Saturday, December 31, 2011

Top Ten Bands from 2011 that I want you to know!

So, here we are at the end of another year. For me personally, it was a host of many challenges and struggles. In other words, 2011 you KICKED MY ASS! But for my appreciation of music, it could not have been a better year. Music helped me through my most difficult times and I got to experience some incredible concerts! But as we leave 2011, there are so many bands that I hope you have heard this year and if not, you can start the year off with cranking them up LOUD!

So Let's Count them Down...

Before I get to the top ten, I will start with my Honorable Mention which goes to a band that I got to know a little late in the year but instantly fell in love with them....

Luvplanet - This Northern California band brings melodic rock to a whole new level. They have meaningful songs that can touch you whether it be remembering the person who ripped your heart or the person who you can't live without. They are strong emotional songs that are powerfully sung by Nicole Sutton one of the founding members. She founded Luvplanet along with Mark McGee who many of you know from Vicious Rumors or Gregg Allman brings his incredible guitar playing to a passionate level. The two of them onstage create an intensity that brings you into deeper emotional depth. Tommy Sisco brings it all on the bass and we can now welcome their new drummer Cedric Wilmott. My personal song fave is "All for You". Check them out at www.luvplanet.net or on facebook at facebook link. Make sure to listen to them, I think they will be topping next year's list.


Now for the top ten...

10. New Politics - This trio knows how to kick up the music and let your energy just go. I got to see them three times this past year and their shows had pure energy, handstands, and a channeling of old Nirvana. These guys have such incredible stage presence that you sometimes think you are watching a Nirvana reunion. Lead singer David Boyd takes over the stage from headstands to breakdancing! Soren Hansen on guitars gives every bit of energy to his performances and he is incredible to watch. Round the trio off with the slamming drumming of Louis Vecchio and there you go! My personal song fave is "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" with a close second being "Dignity". Make sure to check them out. Website: www.newpoliticsrock.com Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/newpolitics


9. Taking Dawn - This Rock band from Las Vegas blew me away when I saw them open up for Murderdolls at the Ace of Spades in Sacramento. They can ROCK like an '80s KICK ASS BAND! If these guys were around at the height of the '80s ROCK, they would have been bigger than Van Halen, in my opinion. One of my highlights was when the lead singer and guitarist Chris jumped off the stage into the crowd with his guitar and kept playing. Here is a link to that show, (keep in mind the audio is horrible from an old camera) http://youtu.be/jhgDe9srYJ8?t=4m. My personal song fave is "Take me Away". Check them out www.roadrunnerrecords.com/artists/takingdawn/ and their facebook page is www.facebook.com/Takingdawn



8. Lotus Crush - Earlier this year, I went to see my favorite band from the '90s Candlebox and was treated to a double dose with Lotus Crush opening. Lotus Crush is the creation of lead Candlebox guitarist Peter Klett and Drivebland vocalist Terry McDermott. Also from Candlebox is Scott Mercado on drums. and rounding out the band with John Luzzi. These guys put on a great show as we got to enjoy their acoustic set. My personal song fave is "In My Veins". Check them out at www.lotuscrush.com and facebook page is ww.facebook.com/lotuscrushmusic




7. Rains - These guys came from Indiana and their latest single, "Look in My Eyes" is quickly climbing the charts. I saw Rains open up for Five Finger Death Punch and it was great to discover them. They have an incredible sound and a commanding performance that just brings the life to the audience. My personal song fave is "Look in My Eyes" with a very close second of "Pressure". Check them out at www.rainsmusic.com and on facebook www.facebook.com/rainsmusic






6. Royal Bliss - This rock brand brings passion to their songs that can just dip into your soul. These guys sing from the heart and have had their times of troubles in their life. Their music brings me to life and has helped get me through some very difficult times. Love this band! I saw them twice in 2011 and can't wait for their quick return! My personal song fave is tied with "Save Me" and "Devils and Angels". Check them out at www.royalbliss.com, facebook page of facebook.com/royalbliss.






5. Silent Treatment - Where Rock meets Groove, that is Silent Treatment. I saw them open up for Candlebox in Reno and they put on quite a show and even channeled some Jim Morrison. It was an experience to watch their guitar driven songs that keep you wanting for more. My personal song fave is "Sins of Yesterday". Check them out at www.silenttreatment.net and on facebook at www.facebook.com/silenttreatmentofficial.






