Testament - Live at the Fillmore

A re-issue of a classic live album that captures the energy of the moment, albeit with a less than perfect mix.Back in 1995, Testament released their first full length live record entitled Live at the Fillmore.  This was an important album for the band, because it showcased the [then] new lineup.  After the departure of Alex Skolnick and Louie Clemente in '93, fans were unsure what to expect, though after the band's 1994 release Low, there were no questions left in any of the fan's minds; Testament had not skipped a beat, and they were still kicking ass.  That being said, Prostetic Records has just re-issued the "out of print" Live at the Fillmore.  This CD presents the band in their hometown supporting the Low record back in '95 and includes 14 live tracks as well as 3 classics given the acoustic treatment.  Many hail this as one of the best live CDs of all time, so let's see if they're right.

Live at the Fillmore boast a very impressive set list.  All of the favorites are there, from The Preacher to Into the Pit.  The band sounds well, though I think the production comes off a little hollowl; it's not as heavy as with their studio releases.  The bottom end sounds okay, but the guitars kind of get lost in the mix. 

There are some highlights like Alone in the Dark, The Preacher and The New Order, but unfortunately some of the songs get buried in the aforementioned mix.  I would have to say that the acoustic versions of Return to Serenity, The Legacy and Trail of Tears were the highlights for me.  These tracks really come alive in the acoustic arena and ended up being a real treat for me.  Not a bad live CD, but not one of the best.  Had the production been heavier, I might've had a different opinion.

Bottom Line: Testament on the rebound.  After losing 2 key members, the band bounces back with a solid live performance, albeit with a bit of a muddy mix.  This re-issue will be essential for fans that didn't get it the first time around.

Standout Tracks: Return to Serentity, Alone in the Dark, Eerie Inhabitants and The New Order

- Ragman is adjusting his amplifier...

Anywhere USA

Not bad for an independent movie, but the trend of loosely interconnected story lines just doesn't work for me.Anywhere USA is a movie that involves three separate plot lines which are loosely connected to one another.  Not sure why Hollywood continues to intertwine stories this way seeing as how it rarely seems to work.  I believe most films with this format would work much better separated into 3 shorts - but I digress.  

The first story involves a couple wherein the woman beats the man once a week for pleasure (at least I think), until she finds out he has cheated on her, at which point she throws him out.  This is the best story of the 3 because it comes off very comical.  She then hooks up with a new guy online.  The fun comes in when her ex-boyfriend and his friend come to the conclusion that her new beau is a representative from Al-Qaeda.  Good stuff.  The next story is about a little girl coming of age and discovering that the tooth fairy doesn't exist.  This story is more dramatic and brings things down after the strong comedic start of the movie.  The last story is about an upper class man who realizes he doesn't know any black people.  At first glance this storyline could be funny, but unfortunately the filmmaker takes a dramatic route rather than playing on the potential humor of this scenario.

All in all not a bad movie.  For a low budget independent film, this movie looks highly professional.  One rip I have is that I think they should've kept more of a comedic vibe throughout the movie.  Another thing that bothered me about this film, is that the stories didn't really mix too well with one another.  There was no real connection.  But the thing that saved this movie for me was the first story; it definitely had some classic moments.

Bottom Line: An artsy fartsy film, with a bit of an edge.  Three loosely connected stories that mix comedy with drama.  Not a bad watch, but not sure when it will hit the player again.

- Ragman is jonesing for the Hangover 2...

The Metal Minute #2

Genghis is back with the second installment of snarky newsmanship known as The Metal Minute.  In this episode:

• Vinnie Vincent tries to dance all over his wife's your face.
• The crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavor gets a morning Rush on Victoria Day.
• You get to peep the CD releases for the week of May 24, 2011.

- Genghis is finally starting to get the hang of recording and editing this shebang (if only the equipment would cooperate)...

The Metal Minute #1

In this edition of [the return of] The Metal Minute for the week of May 17, 2011: 

• Def Leppard is making a lullaby album of their greatest hits.  Oh, good.
• The Vegan Black Metal Chef seems at odds with the principals of black metal.
• Album releases for the week of May 17, 2011, because Facebook said so.

- Genghis is actually going to enjoy making this segment (be on time? maybe not so much)...

Podcast #120: Awarded

Can James Rivera rock some black duds or what? That's old school style, people!We all know the the Grammys are a joke as well as the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame.  Who decides who should get an award and does metal have a place in the award community (hell, yes!)?  Over the past couple of years metal rags like Hammer and Revolver have started their respective tributes (e.g. Golden Gods) - and it's about time.  Join Genghis and Ragman as they disect this year's nominations as well as giving their own.  Next, the boys round up local favorite James Rivera from Helstar for a one on one as he discusses their recent reunion and their latest offering, Glory of Chaos.

DVD of the Show: Megadeth - Rust in Peace Live

Beer of the Show: The Right To Rock's Double Dick Ale  Beer Rating: 3

Guest Soundmen: Justin and Charlie

Featured Tracks: Black Veil Brides - We Stitch These Wound; Megadeth - Good Mourning Black Friday; Gary Moore - Empty Rooms; Children of Bodom - Blooddrunk; Avenged Sevenfold - Buried Alive; Ozzy Ozbourne - Diggin’ Me Down; Black Label Society - Southern Dissolution; Accept - The Abyss; Helstar - Detroyer, Dark Queen, Pandemonium, Summer of Hate, Trinity of Heresy & Run With The Pack

Classic of the Show: Black Sabbath - Ancient Warrior

Ragman’s Pick of the Week:  Farewell to Freeway - Afterlife Lottery

Genghis’ Pick of the Week:  I Mother Earth - Not Quite Sonic

- Ragman is bringing the thunder...

Podcast #120: Awarded