Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Lots Of Reviews Edition

Every so often here at the Rock And Roll Guru, things get backed up. Such is the current case with my reviews. Lately, I have been blessed with a lot of new music to review. Between new discs from OAR, Theory Of A Deadman, Incubus, Black Stone Cherry, and some great discs from lesser known artists that I have received, there are a lot of reviews to be done.

When you add in the fact that I am working hard to finish the remaining concert reviews left to complete from concerts past, it all equals a lot of review writing that needs to be finished. I am looking to spend the next 2-3 weeks focusing on reviews. I want to get the word out about the new albums from the bands we love. I want to get the word out about some great new music I’ve been exposed to from bands not many of us know but should. And, of course, I want to finish my concert reviews.

Hopefully this will mean double postings on the weekend – a concert review and a CD review. However, in order for that to happen, I would really have to hunker down and get some writing done, which is not the easiest thing to do when one has a full time job and a full time family. All I can say is that I will do my best.

Here’s what rocked this week:

Should An Anti-Semite Composer Be Played In Israel?
A very interesting article passed my desk this week. The article made me think so much that I had to share it. On one hand, you have a beautiful composer, whose work is considered genius, being banned in a country. On the other hand, you have a man who had nothing but pure hatred for Jewish people and the Jewish culture. The question that David Goldman asks in this wonderfully thought provoking piece, is should this music be banned? This is an excellent article that I recommend everyone take the time to read.

The Sad Passing Of Jani Lane
As I am sure that all of you know by now, Jani Lane has passed away at the age of 47. As a person who idolized him during my teenage years, his passing is really upsetting. I am going to miss the man and his music. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his friends, family, and fans during this difficult time.

A New Boston Album In The Works
Can you really have a Boston album without Brad Delp? Over at Real Rock News, they have the latest information on the Boston album that is near completion. Granted, the word is that some of Delp’s vocals will be featured on the album, but with Delp’s passing in 2007, to me, that was the end of Boston. I am skeptical about this new record, to say the least.

MANOWAR Is Coming
Manowar has announced that their only US show will take place at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. Cousin Ryo plans to be there. Tickets are on sale now.

For more rants, raves, news, reviews, concert updates, and weird what-nots, you should follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Rush Live At The Garden Edition

This Sunday night, I am going to see Rush in concert for the third time in my life. I will be attending their concert at Madison Square Garden with my cousin and my uncle, who have attended each Rush concert I’ve ever seen with me. I am looking forward to seeing the band again. They are still on the Time Machine tour and they are still playing Moving Pictures in its entirety. It will be nice to hear that whole album live once again.

In other news, there is a big announcement coming to The Rock And Roll Guru this Monday (April 11th). Be sure to check the home page on Monday morning. It will contain all the information you need to know about the future of The Rock And Roll Guru. I am excited about this announcement and I hope that you will be as well.

Here’s what rocked this week:

Our Fascination With Bad Music
Florind Metalla takes a closer look at why so many people love bad music. Personally I think all of the views are coming from teen hipsters who are trying to stay cool with the “it” songs of the moment. They certainly can’t be coming from anyone with musical taste.

A Touching Tribute To Kurt Cobain
It is so hard for me to believe that it has been 17 years since Kurt Cobain’s suicide. I was a big fan of Nirvana and I’ve often wondered where the band would have evolved to if Cobain were still alive. Over at Blogs N Roses, there is a touching tribute that speaks to the reality of Cobain’s suicide.

Rest In Peace Scott Columbus
There is some sad news from the Manowar camp. Former drummer, Scott Columbus, passed away on Monday. The Guru’s thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family during this tragic, difficult time.

Record Store Day Is Next Week
And finally, we end this edition of Friday’s Rockin’ Roundup with a reminder that Record Store Day is coming. Next Saturday, April 16th. Be sure to get out and support your independent dealers. They are becoming harder and harder to find. It’s a shame to think that one day we may not have a physical store to walk into and talk music with fellow passionate fans. That’s why Record Store Day is such a great day. To find a participating store near you, click on the link above.

For more news, reviews, concert updates, Record Store Day awareness, and other things that only music lovers can relate to, you should follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie