Band of Skulls

I finally joined the ranks of the technologically advanced and got an iPod (thanks Meg). The next step was to download my CD collection to my new fangled toy. As I started this task, I realized that I wanted some new tunes to listen to. After a couple of days rummaging through iTunes, I happened upon the free Single of the Week from Band of Skulls. Now with that name, I didn't think I could go wrong.

This trio hails from Southampton, London and met while in college. They were initially known as Fleeing New York, but eventually switched to Band of Skulls (which I have to admit was a wise move). One of the things that makes them unique is that they have two lead singers: Russell Marsden and Emma Richardson who play guitar and bass respectively. Matt Hayward plays drums and lends his hand, along with Marsden and Richardson, at songwriting. The key to this band may be the fact that there are three contributing songwriters, and I believe their individuality comes out in their songs. They started working on demos in late 2008, and then one thing led to another...and here they are.

Each band member has quite the interesting past. Richardson is an artist and her paintings were the inspiration for the artwork for the album. She also used to work at butcher shop where she recently held an exhibition. Marsden survived a hell of a car crash that was all caused due to him rocking out to Ace of Spades by Motorhead. Seriously, that's awesome...not the car crash part but the Ace of Spades part. Hayward's father was in a band who opened for the Rolling Stones, and Hayward himself has actually played tennis with John McEnroe. Their entertaining histories may have played a part in helping them produce some very artistic rock.

The only way I can describe Band of Skulls is classic rock with a touch of the White Stripes. The recordings sound raw, like they should only be listened to on vinyl. Their harmonies are beautiful and Richardson's vocals are a nice touch against the band's rock edge. There's enough newness to their classic sound to make it relevant today and not sound totally trendy. Marsden's guitar solos (and let's thank him for including them since music seems to be lacking them) are different enough to stand out from the crowd but not enough to totally lose me or confuse me. I won't say that their entire album sticks with the classic rock template, but it's quite refreshing and a nice change of pace from normal rock that's shoved down our throats.

My favorites on the album definitely lean more toward the heavier, rock fueled tunes. Light of the Morning, Diamond and Pearls, and I Know What I Am, the first three tracks, set the tone with driving guitar and fierce drums that aren't overzealous. Fire starts hard and dirty and shifts nicely into sweetness, which is caressed with Richardson's harmonies. Band of Skulls show their softer side with Honest and Impossible. Cold Fame closes out the album and won me over with its emotion; it reminds me of Ryan Adams and the Cardinals minus the country overtones.

One thing I truly appreciate thus far in the band's very young marketing career is that there is little to no emphasis on how these three look. Sure, there are some super killer shots of them looking very stylish, but you can't tell who's who. There isn't more focus on one person over another or more focus on Richardson just because she's a lady. It allows everyone to focus more on the music and less on some facade played up by the record company to divert our attention from the fact that the musicians have no talent. On the contrary, these three are very talented and they use it to their advantage.

It looks as though Band of Skulls is only making stops in London at the moment. There is a U.S. tour in the works but nothing has been confirmed yet. Hopefully, it will happen soon because if they're as good live as they sound on their CD, they might be unstoppable.

If you missed their free Single of the Week on iTunes, I Know What I Am, then go to their website and listen to the album for free. Then go buy it like I did. What have you got to lose? This trio might actually surprise you. I know they surprised me, and there's nothing I love better than a good surprise.

Check out the video below of Band of Skulls performing I Know What I Am.

2009 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In case you can't make it to Cleveland tonight for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, then you can watch it on Fuse TV starting at 9p.m. EST. This year's inductee performances include Metallica, Jeff Beck, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Run-D.M.C, and Bobby Womack. Also getting inducted this year are Bill Black (Elvis Presley's bassist), D.J. Fontana (Elvis Presley's drummer), Wanda Jackson (rockabilly/country star), Spooner Oldham (keyboardist, songwriter, session musician), Bobby Womack (singer/songwriter).

If you'd like to send your favorite inductee some love but can't do it in person, then check out http://www.rockimmortal.com/. It's a site created by the Rock Hall of Fame for fans to upload images, video, and stories of this year's inductees to create a digital monument to commemorate them. You can also get the latest news and event info for the ceremony here as well.

Even though Cleveland is only a couple hours away, I still can't make it to witness this historic moment (or to stalk Lonn Friend...I know you're there!). Looks like I'll be watching it on the boob tube, which is probably better anyway since the crowds will be overwhelming. If anyone is able to go and check it out, let me know; I'd like to hear about it.


EDITOR'S NOTE: I stand corrected. Run-D.M.C. will NOT be performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this evening as previously reported. According to RollingStone.com, Rev. Run and Daryl "DMC" McDaniels swore never to perform again after the shooting death of their DJ, Jam-Master Jay, in 2002. Instead, a video tribute will be presented. Although it's sad that the legendary group will not be performing, I find it highly respectable that they will stick to their promise and not perform.

10 Hottest Rock Stars

There's nothing more alluring, appealing or more sexually attractive than a rock star. Try as you might, you cannot resist their sexual power. Sure, there are movie stars who are smokin' hot, but it's a different kind of hot. Most movie stars are lovey dovey, sweet romantic hot. Rock stars are dirty bathroom, pull your hair, love you and leave you, 10 seconds to love in the elevator hot. It's that bad boy aura that you just can't resist. Plus, watching a hot guy rock out on stage will make your panties melt right off. It's why so many guys aspire to be a rock star and why so many women aspire to sleep with them.


So I present to you my list of the 10 hottest rock stars. These are the men I would have my way with, let walk all over me and would have supported back in the day. They are in no particular order, well...except for number one, and I'm sure you all know who's at the top of my list.

10. Chris Cornell - It's those eyes. They're piercing against all that long, black hair. I have to say that I prefer him in the Soundgarden days, but he's just as hot today. His voice is just as much of a turn on as his eyes. Listen to Jesus Christ Pose and tell me that it doesn't send chills down your spine.

9. Rob Zombie - I have no doubts that most of you won't get this one at all. I'm not sure I do either. There's just something about that man does it for me. Maybe it's all those dreads or just the fact that he's so dark and mysterious. I've had a crush on him that hasn't gone away since 9th grade.

8. Joe Perry - I'm pretty sure that it was Love in an Elevator that did it for me. I always wished I was the girl in the elevator that he was making out with him. Those lips, those tossled, curly locks...wow. And watching his nimble fingers work their magic on a guitar kinda makes you wonder what his fingers could do to you. And the fact that he's in one of the greatest rock bands ever doesn't hurt either.

7. Duff Mckagan - I didn't think it was possible for him to be any hotter than he was in the Guns 'N Roses days...but he is. Time has been great to Duff (sobriety probably helped too). Let's face it, watching him play with that bass slung extra low is hot.

6. Sebastian Bach - One of the greatest voices of rock with one of the most beautiful faces I have ever seen. Sebastian Bach back in the day was drop dead freaking gorgeous. Over six feet tall with long locks and a voice that'll punch you in the gut...does it get any hotter? He was even more beautiful than most women.

5. Tommy Lee - None of you can say that you didn't at least want to watch the Pamela & Tommy Lee video to see what all the hype was about (and I'm sure some of you did). He is the Greek god of drums and it's no wonder he gets so much ass with the way he pounds on those things. Oh yeah...and he's freaking hot.

4. Robert Plant - He may be the grandfather of rock star hotness. He is legendary. His band is legendary. His hotness is legendary.

3. Josh Todd - He's one of those guys that if you saw on the street, you might not give him a second glance. But since he's a tattooed rock star, he grabs your attention immediately. Watching him live is mesmerizing. He's all over the stage and likes to wear pants that reveal almost everything. You keep hoping that he'll have a wardrobe malfunction and you'll get a catch a glimpse of his goods. But even if you don't, he's real nice to look at.

2. Mike Ness - The hottest man in punk rock. Period. His voice is gruff and rough and it's super hot to listen to him sing about hotrods and motorcycles. He is so hot he makes me weak in the knees. Mr. Ness also happens to have my name tattooed on his throat. Awww...isn't he so sweet?

1. Nikki Sixx - Are you surprised? I don't really think I need to explain myself here. He's the hottest man alive.

Honorable Mentions

1. James Michael - Leave it to the hottest man on the planet to join forces with another hot guy.

2. Tommy T-Bone Caradonna - You've probably never heard of him, which is really unfortunate. He played with Lita Ford, Alice Cooper, and White Lion and he's beautiful. Lucky for me, I know him and he lives in my town. These days, Tommy is rockin' out with his band Razorbliss. Check them out. 3. Nuno Bettencourt - One of the greatest guitarists to come out of the 80's/90's. Nuno Bettencourt is exotic and amazing.
4. G. Wyld - I can't have a list of the hottest rock stars and not include my own, can I? Although he's mine and I don't have to dream about being with him, he's still super hot to me. Check out his kick ass band, Snowblynd.