Bucky's Best Rock Albums of 2014

Hard to believe 2014 will be over in a few short days. Here's my look back at my favorite albums of the year. To keep things simple, I've only included albums that were actually released this year, and listed them alphabetically by artist. Here we go!

Stuck by Adelita's Way

While not my favorite album by this group, Stuck is still a solid effort. Longtime fans will enjoy the band's third major label album. Plenty of rock radio friendly rhythms keep this album in my playlist.

Recommended Tracks: "Dog on a Leash," "Stuck," "Not Thinking About Me."

Let The Ocean Take Me by Amity Affliction

I just started listening to this band a few months ago after a friend recommended them, and I have to say I've really grown to enjoy this album! It takes a little while to get used to the screaming vocals in the beginning of the opening track "Pittsburgh," but vocalists Joel Birch and Ahren Stringer complement each other nicely throughout the album. A very solid rhythm rock album!

Recommended Tracks: "Pittsburgh," "The Weigh Down," "My Father's Son."

Between Far and Away by As Everyone

This 5-song EP isn't the type of music I normally listen to, it has a kind of Talking Heads vibe. There are some very cool lyrics, guitar riffs and effects that catch your ear right away. A very solid debut by two young and talented musicians!

Recommended Tracks: "Even The Odds," "Born to Suffer," "Misuse."

Catacombs of the Vatican by Black Label Society

The newest disc by former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde's band was also the first BLS disc I ever bought. I was pleasantly surprised by Zakk's customary heavy guitar riffs mixed with some lighter songs. I wasn't a big fan of Zakk's vocals at first, but I have to admit that this album won me over! I'd recommend this album for longtime Black Label Society fans as well as people like me who are relatively new to his music and want to give this group a try. 

Recommended Tracks: "My Dying Time," "Angel of Mercy," "Empty Promises."

Magic Mountain by Black Stone Cherry

The fourth album by these relatively new Southern rockers is about what you'd expect from this four-piece band: catchy hooks, steady drum beats and tangy lyrics. Not a hall of fame worthy album, but still a solid effort by a hardworking group who put on very heavy, energetic shows every time out. 

Recommended Tracks: "Me and Mary Jane," "Magic Mountain," "Remember Me."

The Fuck EP by Buckcherry

As you can probably guess, there's one word that's in the title of all of the songs on this disc. (If you purchased this album at Best Buy, the exception to the rule is a good cover of Aerosmith's "Mama Kin.") The concept works well for their style of music, a tongue-in-cheek recording that will tide Buckcherry fans over until their next full-length album.

Recommended Tracks: "Somebody Fucked With Me," "Say Fuck It," "I Don't Give a Fuck."

Sonic Highways by Foo Fighters

The band's highly anticipated eighth studio album is somewhat of a concept album, using guest artists and different music styles on each song. The album also coincides with their recent HBO series. I'm looking forward to hearing how some of these songs are played live next year!

Recommended Tracks: "Something From Nothing," "Outside," "I Am A River."

Puppet Strings by Fuel

It's been a while since I've heard anything from this group, but they surprised me with a solid album. Frontman Brett Scallions doesn't sound like his old self, but he leads fans on a musical journey of a new, more refined Fuel sound on this album. I for one am glad that any former tensions within this band are resolved and that they're back to making quality music again!

Recommended Tracks: "Soul to Preach To," "Hey Mama," "Puppet Strings."

Black Widow by In This Moment

A very solid followup to 2012's Blood, an album that fans will easily enjoy. It seems to pick right up where the last disc left off. I'm looking forward to hearing some of these songs and finally getting to witness their live show in 2015!

Recommended Tracks: "Sex Metal Barbie," "Big Bad Wolf," "Sick Like Me."

Broken Crown Halo by Lacuna Coil

These Italian rockers quietly released an album that I feel has largely gone under the radar in the rock community. Singers Andrea Ferro and Cristina Scabbia's combined harmonies anchor a great release, one that deserved more fanfare when it was released. Even after a couple of band members left shortly after this album's release, the band soldiered on for a blistering tour this year. Check them out if you haven't already, this disc is a great starting point for new fans!

Recommended Tracks: "Nothing Stands in our Way," "Zombies" "I Forgive (But I Don't Forget)."

