Skysaw. That is the name of ex-Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin's new band. Interesting, and easier to search on Google than their previous moniker, "THIS." The band consists of Jimmy Chamberlin, Anthony Pirog, Mike Reina, Boris Skalsky and Paul Wood. Reportedly, a deal with Dangerbird Records has been signed and the first physical release will come in May, entitled "Great Civilizations."
You can stream new track, "No One Can Tell" at http://www.skysawmusic.com/. Be sure to subscribe with their mailing list in order to gain a free mp3 download of it as well.
Now, if you are like me, you have missed the ferocity of Chamberlin's drumming since his March 2009 departure from the Pumpkins. The man is a monster, and is often cited as one of the greatest drummers of our era. His drumming on the newly released track, "No One Can Tell" is nothing phenomenal, but still refreshing to hear. Guy is as precise and smooth with his drums as ever.
Lyrically, nothing too special. The vocalist sounds like a loose interpretation of Maynard James Keenan or Billy Howerdel."No One Can Tell" is very reminiscent of the likes of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Ashes Divide without coming off as an imitation. It has it's own flavor, without a doubt.
Mark Tulin, 62, of 1960's psychadelic rock group, The Electric Prunes, died unexpectedly on Saturday February 26th. He was helping out with the Avalon Underwater Clean-Up in Avalon, California at the time when he collapsed. Medics tried to revive him, but he was pronounced dead. RIP 11/21/1948-02/26/2011.
The group was known for their experimental take on the genre, and for the struggle which ensued between them and their label over creative control. This is one thing that seemingly scarred the musicians, Tulin included, for a very long time.
Mr. Tulin was more recently associated with alt-rock band, The Smashing Pumpkins. Having met Corgan while he was recording music with the now-departed Sky Saxon (The Seeds), he soon commenced recording demoes with the Pumpkins for their (then) upcoming release, "Teargarden by Kaleidyscope." In addition, Mark Tulin joined Billy on tour for his Sky Saxon tribute band, Spirits In The Sky during July & August of 2009.Also, he was seen playing bass for a charity performance with Corgan & friends under the moniker, Backwards Clock Society.
The Prunes' bassist is credited for contributing bass guitar on the first 4-track volume of "Teargarden by Kaleidyscope," entitled "Songs For A Sailor." Other appearances included the only 2 Smashing Pumpkins performances to ever feature a male bassist. The Record Store Day show on 4/17/10 featured Mark Tulin on bass. When the band performed "Widow Wake My Mind" from the newly released EP on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he was also added to the live line-up. According to Billy, Mark made good friends with current drummer, Mike Byrne. 40+ years his senior, and he treated him as if they were on the same level. What a guy...he will be missed.
Now, in relation to Mr. Mark Tulin, Billy Corgan has mixed and finalized two new Smashing Pumpkins songs for release. All we wait on is his announcement of when & how. The format of "Teargarden by Kaleidyscope" may be changing, or at least themethod of release could. A big announcement for the New Year is expected soon, but please respect the fact that Corgan is clearly upset about the loss of his friend, and rightfully so. Producer & friend of the band, Kerry Brown, updated his blog with a tribute to Tulin:
A track called "Zen Baby" has been described within the post, which had been mixed just days before Tulin's collapse. Originally intended for use by The Electric Prunes, Billy opted to keep it for the Pumpkins & flesh it out. Whether or not this track will be one of the next two Smashing Pumpkins songs released is open to speculation, but we do know it is a factor. Seeing as it is connected to Tulin in a way, it might just serve as a tribute of sorts from Billy & The Pumpkins. Here is the only known recording of this track in-full, derived from one of the bands' soundchecks from their tour this past summer.
Sounds good, that is for sure. More energetic than anything the band has put out in a while. Fans attending the soundchecks have reported how much better it sounded live. Looking forward to it. This studio video was recently put up on the band's facebook, and if you listen close to the lyrics and chord changes, it is the same song. In acoustic/demo form no doubt. Supposedly filmed this past Monday. "Zen Baby!"
Steven Wilson. The frontman and mastermind of UK-based progressive rock kings, Porcupine Tree, will be on the New York radio station "WNYC" at 2:15pm EST today. Steven will be joining them to discuss & dissect the "merits of a concept album." Being a complete sucker for conceptual-centered recordings & anything Steven Wilson lays his musical hands on, I'm game.
Post-hardcore band Silverstein have announced a projected date of 4/26/2011 for their newest studio effort, "Rescue." It will be released on their new label, Hopeless Records. Two tracks from the previously released "Transitions EP" will be included on the album, titled "Sacrifice" and "Darling Harbour," respectively. A music video is being filmed for the first single, "The Artist."
I have always adored their album artwork, and am happy to report that friend of the band and artist Martin Wittfoot will once again be contributing a painting to serve as their album cover. Here is an example of the work he provides. This is the cover of their 3rd studio album, "Arrivals & Departures," released in 2007.
If any band of this genre is worth checking out, it is them. And trust me, they are far & few in-between. Never heard of them? "A Shipwreck In The Sand" and "Discovering The Waterfront" are good choices to start with.
After a little over 3 years, Radiohead finally seem to be putting out yet another effort. This one is entitled, "The King Of Limbs," and will be released digitally on February 19th:
"Radiohead's new record, The King Of Limbs, is presented here with a choice of two digital formats:
MP3 version is a 320K constant bit rate file.
WAV version is a full CD quality uncompressed digital audio file.
One lucky owner of the digital version of The King Of Limbs, purchased from this website, will receive a signed 2 track 12" vinyl.
The King of Limbs can be pre-ordered now and downloaded on Saturday 19th February 2011."
This is a place where I post all of my various ramblings about the musical world. More or less, to keep my friends & family sane and to give insight & guidance to all music freaks with a passion as frightening as mine. Album reviews, artist news & insights, and my own conflicting opinions. Click the link at the bottom of the page to become a follower of the Musical/\Revertion.
