Another Loss for Music in 2016 - Prince Is Dead At 57

1958-2016

     As if the music world wasn't dealt enough losses at the beginning of 2016 following the deaths of famous musicians, such as David Bowie, Glenn Frey, and Scott Weiland, another has followed: Prince.  The musician who was known for renowned singles like "When Doves Cry", "Little Red Corvette", "Kiss", and "Purple Rain" died suddenly on April 21st.  There have been no signs of foul play reported, and unfortunately, rumors of a drug-related death have circulated like wildfire.  Regardless of the singer/musician'a cause of death, he accomplished great feats in his life from a movie (Purple Rain), millions made from music, and even playing a Super Bowl halftime show in 2007. The musician originally hailed from Minnesota and was known for talented guitar playing, sexual lyrics, as well as blending genres such as Funk, Dance, and Pop.  Listen to some of Prince's most popular tunes below:

Prince - When Doves Cry

Prince and The Revolution - Purple Rain

Prince - Kiss

Prince - Little Red Corvette

Once Again--New Music From The Deftones!!! "Doomed User" (New Single)

***New Tune Alert!***

     This Hard Rock/Metal Sacramento five-piece has been leaving a trail of bread crumbs for fans ever since they announced the debut of their upcoming album, Gore, for April 2016. Recently, the group leaked a single that followed their usual theme of weird radness, "Prayers/Triangles". The song has been eaten up by fans on YouTube, Spotify, and all sorts of other platforms. In suit, the group recently released another single, titled "Doomed User", on the Sirius satellite radio station known as Octane. This tune is heavier than the previously-released single, and packs quite a punch. Angst is immediate in the song, as singer Chino Moreno screams at the top of his lungs, "My fuse has expired!/ Just f**king leave here!" Give this new tune a listen! It is definite pump-up tuneage! Stream this ear candy below:

Doomed User (Official Audio) - Deftones

New Single and Video from Highly Suspect - "Serotonia"

Singer and Guitarist, Johnny Stevens--Star of the Video

   

     Remember Highly Suspect?! If not, let us refresh your memory: The band put out a killer album, "Mister Asylum" (which we gave a 5/5 in an Album of the Week post), that came out in July and shook up the Bluesy-Rock world. They were also up for two Grammy nominations: Best Rock Album and Best Rock Song. Though the NYC three-piece didn't bring any Grammys home, they certainly aren't putting their instruments away to regroup. On February 29, the group released a new video for a single called "Seretonia", which the group had only previously played live. Now, the studio version of the song is available while watching the video, as well as on sources such as Spotify and iTunes. For those of us that love songs with meaningful lyrics, this song has your back. The singer, Johnny Stevens (who also stars alone as the main focus of the video) uses the song to lament about what seems to be a feeling of stagnancy and apathy that has permeated his soul while living in New York City. The very first lines of the song use playfully-dark sarcasm as Stevens declares, "I wish everyone I knew was dead,/So that I'd never have to pick up the phone." As previously mentioned, the video only stars Stevens, mostly in close-ups. He is juxtaposed from two different places, which appear to be a snowy rooftop in NYC and a desert in California (where he claims to want to go). If you like Highly Suspect, are looking for new music, or just want some new Bluesy riffs rocking your ears, we urge you to check this video out on YouTube. Check it out below!!!

Serotonia (New Single) by Highly Suspect Official Video via YouTube

More stills...

In Case You Haven't Seen/Heard It - Scott Weiland Tribute by Stone Temple Pilots

     As music lovers know (especially fans of Grunge), the music world had its cage rattled when the former front man of Stone Temple Pilots, Scott Weiland, died suddenly last December. The singer had been known for his past battles with inner demons, which often included drugs and other self-destructive vices. Still, many were shocked by the loss. Many musicians immediately took to social media or to covering STP songs at their concerts in memorial of the fallen rocker. However, Weiland's former band mates took things a step further for their memorial. The surviving members of STP teamed up with Rolling Stone to shoot an intimate listening session, where the trio is sitting at a studio mixing board and singling out portions of Weiland's vocals during the famous STP track "Atlanta". The video is definitely worth a watch, even as haunting as it is. Through the band's catharsis, they share some beauty that was often clouded by struggle for the late Scott Weiland. Though this video came out a little before Christmas, we wanted those who haven't seen/heard to get a chance to check out this gem. Legends die, but preserved examples of talent never do.

Scott Weiland

1967-2015

Watch the official video below (The actual songs starts at 1:33, after each band member says a bit about Scott):

"Memories of Candles and Incense" - A Weiland Tribute by STP

Rock Winners from the 58th Grammys

The Grammys shook up the music universe on February 15. A slew of rockers were nominated, but there could only be one winner per group. Here's a snapshot of the winners from the Rock category at last week's award show:

Best Rock Performance: Alabama Shakes - Don't Wanna Fight

Best Rock Song: Alabama Shakes - Don't Wanna Fight

Best Rock Album: Muse - Drones

       Alabama Shakes

Listen to "Don't Wanna Fight" by The Alabama Shakes

                 Muse

Listen to Drones by Muse (Full Album)

New Music! Deftones Release New Single From Upcoming Album!

***New Tune Alert***

     Despite the recent death of the Deftones' former bassist and a close brush with death in Paris, the Sacramento five-piece has proven that tragedy and danger don't phase them! The band has already released the date of their newest upcoming album, Gore, for April. However, it seems the band has been eager to give fans something to tide our ears over. Recently, the group released their first single from the upcoming LP, titled "Prayers/Triangles". It is clear that the Deftones are sticking to their staple of odd and vague lyrics/song titles. The track certainly makes the album seem like something to look forward to. Check out the single for yourself below with the official audio video from YouTube!

"Prayers/Triangles" - Deftones~Officially Released Audio

2016: A Sad Year for Music?

We've lost many enormously influential musicians this year, already! We've said goodbye to David Bowie, Glenn Fry of The Eagles, and Paul Kantner of Jefferson Starship. Which music icon affected you the most?

Listen to some of the bands named in this post below:

"Heroes" - David Bowie

"Hotel California" - The Eagles

"White Rabbit" - Jefferson Starship