And they Pretty Much Amazing...

Rap duo Chiddy Bang, hailing from Philadelphia, will be dropping a new mix tape on Thursday.  Peanut Butter and Swelly will be released for free on April 28, during the same time the first annual MTV O Music Awards are being held.  The MTV O Awards are awards strictly based on what is going on musically online.  Chiddy Bang will use the new innovative award show to help launch some much anticipated new tracks. The Duo have not had a release together in quite some time.  Chiddy Bang will also preform at the awards show, obviously to only be streamed online. 

As if the release of Peanut Butter and Swelly isn't enough, Chiddy Bang also has another interesting feat going down on Thursday.  M.C. Chidera "Chiddy" Anamage will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for "Longest Freestyle Rap".  To break the record as it stands, Chiddy will have to continuously rap for over nine hours.  The record is currently held by M-Eighty, a rapper from Indianapolis.  Chiddy personally finds the whole thing exciting and the perfect way to usher in new music. 

Do yourself a favor and check out both the O Music Awards and Chiddy Bang!  I have a feeling that the award show and Peanut Butter And Swelly will be some of the freshest, funniest, and original ideas to drop in music this month!

It's the most Wonderful time of the Year...

As I have previously stated a few times here, I am a huge fan of The Bamboozle Festival hosted every year.  I am a six year veteran after this year.  The festival means a lot to me; its something I do every year with my sister, made me realize I want to write about music, and exposes me to so much every time.  With that being said, I have made a promise to myself (and my sister, my number one fan) to do an entry every day this week about an artist or band that will be performing this year, or something Boozle related. 

Lets start off with some background information.  For those that do not know, The Bamboozle Festival is now a three day, rain or shine event held in New Jersey every year.  The festival has evolved from Skate and Surf Festival.  For the last six years, Bamboozle has been held at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  The festival boasts over ten stages, a hundred plus musical acts, comedians, carnival rides, and much more. Musical acts in the past have ranged all over the spectrum: Fall Out Boy, Brett Michaels, GWAR, Demi Lovato, Snoop Dogg. The festival prides itself on embracing music, new talent, and diversity in tastes.  

With all that being said, 2011's line up is the most diverse yet to be seen.  Just the headlining acts support that fact.  Friday Night Wiz Khalifa and Thirty Seconds to mars Will headline, Taking Back Sunday and The Gaslight Anthem will split Saturday night, and Bruno Mars, Motley Crue, A Day to Remember and Lil Wayne will close the festival Sunday.  The festival is certainly sporting its biggest names ever, but they also have a lot of up and coming artists on the bill this year.   

There are over 120 performers this year, so it will be hard to catch everyone.  Spin Magazine posted on their website ten acts they think people should check out.  Their choices show the range of styles being preformed at the festival: rap, rock, blues, indie, dance.  Some of these performers have caught my eye as well and my list of must sees. Finding new music and artists is one of the reasons why The Bamboozle Festival is so popular!

Spin Magazine's Top Ten For Bamboozle '11!

Fight for your right and Make Some Noise...

The Beastie Boys premiered the video for the new single, “Make Some Noise”, yesterday on Mtv.com.  “Make Some Noise” is the first single off their upcoming album, The Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, due out May 3.  The Beastie Boys have been together for thirty years.  Some are speculating though, that this is the trio’s last record, due to MCA’s recent battle with Cancer.

Watch the Video Here!

The Video is supposed to retell the events that took place after the “Fight for Your Right” video from 1986.  “Make Some Noise” is actually a five minute snippet of a thirty minute movie entitled, “Fight for Your Right Revisited”, a movie the group made for the 25^th anniversary of their break out album.  The music video stars Seth Rogen, Danny McBride, and Elijah Wood as the Beastie Boys.  Wood actually does an amazing impersonation of Ad-Rock.  It is also packed with star studded guest appearances like Chloe Sevigny and Will Ferrell.   If this is indeed The Beastie Boys’ final farewell, they are certainly doing it in their true form and giving us one last party!

