The Third times a Charm?

Jack White is at it again! Yes it's true,even though he helped perfect the girl/guy rock duet the White Strips, annnnd is said to be the man behind the successful American rock band The Raconteurs, (formed prior to the White Stripes) it wasn’t enough. Jack’s new band Dead Weather is nothing like his two previous bands but is shaping up to be just as good. With lead vocalist Alison Mosshart from The Kills , Dead Weather has a smoky dark rock sound that makes you want to take female rock singers more seriously. The lyrics are intense and serious, so are the static buzzed guitar riffs and loose drum solos played by Jack. The over all effect is almost eery or fantastical.

Dead Weather is completely formed from other well known bands, with Mosshart (Kills), Jack Lawrence, the bassist from the Raconteurs, and guitarist Dean Fertita from Queens of the Stoneage. The band performs like true veterans who look like they’ve been together for years.

I have yet to make a complete judgement on Jack’s new project. Truthfully I wouldn’t mind him spending some time making music with Meg White again. Thus far I would have to say that was his best. I enjoy what Dead Weather has going for them, all members as separate entities are truly talented, so together I can only imagine the music they will produce. We will have to wait and see when the entire album comes out in June. Until then here is the first single “ Hang you from the Heavens” ssssing it Mosshart.

One is the loneliest number? Not for Corgan!

Billy Corgan is all that is left of what once was “ The Smashing Pumpkins”. Although completely by his lonesome he insists the music he is creating is still the Pumpkins. He released a very long, well-written message to his fans yesterday explaining his reasonings.

When Jimmy Chamberlin and Billy Corgan toured using the name The Smashing Pumpkins I couldn't help but be skeptical. If a band is not united in its entirety, can they still be considered that band?Can half the members still be considered a whole? It's different when a member dies and has to be replaced, but the majority of the members are still the originals. But when a band dismembers for creative differences it's likely the authenticity of the band's original sound will no longer exist.

Now completely alone, Billy Corgan is continuing to use the Smashing Pumpkins name. Opposed to using a different name to start an independent solo career he is hanging on to SP. But with that comes a great deal of expectations. Fans who worshiped their unique goth rock, dream pop and often psychedelic sound will expect just that, to pick up where Machina left off. But how can one hope for such greatness as: 1979 , Ava adore, or Disarm, with only one great mind behind it all?

Billy hopes to have 44 songs written to release over the next 3 years. Songs rumored to be released from the archives (when the band was really still a band) is all tied up in legal hullabaloo because there is an obscene amount of suing going on between EMI and various former band members.

We'll have to wait and see if Corgan can carry the immense weight that is the awesomeness of The Smashing Pumpkins.

Really Canada? Nickelback?

I am sure you all have heard, and sadly it's true. Not only was Nickelback (not sure if it is two words or one, nor do I care) nominated for FIVE Junos, they proceeded to win THREE. Really? Is this what the Canadian Music industry has succumbed to ? I know I am not alone in my outrage. Many Canadians feel the pain that is the commercialized portion of the Canadian music scene. But I wonder, if so many of us are aware, how did they get an outrageous amount of nominations? I am particularly perplexed by The Fan's Choice Award. WHAT FANS? Please God point me in the direction of these fans, they need a swift kick in the ear.