Quatre by Le Projet

For only $1.29 on CD Baby, I couldn't pass up this download by Kevin Martin (lead vocals) and Adam Kury (bass guitar) of Candlebox, Lenny Cerzosie Jr. (guitar) of the Infinite Staircase and Morgan Rose (drums and production) of Sevendust. A very solid four-song debut by this supergroup, if you're a fan of any of the bands mentioned above, you definitely need to have these songs in your music library!

Recommended Tracks: "Head Down," "Save Yourself," "Little Shits."

Letters From the Fire EP by Letters From the Fire

I picked up this five-song EP after hearing these songs played live at a Nonpoint concert in September. This was the first I'd heard of this band, but these San Francisco rockers have grown on me ever since. Looking forward to hearing more new music from them next year!

Recommended Tracks: "Zombies In the Sun," "Waiting," "Eleanor Rigby (Beatles cover)."

The Return by Nonpoint

Another band I've grown to enjoy more and more after first seeing them open for Megadeth last year. A great album that fits well in the Nonpoint catalog, something that any hard rock/metal fan can easily enjoy from the very first listen. The new songs I've heard in concert sound great live too!

Recommended Tracks: "Breaking Skin," "Razors," "Never Cared Before."

Peace at all Costs by Otherwise

Peace At All Costs by Vegas natives Otherwise is a great sophomore album. I really enjoy the double-guitar tandem of Ryan Patrick and Andrew Pugh in each song. This combo really works well with frontman Adrian Patrick's vocals every song. Looking forward to hearing some of the standout tracks from this album live in concert next year!

Recommended Tracks: "Love and War," "Darker Side of the Moon," "All the Pretty Things." 

Lite Roast by Sammy Hagar and Vic Johnson

This album sounds like it could have easily been completed in one take in the studio. A very simple yet effective concept: Hagar and Johnson on acoustic guitars and vocals (with some accordion thrown in on a couple of songs), this is a great low-key album, perfect for unwinding after a busy, stressful day. There's a few of the Red Rocker's Van Halen-era songs here redone acoustically, with plenty of other enjoyable tracks.

Recommended Tracks: "Red Voodoo," "Eagles Fly," "Who Has the Right?"

Isolate and Medicate by Seether

Another different yet good album by one of those bands that's been on my concert bucket list for quite some time. Seether always takes their listeners down different musical roads, but the journey on this album is just as enjoyable as their previous efforts. Glad they can reinvent themselves without sounding stale. 

Recommended Tracks: "Same Damn Life," "Words as Weapons," "Weak."

Time Travelers and Bonfires by Sevendust

Probably my favorite album of the year, it's been my wake-up music on my phone every workday morning. With six new songs and six reworkings of classic Sevendust songs, it's hard not to like this album. There's even a little electric guitar mixed in too for you Sevendust diehards! These songs also sounded great acoustically live this year too! Great music from a great hardworking bunch of musicians! 

Recommended Tracks: "Bonfire," "Gone," "Trust."

World on Fire by Slash

Former Guns N' Roses axe-slinger Slash's third solo album (and second full album with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators) is what you'd expect from one of rock's greatest guitarists: plenty of groovy guitar licks, solid vocals from the Alter Bridge frontman, and quick, energy-infused songs. If you liked any of Slash's previous efforts, this album needs to be added to your collection!

Recommended Tracks: "World on Fire," "Wicked Stone," "Safari Inn." 

Savages by Theory of a Deadman

The fifth album by Canadian pop/rockers Theory of A Deadman is another enjoyable tongue-in-cheek release, full of driving anthems, a few sappy ballads and even a guest appearance by the one and only Alice Cooper on the title track. From the opening song "Drown" to the closing Richard Marx "Children of the Night" sounding singalong song "The Sun Has Set On Me," Theory has put out another satisfying release that fans will definitely appreciate and enjoy.

Recommended Tracks: "Drown," "Salt In the Wound," "World War Me."

Well that's all for this year, be back blogging in 2015! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, everyone!

Bucky's Concert Year in Review 2014 - I've Been Everywhere, Man!

Hard to believe that 2014 is almost history! It's been a busy year for me as usual. It's also been one of the most musical years of my life, having seen 32 bands play at 11 concerts across three states this year.

My concert year began in March with a show featuring MN natives American Head Charge at Bubba's Bar in Sauk Rapids, MN on a surprisingly cold day. I arrived in time to get a ticket to the show and chat a bit with AHC guitarist Ted Hallows before their soundcheck. I also got to meet fellow AHC fans from the Twin Cities and sit through about six hours of music from eight bands that night. I picked up discs from opening acts Reaping Asomodea and Righteous Vendetta at the show, just the start of this year's collection.

