I like a lot of the material on this album (as you'll see in the TRACK HIGHLIGHTS listed below), but there are some songs that I simply don't at all. Many of them I feel are more in tune with an older generation, an older crowd, and considering Hagar is going to be 63 years old (but still sounding amazing), he clearly is and should be appealing to this older party-hard crowd. Some songs like "My Kinda Girl" don't seem to be targeted to a younger audience, but more toward people who grew up listening to these guys play in their prime (like 1980s Van Halen). It's not a bad thing, and I'm not trying to turn it into a negative, because if anything, it is actually rather appropriate. I personally love Van Halen's music, as well as Hagar's, but some tracks on Chickenfoot don't share the same sentiments - as Hagar is playing to a certain crowd.

     There are many songs that appeal to a much more broad audience - and that are just straightforward good rock, like "Oh Yeah" and "Down The Drain." There are some nice ballads as well, like "Learning To Fall." These three tracks I just mentioned are the album's best, and express the best of all the contributing members from this supergroup.

     Like some other supergroups out there, Chickenfoot hasn't completely gelled yet, and won't perhaps until their next album - if they release a second record, as I believe they will, and should! I am a big, big fan of these musicians here, particularly Sammy Hagar, and ultimately, this album was a big treat for me. I liked some parts more than others, but as a whole, it turned out to be pretty good. I definitely look forward to their next release, because it will only get better, as they will surely work out any kinks and compliment each other only more so.

     I definitely reccommend Chickenfoot's debut album, as it certainly features some nice highlights. And it seems that these four guys are really having a lot of fun at what they do - and that alone makes it worth listening to.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"Oh Yeah"

"Down The Drain"

"Learning To Fall"

"Avenida Revolucion"

"Get It Up"

"Soap On A Rope"

-Kurt L.

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     After Sammy Hagar departed from Montrose following their second album, Paper Money in 1974, the band found a new talent in Bob James - and to be perfectly honest with you, I can't find a darn thing about Bob James after Montrose disbanded. No matter what research I put into it, I can't find a blurb about him, which is a shame, because he was a pretty good singer - but I'll digress. In 1975, Montrose released Warner Bros. Presents...Montrose!, and is a classic piece of 1970s rock and roll. It is part Led Zeppelin-ish (but not nearly as epic), and part prototype Van Halen (Ronnie Montrose had some great chops on guitar).

     This album doesn't have great emotional depth, as the songs aren't particularly deep, but they aren't shallow either. Some of them create some nice imagery like "Black Train" (which actually does have some depth as well) and "Whaler." Some attempt to tug on the heart strings like "All I Need", and then some are just odd, but are nonetheless great like "Clown Woman." Any attempts made here are accomplished with success, as there is a strong and consistent set list of songs here. It isn't an entirely lengthy album either, but regardless, it is very much straightforward, and it rocks hard. Ronnie Montrose was certainly one of great guitar talents of his day, and apparently, the song "Dancin' Feet" with features some incredibly complex guitar work, was a favorite of Eddie Van Halen's to play in concert from time to time back in the day - that is a major endorsement right there.

     The rest of the supporting band members are very tight and professional. As a drummer myself, I am a big fan of Montrose drummer Denny Carmassi, who shows off some really impressive nuances throughout the album. His drum beats are lively, containing plenty of fills that are sure to entertain. While the song content isn't particularly trailblazing, once again, it doesn't need to be. The musicianship is what makes this album special - from the supreme guitar work, to the taut rythym section, to great vocal performances by newcomer Bob James, Warner Bros. Presents...Montrose! is a great album. It has tremendous replayability, and should please your ears for years to come.

     It may not be the most well-known album out there, and I could wager that most people haven't heard of this, however, it's worth investing in. I got it on vinyl record a few years back, and it was totally worth it. The only reason why I got into it was because I am such a big Van Halen fan, and thought to listen to some early Sammy Hagar stuff - which included Montrose. Then I liked Montrose so much, I started listening to their other work and I came across this! Warner Bros. Presents...Montrose is currently available on iTunes for only $5.99 - what a steal! Normally I wouldn't advertise so blatantly, but I am simply just going with a gut feeling that this album is fairly obscure in today's times, so, if you want to hear it, I'd go that route. What you'll find is a rock album that sounds pretty 1970s, but regardless stands the test of time and will dazzle your ears with some tremendous and ultimately very pure rock and roll.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"Black Train"

"All I Need"

"Twenty Flight Rock"

"Dancin' Feet"

"Matriarch"

-Kurt L.

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     A deeply emotional and haunting album, and one that was postumously released to the public only a few months after Kurt Cobain's death in 1994. While this live unplugged (acoustic) performance was recorded and televised in 1993, it was released on CD in November of 1994, only seven months following the late musician's death. Since it was released in such a way, Unplugged takes on a whole new meaning. The music only becomes more palpable, and more intense, and quite captivating.

     It features a littany of terrific tracks, ranging from Nirvana's first album Bleach, to it's last In Utero. It also boasts some cover songs, some of which vary in quality and musicianship. The original Nirvana tracks are all great here, but it's the cover songs that are the mixed bag and drag the album down a bit - however, the meaning behind these carefully selected cover songs indeed runs miles deep for Cobain and the then-future of Nirvana, and it's legacy, there is no question about that. Ironically, even though the Nirvana original's are the highlights, this albums best song is by far a cover of the David Bowie song "The Man Who Sold The World." Sorry Mr. Bowie, but this song is no longer yours, as Cobain has made it into his own. It is easily the best track here, and one of the most riveting and emotional performances of this generation - Cobain seemed to bring a new meaning to it.

     Unplugged shows Cobain at his rawest and most stripped. If studied closely, it seems that there are many demons running inside and out of him, only bursting to come out - but at the same time, he also seems to have a problem communicating his pain. Unplugged is fascinating in that respect, as he battles with himself throughout the piece.

     For the most part, the sound on this album is incredible. Cobain's voice is pure to the core, unfettered, and often conveys such emotional strength and pain at the same time. His slightly imperfect voice sometimes breaks and cracks, but only adds to the overall atmosphere. Unfortunately, Nirvana had a tendency to sound a little dissonant from time to time, and such is the case here - again, from time to time. These lesser moments are pretty much only reflected in the cover tracks, with the exception to "The Man Who Sold The World."

     Nirvana's Unplugged is an essential recording in the grunge-era of the 1990s, and certainly stands as a summation to their impressive body of work. This is something that should be listened to and deserves any appreciation it recieves. Despite its few shortcomings, it ultimately stands the test of time, and speaks volumes of the late Cobain. In one word, this album is simply chilling.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"The Man Who Sold The World"

"Dumb"

"About A Girl"

"Come As You Are"

"Polly"

"All Apologies"

-Kurt L.

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     Making the case for being one of the most dynamic bands of this generation, Muse with its Black Holes and Revelations, has made a very strong argument. Led by the supreme talent of Matthew Bellamy, and accompanied by a tremednously talented rythym section, Muse really is one of the best bands around today. While I felt that their most recent work, 2009's The Resistance (previously reviewed here on Ethos) was their best, this was another rock-solid effort and indeed more proof that they are deserving of all the attention they are getting.

     While not every single song is a total winner on Black Holes and Revelations, it does contain a number of superb tracks. You will hear a uniquely diverse group of songs that exude a complete understanding of music as an art form, one that doesn't adhere to constraints, but pushes boundaries. What I mean is, more specifically, that Muse has the ability to comprehend what makes a song great, but also isn't afraid to experiment either. For the msot part, the song selection here is fantastic and has a very high artistic quality. Take the lead single "Starlight" for example - it is by far the albums finest moment and I would go as far to say it is one of the best songs of the decade. "Starlight" is utterly beautiful in so many ways, it simply must be heard.

     I think Muse's best quality is their ability to be so diverse. No two songs sound alike on this album. They can rock out with the best of them, but also dramatize and introduce a tinge of classical music as well, which is such a refreshing take considering many rock bands of today aren't quite as visionary as Muse (but then again, it depends on the band). While I feel I've noticed elements of Pearl Jam in other Muse works, I felt in Black Holes and Revelations, I noticed echoes of Alice In Chains as well - from some of the vocal harmonzing perhaps. It just struck me a few moments here or there, and that is not a bad thing at all, but rather a plus!

     So what can you, the listener, take from an album like this? Well, I think if you want to broaden your pallette, this is an album and a band for you. I was very curious about Muse for a long time and finally gave them some attention, and the payoff is rather rewarding if you are music fan. They appeal to your senses in many ways - they can be catchy with several radio-friendly tracks, or create sweeping epics, or delve into the experimental. While I felt some of the more experimental tracks like the closing song "Knights of Cydonia" were a little too avant-garde, they can still be considered valiant efforts.

     At first listen, this album doesn't sound perfect, as I seemed to miss a lot of things the first time around. However, I gave it another try, and below the surface is some brilliant expression and creativity. Some songs are obviously stronger than others, but this album strikes a pretty fair balance as a whole. You may feel the same way, and if so, give it another listen, and perhaps it will lure you in even more. And if not, you'll still be won over by songs like "Starlight" or "Exo-Politics." In any case, this album deserves to be heard.

     See why Muse is one of the best bands of this generation. It is evident throughout this piece. While not their overall strongest effort (their best to date in my opinion is The Resistance), I still highly reccomend this album. It has plenty of great moments. Enjoy this work!

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"Starlight"

"Supermassive Black Hole"

"Map of the Problematique"

"Exo-Politics"

"City of Delusion"

-Kurt L.

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     Was Metallica looking to cater to this new era of rock music? Or were they looking to redefine it in their own way? Well, either way, Metallica was changing, and it was a good change, but it also led to something of a decline later on. I feel that the Black Album marked a certain polarization amongst fans of the heavy metal act. Some thought this new album was too "mainstream", feeling that Metallica was abandoning its hardcore past. Others felt it was an epiphany. Either way, it was a monumental success and launched the band into the the stratsophere. I never felt that this album was an abondonment of their previous work, but rather a new direction and a new brand of expression.

     Throughout the 1980s, Metallica established a signature sound that consisted of tremendously intricate guitar work and dark themes. The dark themes remain in the Black Album, but the guitar work, and ultimately the rest of the bands sound is taken down a few notches. The melodies are simpler and a lot less technical. By rock standards, they were still more advanced than anyone else, but, for Metallica, it was a significant change in sound. It was certainly more appealing to the radio, as this album featured some of the most iconic and endearing songs of the 1990s, many of which are still hugely popular today. "Enter Sandman", undoubtedly their most famous song to date, has become a staple in their concerts and is played in every one of their concerts since. It's also popular amongst baseball fans as it is the entrance music for New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, as well as former New York Mets closer Billy Wagner. "Sad But True", "Wherever I May Roam", Holier Than Thou", and "Nothing Else Matters" are all included here in all their glory. I simply must mention "The Unforgiven", which is arguably Metallica's finest hour.

     It's amazing that so many incredible tracks are all on one single album, but such is the case for the Black Album. An effort that was a rather laborious one for the band. The recording process was lengthy, leaving the band physically and emotionally drained, so much so that after its tour, the band took a five year hiatus from the studio.

     So, yes, this album has a tremendous arsenal of killer songs, but outside of its most popular, some of the tracks, particularly in the latter half of the album, stumble. The lesser known tracks on here are certainly not as compelling as the more famous ones, something that was not the case in Metallica's previous records. In for instance, Master of Puppets, each song was strong, and the album had a very complete feeling to it. Not to imply that the Black Album was a rushed work, as it certainly wasn't, but perhaps the attention and emphasis was placed on some songs rahter than all. However, there is no doubting the brilliance here - this record is a treat and a pleasure for the ears.

     Ultimately, it is an album that should not be missed, but it is likely that you have heard many of these iconic songs already because this work was so impactful on the industry. Following this album, Metallica would continue to make plenty of great music, but more flaws have become evident in their more recent works (with the exception of Death Magnetic). Some consider the Black Album as the beginning of the end, but for me, it wasn't. It's certainly a landmark album, and one that has stood the test of time, and one that propelled the band into a very interesting direction, and it wasn't for the worse.

     1991 was indeed a great year for music, as well as many other things in the entertainment industry. If you'd like to see more, check out my Ethos Video Review on entitled "1991: The Year of Stuff", just click on the Ethos YouTube Channel to see it. Metallica's Black Album was perhaps the biggest album of that year, and is one of the most memorable of the entire decade. Listen to it and hear for yourself.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"The Unforgiven"

"Enter Sandman"

"Sad but True"

"Wherever I May Roam"

"Nothing Else Matters"

"Holier Than Thou"

"Through The Never"

-Kurt L.

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     Hello everyone! This is a special edition of the Ethos Video Review series. This is more of like a year in review of 1991. Why 1991? Well, see why and find out! So much stuff came out that year, and I take a look back into the past to share my thoughts. Thanks for watching!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96g9YsKRj1A

-Kurt L.

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     First, I will state that this is not a 100% rock album, it is quite literally a rap/rock album. Every song he is usually rapping with the help of an 808 machine. Though that doesn't make it a dreadful album like many have already made it out to be. There are 14 tracks in total some of which are quite good and some are just awful. The opening title "American Star" is pretty standard not very catchy and the lyrics are pretty bland. As for the first single "Prom Queen" it is quite enjoyable to listen to but Wayne's voice really lacks depth which is why I think this did not last very long on the pop charts. The first 3-4 songs have very bad sound quality. At times the instrumentals rage over Wayne's voice and at times you can barely hear the instruments being played; almost as if you were in a different room where the music is playing.

     "Paradice" the 5th song on the album is well done although it does have a sound you have heard before in many a album but to hear Wayne actually make a fairly descent rock song is impressive. The other two songs that really stand out are "On Fire" and "Drop The World". "On Fire" is a great song that is more rap than rock but has an excellent remix to Amy Holland's "She's On Fire". None of these songs compare to the greatest song on the CD and quite possibly one of my favorite Lil Wayne songs "Drop The World".

     In "Drop The World", Wayne teams up with Eminem for an excellent song. Filled with synthesizers and a fantastic drum beat, this song brings back old school Eminem with the flow and lyrics of something out of Slim Shady through Eminem Show. Wayne is good on the song too, however when Eminem is at his best, it's impossible to compete and it does show (not as bad as it shows on Drake's "Forever"). If you don't bother getting this album, you should really buy this song on iTunes or Amazon.

     Overall, Lil Wayne's rock album is fairly bland besides  3-4 songs that stick out. The instrumentals from the guitar, bass, and drums are all very standard, maybe even too standard. The lyrics and style of Wayne's voice is not really singing, just slower rap. I will give him credit for trying because some of the songs which I mentioned before were very good. As for when this album will come out well, it should today (2/2/2010) and I expect reviews to be quite harsh.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"Paradice"

"On Fire"

"Drop The World"

"I'm So Over You" (Deluxe Edition)

Written by: Adam "You'll Need A Piece" L.

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     Metallica, back at the top where they belong! After 2003's major misfire, St. Anger, Metallica in the mainstream eye was undoubtedly hurting. Many hardcore fans questioned whether or not they would ever return to their tremendous success of the 1980s, and others felt that they simply lost it. I was discouraged by St. Anger, and I am a big fan of the band, and that album just didn't have it. It didn't have the musicality and cohesiveness of past Metallica albums, which were for the most part, all classic in their own ways. Death Magnetic marks a return to vintage Metallica, but also at the same time, shows the band aiming their sights at the future in a new direction - and ultimately rejuvenated.

     The first significant change in Death Magnetic is the production. Bob Rock, longtime Metallica producer since the days of the mega-popular Black Album, has been dropped in favor of Rick Rubin. Rubin has an extensive, and impressive resume of bands he has helped sound better - he has produced Slayer, Audioslave, Weezer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even Johnny Cash. With such versatility, and understanding, Rubin seems like a great choice for cleaning up the muddy sounds of St. Anger. Of course, it's not all Rubin, but the band itself evolved dramatically over the five year absence from the studio. They return focused, and driven, something that was lacking in the previous album.

     This is Metallica returning to its heavy metal roots, but also embracing and encompassing its entire grand history, and delievering all of the different facets the greatly talented Metallica possesses. What I always loved about Metallica is that they have always been able to craft such masterpieces in the heavy metal genre, and never sound dissonant - always maintaining a high level of aesthetic quality. This brilliance is exuded here again on Death Magnetic. From beginning to end, it is a smartly crafted, modern day Metallica masterpiece. It is easily their best work of the past twenty years, arguably on par with the Black Album. It harkens back to And Justice For All... in many ways, but also touches on some of the more mellow and melodic sounds of their later 90s albums as well.

     The musicianship on this album is some of their best. We know how great they are, and this album shows why. And thankfully, guitar solos are back! Yes! That's right! St. Anger had NO guitar solos! How could such a legendary band like Metallica, known for some of the most technical of guitar work have an album completely absent of solos? Well, the band quickly turned that around as Death Magnetic features some incredible guitar work. It's simply a marvel to behold!

     The heart of Metallica, I always felt, lies with James Hetfield, the lead singer, primary songwriter, and guitarist. His voice sounds as good and as strong as ever - he shouts, spits, spews, and also vocalizes in all the right places. Listen to the strength, energy, and aggressiveness of the opening track "That Was Just Your Life", and then the epic beauty of "The Day That Never Comes." Also, "The Unforgiven III" features some of his best vocal performances ever, and on a personal note, it's one of my favorite Metallica songs to date.

