Today's Soundtrack: Trapt – Bring It

Today's soundtrack is Bring It by Trapt. It would have been impossible to pick my favourite Trapt song as there really are too many, so I went with something from their most recent album, Reborn.

Formed in California in 1997, Trapt have six studio albums and countless tours under their belt. They are probably best known for 2003's Headstrong, but more than 10 years later they still have plenty of die-hard fans; enough to raise $50,000 via a crowdfunding campaign to produce their next album DNA.

As far as rock bands go, Trapt have a pretty commercial sound – I recently read somebody describe Headstrong as the nu-metal Eye Of The Tiger! – but I have a bit of a soft spot for them. I've been waiting a very long time for them to come to London and finally next week they'll be performing at Borderline. I'll have had the privilege of seeing some of my favourite bands several times this year, but to see one for the very first time, that has been in my life for so long, is pretty special.



www.trapt.com
@TRAPTOFFICIAL

Today's Soundtrack: Family Force 5 – Zombie

Are you having a Halloween party tonight? If so, make sure this song is on your playlist. Trust me, you won't regret it. It's particularly appropriate as I'm off to Backyard Cinema to watch Zombieland and party with the undead! Time to limber up and get in some cardio...

Today's soundtrack: Pixies – Greens and Blues

Today's soundtrack is Greens and Blues by the Pixies, a band who are almost as old as I am and, after almost three decades, boasts three of its founding members. Despite reuniting in 2003 after a ten year split, things have been decidedly quiet on the Pixies front, and Indie Cindy (released back in April) is their first album in over 20 years. Blue Eyed Hexe immediately received extensive radio airplay, but for some reason I have only just got my hands on the full album. My review? Definitely worth the wait.

Blue Eyed Hexe is well worth a listen, but I've chosen Greens and Blues for today's soundtrack, which has a more classic Pixies sound and is a nice chilled way to start your Thursday.

Today's Soundtrack: Royal Blood – Figure It Out

Today's soundtrack is Figure It Out by Royal Blood. I sadly missed a chance to see them supported by Tigercub a while back, when I made a rookie error and left it too late to get tickets. I was pretty disappointed. The Brighton boys have a fantastic sound, especially when you consider that there is only two of them, and Figure It Out is the new single due out on August 18th.

This will be their fourth single since November last year, despite the fact their debut self-titled album isn't available until 25 August, (although you can get your hands on a four-track EP) and each one has been consistently solid, making their album a highly-anticipated release.


 www.royalbloodband.com
@royalblooduk

Today's Soundtrack: Refused – New Noise

Today's soundtrack is New Noise by Refused because there are days when only Refused will do. If you need a little mid-week pick-me-up then turn this up loud and remind yourself that not only are we more than halfway through the week, but we are heading towards another bank holiday weekend!

For anyone who isn't familiar with Refused, they are a Swedish hard-core punk band from the 90s who reformed and blew my mind at several gigs in 2012 (you can read more about that here). Although they initially broke up a matter of months after their 1998 album The Shape of Punk to Come, it is frequently listed on 'most influential albums' lists and for very good reason – it has definitely stood the test of time.

Today's Soundtrack: Nirvana – Heart-Shaped Box

I couldn't really let today go by without marking it in some small way. Two decades have passed since Kurt Cobain's death and, despite only ever recording three studio albums, Nirvana remain one of the most influential rock bands of all time. On a personal level they are one of the bands that (along with the help of my Sony Walkman and long hair to sneakily cover my headphones) helped to relieve the boredom of many a school lesson.

It was hard to choose one song to post but I decided to go with my gut and pick one of my all time favourites. Today's soundtrack is Heart-Shaped Box by Nirvana.

 

www.nirvana.com

Today's Soundtrack: Alkaline Trio – Radio

Today's soundtrack is Radio by Alkaline Trio for one very good reason. My beloved Bayside are supporting them at The Forum in April and I've been so darn excited about Bayside returning to London that I almost forgot to be excited about seeing Alkaline Trio for the first time!

The band started out in 1996 and over the years have been labelled everything from goth punk to pop punk, but I'm just going to roll with punk rock. I've been listening to my old favourites (dig out Crimson if you've never heard it) and a few new songs –  I haven't actually heard their most recent albums This Addiction (2010) and My Shame Is True (2013) but from what I can tell they're still making great music!

With almost 18 years of history and nine albums it was fairly difficult to pick a song to post – I certainly couldn't pick just one favourite – but after a bit of thought there was really only one choice. First lines don't get more memorable than this!


