Before we begin with the news and noise, I need to air out a few things concerning the KINGS OF LEON. First off, Youth & Young Manhood was on the same par as Is This It? for me when the two came out. I absolutely lived and died for those two records during 2001-2002, and when I was able to see the Kings open at Madison Square for The Strokes, I was in rock heaven. I eagerly waited for the follow-up, the always tricky second LP to what had been a seemingly perfect debut.

And then the Kings came out with Aha. I was, simply put, floored. The boys have got what it takes to produce quality rock songs. Period. The new LP’s full of their signatures: jangly guitars, croaking vocals, and that sexy foot-to-the-pedal mentality. But they successfully embellished on their already radio-friendly sound, adding some gorgeous pop melodies, sonorous vocals and groovy syncopation (check out “Razz” and “Taper Jean Girl” and you’ll immediately get it). They were able to assess the current musical landscape and add to it without pilfering. Truth to be told, I was as proud as any fan could be.

So the phrase “eagerly anticipating” was quite the understatement when it came to watching them perform on Leno last night. It would be the first time I’d see the boys do their new material “live”, and I couldn’t wait.

They did a great job, doing their awesome single “The Bucket” proud. But my God, their appearance was appalling. And I’m not talking sartorially. In that respect, they looked quite hot, cleaning up their Lynyrd Skynrd act with some nice sweaters and blazers. But I’ll be damned if the boys weren’t this close to collapsing for lack of a sandwich. Matthew, the gorgeous lad who the girls cruelly called the “fat” cousin (which was never true in the first place), now looked like a lean and mean version of Albert Hammond Jr., while it pleased me to note that little Jared had finally hit post-adolescence, albeit losing more than a few pounds along the way. But it was lead singer Caleb who scared the bejesus out of me. His knees knocking together as he strummed his guitar, his shoulders cutting the air like knives, the lead Followill brother made Nick Valensi look like fucking George Costanza. This boy needs intervention toute suite. And I’m not saying this to be petty; I’m saying this as a fan that wants to see Caleb live to record a third LP. The man is too thin. Period. What we should do, I don’t know. But damn, that’s some cold shit when the fans call you fat and you come back as a toothpick. Yet another reason why teenybopper rock fans need to go back to the hell from whence they came…

Whew…In the meantime, I’ll let you guys decide for yourselves whether you should buy the latest Kings of Leon venture (if you haven’t already) with some then-and-now photos and the awesome video for “The Bucket”:

The Kings of Leon on May 4, 2004 (taken by Statia Molewski for Rolling Stone).




Terry Richardson spices the Kings up in the March 10th issue of Rolling Stone




The Bucket video

BECK’S BACK




GET IT NOW:

[From Amazon.com]:

“TWO-DISC DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION OF "GUERO" INCLUDES:

- Full album plus seven exclusive bonus tracks - An exquisite 52 page booklet of art chosen by Beck - Technologically groundbreaking DVD featuring a 5.1 surround sound mix of the album coupled with interactive video remixes of each track (designed by acclaimed video artists D-Fuse). Over 100 unique visual possibilities -- as directed using the remote control's "angle" button.”

Beck-He’s A Mighty Good Leader

Beck: E-Pro Video [Featuring some of the catchiest “na na na”’s since The Beach Boys]].

You Shook Me All Night Long




If you don’t go to SHINDIG! tonight, you’re bound to miss one of the best rock/pop line-ups in awhile (THE BAMBOO KIDS anyone?). Plus, you won’t have an opportunity to get soused with some of the coolest musicians and artists around. Party on Wayne.

The Sexy Magazines: War Baby

The Bamboo Kids: Caught In NYC Video

La Laque – La Sirene Dort [I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am to see LL back out and aboutk, rocking the City].

Something For Rockets website

ADDICTIONS

Songs I’m Currently Injecting Into My Ears:

-Black Mountain: “Heart of Snow”.

The drum line to Bowie’s “Rock N’ Roll Suicide” is probably one of the most imitated licks of all time. Black Mountain put it to great use here, building upon it with vocals welling with emotion. But then the song stops, pausing to reflect on the wounds until the band reaches a melting point and snarls back in electrified fury. The song succeeds in all its bi-polar glory.

Heart Of Snow

BLACK MOUNTAIN plays the Mercury Lounge tonight with CARY BROTHERS, whom you might remember for the beautiful song “Blue Eyes” from the Garden State soundtrack.
Also playing the bill are CRYSTAL SKULLS, a band whose new LP ‘Blocked Numbers’ is on constant rotation. Simply awesome.

Check the Events Calendar for more info.

Cary Brothers website

Crystal Skulls: No Room For Change

Crystal Skulls: Airport Motels

Rock Photo:

Jimmy Zero and Jeff Magnum play at the Stiv Bators Tribute Concert on 9/18/04 in Collinwood, OH.

Taken by one of my new favorite photographers, John Nikolai.




And they never use toothpaste/But they’ve got £250/To go and see The Clash/Tonight-S.