4. Red Line Chemistry - I was able to see Red Line Chemistry three times in 2011 and each time was an incredible fist pumping, energy elevating concert! Their style of grunge and metal come together with vocals reminiscent of Jerry Cantrell/Alice in Chains. Lead singer Brett Ditgen's stage presence is intense! Love it! Their whole album 'Dying for a Living" is worth a listen! My personal song fave is "Ultragigantor" with a close second of "Dumb Luck". Check them out at www.redlinechemistry.com and on facebook at www.facebook.com/redlinechemistry



Now, for the top 3.... here we go.....

3. BlackBox 13 - This modern hard rock band is a new band from Las Vegas that you are going to be hearing a lot about! They are the answer to what us rockers have been waiting for. They currently have a 3 song EP out that delivers true rock, old style. I have not been able to see them live but will in January when they are playing at the Whiskey in Hollywood, January 20th during the NAMM show week. Get tickets here. My personal song fave is "Rise" which delivers dramatic pauses, heavy guitar riffs, and dark edgy vocals. Check them out at www.blackbox13band.com or on facebook at facebook.com/blackbox13.




2. Against all Will - This is a band that when you I first hear them with their song "All about You" I was instantly hooked. This band had it all. Formed by Jimmy Allen, original Puddle of Mudd member and fronted with it's powerful vocals of Jeff Current (Seven Story Drop), hard drumming by Phil Gonyea ( drummer from Instinct of Aggression) and sweet bad ass bass by Cello Dia (Soulfly). These four came together and rock you hard. They bring it all to the table and make you want more, no!, CRAVE more!! My personal song fave is hard to say because there are so many. There are three tied for the top spot: 'Nothing good Anymore", "Swept Away" and "Discard You". Check them out and you will not be disappointed. Website: www.againstallwill.com on facebook at www.facebook.com/againstallwill .

and now for the number one spot.... I think you might already know them but if you don't you better start now!

1. Art of Dying - This band tops the list for various reasons but I think lead singer Jonny Hetherington's quote says it all. "Most of our songs speak of hope and perseverance. There's an element of honesty and strength in our music that really comes through." Their songs bring out positive energy with a great alternative rock sound. My personal song fave is of course, "Get Thru This" which I first heard as I was sitting in the parking lot of the hospital getting ready to go in and see my father who was very sick and just learned he was terminally ill. I cried and that song helped me so much. It touched my soul and let me know that I can get through this, even if the outcome isn't what I wanted, I could still survive it and not give up. "Die Trying" is my next fave! Check them out at www.artofdyingmusic.com or on facebook at facebook.com/artofdying .

Well, that was it for the year. Now let's get ready to find some more great bands to love in 2012.

Keep it loud and keep on Rockin'

~Marisol

Been away but coming back!

So I have been away for quite a while. A lot of my previous reviews were under contract and I am now free to return to Music Junkie Press. Bringing you the true review of Music! Stay tuned because in January we are launching our video website.... So Keep it Loud and Keep Rockin!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Black Stone Cherry - In My Blood


The latest single from Kentucky rockers Black Stone Cherry’s third studio album ‘Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea” – which is called ‘In My Blood’. It is awesome! I have had the great opportunity to see Black Stone Cherry live in concert five times in the last two years and I can't wait to see them again. They put on a great show but what is even better is that you can replay their CD over and over and it never gets old.

So here is the video for their new single, "In My Blood". Make sure to let you me know how you like it.

http://youtu.be/KRGf318iLww


Make sure to visit Itunes for Black Stone Cherry’s album ‘Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea’ . Click HERE.

11/30/11 Benefit Concert

Just found out about this incredible benefit concert for "Drop in the bucket". This event is being held at the historical Avalon Theater in Hollywood on November 30, 2011. Tickets are presale for $25 and it will be an all ages show. Make sure to get your tickets early, I believe the prices will be going up at the door pending availability.

