Mad Season
Quite a few side projects containing members of renowned Seattle-based rock bands appeared through the ’90s. Most failed to expand past a small cult following comprised mainly of fans of their main bands, but there were a few exceptions to rule, especially Temple of the Dog and Mad Season. The latter outfit included members of Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and the Screaming Trees. The band’s roots go back to the summer of 1994, when McCready checked himself into a Minneapolis, MN, rehab center to battle a drinking/substance problem. It was there that McCready met local musician Saunders, and when he returned back to Seattle, called up Staley, who was also at the time attempting to battle problems with substances. With Martin rounding out the lineup, an undeniable chemistry between all four musicians was discovered at their very first jam session, resulting in bits of music that would eventually become fully realized songs. Changing their name to Mad Season, the quartet set up shop at Seattle’s Bad Animals recording studio, co-producing the subsequent sessions themselves along with Pearl Jam’s sound engineer, Brett Eliason.
Mad Season gave fans a taste of their upcoming album by performing a pair of songs on Pearl Jam’s Self-Pollution Radio program. The resulting album, Above, was officially issued in March, featuring a mix of melancholy ballads and hard rock. The album proved to be a gold-certified hit, just missing the U.S. Top 20, while its leadoff single, ‘River of Deceit,’ became a major rock radio hit. Despite a smattering of supporting live dates and talk of further writing/recording, Mad Season would ultimately prove to be a one-off project. Reportedly, songs were penned for another Mad Season album, which ultimately went unrecorded. The band then supposedly thought about replacing Staley with Lanegan (and changing their name to Disinformation), but no songs were recorded, resulting in the musicians going their separate ways for good. Sadly, this proved to be the final word on Mad Season as both Saunders and Staley would eventually die from drug overdoses.
Screaming Trees
Screaming Trees, the iconic American rock band that originated in Ellensburg, Washington in 1985, left an indelible mark on the music scene. Founded by the talented vocalist Mark Lanegan, the skilled guitarist Gary Lee Conner, the virtuoso bass player Van Conner, and the dynamic drummer Mark Pickerel, the band started their journey with a blend of unique talents. As they evolved, Barrett Martin took over the drumming duties during the band’s peak period, leading them to unparalleled success. While commonly classified under the grunge genre, Screaming Trees’ music transcended boundaries, weaving together elements of hard rock and psychedelia to create a distinctive sound that echoed through their seven studio albums, five EPs, and three compilations.
Read MoreThe Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus began their expedition into the hearts and minds of a generation 20 years ago. Their blazing 2006 single “Face Down” delivered both anthemic choruses and a strident message about domestic abuse, achieving both sales accolades and adoration from crowds all over the planet. They’ve accomplished a massive amount, from 5x platinum record sales to enormous streaming numbers and a remarkable touring history, but the band’s real success begins and ends with the dedication and passion front man Ronnie Winter has for his fans. From the poignancy of “Face Down” to the blistering fan favorite “Brace Yourself” (from 2020’s The Emergency EP), the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus continue to put sweat equity and sincerity into a world that desperately needs it in no uncertain terms. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have proven how far you can go by opening your heart and diming your guitar amps. This isn’t nostalgia—this is right now.
Read MoreAce Frehley
Ace Frehley, known for his iconic “Spaceman” makeup, is a legendary musician whose guitar skills have left an indelible mark on rock ‘n’ roll and heavy metal. He co-founded Kiss and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Guitar World ranked him among the “100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time” and hailed his solo in “Shock Me” as one of the “50 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time.” His influence extends to artists like Foo Fighters, Dimebag Darrell, and Tom Morello.
Apart from his musical achievements, Ace Frehley authored the New York Times bestselling memoir “No Regrets” and has consistently drawn large crowds during his decades-long career. His tenth solo album, “10,000 Volts,” is the latest addition to his impressive legacy. Over his 50-plus-year career, he released notable albums, including his platinum-selling self-titled debut in 1978, “Space Invader,” “Origins Vol. 1,” “Spaceman,” and “Origins Vol. 2.”
