Rock n' Roll Music

It's been a while since we dished about music. I'm getting tired of refreshing mlbtraderumors.

Does anyone ever have a definite answer when asked, "What is your favorite band?" It depends on who you're talking to, how you're feeling that day, what time of the year it is, etcetera.

There are still times I answer, "Guns n' Roses."
Of course, now I have to specify which Gn'R I prefer and why.

There have been times when I answered with Metallica and AC/DC, too.

All three of the aforementioned musical outfits released new records in 2008. But I didn't buy the music. Of course, I haven't purchased an album for a few years now; but the point it is: I had no interest in new AC/DC, Guns n' Roses or Metallica music. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I'm sure it's something.

So without listening to any of these albums completely, I will now review them for you.

Metallica - Death Magnetic

I didn't even know they were releasing new material. After their last album, St. Anger, I was very skeptical of the legendary thrashers direction. Then I got excited for two reasons. The album cover looks badass. They quit screwing around and returned to their classic 80's logo, good decision! Secondly, I was pulling onto my street while flicking past 93x on the radio. I heard something...something I had not heard for a long, long time. Within five seconds of the blistering guitar riff and viceral drum stomp, I decided I would like this new band, because they sounded like vintage Metallica. Then I heard Hetfield sing. Weathered? You bet. But it was Metallica.

Likelihood that I explore more of this album: 90%

AC/DC - Black Ice

I was in high school when their album, Stiff Upper Lip was released. that was the peak of my AC/DC fandom, as I bought the album the day it came out and attended both concerts on that tour. AC/DC is great for their time and place, but I'm over them. It's not artistic, deep or very bluesy - it's the same, straight-forward rock n' roll. I don't know. I guess I miss Bon Scott. I heard the single on the radio, and I heard 'War Machine' somewhere online. I listened to it because KISS has an 80's tune of the same name. The KISS song is better.

Likelihood I explore more of this album: 0%

Guns n' Roses - Chinese Democracy

No. Overthought. Overproduced. Guitar playing is trying to be progressive rather than bluesy. The orginal Gn'R was a unit, they each wrote and contributed to songs, gave input and helped produce the music. Axl can't do it by himself, even given 14 years. I put on Appetite for Destruction after listening to the first half of this record.

Likelihood I explore more of this album: 100%
...It's already on my iTunes


And finally: Did Coldplay Copy Satriani?