocket Skates' is one hell of a song with an aggressive edge and then some. From the beginning drum rolls of Abe Cunningham to the serious riffs from lead guitarist Stephen Carpenter, this is well produced with a real tight sound. Chino Moreno's voice, as well as his screams sound better than ever! Not sure if it's effects on the vocals but he sounds amazing! I highly recommend listening to it if you haven't already, and be sure to buy the new album once it drops. Support!

Table Top Shredder

The wheels are readily starting to roll.

Def-Studio Craze

I hate all of my friends...

...not literally, but I do love that part of the song! Take a listen to the delightful track "Hole In The Earth". Happy Friday everyone.

Def-unct

The gods that are the Deftones have spoken and finally come clean regarding their upcoming album 'Eros'. Just as I predicted in my last blog post, 'Eros' will be put on hold for now as they stated on their website last week that they "realized this record doesn’t best encompass and represent who we are currently as people and as musicians." They went on to say that eventually the album "will see the light of day at some point, we collectively made the decision that we needed to take a new approach, and with Chi’s condition heavy on our minds while doing so." Basically they're saying what I told you guys a few weeks back. So now they are working on a new album that they claim will be their best recorded material ever, or at least they're striving for that. "We needed to return to the studio to do what we felt was right artistically. Our inspiration and unity as a band is stronger than it has ever been before and we needed to channel that energy into our music, and deliver to our fans what you rightly deserve: the best Deftones record that we can make." The boys got to do what they got to do and if they feel they need to change direction a little, I'm totally with that. I've waited long enough for this, what's another few extra months. I'm sure it will be well worth it...it always is without a doubt. For more information or to send some support to their bassist Chi, click here. Check out some recent shots from their studio below.

My Top 10 Summer '09 Albums

I'm always blabbing, ranting and raving, worshiping and most of all craving music so I thought to myself why haven't I ever done a top 10 about music, let alone anything!? So better late than never, I bring you my first top 10 ever! I know, I know, some of these albums might be dated (or not even released yet), but who cares? Here's some great sounds for staying cool, calm and collected during the scorching Miami summer months.

01. Monster Magnet - God Says No
It's either the way this album was recorded or mastered, who knows but this release just sounds amazing! The wall of sound they manage to create is unlike any other. Frontman Dave Wyndorf hit the nail on the head with production and personnel from the beginning recording stages. It's the perfect album to slap on the sunglasses and sunscreen and head out like a child of the sun! 'God Says No' is the Monster Magnet CD for the summer! With tracks like "Melt" and "Heads Explode" it's sure to turn up the heat to a much higher degree any day. Viva Magnet!

02. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Melodic Flea Way
Yea, yea, go ahead and bash me but I love RHCP! Especially this album which contains live sets from Wembley Arena, UK and Olympia Stadium, France during the european leg of their Californication tour. It has some of the greatest versions (some extended really long) ever recorded of their famous tracks. Nothing better than taking a nice roadtrip and listening to the super extended version of "Californication" whilst gazing at the landscapes throughout.

03. Machinedrum - Want to 1 2?
Travis is a great guy. Even still now that he's moved to NYC and we don't cross paths anymore. Back since the Merck days his sound was way ahead of it's time. His new CD, released on Normrex, is a different approach than previous releases which is a good thing, however, it takes a few listen's for it to grow on you. "Conconcon" and "Jelly-Jelly" sound great while getting your head right. Especially in that cool shade. Be on the look out for the digital release of 'Want to 3 4?'.

04. Deftones - White Pony
White Pony is probably my favorite musical album ever produced alongside Autechre's "Incunabula". Every track is a standout and producer Terry Date once again proves he is the key to their sound. Tunes like "Digital Bath", "Knife Party" and "Change" embarks one on an emotional journey that you don't ever want to vacate, while "Back To School" is the end all be all of the rapcore/nu-metal genre. Definitely their best album by far and the benchmark of the Deftones sound.