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Since 1975, they’ve sold over 15 million albums, built a classic catalog of hits, and played more than 8,000 ferocious live shows. They broke records with their 50 Dates/50 States tour, delivered landmark performances at Live Aid and on SNL, and became mainstays of radio, MTV and stages worldwide for more than two generations. Through it all, they’ve remained one of the most consistent – and consistently passionate – progenitors of blues-based rock in pop culture history.
For Thorogood and his longtime band – Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone) – the power to rock audiences has been both battle cry and creed since forming in 1974. “It wasn’t about the amount of people we drew, but rather the impression we made,” George remembers. “I asked myself, ‘Are we reaching them? Do they want more?’ And we knew from the very first set that we had something special.”
But after 45 years of rock – and no signs of stopping – can Thorogood point to what continues to make it all matter? “My highlight is every night when I walk on that stage and play our hits for those happy people,” he says. “At the end of the show, the audience is smiling, I don’t see any police and everyone got their money’s worth.
Read MoreGemini Syndrome
GEMINI SYNDROME welcomes you to the third and final degree of your initiation into the Synner Society. 3rd Degree – The Raising, is GEMINI SYNDROME’s third full-length album. Following the band’s 2013 debut Lux, and 2016 sophomore LP Memento Mori, this new album offers the closing chapter in a trilogy of song and narrative. This order of three steps, and three albums, is not by chance, but is a nod to many of the initiatory traditions that exist and act as a vessel for transmitting and preserving the Sacred Knowledge throughout the ages. The intention is to provoke the listener to think about the mystery of life, the nature of reality, the roles we play, and the masks we wear in this world.
Wherein Lux, meaning “Light,” was concerned with birth; and Memento Mori, meaning “Remember That We Must Die,” dealt with the finite nature of life; the focus and message of 3rd Degree – The Raising, is of traversing Death, being Reborn and reintegrating with our True Self, and thus being raised into the next degree of experience. “Every quest within deserves a good soundtrack…” — GS°
Neil Young
Neil Young, a legendary musician, reflected on the immense success of his iconic song ‘Heart of Gold,’ which catapulted him to stardom in 1971. This mellow country-rock tune not only became his first number one single but also his sole Billboard Top 40 hit. In his own words, Young expressed how this song symbolized a pivotal moment in his career, moving him away from mainstream appeal and into more unconventional territory. From his early days with Buffalo Springfield to his collaborations with Crosby, Stills & Nash and the raw energy of Crazy Horse, Young’s musical journey has been a tapestry of diverse sounds and personas, defying categorization and embracing eccentricity.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Young’s musical roots trace back to his high school days in Winnipeg, where he immersed himself in the local music scene. His path led him through various bands and musical styles, culminating in his breakout as a solo artist in the late ’60s. Despite initial success with groups like Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Young’s restless creative spirit pushed him to explore different genres and themes throughout the ’70s and ’80s. From the introspective beauty of ‘After the Gold Rush’ to the loud, defiant energy of ‘Rust Never Sleeps,’ Young’s discography reflects a bold and uncompromising vision that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
As a socially conscious artist, Young’s music has often served as a platform to address pressing issues, from environmental concerns in ‘The Monsanto Years’ to his powerful anti-war statements in ‘Living with War.’ Despite facing critical challenges and personal trials, Young’s artistic output remained prolific and influential, earning him a reputation as a trailblazer in the worlds of rock, folk, and alternative music. His enduring collaborations with bands like Crazy Horse and innovative ventures like Pono Music showcase a musician who continues to push boundaries, challenge norms, and inspire generations of music lovers.
KONGOS
1929 Pt. 1 AND Pt. 2 are now available for listening! Dive into the immersive world of the artist name with these latest releases. Pt. 1 mesmerizes with its captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics, while Pt. 2 takes you on a musical journey like never before. Fans are in for a treat as the artist name showcases their unique style and artistic vision in this incredible double release. Experience the passion and creativity of the artist name through 1929 Pt. 1 AND Pt. 2, a must-listen for music enthusiasts of all genres.