The next show was actually the first one I'd planned for - a roadtrip to meet friends at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Madison, WI for an acoustic Sevendust performance. I was able to gather my friends for dinner at the Tipsy Cow restaurant before the show. About two dozen of us traveled from five states to join in good food and conversation before the show. The show itself was incredible - the guys really translated the new  and newly reworked songs from their new album Time Travelers and Bonfires into acoustic masterpieces! Although the evening was filled with memorable moments, my favorite has to be at the end of my conversation with frontman Lajon Witherspoon, who looked at me, put his hand on my shoulder and said "You're family, bro!" That was one of the highest compliments I've ever received! I walked away from that show with one of Clint Lowery's guitar picks and deepened friendships with some amazing people.

Show #3 was at a tiny venue called Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN. I'd gotten to be friends with members of the Wichita, Kansas-based rock group KingShifter. I promised I'd catch their show whenever they made it to Minnesota, and sure enough they made it here in May! I got to the venue in time to help the guys in KingShifter load some of their gear into the building, so I kinda felt like a roadie for a day, which is pretty cool! The band was sandwiched between local groups Smiling Politely and Matrekis, which made for a fun show despite the low turnout on a Wednesday evening. I left for home that night with a couple of guitar picks, a KingShifter info card, sticker and album download card, ready for more live music!

The next show was back at Pov's for Sevendust's only Minnesota date on their acoustic tour. I got to the venue early again, in time to be interviewed by the band's videographer and chat with guitarist/singer John Connolly, bassist Vince "The Boss" Hornsby, former Sevendust manager "Big Red" and touring keyboardist/Architekt Studios co-founder Kurt Wubbenhorst before the show. The show was another great experience with friends. I walked away with a couple more guitar picks, one of the drumsticks used during the show that drummer Morgan Rose personally handed to me after the show (one of my friends I met at the show got the other drumstick), and of course lots of great photos and memories!

I didn't get to another show until August, when I was offered free tickets for the Buckcherry concert at Mill City Nights in downtown Minneapolis. I got to the show on a warm Thursday evening in time to catch the pair of opening acts and plenty of new and classic Buckcherry tracks. I didn't stick around long after the show, knowing I was going back to Pov's the next night to see 10 Years headline what was another great show! I got to chat with guitarist "Tater" Johnson and lead singer Jesse Hasek before the show. It was another impressive evening of five bands for not a lot of money. I was able to chat with openers Crobot after the show, get a photo with Hasek and have him sign one of their older discs before heading home to relax and recuperate before my next concert.

The following Monday, I made the drive to The Venue in Fargo, ND for an electric Sevendust show. I'd gotten an email saying the VIP experience was going to be in the afternoon before the show, so I made it there in time to chat with the guys and have pizza with them, have them sign a few items and even get a Sevendust sharpie from Vinny and take a selfie with John. I went back to my hotel room to unwind and then returned to The Venue in time to hear of Robin Williams' passing. Lajon mentioned the band had met Robin when entertaining the troops overseas several years back and dedicated the song "Karma" to him. I walked away from that show with more of John and Vinny's guitar picks, another one of Morgan's drumsticks, an autographed ticket from Gemini Syndrome's bassist AP Paveri, a Gemini Syndrome stamp on my arm from their drummer Brian Steele Medina and of course some good memories of a night spent rocking with friends.

My first September show was at the Myth in Maplewood, MN. Right off the freeway near St. Paul, it's a venue I've been to shows at every first weekend in September for the last three years. I splurged on the VIP experience and got to meet and get autographs from openers Black Stone Cherry and headliners Theory of a Deadman. I also received a Theory can koozie, vinyl copy of their new album Savages and got to connect with a friend who was photographing the show.

The next weekend, I left during the Vikings game in time to make it to the Fine Line Music Cafe in downtown Minneapolis for the Nonpoint concert. Another small venue, I stood in front of their bassist Adam Woloszyn the entire night and had a great time enjoying the music and meeting friends and fellow Nonpoint fans. I grabbed a drumstick during Righteous Vendetta's set that rolled right to me and Adam put one of his guitar picks in my hand at the end of their set. Although their new album The Return wasn't out yet, I did buy an older album in time to turn around and have drummer Robb Rivera and lead singer Elias Soriano sign it for me. I also bought an EP from openers Letters From the Fire, and got a couple of signatures on it too before calling it a night.