05. Danzig - 6:66 Satan's Child
The intro to the movie 'The Hangover' contains a track off this album titled "Thirteen" which is such a great selection for the intro setting. This CD was released in '99 but got lost in the dungeons of my mind for years. Now I listen to this CD just about every day as it's been resurrected from the dead! From the very first track "Five Finger Crawl" it takes you in and pretty much takes over! Danzig are known to produce some of the most complex metal songs ever as they keep an experimental, yet distorted approach to their music.

06. Metallica - Death Magnetic
Rick Rubin is pure genius! He manages to produce Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' in such a great way that it can almost compare to 'Master of Puppets' (almost being the key word here!). What became a washed up band with the 'St. Anger' mess, I thought Metallica was just as finished as RATT, but low and behold here comes Rubin to lend his hand and what do you have? Major success!

07. Kyuss - ...And The Circus Leaves Town
Kyuss are the pioneers of the "Stoner Rock" genre and creators of many successful projects such as Queens Of The Stone Age and Hermano. Every release is a solid one and they never stray too far from their unique sound. Their legacy began in the deserts of Cali. The band gradually built a local following in Palm Desert, California and frequently performed at parties in and around the isolated towns of Southern California's desert areas. Their last album before dis-banding was their greatest one, go figure! '...And The Circus Leaves Town' is the perfect combination of heavy, jam sessions and classic, soft rock. Be sure to feel the breeze to tracks like "Catamaran" and "Jumbo Blimp Jumbo", it makes it that much more cooler.

08. Bob Dylan - Blood On The Tracks
Last year my partner in crime Mike made a deal with me. Since his favorite musician/band is Bob Dylan and mine are The Deftones, we both agreed that we would lend an ear to one anothers' musical saviors. Of course Mike suggested a few albums to start with (since I only knew his popular tracks) and I did the same for him. 'Blood On The Tracks' was one of those he mentioned and after giving it a few minutes, I was hooked by Dylan's folky tales and country-side rhythms. "Meet Me In The Morning" has blues written all over it and I love the atmosphere it creates, while "You're A Big Girl Now" is amazing in every way! Long live Dylan and the summertime blues!

09. Pete Rock - Petestrumentals
Another dated release that never gets old, Pete Rock lets it all out with his astonishing MPC techniques as well as the production we all have grown to know and love. Wifey and I can always agree to bump this album any day. It starts off smooth and crisp and ends just as proper. With compositions such as "Pete's Jazz", "Play Dis Only At Night", and "What You Waiting For" you'll want to keep bumping this CD the entire summer. Goes well with a nice cold beer watching that sunset creep into the Gulf Of Mexico. Pure bliss!

10. Godsmack - Godsmack
Ahhhh, Godsmack. The boys from Boston. Their first album, the self titled 'Godsmack' is never short on energy and hurricane-like fury. Let me tell you, this is one hell of a kick ass album. Every track, every lyric, every riff is more powerful than the other and strictly on point. "Moon baby" is sick and just about every other track following seriously leave you in awe. "Situation" is the perfect song for dealing with your, well...situations, while "Get Up Get Out", "Whatever" and "Keep Away" are like a billion people nagging you all at the same time and you respond by simply lifting your middle finger as you brush em' off! Excellent!

Honorable Mentions:
Radiohead - OK Computer
I had to include this one since it can never get old! I'm totally in love with the stunning, yet amazing composition that is "Climbing Up The Walls". It's definitely my favorite track on the CD. "Karma Police" is a given classic, while the strings on "Paranoid Android" send chills through everything. Sincerely a must have for those long summer nights.

Deftones - Eros
You knew I was going to mention The Deftones again didn't you? Ok, I still haven't heard this album in it's entirety, however I have heard some tracks through studio snippets released via youtube, as well as a leaked track titled "Melanie" which is amazing in my opinion. It's supposedly coming this October but with all of the issues surrounding bassist Chi's condition, I seriously doubt that date will come through, but my fingers are crossed as my soul is begging for more! Either way it will be the best album whenever it's released!

Well there you have it. My top 10 albums I'm jamming this summer and beyond! Take notes and remember, don't get nothing on you!

More badass than you, thats for sure...

If it wasn't for...

...The Deftones, I'd probably be dead right now! Thanks to the world's greatest band for saving me and the like.