Music Discovery Monday – 7/25/16
Music Discovery Monday shines a light on artists that are not getting the radio attention that they deserve, while also showcasing new singles by established bands that are likely to get airplay in the future.
In addition to appearing on the embedded YouTube playlist below, all songs featured on Music Discovery Monday can be listened to individually by clicking on the hyper-linked song titles above each review.
ADAM WALDMAN – (Publisher, Hard Rock Daddy)
STEVEN TYLER – “Red, White & You”
For nearly half a decade, the rock and roll world could count on Aerosmith to be there like an old friend. Very few bands are able to remain relevant for that long, much less stay on top of their game. Aerosmith is one of those bands that inarguably falls into the category of rock and roll legends.
As the saying goes…“all good things must come to an end.” There have been rumors that Aerosmith may finally be winding down after all these years. A recent health scare by Joe Perry served as a reminder that we should appreciate legendary bands while they’re still together.
Steven Tyler’s recent release takes the iconic frontman in a different musical direction, but one that will resonate with his fans just the same. Perhaps if someone else recorded the same songs, it would fall squarely under the umbrella of “country music,” but Tyler’s distinct vocals keep things rock (albeit with a southern flavor).
“Red, White & You” – the debut single off of We’re All Somebody From Somewhere – will have instant appeal for Aerosmith fans, residing in the same wheelhouse as hit songs like “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” and “Amazing” (to name a few). This melodic slice of Americana pays homage to Tom Petty in an upbeat, feel-good, summer song kind of way, much like Kid Rock’s homage to Lynyrd Skynyrd, “All Summer Long.”
The current political climate has brought palpable tension to the United States. Tyler’s “Red, White & You” is a reminder that, despite our differences, we’re all Americans.
BLACKBERRY SMOKE – “Waiting For The Thunder”
Unlike Steven Tyler, who has just made his first foray into the country/southern rock scene, Blackberry Smoke has been making noise on this scene for over a decade. The band is about to release their fifth studio album, Like An Arrow. “Waiting For The Thunder,” the debut single from the band’s upcoming release, takes you a journey back in time to the days when Lynyrd Skynyrd ruled the roost, and “Saturday Night Special” warned that “the cold barrel wasn’t good for nothin’ but put a man six feet in the hole.”
The stakes are much higher with Blackberry Smoke this time around, with an ominous observation about the state of the world…
“Light the fuse and run now brother ‘cause you ain’t got a lot of time. Don’t you act surprised when it all goes to hell on your dime. Maybe you can stand tall enough to look the devil in the eye. But you better make a getaway quick so you don’t have to answer why.”
Still, if you just enjoy the song for what it is, rather than dissecting the message, the nostalgia will kick in and make you realize that southern rock is alive and well in 2016!
ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout
OCEANS OF SLUMBER – “Suffer The Last Bridge”
One of the more impressive bands I’ve stumbled upon is Houston Texas’ progressive metal band, Oceans of Slumber. This female-fronted metal band has everything I love about metal. The riffs and guitar playing are haunting and heavy. The drummer has some serious chops, providing the backbone of the rhythm section. The soulful vocals portray the emotion of the song. “Suffer The Last Bridge” is a single from the band’s second studio album, Winter. Keep an eye out for this band!
CHILDREN OF BODOM – “Morrigan”
This melodic death/thrash metal band from Finland is back with their ninth studio album, I Worship Chaos. “Morrigan” is everything classic about Children of Bodom; the death metal growls, memorable riffs and great keyboards. Although this album is not as flashy as their previous albums, it is still a well-written, memorable release that offers proof that Children of Bodom is one of the best bands to have come out of Finland.
ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout
SPELLCASTER – “Betrayal”
Out of Portland, Oregon, Spellcaster has just released their third album. They play traditional heavy metal with driving twin guitars, a pounding rhythm section, and powerful (but clean) vocals. The songwriting is excellent, loaded with subtleties and tempo changes that really draw in the listener.
KAATO – “High Time”
Last year, vocalist Kurt Lowney (out of Australia) began collaborating with veteran rocker and producer Mitch Malloy (out of Nashville). The result is a great new band, Kaato, with a newly released debut album by the same name. This first single, with its energy, groove, and infectious chorus, captures what they seem to be about.
CHRIS HERZEGOVITCH – HRD Music Scout
ERIC CALDERONE w/ ROB LUNDGREN – “Aerials Meets Yngwie Malmsteen”
Eric Calderone (also known as “EROCK”) is an amazing guitar player with prodigious talent. Here we have one of his “Meets Metal” videos, which takes System Of A Down’s “Aerials,” and supercharges it with electrifying speed and virtuosity. He calls this “Aerials Meets Yngwie Malmsteen.” The powerful and versatile Rob Lundgren, who seems to be everywhere these days, lends his excellent vocals to this track. Both musicians are truly impressive to hear and watch.
ARION (f. ELIZE RYD) – “At The Break Of Dawn”
“At the Break of Dawn” is a glimpse of what’s to come on the yet-to-be-named second album from Finnish symphonic metal band, Arion. Guest Elize Ryd (Amaranthe) is a great compliment to Lassi Vääränen on vocals for this impassioned, energetic and inspirational song. Livo Kaipainen’s fast, articulate shredding on guitar is the standout performance amid a great, up-tempo rhythm.
SUBMISSIONS
To be considered for Music Discovery Monday, please e-mail a link to the song being submitted on YouTube and an artist bio to – submissions@MusicDiscoveryMonday.com
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