Odds and Ends

Each week I use this space to post some mini-reviews, cool tracks, random thoughts, neat news, or whatever else I damn well please.

MiniReview



Frank Palangi “Frank Palangi EP” [EP] – Frank Palangi is a solo rock artist from upstate New York cranking out a loud modern rock sound in the same vein as Creed and Godsmack. His self-titled EP was produced alongside Rogers Masson, who has worked with the likes of Marilyn Manson, and The Mavericks. The tracks are powerful and Palangi has a throaty vocal tone that is a cross between Daughtry and Scott Stapp. Some of his darker tunes, such as “Driving These Lines” sound like Marilyn Manson but without the crazy theatrics. While the songs are bold and lyrics interesting, there are two issues that dampen my enthusiasm. One, Palangi’s vocals just don’t do it for me – it sounds like he is imitating too much rather than trying to find his own voice. Two, despite their strong presence, most of the songs lack a sharp memorable hook. I hear potential in here though and wish Palangi luck in reaching his fullest level. If you like the aforementioned bands, Palangi’s EP is worth checking out. The release date for the EP has not been scheduled yet, but should be out before the end of 2011. You can catch the latest updates at Palangi’s Facebook page.

Surprise of the week
A picture is worth 1000 words? How about $360,000? That is how much some rare Beatles photos fetched. Read the story here.

News
Can’t wait for this one! Queens of the 80s, The Bangles, return September 13 with a new album! Even better, this one was recorded by Matthew Sweet. Full story and track listing here.

One of the best modern rock bands around. If you haven’t discovered Manic Street Preachers yet, this singles collection arriving this fall would serve as a great introduction. Check it out here.

The debut solo release from Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump will be called “Soul Punk” and drops October 17. He admits, "You may hate my solo music, [but] you may like the next Fall Out Boy record because of it." That’s clever marketing? More details here.

New ZZ Top is on the way! Billy Gibbons tells Mojo magazine, "It sounds and feels like Tres Hombres, with a few elements of the Eliminator period thrown in. A pretty wide range, from basic blues to slightly more fancy stuff.” Read more about it here and give the single “Flyin’ High” a listen here.

September 20th marks the release of “Mockingbird Time”, the long-awaited new album from The Jayhawks. The 12-track album is the first full-band studio release featuring both founding members Gary Louris and Mark Olson since 1995's “Tomorrow the Green Grass”. Read all about it here.

Should be an AOR fan’s dream: Toto's Bobby Kimball and Survivor's Jimi Jamison have teamed up for a duets album that will be release on October 14th in Europe and October 18th in North America. Details here.

Random iPOD song of the week
Awesome song that should have been a huge hit for The Outfield. “My Paradise” is about going back to your old stomping grounds.

Review: Fall Out Boy "Folie A Deux"

I am a bit of a late comer to the Fall Out Boy craze, as their breakout record "From Under the Cork Tree" did not do much for me. Their next release, however, "Infinity on High" was awesome. Their musical style, which rivals modern emo bands such as Jimmy Eat World or Panic! At the Disco, grew on me fast with this effort, greatly helped by the fact that nearly every track was a radio friendly unit shifter with fantastic hooks, harmonies, and exquisite production.

The more I listen to Fall Out Boy, the more I gain an appreciation for what they do. A mind boggling number of musical styles can be found on each record, and they manage to infuse a healthy dance groove into their sound without compromising the rock sound. The band is not afraid to experiment with different styles and sounds, and they have plenty of horns and some piano on this record to keep things fresh and interesting (check out "20 Dollar Nose Bleed"). Lyrics are not run of the mill, the band is tight, and every record is like a party.

"Folie a Deux" is more or less a continuation of the move towards the more pop rock end of the spectrum, the trek they began with "Infinity On High". A solid effort but, as a whole, not as good or immediately accessible as the preceding record. That is not to say this record is not worth getting - I'd count it as one of the better ones of 2008. Standout tracks for the fans of their more melodic, commercial side should include the first single, "I Don't Care", "She's My Winona", and the brilliant ballad, "What A Catch, Donnie", where Elvis Costello does a guest vocal!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12

Fall Out Boy on MySpace. Official Site.

Check out the video for "I Don't Care"