By Joseph R. Atilano
As early as November to December 2011, there were already numerous reports coming in of a rumored new album in the works for Black Sabbath. But we have heard of such reports for years already and we really didn’t know if those were merely rumors or fabricated by some long-time fans of the legendary Heavy Metal band in their desire to get them back together. A ton of questions were thrown around but one that lingered in the back of many long-time fans was that if this was going to be the original line-up of the band? Most questions were left unanswered until after a few interviews Ozzy Osbourne had with some news agencies which confirmed that Black Sabbath were indeed in the process of getting back together in the studio and starting the ground work of what would not only be their comeback album but which would mark the band’s latest studio-release with Ozzy Osbourne since 1979…or a whopping 34 years ago!
Posted: June 18th, 2013 | in Blog,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
“Black Sabbath are the Beatles of Heavy Metal” is what Dave Navarro once said of them in an article in Rolling Stone to aptly describe the band’s legacy. To most of us, they are the most influential Heavy Metal band of all time and that is not a matter of opinion but a fact. Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward forever changed the landscape of music as we knew it when they collectively formed a band called “Black Sabbath.”
Posted: June 14th, 2013 | in Blog,Columnists,Featured Columns,Headlines,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
When I got to read about Marilyn Manson dedicating his song “Disposable Teens” to Paris Jackson and how he simulated an attempted suicide onstage in one of his recent live events in the States, that report rang an alarm bell in my head. I got quite disturbed by his callous act and it made me remember the first time—and last—I listened [...]
Posted: June 11th, 2013 | in Blog,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
When Chester Bennington appeared alongside Stone Temple Pilots and performed a number of their hits at the Los Angeles radio station KROQ’s annual Weenie Roast, it caught everyone by surprise and took a while for music aficionados to understand exactly what was going on. Needless to say, people were confused whether this was still Stone Temple Pilots or should even be called that. Without STP’s original lead singer Scott Weiland, the band didn’t seem complete.
Posted: June 8th, 2013 | in Blog,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
Daft Punk’s lead single “Get Lucky” from their fourth studio-release “Random Access Memories” is one infectious and funk-flavored ode to the disco-era of the 70′s. And they have kept that integrity with minimum usage of digital instruments to give way to a more prevalent organic sound with natural intruments. What Daft Punk have done here is a 180 degree change on how they usually sound. This major move showcases the resourcefulness of this French EDM duo. Who knew Daft Punk were capable of pulling this off? This is what I meant in my previous piece about them–that they take the time to perfect their work and not rush things. Add to that their desire to surprise their listeners by defying any preset expectations of them.
Posted: June 4th, 2013 | in Blog,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
French electronic dance music (EDM) duo Daft Punk have been sizzling up the dance floors and lighting up numerous charts around the world for more than two decades now. Each time they release a new album they not only re-introduce themselves to those already familiar with them, this also gives the younger generation to become acquainted with their music as well. Daft Punk’s musical influence goes beyond the genre they represent. Almost every music critic alive today respects and acknowledges all the contributions they have made to the recording industry.
Posted: June 1st, 2013 | in Blog,Columnists,Featured Columns,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
Several news agencies have already confirmed that Jennifer Hudson has inked her deal to be the first new judge for Season 13 of ‘American Idol.’ This is great news–it will be a refreshing change to finally have someone who was in the show itself and who now has carved a name for herself and become a multi-awarded artist, even winning an Oscar!
Other news coming in is that ‘American Idol’ will only have three judges this time (again) and no longer four. But take this specific bit of news with a grain of salt as creative changes are constantly being made, back and forth. Furthermore, there are still conflicting reports about this news bit. But it is worth pointing out.
But why only have one former ‘American Idol’ contestant fill in the soon-to-be-vacant seats of the judging panel? FOX and the producers of ‘American Idol’ have thought this one out and now want the other remaining judges to also be all former contestants of the show. Indeed, who better than those who have had their own baptism of fire at ‘American Idol’ to serve in the panel of judges? After all, they would now know who among the future contestants have “it” to make it in the real world–meaning that they, too, will excel outside of ‘Idol.’
At the moment, those others rumored to be joining Jennifer Hudson in the judging panel are Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert, and Kelly Clarkson. This is certainly going to be a complete overhaul for the show–a new adrenalin shot to give it a much needed boost to its ratings.
If there is a former that would mean the most to longtime fans of the show, in my opinion, it has to be Kelly Clarkson. She was the first ever champion of ‘Idol’ and she has set the bar for future champions to follow. If–and that’s a big if–they can get her also to join the judging panel, her addition would be very meaningful and would weigh in more heavily than those of other more recent former contestants of the acclaimed show. I would see more significance in the presence of Kelly Clarkson alongside Jennifer Hudson. Further, both Clarkson and Hudson may bring back ‘American Idol’ to its former glory days of being a family-oriented show, minus the crazy antics and meltdowns viewers have been fed with in recent seasons. But let’s keep our fingers crossed for that.
Posted: May 27th, 2013 | in Blog,Columnists,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
The MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada was home to the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, which aside from its television airing, was also shown on YouTube. Much of the highlights and memorable moments were the unexpected ones, mishaps, and rare appearances.
Posted: May 25th, 2013 | in Blog,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
30 Seconds To Mars continues to explore and employ technological advances to diversify their sound and to keep them from becoming too predictable. A perfect example of this is the futuristic and innovative “Up In The Air” which is the lead single from their latest studio-release entitled “Love, Lust, Faith + Dreams” which is now available in the market.
Posted: May 20th, 2013 | in Blog,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
The last time Linkin Park held a concert in the Philippines was nine years ago. That was at the height of their popularity and they were second to none when it came to their own unique brand of music. To say they were huge at that early stage of their careers is the better word to describe the band’s international success. Who had not heard of their hits in those years? Linkin Park dominated the airwaves, record sales, and music channels for a good number of years. You could hear their songs being played everywhere. That was the impact that Linkin Park had at the time.
Posted: May 17th, 2013 | in Blog,Columnists,Featured Columns,Headlines,Latest Entertainment Stories,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
Not since you had the producers decide to bring together such an eclectic group of personalities and artists who are polar opposites of each other that you knew tensions would quickly rise and give way to some on-air drama. Who knew that there was legitimate “heat” between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj? It was puzzling at first since there was no reported “beef” between the two prior to their joining the judging panel. Apparently, almost nobody knew the reality of the situation until it was out there for everybody to see and to have more than an earful of!
Posted: May 14th, 2013 | in Blog,Columnists,MusicMatters | Read More »
By Joseph R. Atilano
Two simple words—”Dapat Tama”—everyone should remember before voting on May 13. Gloc-9 makes that message clear in this anthem that he composed to wake up a somnolent nation. Indeed, a nation rendered almost numb in her seeming insurmountable struggles against crashing poverty and incorrigible corruption in government. However, there’s a most powerful line “Nasa atin ang kapangyarihan pag tayo ang kumibo” which offers each of us insight—and that is, the realization that the power to effect change lies in each of us and not in the candidates—so it is time we woke up and time we claim that power by casting our votes.
Posted: May 11th, 2013 | in Blog,MusicMatters | Read More »