@Alkaline_Trio
www.alkalinetrio.com

Today's Soundtrack: Rob Zombie – Living Dead Girl

What else could I possibly choose as today's soundtrack but Living Dead Girl by the one and only Rob Zombie! I saw him with Marilyn Manson at the O2 last year, but unfortunately due to my hectic schedule at the time, a review never made it to the blog. Marilyn Manson was actually a little disappointing for me. A smaller gig would have worked so much better as it just seemed a bit contrived in such a huge venue.

Rob Zombie however was incredible! Anyone who has ever seen him live will know what I mean when I say he puts on one hell of a show – the kind that actually works in a venue like the O2, which let's face it, for rock music, is totally lacking in soul. I thought Alice Cooper was theatrical but this man takes it to a whole new level...

Happy Halloween!

Today's Soundtrack: Silverstein – A Better Place

Today's soundtrack is A Better Place by Silverstein. The official video was released last week and it is the fifth track on their seventh studio album, This Is How The Wind Shifts.

The album was released in February and I thoroughly recommend getting your hands on a copy if you haven't already. Make sure you get the Australian or iTunes edition which has three bonus acoustic tracks, including my personal favourite, Massachusetts.

Silverstein will be back in the UK next month and I'm very excited to see them as it's been a couple of years now. I'm also thrilled to have a few gigs on the horizon as this summer has been a real gig drought! You know you've missed my 'insightful' reviews...

Anyway here is A Better Place. Enjoy!


www.silversteinmusic.com
@silverstein

Today's Soundtrack: Violent Soho – Jesus Stole My Girlfriend

Today's soundtrack is Jesus Stole My Girlfriend by Violent Soho, from their 2010 self-titled album (if you like this song then look it up, you won't be disappointed!). Formed in 2004 and hailing from Brisbane, Queensland, the band cites Nirvana, The Pixies and Mudhoney among its influences, and it's safe to say there is a definite 90s feel to their sound.

 

Their latest album Hungry Ghost was released last month and shamefully I haven't got my hands on a copy yet. I have high hopes however; they are a great band and one that I hope will come to the UK soon, because I have no doubt they are amazing live.

Now have a listen and try telling me this isn't the highlight of your Monday....


www.violentsoho.com
@violentsoho

Today's Soundtrack: Jetplane Landing – My Radio Heart

Today's soundtrack is My Radio Heart by Jetplane Landing. You might remember my passionate love for a band called Fighting With Wire and the frustration I still feel about the fact they never truly got the recognition they deserved. Sadly they split earlier this year, but I'm consoling myself with a bit of Jetplane Landing, featuring FWW front man, the always fantastic Cahir O'Doherty.

Fighting With Wire and Jetplane Landing may have very different sounds, but I'm pretty sure if you like the former you'll enjoy My Radio Heart. It's from Don't Try, their fourth studio album which is available now.... on pink vinyl. Yep, that is one sexy looking album.




@jetplanelanding

Today's Soundtrack: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Face Down

Today’s soundtrack is Face Down by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. It’s a song that I had actually forgotten all about (shame on me!) when the other day my good friend Grooveshark suggested that I might like it. That little dude knows me so well…

For those of you who aren’t familiar, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus formed in Florida in 2003 and four studio albums (and one or two line-up changes) later, they are still going strong. If you like Face Down then I suggest you track down the album, Don’t You Fake It.

www.redjumpsuit.com
@redjumpsuit

Today's Soundtrack: Tigercub – Centerfold

Today's soundtrack is Centerfold by Tigercub. As I mentioned the other day, I saw them supporting Dinosaur Pile-Up at The Hope in Brighton and they were bloody brilliant. I rarely catch support acts thanks to my predilection for prioritising food, but I'm glad this time I did, because they are a great little discovery and it's nice to be championing a local band for once.

Image ©Tigercub

Tigercub has an EP out which I'm devastated I didn't pick up at the gig and haven't been able to track down elsewhere. For the time being all I've found is two songs on YouTube and frankly I want more! They are playing the Green Door Store in Brighton this Sunday so well worth checking out if you are in the vicinity.

Expect big things from Tigercub.



@_TiGERCUB

www.facebook.com/tigercubtigercub

Today's Soundtrack: Sugarcult – Hate Every Beautiful Day

Today's soundtrack is Hate Every Beautiful Day by Sugarcult, because I woke up this morning with it playing on loop in my head and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere! Not that I'm complaining.

