Daughtry announces CD Release Date and a NEW tune!

The guys of Daughtry have made no secret that they have been laying down music & working in the studio. Suddenly yesterday both Chris and Josh Paul announced the release date on twitter...NOVEMBER 12TH 2011. They later linked to daughtryofficial.com and an online listen of the free single "RENEGADE" you get if you pre-order CD. I have yet to catch the name for the CD, but can't wait for it, regardless!

Also, I might also mention Daughtry has a cover of "Waitin For the Bus/ Jesus Just Left Chicago" coming on the ZZ Top Tribute Album "A Tribute From Friends" on October 11th.

Then they will also have a song on the Batman: Arkham City - The Album, being released October 4th, titled "Drown In You". Since Chris is such a HUGE Batman fan, I am sure he was completely amped about this!

Staind Self-Titled Release 2011~Back to the Roots!

Alright no need to beat around the bush, the CD sure doesn't! Over the past 7 weeks there have been online streams, much promotion and buzz about Staind's newest release, simply titled "Staind". I love the idea this album is self-titled, as it seems the band has taken it back to their heavier roots (which I MUCH appreciate), making this simple self title SO appropriate.

As always, the songs lyrics are SO on point, no word seems to be out of place on the ENTIRE CD. I have always appreciated Staind's work with words, and this CD is no exception. From the angst, to the pain, it's all in this release. I have been listening to it heavily for several days now, and I am loving Mike's guitar work. The band as a whole seems SO in sync and Aaron sounds as good as ever!

As I was "on the twitter" (my non tweeps love to say this) I saw this tweet from Brandon Woolum @woolum stating...

"The new Staind CD is streaming. About 5 solid heavier songs, love it! I wish Aaron had made a country CD years ago"

I couldn't get the thought out of my head, that was as well as I could have stated ANYTHING about this CD.  If you still have question that this is not the harder Staind we all grew to love in the days of Dysfunction... I suggest you get this CD and give Paper Wings a listen.

My Aaron Lewis Town Line CD review.

Drowning Pool at The Valarium

Having seen Drowning Pool the last time they came to The Valarium here in Knoxville, I was stoked to get the chance to do it again. I waited in line with MANY others in ridiculous heat, and after finally getting in the door, what do I spy with my little eye? The guitarist for Drowning Pool, C. J. Pierce's cute little ponytail over behind the souvenir table! Well, didn't take me long to decide this would be a GREAT time to get me a t-shirt, as I could see he was signing them. So I jet over and wait behind a couple of girls, as giddy as I, myself was. They get their items, and snag a picture...MY TURN! I grab some shirts and autographed CD, pose for my picture, which didn't turn out.
 I was so sad for me, but my shirts were signed by C. J., and the CD signed by the band. So I decide to be thankful & just move along. The first opening band, Echoes the Fall was a good band, pumped the crowd up well, so I wasn't disappointed. I realized as they were finishing their set, that C. J. was still peddling the merchandise and the table wasn't crowded. I made my way across a crowded floor, avoiding the spillage from the many VERY HAPPY fans & attendees. I politely asked him, if I could get another pic, as the first one didn't take. He so kindly obliged and it is a GREAT pic...of him. But moreover, I was impressed that this guy stayed behind the merchandise table for all of the entire opening sets. He was so friendly, and seemed to be really enjoying mingling with the Knoxville crowd. Just seemed like a genuinely nice, hard working guy.
The next opener was a band called Kyng from LA, and for a 3 man band, this band hit hard. That is the one thing I remember standing out to me as they tore through their set. Next up was Burn Halo and at this point I am thoroughly happy with ALL the opening bands and banging my head. I believe it was during Burn Halo's set when "The Pit" attempted to form for a minute. Since I am too old, and too short, I moved away from that activity.
Now Drowning Pool is taking the stage, and the VERY HAPPY attendees stumbled to the floor to join the rest of us for an awesome set! I was even showered with some VERY HAPPY attendees full beer on the backs of legs and my feet. Alcohol soaked feet is always a sign of a great concert! They played old and new stuff, including Tearing Away. After which they seemed to point to the sky in honor Dave Williams, Drowning Pool's original frontman. So after seeing this band a second time, I will anxiously await my third!

Drowning Pool's Current Frontman Ryan McCombs

                                Stevie Benton on the BASS!

                                Ryan enjoying a Jagerbomb!

                                C. J. Pierce rocking the guitar, WELL!