Chevelle rocks its way back to limelight with new album
By Thomas Hair Online Copy Editor The aptly titled Point #1, Chevelle’s first album, was released to moderate success in 1999, back when most members of the band were still teenagers. Chevelle, all members of the Loeffler family, initially played a balanced style of alternative metal. This style of music exploded in the late 1990s and early 2000s, dominating rock stations across the country. Along with bands like Sevendust and Taproot, Chevelle embraced this niche and hit it big with their hard-hitting sophomore release Wonder What’s Next. Over a decade later, Chevelle is one of the few bands from this scene that is still thriving. In 2009, Chevelle earned the respect of their critics with their…
Chris Cornell releases brilliant live album
Thomas Hair Online Copy Editor The current upperclassmen will be some of the last students to pass through Coppell High School having experienced the early 1990s – a time hen the music industry was dominated by the explosion of grunge and alternative rock. These bands altered American popular music, replacing the flamboyance of 80s glam rock with a focus on genuinity and grass-roots production. Often hailed as one of the greatest rock vocalists in history, Chris Cornell was a leader of this movement as singer for the successful band Soundgarden. Cornell’s booming voice continued to fill stadiums and rock radio stations well into the 2000s as lead vocalist for super-group Audioslave (following Soundgarden’s breakup). On…
Cut Copy shows dancy side with new album
Some people may shy away from music described as “’80s dance-pop”, myself being one of them, so I was a bit hesitant when purchasing Cut Copy’s new album Zonoscope. There was no need for any skepticism, though, because Cut Copy proved that dance-pop has the ability to sound good. Zonoscope is Cut Copy’s third studio album and the perfect soundtrack for summer. And while it is not yet the summer season here in the U.S, Zonoscope can temporarily make you forget we had a snow day not too long ago. With its airy tunes and dance floor grooves, there is never a dull moment on the album. The album kicks off with the six minute…
Daft Punk composes astounding “TRON: Legacy” soundtrack
It was 2007 when French techno duo, Daft Punk, last treated fans to a CD release. After not hearing much from the group for three years, minus their work and appearance on the video game DJ Hero, Daft Punk is back with their soundtrack for the new movie, TRON: Legacy. TRON: Legacy director Joseph Kosinski approached Daft Punk, made up of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, in 2008 with a proposal to compose the score for the movie. At the 2009 Comic-Con, it was announced the group created 24 songs for the soundtrack. A total of 22 songs made it on to the album, but depending on what online source it is purchased from,…
My Chemical Romance album review: Danger Days
Corrina Taylor Staff Writer The latest My Chemical Romance album, Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys was released November 22nd after its initial release was delayed. Eager fans have been waiting months for the new album to come out and began to become more restless for the album – however, after drummer Bob Bryar decided to leave the band, the album became more difficult to record without drums. Because of the lack of drums, My Chemical Romance decided to go into a different direction with their new album by making it more electronic, using a keyboard instead of a drum set and making it more like party music: which is what the…
T-Swift has done it again!
Jane Kim Staff Writer You’ve all probably heard of Taylor Swift, pop/country singer, 20-year old multi millionare, and apparently dating Jake Gyllenhaal. Her newest album “Speak Now” has sold over one million albums in the first week. That’s the biggest one-week sales tally in more than 5-1/2 years! This isn’t her first time being in the spotlight, Swift has taken the title of 2010′s best chart debut. I’ve been a fan of Taylor Swift ever since the beginning but I think her new album tops everything else. Her songs are always something that everyday people can relate with and they are also a diary of her life. The most popular songs on her album “Speak Now”…
Review: Interpol
By Michael Pankonien Staff Writer The indie rock band Interpol released their new album on September 7th, 2010; self titled Interpol, the album is the band’s fourth release since their first album, Turn On The Bright Lights was released in 2002. However this latest success is bitter sweet for the band as the Carlos Dengler, Interpol’s bass player, has announced his intention to leave the band with the completion of the album. The album itself contains 10 tracks and is over 40 minutes long. While the album’s themes cover a variety of things (the band’s overall success, the relationship between lovers), it seems that the album’s main point is to cover the end of Interpol…
Gorillaz bring the wow-factor with new album, ‘Plastic Beach’
A fan of the Gorillaz can only hope that, after 5 years, the band’s new album will not be a disappointment. Suffice to say, the group proves that 5 years is just what they needed to make sure their new album, Plastic Beach, a sure success. The album is a whopping 16 tracks, each song a little bit more interesting than the last and featuring some pretty big-name artists like Mos Def. In fact, every song on the album contains the voice styling of different artists as well as orchestras. The first track “Orchestral Intro” is a mere instrumental intro, but the second two tracks don’t waste time bringing in the special guests the album…
Vampire Weekend start off the year right with their new album, Contra
Two years ago, Vampire Weekend came into the music scene with a self-titled album and captivated listeners. At last, they have returned with their album, Contra, which is sure to be loved by fans. Since their first album release, the group has been featured in magazines such as Rolling Stone for having the 10th best album of 2008. In New Musical Express’, otherwise known as NME magazine, “Top 100 Greatest Albums of the Decade”, they ranked at No. 42. Needless to say, this group of guys from New York has left an impression on the industry. Vampire Weekend’s latest album will only serve to further boost it to stardom due to its catchy melodies, light,…
Paul Banks releases new solo album
After playing with Interpol on guitar and lead vocals for seven years, Paul Banks has just recently released his first solo album, Julian Plenti is…Skyscraper. This new album, although not being a complete departure from Interpol’s sound with songs like “Games for Days” bringing back the punk rock feel that is Interpol’s norm, is a new direction for Banks and easily shows his artistic groove. The album however also dwelves into a more airy side of Banks artistic nature. The album is filled with songs which, while they may stray from the hard rock sound akin to Bank’s earlier work, are given to a lighter, wispy sound. “Skyscraper” itself holds a great blend of sound, starting from…