Is the Album Dead?

While scanning Blabbermouth last night, I came across a post about Ian Astbury of the Cult saying the album is a "dead" format.

I think he's right. 

Here's his comment, extracted from the Blabbermouth post:

"It's a dead format; we don't have the attention span for albums. The idea of going into a studio and spending a year-and-a-half creating a body of work which you put out as a body of work is pointless. By the time you put it out, it's already been leaked. … It's a year-and-a-half worth's of work down the fucking tubes. We need to put out bite-sized chunks."

Now, don't get me wrong: I love albums! I want my favorite bands - most of which have been around at least 20 years - to keep making new music. I do agree, however, that the experience is often ruined because of the Internet. People think it's fun to swipe the songs, trade them and share online and then the excitement of "album release day" is ruined for a lot of people. I don't illegally listen to albums before they are released because I don't steal music and I want to wait. Waiting is half the fun.

Remember when Guns n' Roses released the Use Your Illusion records? There was footage on MTV of people sleeping out all night to be first in the store to grab those albums. Such a thing will never happen again because it isn't necessary. It's no reason artists randomly release singles and record special tracks for games like Rock Band. Anything to stay current and productive.

I'm not a professional musician and I've never recorded an album - but I've interviewed enough artists to know that the recording process is often long and frustrating. Maybe it just isn't worth it anymore. 

Is Ian Astbury correct? Are albums dead - or not? Share your thoughts.

Motley Crue Live in Tokyo - 1997 Full Show!

Glam bless YouTube! If you're like me, you're currently broke. That means hunting down cheap or free entertainment. Thanks to Metal Sludge, I was totally tipped to an awesome Motley Crue show from back in 1997. Yes, the Generation Swine days - live in Tokyo! I watched all four clips below - put them together, you've got the entire concert for free!

Generation Swine was a cool, yet troubled time for the Crue. The album is underrated and so deliciously dark. Motley did their best to hang with the changing music landscape. Obviously they succeeded or we all wouldn't still be shucking out big bucks to see them live whenever we can. This Tokyo performance is cool because the Crue throws in a couple different songs, including "Find Myself." They also jump around the stage a lot...and Vince Neil totally wears orange pants. Seriously.

Part 1 (with Nikki Sixx looking uber hot!):

Part 2, featuring "Wild Side:"

Part 3, featuring "Primal Scream:"

Part 4, featuring "Kickstart My Heart:"

Is it just me, or does Motley sound like a well oiled machine in these clips? Love it!

This Ad Completes Me

Based solely on the awesomeness of this ad, I shall buy a lot of stock in Symantec (SYMC). Seriously, just watch and see what Norton Anti-Virus has in common with Glam.

Van Halen Tour 2010

Yesterday, Pollstar reported that Van Halen will hit the road again in 2010. My first reaction was... "Say what?"

Isn't it a little premature for VH to hit the road again? I mean, they just toured - for a long time. They made a ton of cash! I thought this "break" was so Eddie and the rest could record a new album? This mythical new album would feature Wolfgang Van Halen on bass. Because of this lineup switch, I was definitely looking forward to new material. I love Michael Anthony. I think having him back is the only way to have "real" Van Halen...but hearing a new perspective from Wolfgang is cool too.

Maybe it's just me, but I think it's a little greedy for VH to hit the road again without a new record. Maybe a new record will happen and it just hasn't been announced. I dunno. I can't see myself spending another $200 a ticket for the same show I saw not so long ago - twice. 

What do you think? Does VH need a new album to tour? Will you be first in line for tickets?

If You're a Big Ace Frehley Fan...

I just received this note about Ace Frehley's new album, Anomaly. The economy is tough right now and a lot of us are thinking twice about spending money on extras like CDs. Now you can preview Ace's album before buying. Here's the press release about it all:

Ace Frehley is proud to announce that he has made his entire album "Anomaly" available to his fans for preview via the VH1 Classic website.

 

VH1's Feature "The Leak" gives fans the opportunity to preview select albums in their entirety to ensure that they are worthy of purchase. Only the most confident of artists participate in this program as it can make or break an artists sales. Ace encourages his fans to check out the album via the VH1 website and tell their friends just how much they enjoy the product that he has produced.

Click box below to listen!

Dirty Penny: "Young & Reckless" Review

Modern Glam outfit Dirty Penny will release their second album Young & Reckless on September 17. I have to admit I was nervous that there would never be a follow-up to Take It Sleazy. Finally, new music - and it rocks!

Young & Reckless features these tracks:

1. If I Were You I'd Hate Me Too
2. In Luv With Insanity
3. LCS
4. On My Sleeve
5. Goin' Out In Style
6. Stand On My Own
7. Sleeping Dogs
8. Devil In Me
9. Dead At 16
10. Livin' Rock
11. Run To You
12. Crash & Burn
13. Wrecking Ball

I really like "If I Were You I'd Hate Me Too." This song happens to be the first single off Young & Reckless. Like Take It Sleazy, the new album is filled with great tracks. Honestly, I think they are all strong - meaning the wait for new music was worthwhile. Other tracks I especially enjoy are "Crash & Burn" and "Dead at 16." The latter has a fat bass line, making Dirty Penny's sound more evolved and mature.

Everyone knows that Dirty Penny cite Poison and Motley Crue as main influences - one look at the band and this is evident. It's even clearer, however, on Young & Reckless as the songwriting really draws from the Glam playbook - and no, that's not a bad thing. Dirty Penny are still able to cultivate their own sound by being true to their roots - something that isn't easily achieved in any genre. Young & Reckless is one of the best albums of 2009. Buy it.

Tesla Releases Video for 'Breakin' Free'

Tesla just released their video for "Breakin' Free" off the album Forever More. The video is classic black and white and just straight up rock n' roll.

I'm seeing Tesla live in a couple months on Shiprocked. You can come too if you're not already booked. A few cabins are still available. Really...do you want to miss Tesla hanging out around a pool? I think not.