Tuesday May 25, 2010 New Music

Black Tusk "Taste The Sin"

I caught Black Tusk at this year's Scion Rock Fest in Columbus, OH and was impressed with what I saw and heard. I actually pre-ordered their album Taste The Sin from their label, Relapse Records and have had it for about 10 days, but haven't had an opportunity to check it out yet. If it is anything like the live set, then I should be happy with it.

D.R.I. "Crossover" (reissue)

D.R.I. was another band that played this year's Scion Rock Fest, but unlike Black Tusk, I knew exactly what to expect when I saw them (even though I'd never seen them before). They've been playing their blend of hardcore and thrash since the early 80's and have now reissued their 1987 album Crossover. It comes with a bunch of bonus live tracks, demos and band interviews which I personally think is completely unnecessary. Why not just remaster the album for the simple fact that it will now have better sound quality? I'd like to think your average consumer is on to the fact that these "bonus tracks" are totally bogus and a lame attempt to get avid collectors and the hardcore fan base to buy the album again. I want to hear these classic albums with their original tracklisting and not the extra, boring bonus junk tacked on at the end. That is just me though. I've never bought a remastered album for live tracks, demos and most certainly not for interviews. I will pick this album up, but only because it is one of the few D.R.I. albums I don't already own.

Rosetta "A Determinism Of Morality"

I own Rosetta's first album The Galilean Satellites and have only listened to it once. I remember it having a Neur-Isis vibe going on (for non-metalheads, that means they sound like the two bands Neurosis and Isis) and while it wasn't bad, it didn't really stick with me and beg for repeated listens. The metal press seems to be a little worked up about their new album though, so I figure it is worth checking out. After all, Isis broke up recently, so someone might step up and fill the void they've left and who knows, it could be Rosetta.

Smashing Pumpkins "Teargarden By Kaleidyscope 1: Songs for a Sailor"

Here is the product description on Amazon for Smashing Pumpkins' newest release Teargarden By Kaleidyscope 1: Songs for a Sailor:

The packaging is a silk-screened wooden box (7 ¼ tall x 8 wide x 1.05 thick). Each box will contain:
4-song CD will have 4 new SP songs and instrumental intros
7 vinyl single containing one NEW song plus b-side
Hand-carved leopard stone obelisk, about 2 tall, similar to marble 

I predict that the sales on this will be the very definition of disappointing. Most Smashing Pumpkins' fans gave up on Billy Corgan years ago and $23.99 for a box set doesn't just seem like a bit much, it IS a bit much. Not to mention the songs on the CD that is included can be downloaded for FREE on Smashing Pumpkins' website. I've included a player with the four songs below (if you want to actually download them, then go to the link in the previous sentence). Apparently Corgan's plan is to release 40 more songs for free through their website and then put them all out as a huge box set. That will sell less than this release.

Starkweather "This Sheltering Night"

Starkweather is apparently a "legendary" hardcore/metal crossover band. I've never heard of them, but that doesn't mean anything because I don't much care for hardcore. Supposedly their new album This Sheltering Night melts faces. I could hate it, I could love it. I figure it is worth finding out at some point.

Stone Temple Pilots "Stone Temple Pilots"

Morbid curiosity.