Mixtape Volume 3

• Blake Shelton:"Honey Bee"- This is my country song of the week! The minute I heard this song, it has been stuck in my head.  I love Shelton's back and forth comparisons with his lyrics ("You be my glass of wine, I'll be your shot of whiskey") and it’s just a cute way to approach a love song.
• Family Force 5:"You Got It"- I have been in love with this band since I saw them at Bamboozle two years ago.  This song was recently released and it’s got a great reggae/rock vibe.  Family Force 5 is known for their unique blend of sounds, and this stays with that trend.
• Rock Mafia:"The Big Bang"- Reality TV. is one of my many vices, I am addicted.  This song is the theme song for vh1's new series Mob Wives.  It’s a catchy little tune and I am in love.
• Bayside:"Sinking and Swimming on Long Island"- Quite frankly, Bayside is one of those bands I could listen to all day.  This is a track of their newest album, Killing Time.
• Adele:"Rolling in the Deep"- I know I had a single from Adele's newest album, 21, last week, but what girl could resist this song?
• Mumford and Sons:"The Cave"-This is a band that I am very interested in seeing what is to come for them.  Mumford and Sons have had a lot of hype around them and quite frankly, in my opinion, they have delivered.
• Chris Brown:"Look at Me Now"- My shameless radio clip of the week.  Everyone’s favorite R & B domestic abuser is now trying to be a rapper.  The rhymes are not half bad and the beat makes me think of dance combinations on the way to school. Just please Chris, get rid of the blonde.
• Beastie Boys:"Make Some Noise"- Anything with "New" and "The Beastie Boys" in the same sentence is simply amazing in my book. 
• AC/DC:"T.N.T."- One of the greatest Rock and Roll bands ever to grace this planet. Anything from AC/DC should be played as often as possible and as loud as possible. And I have to thank a very close friend of mine ("the man beast") for getting this song stuck in my head.
• Kid Rock Feat. Sheryl Crow:”Collide”- As far as I am concerned, these two artists can make an entire album together.  Their first collaboration, “Picture” was stuck in my head forever.  There second single is no different, they just sound so beautiful next to each other

Bamboozle Songs of the Week:

·        Senses Fail:”Reinventing your Exit”- This was probably the first Senses Fail Song I memorized and made me a fan.  I have not seen this band live in about Seven years and I am really excited to see their growth.

·         A Day To Remember:”If It Means A Lot to You”- Again I will say it, probably one of the bands I am most excited to see.  ADTR can go hard, but this song shows everyone they can produce and awesome ballad as well.  Sierra Kusterbec (lead singer for VersaEmerge) adds some pretty sick vocals as well.

·         Lil Wayne:”I am Not a Human Being”- It’s Weezy. I could have really picked anything but this one has been stuck in my head for weeks due to the TV. show America’s Best Dance Crew.

·         A Loss For Words:”Stamp of Approval”- This is a new band to my ears because of Bamboozle this year.  So far, I really like what I hear.

·         Vanna:”Into Hell’s Mouth We March”- Vanna knows how to bring it hard.  But they also can throw some vocals in there at times and make a song be much more than just yelling and screaming.  I am also fully aware I am going to have to pit to see this band ha-ha

American Idiots on the Silver Screen...

The Godly rock trio of Green Day are now making moves towards the silver screen. After the recent success of their Broadway adaptation, Green Day have started on making a film version of their 2004 concept album, American Idiot. With ideas a-brewing, the newest development on the film is that Tom Hanks will be a producer. This idea was a rumor back in January, when it was leaked Hanks’ studio was very interested. Hanks does have some experience in producing rock music related movies; most notably That Thing You Do! And more recently Momma Mia!. All three members of the band will also co-produce the film. Michael Mayer will be directing and Dustin Lance Black is the first choice to pen the screen play. Universal Studios is in negotiations, but there is no set schedules as of right now. Lastly, Billie Joe Armstrong, lead singer of Green Day, has stated that it is "Only fitting" for him to play the role of St. Jimmy. I could not agree any more!

Supporting a long lost culture...

Tomorrow, April 16 2011, marks the fifth annual Record Store Day.  Founded in 2007 by a group of collaborators, Record Store Day happens every third Saturday of April.  The day promotes the celebration of music, the vinyl culture, and the 700 stores nationally that support this scene.  On Record Store Day, participating stores will release special promotions (tee-shirts, toys, memorabilia), as well as c.d. releases for fans.  Record Store Day also happens internationally.  The whole purpose of this celebration is to keep the independent sales of music and vinyl alive.

   

Check out the List of Releases Here!



Here’s a quick explanation of the types of releases:

• Record Store Day Releases: These releases are EXCLUSIVE to the event.
• Windowed Releases: Available on Record Store Day only; but may be available someday to come.
• Regional/Small Releases: Only available to certain parts of the country or a so small all of the participating stores cannot carry the item.

Remember as well, a lot of these items are LIMITED edition.  Not everyone is going to find or get a copy.  Don’t be disappointed though; that excitement is what helps makes the day!   

For More Info, Check out Record Store Days' Official Website!

