Quantcast

Archive for the 'Music' Category

Stephen Sondheim’s Company (Blu-ray Review)

Set firmly in, and often about, New York, Company follows five married, once married, or soon to be married couples and their mutual friend, Robert, a 35 year old bachelor who has been unable to connect in a long-term relationship. The relationships are presented in a series of vignettes, primarily through Bobby’s eyes, so that we see the less than ideal aspects of commitment. However, it is obvious to the audience that the committed are happy. Eventually, Bobby learns that while relationships aren’t perfect, they are a necessary part of “Being Alive.” Continue reading ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Company (Blu-ray Review)’

Share

Gregg’s 2012 Album of the Year

There are some strong contenders for the title of Album of the Year for 2012. They range from bands that deliver hard riffs and cryptic lyrics to a movie soundtrack that musically enunciated each note to a heart-pounding degree. There were also a few newcomers that brought some refreshing strength to what can be at times a repetitive music industry. Still, at the end of the day, there can only be one.

Continue reading ‘Gregg’s 2012 Album of the Year’

Share

Rhythm in the Night: The Irish Dance Spectacular (Soundtrack Review)

Irish dancing is defined as a group of traditional dance forms that originated in Ireland, which can be divided into social and highly choreographed performance dances.  Now I don’t know about you, but my first exposure to Irish dancing was as a young adult, surviving in the post-grunge era, watching late night infomercials.  I kept seeing this one repeatedly and for some reason, I could never change the damn channel.  It harnessed this infectious and looping Irish/Celtic melody with a bunch of guys and gals choreographically moving and tapping their feet at an unbelievable speed to create one hell of a rhythmic presence that demands your immediate attention while at the same time keeping their upper body and arms largely stationary. Continue reading ‘Rhythm in the Night: The Irish Dance Spectacular (Soundtrack Review)’

Share

Shishonnah Brings Vocal, Instrumental Grace

With the vast array of music that’s out there, it’s often difficult to find something that sets itself apart from the incessant library of songs and tunes. One dilemma facing music today is originality…or lack thereof. So many tracks come across studio-heavy, burdened with a bad case of being over-produced. Such is not the case with Shishonnah and their debut album, Elysian Dreams.

Continue reading ‘Shishonnah Brings Vocal, Instrumental Grace’

Share

Lit: The Broken (Music Video)

Ladies and germs, we are happy to bring you Lit’s brand new music video for one of, if not, my favorite track off of their new album, The View From The Bottom. Sit back, relax, take a sip from your favorite beverage and let the rock take you to places you want to go. What’s cool about this live compilation is that I was actually at the HOB show that is featured in the clip, so this means a bit more to me than the usual. If you’re interested in more tunes from Lit and their new album then hit the affiliate links for your fix. It’s the return of the rock!  Continue reading ‘Lit: The Broken (Music Video)’

Share

Julien-K: Cruel Daze of Summer (Music Video)

This is one of those instances where we here at Why So Blu change gears completely and post a music video that’s worth sharing for fans of trance and rock. It’s the new single from Julien-K called Cruel Daze of Summer. Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh, former guitarists of a little rock outfit called Orgy, have brought the synth tones and beats over to this new world of “trance-rock” in their latest music video. What’s it about? What does it mean? Who is that lovely young lady in the video? Hey, there are some questions best left unanswered. For now, enjoy Cruel Daze of Summer on Why So Blu and stay tuned for more Julien-K updates. Continue reading ‘Julien-K: Cruel Daze of Summer (Music Video)’

Share

Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City (Blu-ray Review)

Eagle Rock Entertainment brings Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City to the Blu-ray format in what is to be the band’s first authorized home video release on the any format. The show is taken from their 2010 performance in Chicago at Riviera Theater in support of their latest (at the time) self-titled album. The Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City Blu-ray contains 18 tracks new and old for new and old fans alike. An interview with the band, full lossless audio, and high definition video are included on the Blu-ray. Keep it here to see if Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City is worth a look, or if you should turn a a deaf ear to the disc altogether.  Continue reading ‘Stone Temple Pilots: Alive in the Windy City (Blu-ray Review)’

Share

Lit: The View From the Bottom (CD Review)

