alternative rock – Page 2

Posts tagged "alternative rock" (Page 2)

CCP Ep. #196: Three by Blue Man Group

You may know Blue Man Group from their long-running, head-turning stage productions, but in the years since their formation in 1991, the core group has also compiled a modest discography of original LPs. Their third LP, entitled Three, was released this April and showcases the group’s innovative and trademarked palette of instruments, including new contrivances of PVC piping, chimeulums, tubulums, traditional cimbaloms, and other mystery sounds! While we’re on instruments, join our topic at [1:30:28] as we debate the etiquette and ethics of borrowing proprietary musical devices.

Ep. #42: Feat. Ayron Jones of Ayron Jones & The Way

Today Matt welcomes Ayron Jones, the guitarist and frontman of the rock band Ayron Jones & The Way. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, the band’s latest releases are the singles “Boy from the Puget Sound”, and, as of this February, “Lay Your Body Down.” They also have a full-length album from 2013 called Dream. Hear Ayron chat about what it was like growing up in Seattle during the grunge movement and how it affected his musical development. He also talks about what it was like working with Sir Mix-A-Lot and having him produce the album Dream. Enjoy some final notes on Ayron’s love of playing live as well as his hopes for the band’s next tour.

CCP Ep. #181: FFS by FFS [Franz Ferdinand, Sparks]

This week’s album adventures are brought to you by listener Mark H. who has suggested we dive into the acronymic namesake of a curious collaboration: Glasgow-based Franz Ferdinand & Los Angeles-based Sparks. Together, they form the “supergroup” called FFS, sporting a sole self-titled debut (FFS). Join us in this intensive analysis and share your thoughts! (We even throw in the bonus tracks to honor the FFS deluxe version.) True to form, we also take a few moments at the end to expand on Ep. #179‘s “Bonus Tracks” discussion by adding some thoughts and theories on the thematic applications of bonus tracks.

CCP Ep. #172: Drones by Muse

Need something to muse on? Muse on us! (…Musing on Muse.) That’s right; since we’re returning to a band we haven’t touched since Ep. #16, we’ll of course be counting on some growth from both fronts for our analysis of Muse’s latest album, Drones. Finally, be sure to check out 1:27:48 for a special topic hosted by Jon & Steve—sans Matt due to travel plans—on the early stages of a Crash Chords “debate” series poised to begin in 2016. Suggestions? Reservations? Contentions? That’s the idea! Let’s hear ’em all in the comments section!

Ep. #33 – Feat. Kevin Martin of Candlebox

Today Matt welcomes Kevin Martin, the lead vocalist and guitarist for the hard rock band, Candlebox. Candlebox recently signed with Pavement Entertainment and have a brand new album coming out early next year. Matt chats with Kevin about the writing process for the new album, some details about the band’s past, the influence of their self-titled debut, and how that album affected the band’s growth. Kevin also offers a fascinating perspective on what it was like to live and play during the rise of the grunge scene in Seattle. Finally, Kevin chats about his family life and down-time activities. He also mentions Candlebox’s current and upcoming tours, and discusses the future of the band.

CCP Ep. #163: Run by Awolnation

Try to keep pace as we have some fun with Run, the latest release by the electronic rock band Awolnation (fronted by Aaron Bruno). Poke around the album yourself first and then join us in the analysis! Or, go ahead and fast forward to 1:36:05 for a great conversation on the impact of ‘vagueness’ in music. (We’ll try to keep this as specific as possible.) Enjoy!

CCP Ep. #159: Magnifique by Ratatat

This week, join us for an analysis of the latest work by an onomatopoeia Rocktronica favorite, the duo known as RATATAT (composed of Mike Stroud and Evan Mast). The album, Magnifique, is their fifth studio release. Also, stick around afterwards as we psycho-analyze the nightclub! Is there an impenetrable barrier or constant overlap between social mood-setters and works of substance? Is background music an art form of its own? Does a critic have any place in the debate?! These questions and not too many answers on today’s episode of CCP!

CCP Ep. #145: Glean by They Might Be Giants

Today’s artist, the incomparable They Might Be Giants, represent a welcomed throwback in the course of this series. For those interested in our analysis of their 2013 album, Nanobots, be sure to check out CCP Ep. #38. For their latest project, Glean, you’re just a play-button away! Their seventeenth studio release, They Might Be Giants seem to have no shortage of ideas as they use Glean to unload all of their rants, musings, wordplay, and involuntary spasms. As for our topic, stick around for a lighthearted chat on the un-‘soundly’ world of “music trash-talking”.

CCP Ep. #144: The Magic Whip by Blur

Blur’s evolution as a brit-pop/alt-rock band from their formation in 1988 to their 2003 album Think Tank cannot be understated. But after a twelve-year hiatus, and the return of core member Damon Albarn (now of Gorillaz and solo fame), how will Blur’s long-awaited LP, The Magic Whip, fare? After peering deep into the full album, we take some time to discuss the “many-hat musician”! What are the long-term effects of an artist who dabbles in multiple projects?

CCP Ep. #137: Strangers to Ourselves by Modest Mouse

The year of hiatuses continues! If you remember Modest Mouse, then you might be wondering where they’ve been lately. Indeed, it’s been eight years since their last release, but they have returned in a big way with their newest curiosity, Strangers to Ourselves. After we pick apart the album, stick around for a brief chat on the “anytime band.” What elusive appeal keeps a band forever bumping around our comfort playlists?

Music is Life… and Life is Good!

Tag: alternative rock