The grand irony of my unintentional soundtrack selection is that the sun is finally shining – good work England, knew you could do it – and actually, I bloody love every beautiful day! Admittedly it's been a shocking summer, and I'm convinced emigration is my only long-term solution, but in the meantime here's a great soundtrack for yet another beautiful day. Long may it last!

There's no video for this song as it was never a single, so we'll go with a live performance from 2004:


www.sugarcult.com

@sugarcult

Today's Soundtrack: Bayside – Masterpiece

Today’s soundtrack is Masterpiece by Bayside, because despite the fact they are probably my favourite band of all time, they haven't had a single mention on this blog over the last year! This is purely because I haven't had a gig to review, so I’m going to take this opportunity to put my pride to one side and beg:

Bayside please, please, pleeeeeease come back to England! We miss you and quite frankly I’m getting Bayside withdrawal symptoms...

Right, now that the shameless begging is over with, let's get on with the song. It was hard to pick just one out of such a fantastic back catalogue, but I went with Masterpiece because it's the very first track from their 2004 debut album Sirens and Condolences, and what a way to kick-start a career.

So here it is – the reason that, despite my incurable indecision, I am able to pick one favourite band above all others. An achievement I will never accomplish with my shoes...

www.baysidebayside.com
@BaysideBand

Today's Soundtrack: Dinosaur Pile-Up – Hey Man

Today's Soundtrack is Hey Man by Dinosaur Pile-Up in celebration of their impending UK shows and new album, Nature Nurture, due out on the 17th June. Exciting times!

Formed in 2007, Dinosaur Pile-Up are frequently compared with the best of Seattle's 90s grunge scene and have previously cited a range of influences including Weezer, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, The Beatles and Slayer. This is a fairly accurate representation of their sound and although the comparisons to some of the 90s finest is justified, it by no means implies a lack of originality.

Hey Man is off 2010's Growing Pains, an album well worth checking out if you haven't already, and they will be playing shows across the UK in July.


www.dinosaurpileup.com

@DINOSAURPILEUP

Today's Soundtrack: Silverstein – Still Dreaming

Today’s Soundtrack is Still Dreaming by Silverstein, for one reason and one reason only… they’re finally coming back to the UK! That’s right people, get the date in your diary, because on November 28th Silverstein will be playing at The Underworld in Camden.

After their performance at Download in 2011 they declared pretty angrily that they were never coming back to England again (I never did find out why but apparently it had something to do with dolphins...). However it appears they've changed their minds and I for one am thrilled about it!

So sit back, relax, and listen to the sweet sounds of Still Dreaming. Perfect song for a rather gloomy Tuesday morning.

See you in November!

www.silversteinmusic.com

@silverstein

Today's Soundtrack: Alice Cooper – Poison

Today’s soundtrack is the fabulous Poison by Alice Cooper. This song brings back happy memories of the cheesy 80s club from our student days where the DJ dressed as Axl Rose every week and would play this song for us without fail. Fuelled by Jack Daniels (Mixer? No thank you barman, just one ice-cube please), and with two cardigans squeezed into the world's smallest pink tartan clutch bag, we would dance our socks (stilettos) off.

The other reason I chose this song is because Jen has gone, I’ve officially taken over the blog and frankly I can do what I want! Just kidding Jen, your blog is in safe hands…

Today's Soundtrack: Taking Back Sunday – Cute Without the 'E' (Cut From the Team)

Today’s Soundtrack is Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut From the Team) by Taking Back Sunday. The band’s debut album Tell All Your Friends took its name from this song’s lyrics, and as yesterday marked eleven years since its release, it seems only right to show it some birthday love.

In 2010 original band members John Nolan and Shaun Cooper returned to the line up for an eponymous album, their first record together since that 2002 debut. They toured extensively for TAYF’s 10^th birthday last year and with the original line up reunited I think we are all feeling the TBS love right now.

Taking Back Sunday really is an amazing live band, and that self-titled album I mentioned? Fan-freakin-tastic.

www.takingbacksunday.com

@TBSOfficial

Today's Soundtrack: Stiltskin – Inside

Today’s soundtrack is Inside by Stiltskin, a song that has randomly crept up on me a couple of times lately after not hearing it for many, many years. Remember that classic Levi’s ad ‘Creek’? I thought so. Well former lead guitarist, Peter Lawlor, wrote this song specifically for it and played all the instruments on the recording.

So let’s take a trip down memory lane to the 1990s and re-visit a little thing called post-grunge, a slightly cheesey video, and the Levi’s ad that made it famous…