Oh boy, I sound like a teenage female fan whooping and hollering for my favorite band to get up on that stage and rock my socks off. Well, I’m neither a female, and I’m only sort of whooping and hollering, because guys don’t tend to whoop and holler. Or do they?  You see, I just finished listening to Lit’s album of brand new recorded material in eight years, which is a milestone unto itself. If you know me personally you know that I’ve been a fan of the band for a long time. Hey, I don’t just grow banded goatees for nothing. There’s a purpose behind it, but that’s another story altogether. It’s just really great to have the guys back in the saddle again after many years on the down low. Not that they were ever gone, but new material would not be forthcoming until now. It’s time to review The View From the Bottom, so grab your drink of choice, sit back, and enjoy yourselves.  Continue reading ‘Lit: The View From the Bottom (CD Review)’

Share

Phil Collins: Live at Montreux 2004 (Blu-ray Review)

Filmed in high definition, recorded in Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby 5.1 Surround and DTS, with a running time of approximately three and a half hours, Live At Montreux 2004 includes all the greatest hits of his legendary career.  The 25-song 2004 concert encapsulates the essence of this great artist, who has performed on the Montreux stage numerous times.  One such time, in 1996, was with a Jazz Big-Band.  Thirteen songs from that ’96 performance—including one with Tony Bennett (“There’ll Be Some Changes Made”)—serve as a bonus feature (in standard definition).  From “In The Air Tonight” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Easy Lover” to “A Groovy Kind Of Love” “Another Day In Paradise” “One More Night” and “Against All Odds” the set-list accentuates the wildly fluctuating amount of genres and styles that Collins has smoothly assimilated within his own personal flair.

Continue reading ‘Phil Collins: Live at Montreux 2004 (Blu-ray Review)’

Share

Lit: ‘Same Sh**, Different Drink’

Lit will be releasing their new album The View From The Bottom June 19th, but as a special treat, you can listen to one of the new tracks before then. Same Sh**, Different Drink can be considered an “unofficial” sequel to My Own Worst Enemy without trying to be a new version of that classic song. In addition to the song we’ve included the PR release for the album. The boys are gearing up for a tour of the new record in addition to the Summerland Tour, with several other popular rock bands in tow. 2012 is gearing up to be a spectacular year for Lit, so give Same S**t, Different Drink a listen at Litband.com and let us know what you think. Cheers.   Continue reading ‘Lit: ‘Same Sh**, Different Drink’’

Share

DOORS Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman (Blu-ray Review)

It’s a bit of a Blu-ray music weekend here at Why So Blu and we’re gonna keep it going with our next review. DOORS Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman is our next musical review on the high definition format. This isn’t your average DOORS documentary. This Blu-ray focuses entirely on their legendary final album. The Blu-ray contains many interviews with surviving members and former collaborators. Get your mojo risin’ and keep reading to see if DOORS Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman makes the grade.  Continue reading ‘DOORS Mr. Mojo Risin’: The Story of L.A. Woman (Blu-ray Review)’

Share

Owl City: Live From Los Angeles (Blu-ray Review)

It’s funny that up until now I had no idea who Owl City was. Looking at the cover I initially figured it was some just some singer or whatever. I asked a friend if they had ever heard of that song Fireflies and I said no. Another friend said that if I was into computer music then I would actually dig him. Looks like I had to do a bit of recon before opening up the Blu-ray from Eagle Rock Entertainment for review. Was it everything I had hoped for? Was Owl City going to rock or suck?   Keep reading to see if Owl City: Live From Los Angeles made the cut.   Continue reading ‘Owl City: Live From Los Angeles (Blu-ray Review)’

Share

‘I Was A Teenage Werebear’: The Original Soundtrack (CD Review)

Ever been caught up in a “Bad Romance”?  Nah.  I didn’t think so.   Neither have I.  [cough…cough…bullsh1t!]  Just when I was feeling blue and alone on Valentine’s Day this past week, Tim Sullivan made my day so much better!  How you ask?  Well I’ll tell you how.  He provided members of the press an opportunity to check out and access the official soundtrack from his segment, I Was A Teenage Werebear, from 2011’s hit horror anthology Chillerama (see our Blu-ray review here and our theatrical Comic-Con 2011 review here), offering me an alternative kind of romance that I couldn’t have been happier about.  Hey!  Werebears need love too…especially this werebear.  So now it’s time to purge my urge indeed as I talk about all things Chillerama: I Was A Teenage Werebear The Original SoundtrackContinue reading ‘‘I Was A Teenage Werebear’: The Original Soundtrack (CD Review)’

Share

Chillerama: This Valentine’s Day, Werebears Need Love Too!

