New Reviews

Mar. 2nd 2009 Posted by Riana / KDawg

Music

Kottonmouth Kings - The Green Album
This is a group that shows no bounds and no limits. “The Green Album” was one of the top selling independent records in 2008. With last year being the worst financial years in history only can boast this album that much more. “Where I’m Going” being the first single from the album truly showed the Sublime vibe you feel. You should definitely go out and pick up this album because as the title shows a portion of the proceeds for this album will be donated to various environment causes. Best Buy is offering an exclusive version for of the album which includes ten bonus tracks. Between being able to be a part of helping the environment and helping a band you love you can also listen to this record from beginning to end and love every moment of it! [ KottonmouthKings.com ]

(hed) P.E. - New World Orphans
(hed) P.E. kicked off 2009 with their highly anticipated CD “New World Orphans.” (hed) P.E. can come off as a gimmick band especially with this new release. It was released in three different versions with extra songs making the fan or consumer spend more money to gain legal access to all of (hed) P.E.'s new album. However, the record has sparked a community effort with fans. Each fan is buying one of the records and then they share them listen to them together. Aside from that “New World Orphans” is a hard punk rock record with no apologizes for what might offend certain people. The record makes the listener think and take their own truth from it. Like it or hate it, you have to respect (hed) P.E. for standing up for their beliefs.
[ NewWorldOrphans.com ]

Hollywood Undead - Swan Songs
“Swan Songs” has taken the world by storm. This group can seem to come off as a record company gimmick especially since their first national break came out on the Myspace Records Vol. 1. The group spawned a cult following with their self released demo back in 2005. After all their hard work the group has landed a record deal with A&M/Octane Records. “Swan Songs” is a melting pot of the west coast music filled with hip-hop, rock, and scene type references. To sum up Hollywood Undead they are a hard hitting act that simply doesn’t give a fuck. “Swan Songs” has numerous versions. I recommend the edited version for the outstanding mixes on it, but other versions include bonus tracks. [ HollywoodUndead.com ]

Potluck - Pipe Dreams
“Pipe Dreams” is a unique blend of hard hitting, emotional hip-hop. Don’t get me wrong this follow up to “Straight Outta Of Humboldt” is not an emo album. This album is a record for music fans of all ages. The younger generation will connect with tracks such as: “Welcome 2 The Movement,” Shut The Fuck Up,” and “Smoke Away The Pain.” A slightly older crowd with love tracks like “Real Love,” “My Dad,” and “Computer Love.” “Pipe Dreams” is a straight forward record, and you’ll either understand it or not. Potluck will, however; be providing liner noted describing each track. They have again proved that they want to track hip-hop music to another level. [ PotluckMusic.com ]

X-Clan - Mainstream Outlaw
For those who grew up in the era of real hip-hop know how legendary X-Clan is for being so influential to hip-hop. They are finally back with a new record “Mainstream Outlaw.“ Real underground hip hop X-Clan is back with Mainstream Outlaw. “Mainstream Outlaw” has everything for an X-clan classic record from great beats to strong lyrics and amazing production. This is one of the must own hip-hop record for 2009!
[ Myspace.com/XClanMusic ]

Hello Astro - Astronauts Make Better Lovers
Hello Astro is an amazing indie rock band that I believe in. “Astronauts Make Better Lovers” has been in talks since the band came out a couple of years ago. This album will not make you cool or hard but it is a great heart felt record for indie music lovers. You can pick up on influences on this record from artists like Sparta, Hey Mercedes, The Futureheads and many more. They take a lot of real emotions and place them into very catchy tracks. The only real downside for this record is not too many people know it is out. It is worth a listen on the web and a definite buy after that. “Forgive me, if I’m not incredible.” [ HelloAstro.com ]

Unwritten Law - Live and Lawless
Unwritten Law has been making music for years. This is their first live album ever put out with a DVD. In a sense you can call it a best of that includes all their hits on one disc. So those of you who have not heard of Unwritten Law you get the best of both worlds, an amazing live recording of all the hits to take with you. plus you get a DVD that captures the entire show with bonus interviews with the band. Fans already should enjoy the Pop Punkers in their real element Raw, Live, and in your face!
[ MySpace.com/UnwrittenLaw ]

Confide - Shout The Truth
This is a hard and straight forward solid record. “Shout The Truth” is a record that is not looking for acceptance. From the first track this record is strong and will punch you in the face. The new lost generation that is seeking a connection more than music should really check out this record. “Shout The Truth” is much more than a record in this day and age. My favorite part of this record has to go to its questioning lyrical content such as my favorite lyric ‘Why is the name of God on my lips?”
[ MySpace.com/Confide ]

Punchline - Just Say Yes
I can't say anything bad about this record. "Just Say Yes" is poppy and filled with tons of passion from the band and twelve great tracks. If you’re a fan of this band then you already bought it and understand why there isn’t much to explain on the review. It is worth a buy!
[ MySpace.com/Punchline ]

Greeley Estates - Go West Young Man
Greeley Estates' Science Records debut emphasizes the band's harder edge, yet combines melodic elements to create a dark album. “Go West Young Man,” will probably come off as a Hot Topic scene record for those who are quick to judge. For everyone else the record is strong in a flooded market. It is worth a definite check out to say the least. [ MySpace.com/GreeleyEstates ]

