Metropolis Pt. 1 Live!

I was just watching some live concert videos on youtube and stumbled on this video. Metropolis Pt. 1 is one of Dream Theater's best tracks, and it represents pretty much everything that the band is about. This song is very progressive with a great metal/rush kind of sound. This particular performance is from their 20th anniversary show, "Score," featuring an entire orchestra backing up the band. I watched the concert today and whether you're a fan of Dream Theater or not, you can't help but be impressed by what these guys do live. I can't htink of any other band where each member is so good at their respective instruments. Check it out!

Album Pick: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth:3

This is the second album I've recommended by Coheed and Cambria. It's their second studio album and arguably their best work to date. It sounds pretty different from GAIBS4 (album 3) since this one was recorded on an indie label, so it sounds less produced than their more recent albums. If you can look past that and listen to what they wrote, you'll be impressed. This band really takes advantage of having 2 guitarists, which makes for some awesome riffs that I've even begun to learn on guitar. Of course, the centerpiece of the album is Claudio Sanchez and his vocal work. He's got a very unique voice. It might take some getting used to but it sets this band apart from others. If you're a fan of Rush or Iron Maiden, then this music should be easily accessible since they are big influences in this album. My favourite tracks are "In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth:3," "The Crowing," and "The Light and the Glass." Check it out!

The band got most of their following from their lives performances. Here's why:

Stone Temple Pilots - in London Thursday!

If you're in the mood for some good ol' rock and roll, you should visit the John Labatt Centre to see the Stone Temple Pilots!

They'll be playing at the John Labatt Centre this Thursday, November 19th, so if you're a fan and you haven't got a ticket yet, you might still have a chance. I don't know this band very well but I listened to some of their songs on their MySpace and I think it's pretty good. They sound semi-metal semi-pop rock, so if you like either genre you might be into this music. I can't make it to the concert so if you got to see it let me know how good they are live!

Album Pick: Images and Words

I'm a huge Dream Theater fan, so I had to bring up this album eventually. Images and Words is the second studio album released by Dream Theater, and many would argue that it's their best work. This was their first and only album to go Gold, and it has their only big hit that received radio play and featured by MTV, "Pull Me Under." That being said, every track on this album is a masterpiece. If you've heard other Dream Theater songs and thought they were too heavy on the metal side, you should give this album a try. While there are still metal influences, this album is much more progressive than their later albums. Some influences include Queensryche and Rush, so if you're a fan of either of those bands, this album is a must. It is also their first album to feature lead singer James LaBrie. They auditioned over 200 people before giving him the gig, and he's been with the band ever since. I personally recommend listening to "Take the Time," "Metropolis Pt.1 - the Miracle and the Sleeper," and "Learning to Live." You may find it hard to digest at first, but if you listen enough times, you'll begin to get an appreciation for the amount of creativity and time put into the writing of this music, which is something you don't find very often in popular mainstream music.

Wednesday Nights at Spoke! Rick McGhee!

If you like the sound of a nice old man playing hearty folk songs on an acoustic guitar while getting your drunk on a Wednesday night, then the Spoke at the UCC is the place to be! Come listen to Rick McGhee at around 10 o'clock. I was there a couple weeks ago, and he reminds me of the cool uncle who plays tunes at the campfire pit. He does some great covers including "Needle and the Damage Done," "My Girl," and of course, "American Pie." Come listen and sing along. It's Wednesday, but you'll find a lot of people there. We are Western students after all!

"And them good ol' boys were drinking whisky and BEER!,

Singing this will be the day that I DIE DIE DIE!"

Upcoming London Shows! (LIST)

There are a bunch of cool shows happening in London this week. If you've got some free time on your hands you should check them out and support the local music scene!

Nov. 12 @ 7:00 PM

The Midway State - London Music Hall

Nov. 13 @ 8:00 PM

The Trews - London Music Hall

Nov. 14 @ 10:00 PM

Mad Caddies - Call the Office

Nov. 15 - 8:00 PM

Chantal Kreviazuk - Centennial Hall

Nov. 19 - 7:00 PM

Stone Temple Pilots - John Labatt Centre

Hope to see you there!

Album Pick: Neil Young - Live at Massey Hall 1971

I'm sure most of you are familiar with Neil Young and lots of the great songs he's written. If you like his studio albums, you should take a look at his live album from Massey Hall, Toronto. I really think there's something special about this live performance, and I personally prefer most of his songs performed this way rather than their studio versions. It is just him and his guitar or piano (depending on the song), without a band backing him up. I think certain songs, such as Cowgirl in the Sand and Journey Through the Past sound better than the originals. If you're not a fan of live music because you don't like the sound (I often feel the same way), the quality of the recording is as good as it can get.

Give this album a listen! It's Neil Young at his best. Here's the album: