Music Review: Ted Nugent, Free-For-All (Expanded Edition)

Published on July 10th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reissues, Retrovirus, Reviews |

Before he was known as an outspoken, gunslinging political pundit, Ted Nugent was a platinum-selling artist, with his first hit album being 1976’s Free-For-All. Nearly 40 years after its release, the album has been brought to back into the light in a polished remastered version. Free for All is arguably Ted Nugent’s finest musical achievement, and it’s only fitting that a celebration is called for on the eve of its 40th anniversary.

(more…)

No Comments »

Music Review: Wilson, Right To Rise

Published on July 10th, 2015 in: Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |

By Tyler Hodg

Many would argue that rock’n’roll is in a sad state of suffering, and to be honest, those people have a strong case. Very few bands are flying the rock flag with originality and honesty, which is the core essence of the genre. Detroit band Wilson isn’t shy about the music they love and play, but which side of the respect coin are they on? Unfortunately, their latest release Right To Rise proves that they, as of right now, aren’t the band to lead the rock’n’roll army to victory.

(more…)

No Comments »

Big Music Fest 2015: Preview

Published on July 10th, 2015 in: Canadian Content, Music, Music Festivals, Upcoming Events |

By Tyler Hodg

Since its inception in 2008, Big Music Fest has been synonymous with delivering a weekend filled with performances by major acts, which over the years have included The Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Bryan Adams, and last year’s insanely awesome headliner Aerosmith. This year is no different, as Big Music Fest is once again on track to prove that southern Ontario truly “rocks”! Big Sugar, Jane’s Addiction, and Soundgarden will all give performances that will undoubtedly make this weekend one to remember.

(more…)

No Comments »

Music Review: Ancient Ocean, Blood Moon

Published on June 26th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |

By Tyler Hodg

The great thing about debut albums is that they can leave preconceived expectations wide open, especially when the style of music is ambient. So what is Ancient Ocean’s Blood Moon? Simply put, it is a collection of fully realized songs, begging for a listener to experience its gravity. It’s quite easy for this type of music to fly under the radar, considering it’s not exactly the most mainstream concoction, but allowing Blood Moon to take over your time and consciousness will be an undoubtedly satisfactory expedition.

(more…)

No Comments »

Counting Down The Hours To True Detective Season Two

Published on June 19th, 2015 in: Pop Culture News, Trailers, TV |

By Tyler Hodg

With the second season of HBO’s True Detective nearly upon us—June 21 to be exact—unanswered questions about the show continue to accumulate. Little information about the plot and characters portrayed by Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell, and Rachel McAdams has been revealed, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing; ambiguity can preempt expectations one might have, as there isn’t much there on which to base opinions. The latest trailer for the upcoming season gives a decent visual of what’s in store—and it’s safe to say that it we are all in for a pretty sweet treat.

(more…)

3 Comments »

Music Review: Mastodon, Crack The Skye (Vinyl Reissue)

Published on June 12th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reissues, Reviews |

By Tyler Hodg

Six years after the release of Mastodon’s Crack the Skye, the band has re-issued their landmark album as part of a new vinyl series. Crack The Skye is pretty unanimously loved by fans of the band, as well as those who love the (somewhat broad) genre of metal. What is specifically extraordinary about Mastodon and this album in particular is that you don’t have to enjoy the band’s heavy style to respect them, because their talents as songwriters and musicians are just too obvious to overlook. Crack the Skye is the epitome of well-crafted music, is arguably the best work the band might ever do, so this limited edition re-issue is definitely something worth highlighting.

(more…)

No Comments »

Music Review: Ella Squirrell, Loop EP

Published on June 5th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Feminism, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |

By Tyler Hodg

Soulful. Seductive. Satisfying. Sound appealing? If so, Ella Squirrell is the artist you’re looking for. In her first release, an EP titled Loop, Squirrell’s music embodies the aforementioned descriptions while feeling impressively progressive at the same time. There is a sense of folkiness in the tracks, most notably found in her lyrics, but the incorporated pop elements, like the polished production and vocal melodies, carry a heavier weight. When listening to it, Loop is over before you know it and does a successful job of convincing you that much more of it is exactly what you need.

(more…)

No Comments »

Music Review: The Darkness, Last Of Our Kind

Published on May 29th, 2015 in: Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |

By Tyler Hodg

For fans of The Darkness, the very fact that there is a fourth album is a miracle. The band departed for a hiatus in 2006—which at the time seemed like a definite end—but subsequently returned and is now releasing their second album since the break-up, titled Last of Our Kind. With newcomer Emily Dolan Davies on the drums (who has already since parted ways with the band), The Darkness attempt to bring evolution to their music. Not everything on the album works, but there is enough to satisfy both casual and diehard fans alike. Thankfully, the more time spent with Last of Our Kind, the richer it seems.

(more…)

1 Comment »

Music Review: The Story So Far, The Story So Far

Published on May 22nd, 2015 in: Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |

By Tyler Hodg

Pop-punk may not be on top of the world like it was in the early 2000s, but it’s still a major underground scene. The Story So Far has found success in that very scene and with the release of their self-titled third album, The Story So Far, the band continues to create music in the same vein that they have since their formation. For fans of their previous work that don’t care to see major evolution, this latest album from the group is perfect. For fans of their previous work that would like to see the band branch out and incorporate new styles and show significant growth, disappointment may be imminent.

(more…)

No Comments »

Music Review: The Dead Ships, EP I

Published on May 15th, 2015 in: Current Faves, Music, Music Reviews, Reviews |

By Tyler Hodg

Produced by Broken Social Scene’s Brendan Canning, The Dead Ships’ EP I is now available for those wishing to listen to some well-crafted and diverse tracks. Having one full-length album already under their belts, the Los Angeles band brings the heat once again with their latest release and it doesn’t take long to fall under its hypnotic spell; in fact, just one listen will do the trick.