Mixtape Volume 2

Sorry its a little late!

• Jay Sean Feat. Lil Wayne:” Hit the Lights"- shameless radio song of the week. makes me think of summer!
• Foo Fighters:” These Days"-One of the great songs on this album! I could go on and on about this album.
• Thursday:” Magnets caught in a Metal Heart"- First single off of Thursday's new album, No Devolucion. One of the best bands that are sometimes forgotten.
• Adele:” Set Fire to the Rain"- Set to be the second single off the recently dropped record, 21. I could listen to Adele all day and just feel better as a woman.
• Jason Aldean: “My Kinda Party"-Just a fun country song to party to obviously.
• Emmure:"4 Poisons 3 Words"- Sometimes you just need something heavy to vent to. And you can certainly do that to Emmure.
• Lupe Fiasco feat. Trey Songz: “Out of My Head"- Despite getting so-so reviews, I really like Fiasco's album, Lasers. I can not get this song out of my head.
• Travis Barker feat. The Cool Kids:” Jump Down"- Barker's first solo album, Give the Drummer Some, is simply incredible. Barker is one of the best drummers out there today, and will forever make me drool ha-ha. He probably started my obsession with drummers!
• The Runaways:” Cherry Bomb"- Throwback! I could rock out to this song for days and the fact that Joan Jett is 52 years old, has her ears gauged, and is still rocking, is well empowering!
• Rise Against:” Make It Stop(September's Children)'- Rise Against is one of my all time favorite bands. This song also has a special meaning; the band uses this song to speak out about all the recent youth suicides happening in this country. Please check this out.

okay here are the Bamboozle songs for the week:

• Big Sean Feat. Chris Brown:” My Last"- Stuck in my head! I have to admit I am not familiar with Big Sean, but I am looking forward to seeing him if all of his songs are like this.
• The 59 Sound:” Even Cowgirls Get the Blues"- THIS IS AN AWESOME BAND. They do not make me feel old listening to this genre of music ha-ha.
• Attack Attack!:” Fumbles O'Brian"- fan of crab core or not, Attack Attack! has a huge fan base and staying power. Personally a fan, my dad screams every time there blasting through our house.
• Emarosa: “We are Life'- Their new self titled album is pretty good. However, I can not lie, I did only pick it up because they are playing Bamboozle and the infamous Johnny Craig is their lead singer. So now I am even more intrigued to see how they sound live now that Craig was just dropped.
• 30 Seconds to Mars:” This is War"- Yes, I am a female. So therefore yes, Jared Leto makes me tingle. However, I am very interested in seeing this band because they have made a huge transformation since their last time playing the festival.

Its worth wasting time on Wasting Light...

So yesterday(April 12, 2011), The Foo Fighters released their 7th studio album, Wasting Light, to great praise. Many are stating that this is the band's best work since 1997. Although the album may sound simple at times, do not be fooled. Wasting Light is the record that cements The Foo Fighters' staying power in rock and roll. Recorded in front man Dave Grohl's basement, the band did not use any computers. This means the album was recorded solely on analog tape. Wasting Light also features Pat Smears return to the band's line up.

Wasting Light is close to incredible in my opinion. The album covers several rock genres, which makes it enjoyable for many. The Foo Fighters have some amazing ballads on this record. They definitely take back the throne in that department. The heavy metal fans are covered as well. Some songs boast three different guitar riffs. A guest appearance from Krist Novoselic, former band mate to Grohl and Smear in nirvana, gives Wasting Light a similar sound to nirvana album Nevermind. This is a record you play on repeat for many months, and one that will generate talk for some time to come. Please Check it out!!

Foo Fighter's Official Page

Mixtape Volume 1

So usually during the middle of the week I have established the songs, or even albums, that I am going to burn into memory. The play list takes me to school, through a horrible college algebra class, and back home. Its what I blast while cleaning, taking a shower, or avoiding whatever adult like responsibility I do not want to take care of at the moment. Now a days we all have media players, music on our phones, no need for a cassette or even a CD. But back in the past, you made CDs/tapes with these play lists-mix tapes. A mix tape is a collection of songs put in an order, specific at times, to show the maker's taste. Some have even said a mix tape is a form of art; showing the artist's feelings and a form of expression. Since the namesake of this blog is based on this art form, I felt it is only right I paint on my canvas once a week. So here is Volume One of Megalina's Mixtapes: 

All Time Low-"I Feel Like Dancin'": The first single off their upcoming album, Dirty Work, ATL released the single today. Rivers Cuomo from Weezer helped the band write the track. Fun and catchy like all ATL songs. Only available on Amazon and ITunes.

Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows-"Sex Life": Off of the self titled debut from the band. Any reason to listen to sexy Craig Owens is okay with me and the song has been stuck in my head with the release of its music video today.

Katy Perry featuring Kanye West-"E.T.": Fourth hit off of Miss Perry’s latest album. this is my shameless radio hit of the week. I'm not a fan of Yeezy personally, but musically he is a genius and his rhymes are on point. The beat gets stuck in my head as well.

Sugarland-"Stuck Like Glue": Single from their recent album, Incredible Machine. As I stated when I started this blog, my musical taste is all over the map. I could dance around to this song all day! It makes me feel girly and giggly and cute!

Darius Rucker-"This": Off of Mr. Rucker's album Charleston SC 1966. As you could have just guessed I enjoy a little country here and there. My brother is a "good ole boy" as well and he plays this just about every day. Country songs are always about lyrical content and this song delivers.

Snoop Dogg-"Sweat(David Guetta Remix)": Who ever thought you could fist pump to the d oh double g? Being a girl from the east coast, I have been a jersey shore patron way before it was an overrated reality show. With that being said, I love me some good techno beats. This mixture between Snoop and Guetta is the perfect taste of summer right before it begins.

Foo Fighters-"Rope": Off the highly anticipated upcoming album, Wasting Light. I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS ALBUM. Nuff said in my book haha

Mike Posner feat Lil Wayne-"Bow Chicka Wow Wow": Okay, okay. I have two shameless radio hits this week. But the combo of Posner and Weezy is awesome. The beat is sultry and sexy and its catchy.

Death Cab For Cutie-"Home is a Fire": Recently released off their upcoming album, Codes and Keys, the kings of Indie rock are back! This is another album I am looking forward too and the first single does not disappoint.

The Kills-"Satellite": I am a new fan of The Kills! The single is rocking and I can not wait to sit down tomorrow to actually listen to the entire album, Blood Pressure.

Jamie Foxx featuring Drake-"Fall for your Type": What girl can not resist a good slow R&B serenade every once in awhile? I am obsessed with Drake firstly(can you tell musicians are my weakness?) and the lyrics of his rap and Foxx's verses for some reason speak to me right now...

*Note-the last songs of my first mix tape and the next two will be artists preforming at this year's Bamboozle Festival in New Jersey. I am a six year veteran of the festival and I tend to start listening to music that will be played there this time of the year.*

• Taking Back Sunday-"El Paso": With the release of the video earlier this week, I have already overplayed this song. Can not wait for the rest of the self titled album from the reunited band!
• A Day to Remember-"It's Complicated": I am probably most excited to see this band play the festival. This is the third song off their latest album, What Separates Me From You, and the one I relate to the most personally.
• Forever the Sickest Kids-"Keep on Bringing Me Down": Off their recently released self titled album. This song just gets stuck in my head and I am looking forward to see FTSK preform.
• Chiddy Bang feat. Mac Miller-"Heatwave": This is my find of the day! Stalking a.k.a tweeting this morning I came across the new single from Chiddy Band and I am in love! They are riding a wave of success off their recent win at the MTVU Woodie Awards and their album, Breakfast, is gaining a lot of hype for its summer release.

That’s it for this week...hope you check some of them out...or keep playing them if you already have :)

D.R.U.G.S. and "Sex Life" for Breakfast...

Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows(D.R.U.G.S.) are premiering the video for their single "Sex Life" today.  The song is featured on their self titled debut album, out now.  The video will be showing on all M.T.V. channels through out the day.

Watch "Sex Life" Now!

After being kicked out of Chiodos, Craig Owens formed the band, compiled of other artists separated from other bands.  Full line up is as follows:

• Aaron Stern(Matchbook Romance) on Drums
• Nick Martin(Underminded) on Guitar and Vocals
• Matt Good(From First to Last) on Guitar and Vocals
• Adam Russell(Story of the Year) on Bass
• Craig Owens(Chiodos) on Lead Vocals

D.R.U.G.S recently headlined a tour through Europe and can be seen on The A.P. tour and Van's Warped tour this summer.

Please show your support for this band and check out the video! I have always been a huge fan of Owens, I actually refer to him as my future husband sometimes hehe. The album is amazing on all levels-vocally, instrumentally, sonically.  Despite all of its member's hardships, they have come together to form a post-hardcore super group and it is definitely worth the listen! 

Check out D.R.U.G.S' Facebook Page for more information on tours and music!