This event brings a long list of enormous talent together such as Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour, Henry Rollins, Scott Ian, Dave Navarro, John 5 and much more. Below is more information. Hope to see you all there. ~ Marisol



Direct from Drop in the bucket site:

Legendary artist Shepard Fairey, who designed the exclusive poster for the event, will be a guest DJ, and Kate Flannery of ”The Office“ will deliver a hilarious musical comedy routine with her ironic lounge act,The Lampshades.

Taylor, hot off his recent book tour for the New York Times bestseller “Seven Deadly Sins”, is currently in the middle of a very successful and almost entirely sold-out acoustic tour. He said, “In a time when money is suspect, and politics looks a lot like schoolyard bullying, people forget that there are far greater issues going on in the world. One of which is the fact that millions of people live without water on a daily basis when we as Americans treat it like used tissue paper. It’s only common sense to think that if I can do something to not only help, but also raise awareness, then that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

“Drop in the Bucket is one of the most important and selfless causes I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. And I can only hope that I do some good for it. And to be able to do that by putting on an awesome show with friends like Roy Mayorga, Scott Ian and John 5 just shows how good this business can be sometimes!”

Rollins, a renowned musician, author and punk rock icon, has worked closely with Drop In The Bucket, traveling to Africa last year to see its work on the ground first-hand. “Drop In The Bucket is trying to make things better,” says Rollins. “There’s no profit incentive here. It’s only about getting people to water and keeping them alive and healthy.”

Funds raised at the event will be used to expand Drop In The Bucket’s vital programs into the northern region of Bahr el Ghazal region of SouthSudan. This area is on the verge of a major humanitarian crisis due to the sudden influx of returnees coming from North Sudan following South Sudan’s recent independence.

Tickets will be available for pre-sale purchase at $25 through Ticketmaster at and at the door for an increased price with availability pending.

Drop In The Bucket believes we can help create a world in which children are safe, healthy, educated and free from fear. And they believe that the key to achieving those ends is clean water and sanitation.

For more information, visit www.dropinthebucket.org.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Check out the video trailer for the latest single from Katy Perry, The One That Got Away!

Check out the video trailer for the latest single from Katy Perry, The One That Got Away!

Check out the video trailer for the latest single from Katy Perry, The One That Got Away!

First look at Darren Criss perfmorming "Last Friday Night" with the cast of Glee:


The Collapse filmed live during The Carnival of Madness!

Adelita's Way has a new video out. It is their single, "The Collapse" which was filmed live during The Carnival of Madness" Tour. Make sure to check out the video and let me know what you think. If you have every had the chance to see these guys live, you know what I am talking about when they bring the energy and the crowd to an intense peak!

Check the new video out here:

The Collapse filmed live during The Carnival of Madness!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Rock out to the Video Premier of @AdelitasWay #TheCollapse!

Check out the new video from one of my favorite rockers; Adelita's Way. I think I have been able to see them in concert about 7 times and they are really great live!! I love this video for their latest single, "The Collapse".

Make sure to check out the video and let me know what you think!!


Thursday, October 6, 2011

Tune-in to Coldplay's livestreamed concert from Madrid on October 26th 4PM ET/1PM PT

Coldplay Fans!

Mark your calendar to watch Coldplay's livestreamed concert straight from Madrid!! This October 26th. Click below for details and enjoy!


Tune-in to Coldplay's livestreamed concert from Madrid on October 26th 4PM ET/1PM PT

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Facebook Changes.. What does it all mean? Here it is...

Okay so you know that we have had numerous crazy changes on Facebook for the past few years. Every time it happens, everyone starts complaining and became irate with all the changes. The addage, "If it ain't broke... don't fix it" became synonomous with Facebook Makeovers.... Here is what I think...


Yes, Facebook is free and some are saying, "If you don't like it, don't use it". That is not as easy as one thinks, since Facebook has provided so many with great times connecting with old friends, keeping up to date with family members and to feel part of a community of friends. Whatever the need, it was satisfied at the time by Facebook. It was like an addiction was created and every time they changed, we had to look at our addiction square in the face and decide if it was worth itm. Most of the time; it was and we crippled along to learn the new settings.


I think Facebook has been making minor and some major changes for a while now in order to do one thing... They stress the point their service is FREE and will remain Free but I think they are going to launch out some form of "Premium Paid Subscription" so for those that want to CONTROL what they write, comment, who they view, the amount of friends, the game application requests, etc. THEY will be allowed to do it for a monthly fee.


Today, after getting frustrated with the fact that I have to watch over 3000 friends' every move on the right hand side of the page to include who is friends with whom, who said what to who on their own comments, who like what page, etc. I said to myself "IF I could control my own page, I WOULD PAY!!!". I would pay a nominal subscription fee of maybe $5 per month in order to use Facebook the WAY I WANT TO. So I think, that is what is on the horizon... If not, it should be and Mark Zuckerberg can send me a six figure check for implementing it!!


So, we will all so but for now, we will learn how to tweak the changes and make it more user friendly by reading other's suggestions on how to revert back to the old facebook. For now, I leave you with this TIP:


ATTENTION ALL FRIENDS ******* Please do me a favor and move your mouse over my name here, wait for the box to load and then move your mouse over the "Subscribed" link. Then uncheck the "Comments and Likes". I'd prefer my comments/likes on friends and families posts not be made public, Thank You! (I will do the same for you) You can also uncheck games! Then re-post this if you don't want your every single move posted on the right side in the "Ticker Box" for everyone to see!


Good Night and Good Luck Facebook Friends!!!


Marisol Pacheco Richardson

Music Junkie Press

Friday, August 12, 2011

Jani Lane RIP


Last night at around 9:15 I got a call and I was shocked to hear what the other person said. "Did you hear what happened to Jani Lane?" What I was hoping to hear some news about how he was returning to sing lead for Warrant just in time for us to catch their show in September in Reno.

What I didn't expect to hear was that he was found dead in a Southern California hotel. My heart hit the floor and I was overcome with sadness in hearing of another one of my personal favorite musician die too soon. I don't have much to say right now about it but I do have a video that Ryan put together for me to honor Jani Lane. Here it is:

http://youtu.be/4hP1H0pPqik




I will try and write more tomorrow. For now I just want to know that Jani is at peace and not battling his demons anymore.

~ Marisol



Monday, July 4, 2011

Adler's Appetite has satisfied my appetite for ROCK!!!



So yes you all know I am hungry!! I have been hungry for some awesome replay of the 80's ROCK!! Not just imitation rock or glam pate, I have been searching for my 80's fix for quite a while now. Well I GOT IT and I GOT IT GOOD!!

My son Ryan begged me months ago to buy tickets to see Adler's Appetite as they were playing in San Francisco on July 1, 2011. It wasn't hard to convince me since I have always loved Guns n Roses and have watched Steven Adler on Celebrity Rehab and read his book. For those of you that know me well, I had a major 2nd stroke four years ago that I took some time to recover from. But whatever the causes, I share a special bond with a fellow stroke survivor, I have been rooting for Steven for some time now!

Well, I went to San Francisco the other night with my friend Laura Sixx, husband Stephen and son Ryan. We got there and found out it was 21+ so Laura and I went to the show and Stephen and Ryan decided to wait out the show to get Ryan's drum head signed! He is a DIE HARD ROCKER!!

After some good opening bands by Untied, Nova and State Line Empire, we waited patiently in the hot red room of the Red Devil Lounge!! Then they came out, one by one entered the stage and the crowd went wild! We were right in front and were in awe as Lonny Johnson, then Chip Znuff of Enuff Znuff entered the stage, followed by Michael Thomas of Faster Pussycat, Steven Adler of Guns n Roses and then Patrick Stone of Ace's n Eights. Laura and I knew we were in for a great show.

It was hard core ROCK from the start! Nighttrain was the first song and it was the perfect one to start to. The crowd went wild. For a second I thought I was back in Hollywood watching the original lineup with a new flare. Then I realized that the new flare is brought by Lonny, Chip, Michael and Patrick. Steven really picked the best when he brought these guys on board. Now this was a show.

Through the night, we were all in awe. With great hits like Mr. Brownstown, Sweet Child of Mine, Paradise City and Welcome to the Jungle you knew you were at the best show in City! Then to hear Adler's Appetite "Alive" that was the pinch to tell you this is a new era, new band and KILLER ROCK!! It was as if Patrick Stone owned the GnR songs, he didn't try and imitate; he created his own version of the songs and it was a HIT every time. When Michael played, he left you begging for more. He was a sight that was impossible to turn away from. He kept you glued and wanting more and more. Lonny and Chip were right there for the rounding off of the incredible talent.