     The album even looks like a classic Metallica album. Just look at the track layout on the back of the CD or vinyl record - it looks just like Master of Puppets or And Justice For All.... And the songs themselves all get the grandiose, epic treatment as each song clocks in at around six or seven minutes. It features an instrumental near the end, just like Ride The Lightning did and Master of Puppets. And similarly, like Master, which ended with the thrash classic "Damage Inc.", Magnetic ends with a thrash piece of its own in "My Apocolypse." Is this to say their new album is formulaic? Not really, because this is the Metallica brand - this is good music!

     Death Magnetic is a great album. From the opening heartbeat sounds of "That Was Just Your Life" to the blazing fury of "My Apocolypse", this album is tremendous. It should end the polarization among some of Metallica's fans that the band isn't hardcore anymore - they always were, I never thought they "sold out" by any stretch, but only matured. Here in Death Magnetic, they have peaked I feel in maturing as a band, and now can enjoy this even-keeled state of balance and great music on par with all of their best work. Metallica is one of the best bands to ever grace the music world, and this album epitomizes why they remain on top.

     Though they never really faded away at all from our hearts, this album serves as a reminder, and as a lesson in how good Metallica is. Enjoy!

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"The Day That Never Comes"

"The Unforgiven III"

"That Was Just Your Life"

"All Nightmare Long"

"Cyanide"

"The End of The Line"

-Kurt L.

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     Muse is rapidly becoming one of the more popular bands in America today, and with good reason. The Resistance is a rock album like no other made in today's modern age. What the band does so wonderfully is that it transcends rock n roll more so than its contemporaries. It has the ability to fuse together the orchestral sounds of classical music with the aggressiveness of modern rock. Muse is also very keen on creating some truly beautiful melodic moments as well. It's this versatility that makes Muse a unique musical act, and a rather complete one as well. Matthew Bellamy, the bands lead singer, songwriter and pianist, is the heart of the group, and his talents, along with the rest of the band, really make their new effort, The Resistance, one of 2009's best overall records.

     The group of songs on The Resistance seem like they have all been carefully assembled and arranged with great care. Each song, in its own respect, has something to offer in one way or another. The opening three tracks ("Uprising", "Resistance", and "Undisclosed Desires") are indeed the best in my opinion, and really showcase Muse's diverse talents. The rest of the album has many high points as well. "United States of Eurasia (+Collateral Damage)" is a decent song, but ends on a interesting note with Matthew Bellamy playing his own arrangement of a Chopin classical piano piece. And while there are many other strong songs here on the album, attention must be paid to the epic finale - "Exogenesis." It is a three part song, encompassing the final quarter of the album, and is a modern masterpiece. It is essentially a classical-rock piece, that blends both genres together, creating a euphoric sound unlike anything I've heard in quite some time. All three parts of "Exogenesis" are beautiful, but perhaps the best is the middle section entitled "Exogenesis: Symphony Pt. 2, Cross-Pollination."

     Muse excels at creating sound. Your ears are treated to a wonderful wall of sound that is filled with nuance and is layered with such attention to detail. I can't convey it clearly enough with words, but this album is meant to be heard. Also, while Muse has a very original sound, at times it seems to echo that of Pearl Jam and Queen. Pearl Jam in a way because of the constant flow and unpredictable flux in melody (which can be a good thing), and Queen in how some of the piano and vocals are implemented. At first, I was averse to how they sounded like Queen, because I am not really a big Queen fan, but in any case, that is not to detract from Muse, as they sound terrific.

     The versatility is another aspect of this record that should be discussed futher. From the sweeping, three part epic of "Exogenesis", to the hard-rocking soldier-stomp of "Uprising" to the sweet beauty of "Resistance" to the pop/R&B hybrid "Undisclosed Desires" to the psuedo bluesy 1970s-ish sound of "I Belong To You", to the more modern sounds of "MK Ultra", this album has so much to offer. Another fascinating element of this record is that it often touches on a wide variety of subjects. The Resistance as a whole alludes to divinity, fear, angels, corruption, oppression, astronomy, resistance, mutiny, rebellion, retalliation, remembrance, and of course, love. It's amazing what this album can do and what it captures.

     Muse is one of the best bands today, and The Resistance is a record that should satisfy a wide variety of listeners because it encompasses so many different elements. It's a terrific album, and I like it for so many reasons. It exposes us to a lot of unique and different sounds, as well as re-introducing us all to a modern take on classical music. At its core, it is a rock album, but it accomplishes so much. Listen to it, and enjoy it.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"Uprising"

"Resistance"

"Undisclosed Desires"

"Unnatural Selection"

"MK Ultra"

"Exogenesis" (Pts. 1-3)

-Kurt L.

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