So what’s better than a Friday evening after a long week of work?  Well, I’ll tell ya.  How about if I were to tell that my good buddy Tim Sullivan just dropped me a line to announce that his Chillerama segment, I Was A Teenage Werebear, is set to become a real stage musical?  Would you believe me?  And on top of that, BuySoundtrax Records will be releasing his anthology segment as a film soundtrack.  Are you still with me?  Well, I sh!t you not, this and so much more is all true!  I couldn’t be happier for my friend.  The guy’s a real class act and he deserves nothing but the best in life.  And finally, the following debuted a few days ago on AICN, but we have it here now.  I’m thrilled to host/embed the official music video for Chillerama, Psycho Charger’s main title song of the same name, here on Why So Blu.  Check out the full press release below for more information on the soundtrack and stage musical and of course, hit play on the video below.  But most importantly…enjoy! Continue reading ‘Chillerama: This Valentine’s Day, Werebears Need Love Too!’

Share

The Josephine Baker Story (Blu-ray Review)

Winner of five Emmy awards including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special for Lynn Whitfield (Eve’s Bayou) and the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for TV for Louis Gossett Jr. (Academy Award winner, An Officer and a Gentleman), The Josephine Baker Story comes to Blu-ray disc with all new bonus content featuring an audio commentary with Whitfield, writer Ron Hutchinson and associate producer Alisa Taylor.  Outrageous, shocking, sensational – Josephine Baker was born poor, but achieved fame and fortune through her sizzlingly exotic and erotic performances. Starting life on the American Vaudeville circuit, success took Josephine to Paris where her semi-nude dancing causes an international sensation. Josephine’s life becomes a roller coaster ride of love and rejection from both her lovers and her country. Whether she is semi-nude or head-to-toe in sequins, in battle fatigues or rags, her beauty and ambition ensured that Josephine Baker will always be remembered as the first, and possibly most loved, truly international star. Continue reading ‘The Josephine Baker Story (Blu-ray Review)’

Share

The Love We Make (Blu-ray Review)

It was one of the most emotional documentaries ever aired on the Showtime Cable Network.  Now, for the first time, on December 6, fans will have a chance to own The Love We Make, a look back at Sir Paul McCartney and his efforts to plan and perform a benefit concert in the aftermath of the worst day in the history of New York City.  The film is directed by Albert Maysles (Gimme Shelter) and Bradley Kaplan, the film was shot in stark 16 mm black and white, complete with color concert clips.  The Love We Make juxtaposes dramatic images of “The Concert For New York City,” held mere months after 9/11, with scenes of McCartney himself as he walks the streets of the town that his former songwriting partner, John Lennon, loved so much. Continue reading ‘The Love We Make (Blu-ray Review)’

Share

Queen: Days of Our Lives (Blu-ray Review)

It’s always somewhat of a special event when we are graced by anything Queen related  on Blu-ray. If there was anything made for the Blu-ray format it would be Queen’s music and Freddie Mercury’s Godlike vocals. Eagle Rock Entertainment has brought Queen: Days of Our Lives to the Blu-ray format, which was originally broadcast by the BBC. The Queen:Days of Our Lives compilation follows the chaps from their humble beginnings, successes, tragedies, to the present. I will advise that you all should hold on tight, because it’s gonna be a rock ‘n roll roller coaster of a whirlwind ride! As it should be. 😉   Continue reading ‘Queen: Days of Our Lives (Blu-ray Review)’

Share

The Rolling Stones: Some Girls – Live in Texas ’78 (Blu-ray Review)

In the continuing pursuit of music excellence, Eagle Rock has gone ahead and released the now legendary performance of The Rolling Stones from their unique Some Girls tour of 1978. I say unique, because the tour was a roller coster ride of stadiums, arenas, and halls. This Texas show had an audience of only 2,500, so that’s a bit odd to see, considering they were playing crowds of up to 90,000 people. Some Girls has been given a full restoration, according to the enclosed booklet. The video and audio have been remastered in high definition, so let us see how the legendary band’s performance holds up today.   Continue reading ‘The Rolling Stones: Some Girls – Live in Texas ’78 (Blu-ray Review)’

Share