Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng Hospitalized

5 November, 2008 Brian Mc 1 Comment

I just found out about this and had to share… This is rough…

Deftones bassist Chi Cheng has been hospitalised after being involved in what singer Chino Moreno called a “terrible” car crash.

The incident, which took place on Monday (November 3), resulted in Cheng being taken to the intensive care unit at a hospital in northern California, where he remains in a “serious, but stable” condition according to Moreno.

Writing on the Deftones’ blog, Moreno asked fans to pray for Cheng.

“It deeply saddens me to inform you all that our brother Chi Cheng was involved in a terrible car accident last night. He is currently in a northern California hospital in a serious, but stable condition,” he explained.

“I am on my way up north right now to be by his side along with the rest of our bandmates and family. Chi is one of the strongest people I know, and I’m praying that his strength will get him through this. Please say a prayer for him as well.”

The Deftones are in the process of recording new material for their next release titled Eros. The album is set for release in 2009.

Bookworm, Death

Author Michael Crichton Dead at 66

5 November, 2008 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Some sad news… ( Taken from foxnews.com: )

“Jurassic Park” author and “ER” creator Michael Crichton died Tuesday at age 66, according to a statement from his family.

The novelist passed away in Los Angeles after a private battle with cancer. The family said his death was unexpected in a statement available on his Web site.

“While the world knew him as a great story teller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us — and entertained us all while doing so — his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes,” his family said.

Continue reading Author Michael Crichton Dead at 66 →

Music, Music Video, Rap, Rock

Framing Hanley’s cover of “Lollipop”

27 October, 2008 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Just in case you were looking for an up and coming rock band covering a Lil Wayne hit…

I find it interesting Framing Hanley did such a cover and apparently the song is one of the top tunes on iTunes. I reviewed the band’s album last year and never expected them to pull something like this.

Music, New Release, Rock

Mike Patton & Serj Tankian contribute song for Body Of Lies

21 October, 2008 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Unexpected but awesome is all I can say about this track featuring Mike Patton (Faith No More) and Serj Tankian (System Of A Down). The two collaborated to create a track for the new film Body Of Lies starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe.

The song is more vocally Patton than Tankian and it highly addicting to listen to…

Wanna hear it? “Bird’s Eye” is currently streaming on Serj Tankian’s MySpace page. It is also available for download on iTunes.

Folk, Music, Music Video, New Release, Punk, Rock

Tom Gabel To Release Solo Material

20 October, 2008 Brian Mc 1 Comment

Against Me!‘s Tom Gabel has been doing a little sumptin sumptin on the side. The front man of the ever popular Against Me! is doing things his own way this time. He will be releasing a solo album on Oct 28th, 2008 called Heart Burns.

Leading up to the release Tom Gabel has been releasing music videos via MySpace of songs that will be appearing on his project. I hadn’t had a chance to check them out until now…and now you can too:

100 Years Of War

Random Hearts

Cowards Sing At Night

Harsh Realms

From what I am gathering the EP to be released will actually be live performances. This is really a highly anticipated release for me. This comes from the guy who used to HATE Against Me! too.

When I first got into Against Me! there was already a huge following and a couple of albums had been released. I listened to a few tracks and tried real had to like them but I couldn’t. It was mostly from fans telling me how awesome they were and how incredible they sounded before my ears even got a taste. Scene kids jamming them down my throat was not helping the situation when I worked at a record store.

I still gave them a couple more chances and even saw them play with Smoke Or Fire. Soon after hearing them a few more times I started hearing the more folk driven tracks and I suddenly liked them. When I caught them live my opinion changed entirely. They were so fun, full of smiles, and played their hearts out. Sing-a-longs galore. Suddenly I liked what I once hated…

I remember when New Wave came out earlier this year. Die hard fans soon hated the band and called them sellouts. They were upset the band went mainstream. I became a bigger fan myself after hearing that album, it is insane. That’s music industry for ya though… You have to pay the bills some how and if selling out means helping ensure a financially sane future then I say go for it…

Oct. 28th is right around the corner and if you like Against Me! you should support Tom Gabel and pick up his solo release.