I would look back at Steven from time to time and realize this guy was having the time of his life. He played as if it was the last and only show he was playing. He gave it 100% on every beat. He was the show! He brought the show together and I would just stand there and smile back at his incredible ear to ear grin. It was awesome to watch someone being on a "natural High" of pure enjoyment. That is what Steven brought to the table. Whatever your dream, whatever your passion, live it like is the last day and you will continue to live it everyday!!

You guys ROCK and I can't wait for a return visit, preferably ALL AGES show!! Even though Ryan stayed out with Stephen for 5 hours, they got the whole band to sign their drum head. The whole ride home, Ryan talked about how he couldn't wait to see them LIVE. It was great to watch a 13 year old be hooked as I was 20+ years ago.

Adler's Appetite you satisfied my appetite for awesomely ROCKIN' 80's ROCK!!!

Marisol

Here is the link to my photos on facebook:

Monday, May 9, 2011

New Politics - Energizer Bunny meets Nirvana










New Politics is an energetic trio which hails from Copenhagen, Denmark. I first got to see New Politics when they opened up for The Spill Canvas a little over a year ago; April 29, 2010. I was their to do a review on AM TAXI which was another one of the opening bands and was situated up in the balcony at Slim's awaiting the other bands. The second New Politics came out, I left the balcony to get a closer listen and look of this awesome band.

Fast foreward to May 8, 2011. I am taking my 13 year old Rocker son Ryan and his friends to The Fillmore in San Francisco to see them. Over the past year, I was able to check them out a couple more times and they never disappoint. I couldn't wait to see them perform at The Fillmore. The Fillmore is my place of choice for reviewing performers. I feel the history of The Fillmore incarnates the presence of all previous performers and invokes their energy and persona to anyone that plays there and makes everyone a historical perforance. Especially if they are going to be one of my long awaited returns to SF like New Politics. How can I sum them up. It is like watching the offspring of the Energizer Bunny and the Nirvana gene pool come together and KICK ASS to take the stage.

David Boyd is the lead singer and along with his gymnastic Break Dancing moves you are left speachless but secretly wanting more! You can't get enough and then you wish you had heard of them sooner so that you could have been to their previous shows.

Next you hear Søren Hansen on Guitar and Vocals and when you are watching him, you can't keep your eyes off of his energy as he has you absorbed in how he ravages his Fenders! It is definitely a love affair with the Fender guitars and a great one to witness. When his vocals come in it is clean and crisp and full of emotion.

Their new drummer, Lou Vecchio provides an energy that is reminiscent of early Dave Grohl. Lou provides the power and the completeness to each song along with his smiling energy. He does not disappoint.

This band truly reminds me of my long time fave trio, Nirvana. These guys exude as much energy and enthusiasm in to each performance that they command the audience to follow. I walked the floor after New Politics and one after another; they all were telling me how this band is their "new favorite band". They all wanted more, many of them were their only to see the headliner and were pleasantly surprised with falling in love with a great new band. I had one girl, Amanda say that she was only their to see Dirty Heads and she was mad about the opening bands, she commented how she doesn't know how Dirty Heads could top that! She was hooked!! I loved watching her being cast under the New Politics spell as I sent her out to tell others.

So if you don't know them, get their CD or download their music and tell others! You are now under our spell, so spread the news.

Check them out here: www.newpolitcsrocks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newpolitics

~ Marisol

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

SICK PUPPIES NEW EP is OUT!!!

Sick Puppies does it again!! Another awesome album. They have a newly released 8 song EP fittingly titled, Polar Opposite! It is great and is filled with my favorite Sick Puppies songs and they are redone all acoustically. They have new sounds and I still love the originals too. Their music has always been inspiring to me and I love their lyrics. ~ MR

Monday, March 7, 2011

Sick Puppies new EP Release!!



The awesome band Sick Puppies have just released their new EP titled "Polar Opposite". This is an eight song acoustic set with all my favorites on it. You will hear them like you never have before. They have such a great sound and the lyrics are always a hit! You can go to many online sites to purchase the new EP or go straight to their website at www.sickpuppies.net

Make sure to check them out! You will be hooked.