It MUST Suck to be Four Year Strong Right Now...

Pop/Punk Band Four Year Strong announced that keyboardist Josh Lyford would be leaving the band. Lyford will continue to write and pursue music with his band, Foxfires, as Four Year Strong will move forward with their upcoming tour.

The original statement was released on April 3, 2011. Yesterday, April 4, Lyford blogged his opinion of the split. Lyford seemed shocked only about the timing of the break up, considering F.Y.S. starts its tour today. He did state that he could feel the separation coming. He wished his former band mates luck in the future and told his fans not to worry, he is excited to try new things-and finally get a dog.

Alan Day, guitarist/vocalist, made a personal statement to fans to clarify any confusions. Day wanted to make sure fans understood Lyford had not quit, as some were starting to think. He goes on to explain that as Four Year Strong has started writing new material, the keyboard sound is just not meshing with the rest of the band. He explains to fans that F.Y.S. never really needed a keyboard in the first place, but the band loved Josh to much to let him go. Day encouraged fans not to give up on the band and if anyone has any questions, feel free to tweet him.

Fan reaction seems to mixed, this fan included. Some people are very upset over the loss of Lyford and his sound to F.Y.S., others didn't even know there was a keyboard in the band. To me, I am not worried about their sound. Four Year Strong still have all of their original writers and the band started as a quartet with keyboard added later on. I think musically the band will still be amazing and continue to grow and move forward. Enemy of the World was a great success and break out for the band. What I think will start to lack from F.Y.S. though, will be when their live performances. Lyford was a great hype man. His presence on stage was always felt. I loved when he would come up front and preform vocally on songs like "Maniac" and "Heroes Get Remembered". Hopefully, the remaining four will be able to pick up the slack. Guess I will just have to go to an upcoming show to find out!

Taking Back Sunday on This Sunday Afternoon...

Veterans out of Long Island's Emo-Alternative scene, Taking Back Sunday is back and harder then ever.  Back to its original line up(Adam Lazzara, Eddie Reyes, Mark O'Connell, Shaun Cooper, John Nolan), Taking Back Sunday is dropping a self titled album this summer.  Released on March 28, "El Paso" is the first single to be heard since the bands reformation.  The band did leak a demo entitled "The Best Place To Be a Mom", but it was not studio finished.  The single is gaining a lot of buzz with all the surrounding anticipation for the album.  Front man Adam Lazzara has also stated that the single is "the heaviest our band has ever ventured".

I for one can not stop playing this song already.  "El Paso" is definitely the hardest sound I have heard from T.B.S. ever and I am loving it.  Being a fan since the beginning, and I can say that because I attended some of the earliest Taking Back Sunday shows ever, the evolution of their sound is fitting with the reunion.  Its more grown up, more mature, and more structured.  I love the fact that John and Adam are dueling vocally in the chorus just like the old days.  O'Connell's drumming is superb and foot thumping worthy(I have a thing for drummers just an FYI).  Being the lyrical person that I am as well, I am happy to say that these lyrics are in true T.B.S standard in the fact that they're catchy and in your head after the first listen.  I for one am going to buy this album the minute is available.  After hearing this, I am also super stoked to see them preform at The Bamboozle Festival in New Jersey at the end of this month.  No band has ever made Emo feel so cool, so acceptable, and well, so right.

I do want to address one thing that I found interesting while researching the news on this song.  It was intriguing to me to see on a lot of forums and discussion feeds how many fans and listeners were comparing this new T.B.S. sound to that of fellow L.I. band Brand New.  Many People were stating they felt it was sounding very similar to Brand New's Lp Daisy.  Brand New did get harder on that album then any of their other previous releases.  Now as I previously stated, I have been around T.B.S. since their beginning and I have also been around Brand New for almost a decade now. It is funny to me that people may have not realized that Jesse Lacy(founder of Brand New) was at one time a member of T.B.S..  This whole comparison was intriguing to me because what people were seeming to forget was the bands have the same upbringing.  They hail from the same D.Y.I. scene, the same group of people, the same stomping grounds.  It would only make sense that their sound may sound parallel at one point or time. My opinion on the comparison is this; Daisy was more Raw, "El Paso" is more polished and structured.  Also, Taking Back Sunday went hard vocally and instrumentally; Brand New brings it with lyrics but their sound is usually more mellow. Despite the comparisons, I still think Taking Back Sunday will be one of the best Alternative albums of the summer, and a great accomplishment for the band.

For more information on the upcoming album, please visit the following websites:

Taking Back Sunday's Homepage

Band's Facebook Page