The Truth - The Streets Want Their Music Back
One thing that can be said about The Truth is they can be taken as a modern day cliché in hip hop music. “The Streets Want Their Music Back" is lyrically strong but that is about all you can say about it. The production comes off as a basement recording done in a weekend. The record is a fabulous mix tape but as a record has no real direction. It does happen to show how The Truth does have more than one side. “Dead Beat Dad” is one of the strongest tracks on the record. [ Music.MySpace.com ]

Seizure Crypt - Under The Gun
No fucking around here! Seizure Crypt recorded “Under The Gun” in four days, which I can respect. Skip the fancy shit, records the record and put the music out the way you want to. If you’re tired of the bullshit mainstream music put in Seizure Crypt and crank that shit. “Under The Gun“ is fast and heavy rock with no strings attached. One track everyone could relate to on “Under The Gun“ is “Fuck Work.”
[ SeizureCrypt.com ]

Shirock - Everything Burns
SHIROCK, an earnest young band with an uplifting message, to make their mark on the music scene. Everything Burn is heart filled rock album that is already making buzz. I don't need to tell you too much other than keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground because Shirock will be on of the break out bands for 2009.
[ Shirock.net ]

DVD

Iron Man (DVD)
Cleverly updated from Marvel Comics' longstanding series, Iron Man puts billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in the path of some Middle Eastern terrorists; in a brilliantly paced section, Stark invents an indestructible suit that allows him to escape. If the rest of the movie never quit hits that precise rhythm again, it nevertheless offers plenty of pleasure, as the renewed Stark swears off his past as a weapons manufacturer, develops his new Iron Man suit, and puzzles both his business partner (Jeff Bridges) and executive assistant (Gwyneth Paltrow). Director Jon Favreau geeks out in fun ways with the hardware, but never lets it overpower the movie, and there's always a goofy one-liner or a slapstick around to break the tension. As for Downey, he doesn't get to jitterbug around too much in his improv way, but he brings enough of his unpredictable personality to keep the thing fresh. And listen up, hardcore Marvel mavens: even if you know the Stan Lee cameo is coming, you won't be able to guess it until it's on the screen. It all builds to a splendid final scene, with a concluding line delivery by Downey that just feels absolutely right. Iron Man is an action packed movie that is not just for comic book fans.
[ IronManMovie.Marvel.com ]

The House Bunny (DVD)
Anna Faris proves again she is one of the funniest people alive. After her run in one of the most successful franchises, “The Scary Movie” films, people seem to take her at face value. In 2008’s “Smiley Face,” she was able to capture more fans by being able to show how comedic she really is. “The House Bunny” is a simple story that does not seem to offer movie goers a lot for their buck. As played by the utterly fearless and appealing Anna Faris, Shelley becomes an unlikely post-feminist heroine, who finds a great use for her not-too-considerable expertise: being sexy. With nowhere else to live, Shelley finds herself as the house mother for a dying sorority, the Zetas, who are the audience for the rallying cry above. And the slightly misfit sisters, though wary, end up giving Shelley a sisterhood she could never have built back at the Grotto. To help build up the sorority, Shelley gives the young women her own peculiar tutorials in charm school--helping them raise their campus profile and recruit new pledges in the process. "When I'm done, every girl on campus will want to pledge Zeta!" Ignore her at your peril, girls. If the formula is a bit predictable, the pace is lively and the cast, headed by the wide-eyed Faris, is aces. American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee is a natural on camera, as is Rumer Willis, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. The supporting cast includes the capable Colin Hanks and Beverly D'Angelo, and a bit too much screen time for the real-life Hugh Hefner, who maybe should have stayed on the set of The Girls Next Door. The House Bunny was co written by Kirsten Smith, who wrote Legally Blonde. If you are a fan of Will Ferwell films give Faris a try. [ SonnyPictures.com ]

Saw V (DVD)
Call this a Dead series that just won't stop! As I sat down and watched Saw V, it seemed I forgot about the main character Jigsaw. He is one is this generations new horror icon. This title was once held by Freddy Kruger, Jason, and Leather Face. Jigsaw brings fear in us for the fact that we all have done something wrong before and probably didn’t seem like anything to us but made a huge impression on someone else. Saw V extends the premise by having disgraced detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor from the previous two films) don the pig mask to unleash horrific tortures on another group of seemingly unconnected strangers. Scott Patterson (Aliens in America) also returns as Hoffman's Javert, a dogged fellow agent who escapes death in the fourth film and an ugly fate in this entry to continue his pursuit. All the elements that have made the Saw series popular with horror fans--the elaborate killing machines and the sociopath judgments handed down by Jigsaw--are intact in Saw V. This is great for the most faithful followers but boring for everyone else. Saw V covers no new ground, expands no part of the mythology of the series and seems perfectly content to present a lifeless retread of Saw III and IV. It also suffers from the absence of Tobin Bell as Jigsaw, who despite his top billing, is glimpsed only in brief flashbacks. Only diehard Saw fans need to sign up for this round of Jigsaw's games.
[ Saw5.com ]

Miscellons

Heroes: Season Two
The Second season of NBC's Heroes was not the most liked by Heroes Season One Fans. One of the reasons being there was no famous quote such as: “Save The Cheerleader, Save The World." Sources say the writers strike in 2007 had an impact on the season, but when Season Two came out on DVD there was no comparison to Season One. Season Two is jam packed with extras. There are so many that I can’t even list them all. If you not a huge fan of Heroes Season Two I would suggest renting a disc and checking it out. I feel this is a must have for any comic book lovers DVD collection.
[ NBC.com/HEROES ]