Afterwords (El Music Group) is the new studio album from Collective Soul. It is the seventh studio album by the hard-rocking band from the tiny town of Stockbridge, GA that’s gone on to become multi-platinum hit-makers playing all over the world.
Bright as California sunshine, the first single “Hollywood” features an undeniable melody with tinges of ’80s pop. Singer/ songwriter Ed Roland puts a bouncy energy to his sly lyrics that compare Tinsel Town to a naughty girl (or is it the other way around?): “Yeah, Hollywood/ You know I love you more than one man should/ Yeah, Hollywood/ kiss me, kiss me good.”
While “Hollywood” may strike listeners as the perfect top-down summer song, much of the rest of Afterwords captures Collective Soul at a time when Roland is writing from a hard-won, much more mature perspective, and his band mates are contributing from equally strong musical directions. “The theme of this one is love.” Roland says of Afterwords. “It sounds corny saying that but we’ve been blessed with success and with that comes the confidence to do things. I always liked writing positive songs and although a whole love record is different for me it’s an important step.”
What do you do when “Perfect”, your first national radio single peaks at number 46, your record label goes chapter 11, your band mates can’t tour and you come home to find your personal life in shambles? Well, if you’re Don Miggs, you hole up in your living room, document the past year on “tape” and release it to the world before you even understand what was happening. Then you call an old friend from your hometown in New York and ask if he’ll cross the country with his bass guitar to join a band that is starting over. And what would 2007 be without a Myspace.com story? Your drummer would answer an ad on the “friend” site and fill the big shoes of the guy called the “future of drumming” in some circles. You go on to decide that four was one too many and set about to reinvent the look and sound of the band, hitting the road harder than ever before as a three piece.
So now what? Once singled out by the San Francisco Herald as “the next big thing outta the San Francisco Bay Area,” MIGGS appear to have moved out of the shadow of expectations and overcome intense odds to right things for the band. And if the reviews and growing crowds are any indication, this lineup appears ready for it’s close up.
Breaking new ground within the exploration of pure-styled rock & roll, Ike Reilly unveils an unusual ability as a songwriter, venturing to assault the ruggedness of hard rock tones and forwarding crude and fierce lyrics within his songs. Born in the little town of Libertyville, IL, Reilly follows a separated trail of most of the singer/songwriters of the late ’90s. Unlike other artists, Reilly prefers the harshness of intrepid rocking riffs, sustained by ingenious melodies and exalting words. Ike’s first record features his signature gritty yet soothing voice and brutally honest lyrics (though he claims that none of his songs are really about him). “Last time, I couldn’t make you come,” blurts the opening line, proving that making music, for Ike, isn’t about impressing anyone. Backed up by Tinley’s catchy and innovative guitar and keyboard riffs and a tight cast of band members, “Salesmen and Racists” showed that garage band rock revival music can become a well mastered art form. Despite the success of his recorded material, Ike’s main draw will always be his raucous, driving live performances. Packed full of energy and, usually, a lot of alcohol, his concerts bring the phrase “rowdy bar band” to a whole new level. Ike continues to play frequently around the Twin Cities, and he tends to favor venues that have a bar and plenty of room to dance/jump up and down/make a fool out of yourself, especially the Varsity Theater and the 7th Street Entry.
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Tokio Hotel have just premiered the video for their powerful rock ballad “Monsoon.” Check out the dramatic helicopter scenes and intense special effects for the latest single off of Scream, the band’s debut album in the US. Tokio Hotel will be returning to the States for a highly anticipated tour next month.
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