Review: Don Caballero - "World Class Listening Problem"

It's been five long years since Don Caballero unleashed an album, but the wait is finally over. "World Class Listening Problem" finds the Pittsburgh-based group back doing what they do best: Amazing listeners and audiences with its uncanny ability to combine crazed yet melodic math rock that sounds like King Crimson at the height of their hipness.

Every new Don Cab is album is an adventure if only to hear what crazy things Damon Che has thought of behind the kit. Seeing him drum live is nothing short of amazing and is reminiscent of The Who's Keith Moon in that both of their styles seem contradictory; what it looks like they're playing doesn't necessarily correlate with what sounds come out of their kits.

"Palm Trees in the Fecking Bahamas" finds Che creating the aural illusion of two drummers simultaneously jamming while guitarists Eugene Doyle and Jeffrey Elsworth anchor down the song's jazz meets metal mania. Bassist Jason Jouver keeps up with Damon Che's spastic licks on "Sure We Had Knives Around," which is Don Cab at their best – creating challenging rhythms that raise the bar for innovative and creative instrumental rock.

Che is one of the premiere drummers of the underground music scene who has yet to get his due from the mainstream. And while Don Cab is always a fun and mesmerizing band to see perform live, on record they manage to capture the magic that happens when skilled musicians team to kick some serious ass.
Review: The Riverboat Gamblers - 'To the Confusfion of Our Enemies' CD

With their fourth CD, Denton, TX's The Riverboat Gamblers have proved it's possible to have mainstream appeal while keeping one's punk roots intact on "To the Confusion of Our Enemies." The album's standout track is "Don't Bury Me … I'm Not Dead Yet" which recalls the band's early years slugging out gigs in basements and crappy clubs set to music that sounds like the Foo Fighters at their peak; only more massive and powerful.

"The Biz Loves Sluts" is an explosive punk rock and roll anthem that combines the punk sensibilities of the Ramones and the smart swagger of Austin, Texas punk legends, Big Boys. "The Song We Used to Call 'Wasting Time'" and "Rent is Due" are high velocity thrashers that combine the hardcore angst with pleasing melodic punk-pop harmonies and are typical of the Gamblers' exhilarating live shows.

While critics have been raving about the Gamblers' enthusiastic live shows, due in large part to singer Mike Wiebe's all-over-the-place stage presence, the band could easily make the leap with a bigger presence on the alt-punk music scene this well above average CD.

Listen to The Riverboat Gamblers on MySpace.com
I was almost on MSNBC last night

I was booked to talk about American Idol on MSNBC's Scarborough Country last night. But then something went wrong ...

Click here to learn how I almost had my 15 minutes of fame on live TV
American Idol: Exhuming Elvis tedious task

Here's my recap of Tuesday's American Idol which featured the songs of Elvis Presley.

phillyBurbs.com: Exhuming Elvis tedious task

"The starry-eyed Idols were whisked away to Graceland on a private jet, where they were met by a disturbingly ghastly Priscilla Presley."
Still plagued by American Idol

I haven't had many opportunities to post here - been busy covering American Idol for work.

You wouldn't believe how draining it is to try and convince the millions of idiots who tune in each week that this is an awful show.

It's as if they just want to believe...

Link: American Idol phillyBurbs Style
Enter for a chance to win a 30GB Video iPod

The place where I work, phillyBurbs.com is giving away several iPods. The grand prize is a 30GB Video iPod!

Click here to enter for a chance to win a new iPod!
Riverboat Gamblers cancel Delaware gig

The Riverboat Gamblers have canceled their gig that was supposed to happen this Tuesday at Mojo Thirteen in Wilmington, Delaware.

I am bummed!!!
How will Kellie Pickler embarass herself tonight on American Idol?

Tuesday’s American Idol theme is love songs, with special guest Andrea Bocelli. Which raises the question, how will Kellie Pickler embarrass herself this week?

ihatekellie.com: How will Pickler play the fool?
American Idol is a catastrophe

I know you're just dying to read my thoughts on this week's American Idol.

First off, I thought the final 10 really stunk up the stage on Tuesday.

Kellie Pickler's performance was mediocre at best. I then launched a brand new anti-Kellie Pickler site, ihatekelliepickler.com.

Although it was a momentary error, Idol producers showed an incorrect phone number while Mandisa's performance was played. Read about that here.

And Wednesday's show when Lisa Tucker got booted off was full of obnoxious product placements.

Please keep in mind that I do actually get paid to write this garbage, before you e-mail me telling me what a loser I am.
McG makin' headlines with Kellie Pickler quote

Well, almost.

The New York Post quoted one of my recent articles on American Idol contestant, Kellie Pickler.

It was then was picked up by Fox News. And then blogs such as Bile, Snark & Sneer picked it up. It's like a friggin virus!

You can read my original article here: Who is the real Kellie Pickler?

I can't tell if it's an honor or an embarassment to be quoted by two of the sleaziest news organizations around.

I admit, my American Idol writings are far from great literature.

But ihatekelliepickler.com may just be my "Great Gatsby" of sleazy pop culture scribble.