Andy McKee: Guitar Badass

This guy is effing unreal. I wouldn't even normally share something like this...but he is just that good.

Checkit.

Top Punk Albums of 2009

Yes, its that time again folks...the time for "best of" lists.

This one comes to us from the fine editors of Punk News. They are compiled a list of the best 20 albums of 2009 based entirely on numbers of votes and giving preferential treatment to none! I'll list the top 5 here on Automated Man but you'll have to head on over to Punk News for the official top 20.

There are some new faces on this list so give em a listen.

5. Converge: Axe To Fall

4. The Thermals: Now We Can See

3. The Pains of Being Pure At Heart: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

2. Bomb The Music Industry!: Scrambles

1. The Sidekicks: Weight of Air

The Fame Monster

The deluxe edition of Lady Gaga's new album "The Fame Monster" includes this provoking photo of Lady Gaga in the arms of Kayne West (shot by David LaChapelle).

Some say its a statement of race, American narcissism or even a depiction of the modern "magical negro". Pay no attention to the thoughts and conclusions of media...they have but one goal: to fan the flames of controversy.

One might surmise that Kayne West is saving Lady Gaga. However, I think the most obvious symbolism is found in title of her album "The Fame Monster"...it would appear that she is safe in the arms of the fame monster, and who better suited to personify it than Mr. West?

Photoshopping aside...its a pretty cool shot. But will it help secure album sales?

New Strung Out Video

Where has Strung Out been lately? Busy damnit!

They have just released the new video for "Carcrashradio" from their 2009 album, Agents of the Underground.

The Only Band Ever

Yep, "theonlybandever.com" is the website for post-hardcore band Alexisonfire. You've gotta be pretty fucking good to rock a site name like that. And, dare I say it..."they are totally fucking amazing!"

Now, taking it up a notch, they have launched a pretty rad contest. Alexisonfire has teamed up with Dine Alone, Tourism Australia and Goway Travel to put together what they claim is the "coolest contest ever".

One winner will get to take a friend to see the band perform at the Melbourne SoundWave Festival in February. Here is what they'll win:

- Two round-trip tickets on Qantas Airways from Vancouver to Australia
- Two tickets to Soundwave Festival 2010 in Melbourne
- Three night accommodations in Melbourne
- An 18 day Adventure Tours trip for two from Melbourne to Darwin including 11 night twin share accommodations, 6 nights camping, an Opal Mine tour and Otway Fly Tree Top Walk

Pretty rad eh? Check out the official contest site to sign up.

In the meantime, here is their new single "Young Cardinals".

Alexisonfire - Young Cardinals

Alexisonfire | MySpace Video

Scottish Emo is the New Black

These guys have been rocking my face off for months now and I just can't get enough. What started in America has been perfected in Scotland (and you can't say that about anything else). Here is a crash course in Scottish Emo.

Frightened Rabbit
A band from Glasgow with an arsenal of hits from their album "the midnight organ fight" including one of my favorite songs "keep yourself warm". Keep your ears open for a new album dropping November 16th.



Twilight Sad
Their latest hit titled "i became a prostitute" blew me away but their acoustic sessions really put me over the top.


The Fly - `Made To Disappear` FlyTV In The Courtyard on MUZU.

We Were Promised Jet Packs
These guys sound like an indie band straight outta NYC...but with Scottish accents. Check out their hit song "roll up your sleeves".


I've had the pleasure of seeing all 3 acts in concert at The Knitting Factory in LA and can tell you first-hand what an amazing performance these guys put on live. Keep an eye out...Scottish emo is taking over the States.

"Sublime" Just Ain't the Same

The latest news in the on-going Sublime controversy is that on November 3, 2009 a Los Angeles judge officially blocked the use of the name 'Sublime' by surviving bandmembers Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh. So scratch any plans you had to catch them in concert this summer.

Man this sucks! If you ask me, 2 out of 3 ain't bad. Listen to any of the posthumous releases or performances by the Long Beach Dub All Stars I think you'll agree that the music has stayed true to the Sublime "way". They have carried on the Bradley's message and honored his memory every step of the "way". Regardless...

According to the Nowell family, original front-man Bradley Nowell had registered the 'Sublime' trademark under his own name prior to his death in 1996. And as part of the preliminary injunction the new lineup will be unable to perform or record under the name 'Sublime' without approval and permission from the Nowell estate.

Back on August 31st, 2009 it was announced that the remaining bandmembers (Eric and Bud) would reunite, featuring a new front man, Rome Ramirez, and would be playing Cypress Hill's Smokeout Festival on October 24th in San Bernardino, CA. It seemed that once again Sublime's message of peace and love would be brought to the ears of dedicated fans across the world!

However, the Knowell family and executors of Bradley's estate threatened Wilson, Gaugh and Rome with a lawsuit if the band used the name 'Sublime'.

It was recently announced that Sublime bassist Eric Wilson and Sublime drummer Floyd 'Bud' Gaugh are 'reuniting' and teaming with singer and guitarist Rome Ramirez in a band they intend to call 'Sublime.' Prior to his untimely passing, both Bud and Eric acknowledged that Brad Nowell was the sole owner of the name Sublime. It was Brad's expressed intention that no one use the name Sublime in any group that did not include him, and Brad even registered the trademark 'Sublime' under his own name. As Brad's heirs, and with the support of his entire family, we only want to respect his wishes and therefore have not consented to Bud and Eric calling their new project 'Sublime.'

The band responded to the lawsuit by saying:

On behalf of the band Sublime, founding members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson are thrilled by the opportunity to reconnect with their fans around the world. While we all mourn the passing of our brother and bandmate Bradley Nowell some thirteen years ago, Sublime still has a strong message of hope and love to share — a message that is especially important in these difficult times. Brad's heirs apparently do not share this vision and do not want the band Sublime to continue.

We urge everyone to join us in our message of peace and love, and we look forward to sharing the music we created — the music that defines us.

Who knows what this ruling will do to the band (or at least its name). But one thing remains clear, the band will continue to play and spread peace and love through music.

I salute Sublime and all their fans! Check out my favorite tune here:

Shakira is Hungry Like a Wolf

Check out half-naked Shakira shaking it, twisting it and popping it.

Shakira - New Music - More Music Videos

NEW Major Lazer Video

Check out this outrageous video for "Pon de Floor"... This is the way we get down in my house. Crazy dance moves, Major Lazer style!

FREE Music Downloads

My favorite radio station KCRW is giving away FREE music to everyone. If you need some new sounds for your ears and are trying to expand your sonic horizons, you should definitely download these 19 tracks. Just visit KCRW and sign up and you'll get your code for iTunes to automatically download all the tracks free.

There is some great music! I'm loving The Friendly Fires (pictured left) remix of "Paris". A little world rhythm from Coba Coba with "Conchaperia". Other highlights include tracks from the Matthew Herbert Big Band, Andrew Bird, Ida Maria, Ladyhawke, Deadmau5 & Kaskade and many more. Get your free songs now!

Ladies ARE Looking at your Sugar Lumps!

Time to hustle for the truffle! Get your televisions ready for a new season of Flight of the Conchords is coming! Check out "Sugar Lumps".