I didn't get to another show until the annual Floydian Slip show at the Paramount Theatre in downtown St. Cloud. Local cover band The Fabulous Armadillos put on a theatrical concert in two acts: the first half is Dark Side of the Moon played from beginning to end, and the second half features selections from The Wall and other Floyd classics. I was able to grab a few Armadillos' play dollar bills during the song "Money" and congratulated guitarist Paul "Stretch" Diethelm, a local axe legend, on another great show on my way out.

Winter and work kept me busy until last night, when I was able to get back to the Red Carpet Nightclub after several years for the Melismatics and Soul Asylum. This was my first time in the front row of a Soul Asylum show, and I was glad to see frontman Dave Pirner still has the same energy and humor that I've seen at their shows since 2002. I grabbed a setlist that was right in front of me and bought a Melismatics CD (with a bumper sticker) thrown in before saying hello to friends on my way home.

I haven't been to this many shows in a year in a long time - it's pretty amazing that I was able to see 32 bands this year and talk to members of at least half of them at the shows. Looking forward to at least three more shows on the calendar in 2015. Hope to see some of you enjoying live music with me next year!

Back Where It All Began

12 years ago, I celebrated the start of a new job by going to see Minnesota natives Soul Asylum play at the locally well-known venue the Red Carpet in downtown St. Cloud. The band made it big on the national market with songs like "Somebody to Shove," "Black Gold" and "Runaway Train" in the early '90's. Though their popularity has waned from that high point, they are always a treat to see live in concert. Last night I went to my fifth Soul Asylum concert at that same venue, back where my real love for live music really began.

The night began with a baker's dozen alternative rock songs from the Minneapolis group The Melismatics. Although the crowd didn't know too much about them, I thought they did a good job of warming up the audience on a typically chilly December day in Central Minnesota. I later bought a copy of the band's 2013 release Rising Tide and got to congratulate singer/guitarist Ryan Smith on a good performance.

Shortly before 11 p.m. Soul Asylum took to the small Red Carpet stage, launching into one of the songs from my college years' soundtrack, "Somebody to Shove." Even though singer/guitarist Dave Pirner is the only original member still in the band, the group's cohesive sound shone throughout their set. Original guitarist Dan Murphy left the band in 2012, but his replacement Justin Sharbono was quite capable on lead and rhythm guitar. He also plays guitar lefthanded, so he gets a thumbs-up in my book as a fellow lefty just for that! It's not easy to fill original bassist Karl Mueller's shoes, but I have to say Winston Roye is the best and most energetic person to fill that role since Mueller lost his battle with throat cancer in 2006. Gone but not forgotten, Pirner dedicated the song "Without a Trace" to his longtime bandmate and friend during the show.

This was the first time I've been front row center for a Soul Asylum show, and it was cool getting to interact with Pirner - he commented on the Minnesota Twins sweatshirt I was wearing and I got to shake hands with him after the song "The Game." I always marvel at his stage presence and guitar performances - he's been using the same "Holiday Inn" Fender electric guitar (it has a well-faded sticker of TV channel listings from a Holiday Inn hotel) and black Gibson acoustic guitar at every show. Just like the songs I grew to love, some things just never change!

The band whipped through 18 songs before taking a break. Although it wasn't on the setlist I grabbed at the end of the show, Pirner began an abbreviated performance of their hit cover song "Summer of Drugs" while the technical crew helped drummer Michael Bland adjust his drum kit a bit.

The band ended the evening with the Grave Dancers Union singles "Runaway Train" and "April Fool" before calling it a night. This was my 11th rock show of the year, and it was great to end the 2014 concert season with a bang! The show was an exclamation point on a great day connecting with friends and enjoying live music. That's all I have for now - still have a couple blogs for you this year though: my concert year in review and my favorite albums of 2014. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Soul Asylum setlist - Red Carpet Nightclub Fri. 12/19/14
1. Somebody to Shove
2. Misery
3. Lately
4. All is Well
5. Can't Even Tell
6. Bus Named Desire
7. Can't Help It
8. Black Gold
9. Without A Trace
10. Never Really Been
11. New York Blackout
12. Gravity
13. Spinnin'
14. Shut Down
15. The Game
16. Morgan's Dog
17. Nice Guys
18. Oxygen
Encore:
1. Summer of Drugs (abbreviated)
2. No Time for Waiting
3. Runaway Train
4. April Fool