Monday, February 7, 2011

I can't stop watching this @RunnerRunner video

Runner Runner has a great new video out that you have to check out.The album release for Runner Runner's debut album, February 15th, is fast approaching. Their new music video for "Hey Alli" is now featured and streaming on the Vevo main page. Make sure to go and check it out!!!

Amazing! I can't stop watching this @RunnerRunner video

Friday, January 21, 2011

Check out the trailer for



ONE MORE LOVE will be released in the US this Tuesday, January 25th. David Guetta has put together an awesome trailer previewing the album and capturing the raw energy of his live performances.
Check out the trailer for

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Vote 4 @RunnerRunner to win and earn cool points!

Vote 4 @RunnerRunner to win and earn cool points!

Last Good Charlotte Exclusive! Fact 10: What is Joel terrible at? Where did the band meet? Find out right here

Good Charlotte is announcing their new tour dates for 2011! Make sure to make your calendars, I am sure it will be a show not to miss! I have marked mine for March 25th for their show at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco. That is actually one of my favorite places for concerts. I am sure it will be a great one.
~ Marisol

Last Good Charlotte Exclusive! Fact 10: What is Joel terrible at? Where did the band meet? Find out right here

Friday, January 7, 2011

Y & T Bassist Phil Kennemore RIP 1953-2011



Y & T Bassist, Phil Kennemore dies at the young age of 57 from lung cancer.

WOW, that was some hard news to swallow. Growing up in the Bay Area, I am truly a long time Y & T (Yesterday and Today) fan. Frontman Dave Meniketti formed Y & T, the hard rock group, along with Phil Kennemore back in 1972 in Oakland, CA. Y & T has had a few member changes over the years but Phil and Dave were always there. I had heard last year that Phil was diagnosed with stage 4 Lung Cancer and was devastated. I didn't realize that in just a few short months of hearing that, he would be gone. On NYE 2010, there was a benefit for Phil Kennemore at the Avalon. I was trying to work out how I could go to the benefit but I missed it. I heard it was incredible.

Dave Meniketti confirmed the news of Phil's passing on a blogpost and also had the following tribute:

"As a musician, with those huge fingers, his bass playing was always loud, strong, and deep, filling the largest or smallest of stages equally," Meniketti wrote. "I will miss his sense of humor, his amazing wit, but most of all I will always miss not seeing him to my left on the stages I will play from this moment forward."

Phil was a great musician but also an all around great guy. He will be missed. Ryan put together a fan video to honor Phil and it is on youtube with this link and I will try and see how to upload it here.


We will miss you Phil but you will live in our hearts forever and with the music of Y&T.

~ Marisol

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year 2011....

HI Everyone and a Happy New Year to you all!!! 2011 will be a great year, yes I promise you! Musicwise you have a wide selection of unsigned Rock and Metal bands to choose from for your new favorites. It seems that today's radio stations have decided to walk away from the rock scene and replace their revenues supporting Pop Rock and Mild Rock or "Safety Rock" as I call. They play it safe for their fans in hopes that their parents will buy the records and be duped into buying another Pop Rock Album with the tease of one heavier rock sound song.

Well let me tell you as one ROCK parent to another, " I DON"T BUY IT!!". If my kid wants to hear Rock, Metal or Punk; darnit, he will get it!! None of this song tease of one heavier rock song and then we buy the album and it is all pop rock and mild stuff. He is then disappointed and then I am too since I shelled out the money for another CD with only 1 song that he likes on it!

Well Thank Goodness for XM and Sirius!! They will play music even if the bands are unsigned or not on major labels. They just care about MUSIC and what the audience wants. They have a variety of channels set to satisfy anyone's music desires! Mine happens to be Octane and the Hair Nation channel. My hubby loves the 80s channel. So this year, let's celebrate the NON Radio stations!!! Hats off to enjoying what we want to hear, when we want to hear it and at the touch of a button!!

This year, you will be learning about so many new bands from me. I have a stack of a dozen or two CDs to review so bring on the new year and the New MUSIC!!!!

Get your Fix here... Music Junkie Press!!

~ Rock it and Rock it good,
Marisol