Read MoreThe Mighty Mighty Bosstones
The Mighty Mighty BossToneS are a band on a mission. Since their formation, the pioneering ska-punk act has eschewed musical trends, survived the pitfalls of mainstream success, and continually crafted albums that pay homage to a genre that they helped create. The band’s 11th studio album When God Was Great is the culmination of their extensive and all-embracing career and sees the band bringing back friends, tourmates, and bandmates from the past for a sonic celebration that stresses the power of perseverance and human connection during tumultuous times. ‘As grim as everything around us was in the outside world, this was the most fun we ever had making a record,’ explains the band’s outspoken frontman Dicky Barrett. ‘The feeling in the studio was really magical and I think that quality presents itself on the finished—here’s an ugly word—product.’
Co-produced by longtime collaborator Ted Hutt (The Gaslight Anthem, Dropkick Murphys) and Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong (Transplants, Jimmy Cliff) at Armstrong’s Ship-Rec Studios in Silver Lake, California. The album sees the band—Barrett, bassist Joe Gittleman, saxophonists Tim Burton and Leon Silva, Ben Carr, drummer Joe Sirois, guitarist Lawrence Katz, keyboardist John Goetchius, trombonist Chris Rhodes and founding BossTone and original guitar player Nate Albert—coming together to create a collection of songs that initially arose out of a collective sense of loss.
Uncured
NU METALCORE. WE’RE ON A WARPATH.
Read MoreViolent Femmes
Making music that’s jittery, neurotic, darkly comical, but also powerfully catchy, the Violent Femmes are a pillar of the American underground movement, and one of the best early examples of alternative rock. Full of songs built from the unlikely combination of acoustic instruments and seething bile, their self-titled 1983 debut was a groundbreaking collection of tuneful angst, and they released albums steadily through the ’80s and ’90s, including standout moments like the sharp but melodic folk-rock of 1991’s Why Do Birds Sing? The 2000s were less stable for the Femmes, with some changes to the lineup and a slowdown in new material, but in 2016 they released We Can Do Anything, their ninth studio album and first new record in 16 years. Their tenth album, Hotel Last Resort, followed (relatively) shortly thereafter in 2019, and in 2023, the band released a deluxe 40th-anniversary edition of their epochal debut.
The Violent Femmes formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the early ’80s, made up of singer/guitarist Gordon Gano, bassist Brian Ritchie, and percussionist Victor DeLorenzo. After being discovered by the Pretenders’ James Honeyman-Scott while they were busking on the street, the band signed to Slash and issued their self-titled debut, a melodic folk-punk collection that struck an obvious chord with young listeners who felt a strong connection to bitter, frustrated songs like “Blister in the Sun,” “Kiss Off,” and “Add It Up.” Though never a chart hit, the album remained a rite of passage for succeeding generations of teen outsiders, and after close to a decade in release, it finally achieved platinum status.
With 1984’s Hallowed Ground, Gano’s lyrics began to reflect his devout Baptist upbringing, while the Femmes’ music approached more traditional folk and country structures. Produced by Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison, 1986’s The Blind Leading the Naked advanced toward a more mainstream sound; a cover of the T. Rex chestnut “Children of the Revolution” even became a minor hit. After the record’s release, the Femmes temporarily disbanded: Gano recorded a self-titled 1987 album with his gospel side project the Mercy Seat, while Ritchie issued a series of solo LPs, including 1987’s The Blend and 1989’s Sonic Temple & Court of Babylon for SST. In 1989, the group resurfaced with 3, followed by 1991’s Why Do Birds Sing?, which featured the Femmes’ deconstructionist cover of Culture Club’s “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?”
Read MoreDokken
Part of the same Los Angeles pop metal scene that hatched Mötley Crüe and Ratt, Dokken rocked hard with a focus on frontman Don Dokken’s melodic songwriting and expressive multi-octave vocals and George Lynch’s virtuosic guitar playing. Together since the late 1970s, the band made their initial public impact when Elektra picked up their 1983 debut. Over the next few years, the label would release three more Dokken albums (Tooth and Nail, Under Lock and Key, and Back for the Attack), each more successful than the last. By the dawn of the ’90s, the bandmembers were bona fide rock stars and soon imploded (as all great rock bands do) over internal conflicts. After reuniting in 1992, they embraced a darker, more complex, but no less melodic sound befitting an ever-growing creative unit. Myriad personnel shifts slowed Dokken’s output during the 2010s, but the band continued to flex their creative muscles into the next decade, releasing their 13th studio album, Heaven Comes Down, in 2023.
Dokken’s roots date back to the late ’70s, when Lynch, along with drummer Mick Brown, teamed up with Don Dokken to form the Boyz. In 1981, Don moved to Germany and was signed to Carerre Records. The band, now simply known as Dokken, recorded and released its first studio album, Breaking the Chains, in 1983. While the record failed to achieve a decent chart position in the United States, the group was immensely popular in Europe. After a tour in Germany, Dokken were signed to Elektra Records, and Jeff Pilson became their first official bassist. In 1984, the band released Tooth and Nail, which featured the hit songs ‘Into the Fire,’ ‘Just Got Lucky,’ and ‘Alone Again.’ With heavy MTV and radio airplay, Dokken found themselves topping the charts worldwide, and Tooth and Nail eventually sold over a million copies in the U.S. alone. Following a tour with the Scorpions, the group recorded Under Lock and Key in 1985, which had similar success due to the hits ‘In My Dreams’ and ‘It’s Not Love.’ In 1987, Dokken released Back for the Attack, which featured ‘Dream Warriors,’ a track they had written as the subtitle for the third Nightmare on Elm Street film. The coinciding music video, which included scenes of the band interacting with the movie’s characters, was their most popular ever, and Back for the Attack became Dokken’s third record to reach platinum status. Their subsequent tour resulted in a live compilation, Beast from the East, which was released shortly before the band broke up in 1988 due to Don Dokken’s and Lynch’s creative differences.
After the disbanding of Dokken, Don pursued a solo career with Up from the Ashes, and Lynch formed the Lynch Mob, releasing an album in 1990; both releases failed to chart. The band reunited in 1992, signing with Columbia Records and releasing 1995’s Dysfunctional, which was met with harsh reviews and poor sales. Tensions once again seemed to hover around Dokken as they recorded the live acoustic release One Live Night for the CMC label. In 1997, the band released the alt-rock-leaning Shadowlife, which was met with a similar response to their past two recordings. In 1998, Lynch left a second time to reunite the Lynch Mob, and was replaced with Winger guitarist Reb Beach for 1999’s Erase the Slate. This was followed in 2000 by another concert record, Live from the Sun, which captured the Beach lineup at Anaheim’s Sun Theater. Beach left the group and was replaced by John Norum, and the group recorded Long Way Home for release in the spring of 2002. In 2003, ex-Warlock guitarist Jonathan Levin and ex-Ted Nugent and Yngwie Malmsteen bassist Barry Sparks joined the band, resulting in the release of Hell to Pay the following year. Dokken returned to the studio in 2008 for the well-received Lightning Strikes Again, which proved to be their highest charting outing in years. Due to a scheduling conflict, 2012’s Broken Bones was the first Dokken release to not feature drummer and co-founder Mick Brown — session drummer Jimmy DeGrasso filled in — but he returned for Return to the East: Live 2016, a concert album that was released in 2018 and included George Lynch and Jeff Pilson. 2023’s Heaven Comes Down, the group’s 13th studio effort, saw Dokken welcome a new decade with a set of songs rooted in themes of isolation, uncertainty, and resilience. ~ Barry Weber, Rovi