The Truth About Music

"What's hot, what's not, and whats next in pop music"

Early Summer Albums Have A Lot of Junk Upfront But Some Gems in the Trunk

By Harris posted May 31, 2009 at 22:15

Your probably already sick of hearing about Eminem and Green Day. Although I have not yet written a single full album review the two pop superpowers have dominated The Truth About Music over the past few weeks. Hopefully this will be the last post about the albums but I had to share this with everyone. Albums are supposed to hook you early and then sell you late. Great albums are often characterized by their home stretch towards the end and not by the singles littered at the albums open. After listening pretty extensively to both “Relapse,” and “21st Century Breakdown,” I have come to the conclusion that these might qualify as “Great” albums on this criteria. If you want to hear the best part of these albums just skip with first dozen or so tracks and listen to the ends. Starting with Green Day, “21st Century Breakdown,” which is conveniently [...] Continue...
CAKE With All The Toppings Bring Their Green Side to Webster Theater

By Harris posted May 29, 2009 at 11:45

When I was told that CAKE would be performing in Hartford excitement was the only word I could use. A few weeks later I found out that on top of not bringing an opening act with them, the show would include a short intermission. In my head I thought that I should be seated in an elegant theater and not at a rock show. It was the first time I had ever seen a band do this and it was pretty sweet way to watch a show. Despite an overuse of the vibra-slap and the disco ball, the crowd seemed mesmerized by CAKE’s five members and their music. After a short musical prelude, the band opened the show with “Short Skirt/Long Jacket,” which has become extremely popular over the past few years especially with it’s appearance on NBC’s show “Chuck.” The band raced through other fan favorites such as “Comfort [...] Continue...
Harris’ Song of the Week: Insane by Eminem

By Harris posted May 27, 2009 at 23:53

This week there was a real debate in my head over where to with my Song of the Week. There have been two albums getting non stop play and they are Eminem’s “Relapse,” and Green Day’s “21st Century Breakdown.” Three different songs were drawing my attention and I had to choose just one of them. Well it turns out that I really don’t have to. Although “Insane,” is my Song of the Week I will mention two others from the album that I love. First to the actual winner, “Insane,” is a really old school feeling Shady song featuring conversations and the depicting of childhood molestation. The first line says it all, “I was born with a dick my brain, fucked in the head.” Check that song out but while your there these two songs deserve an honorable mention. “Bagpipes From Baghdad,” and “Underground.” Bagpipes is an interesting song that [...] Continue...
The Truth About Music Radar: May 25th, 2009

By Harris posted May 25, 2009 at 19:38

Another week another set of albums are about to come out. This Tuesday does not offer a great selection of new music but could be a great time to catch up on the last few weeks. Green Day and Eminem both have new albums out that are worth checking out. The biggest thing out today is Marilyn Manson’s “The High End of Low.” Although I don’t follow Manson and his crazy career he is known for really solid “freaky” metal. This week also features a slew of Greatest Hits collections. Bands such as 311, New Kids on the Block and Clash along with super pop sensation Britney Spears will all release their hits. I always question when bands release these greatest hits album, especially when the band has not had a long shelf life. Thankfully this week all of the artists are capable of filling a greatest hits album. Among [...] Continue...
Harris’ Song of the Week: 21 Guns by Green Day

By Harris posted May 21, 2009 at 20:22

One of the most long winded albums of the last few years, “21st Century Breakdown,” has been taking me a few days to really sink my teeth into. I am falling in love with quite a few sections of this album but I had to dig really deep to find my favorite song on the album, “21 Guns.” Track #16 (there are 18 total) has just stuck with me in a way that is hard to explain. Starting with a very mellow verse that really doesn’t sound like a classic Green Day song, it moves into an awesome chorus that reminds me of “American Idiot,” meets “Warning.” Buried in the album, many people will point to this song as Green Day conforming but I see it differently. This song really shows the bands brilliant song-writing skills. Another thing that this song demonstrates is lead singer Billie Joe’s impressive vocal range. [...] Continue...
What Does American Idol Mean to the World of Music?

By Harris posted May 20, 2009 at 22:54

Although I had not seen one episode of American Idol the entire season, I took some time on Wednesday to watch a few episodes featuring the final two singers. Two things became immediately apparent. First, Adam Lampert could be one of the best pure singers in the entire world of pop music and Kris Allen is an incredible musician.There is no doubt in my mind that me and Simon were both correctly disappointed that Adam did not win. It is a shame that the popularity contest known as American Idol was unable to pick the best singer the show had ever seen. I know he is not for everyone but he was the best and there is no way around that. All of that said I think Kris and Adam will go on to have amazing and long careers in music. The main concern of my article this evening is [...] Continue...
The Truth About Music Release Radar: May 19th, 2009

By Harris posted May 19, 2009 at 09:55

Another new chapter is about to open at The Truth About Music, the Release Radar. Each Tuesday I will breakdown some of the best music released, and the albums I don’t have much interest in purchasing. I’ll try to note which albums I have actually listened to already, but generally these will be albums that I anticipate hearing, or don’t care much about. Our first ever Release Radar comes on a week in which one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year comes out, Eminem’s “Relapse.” Available today, the album has already produced four singles including “Crack a Bottle,” and “3 AM.” Given the singles released prior to today, I am really looking forward to hearing this album. Also out today is the fifth release from comedian Dane Cook. Although the first two wide released albums were my favorite I still think Dane is quite funny and worth [...] Continue...
Harris’ Music Video of the Week: Know Your Enemy

By Harris posted May 18, 2009 at 11:15

It pains me to say that 4 days after it’s release I still do not own the new Green Day album, “21st Century Breakdown.” Despite being slightly repetitive, the first single “Know Your Enemy,” has a pretty sweet and simple video. It is clear that the video is aimed at showing their punk sides, something that this song demonstrates. The video was directed by Matthew Cullen who did an awesome job portraying the band in a live setting within what appears to be a prison. One of my favorite shots in the video is towards the end just before fire erupts behind the band. Billie Joe’s shadow appears on a huge wall behind him and it just seems really over the top (in a great way). Although many people are down on this song right now, it is a song made to be heard live and I cannot wait to [...] Continue...
Thank You Is All I Can Say

By Harris posted May 15, 2009 at 10:44

The Truth About Music, something I have worked really hard on over the past few months has come a long way. Sometime late Wednesday night I received my 10,000th hit and all I can say is thank you to everyone who has supported the site. With our new domain now in place I hope that the site continues to grow as the content expands. I hope that the next 10,000 hits is as fun for me as the first 10,000 were. Thank you again for your continued support and please email me if you have any comments, concerns or questions about The Truth About Music or myself at harrisdecker@mac.com Continue...
Harris’ Song of the Week: Ain’t No Love in the Club by Wylde Bunch

By Harris posted May 14, 2009 at 18:34

I really do hate doing this to you but sometimes it just happens. This weeks song of the week is one that you have probably never heard of but you really should. Los Angeles based Wylde Bunch are an awesome fusion rap and rock band that pull off a really old school sound. There are two songs that really stand out to me, “Ain’t No Love in the Club,” and “Less Work.” The first song, my song of the week is a really great club song that has the potential to be huge on the circuit. It’s really great rapping mixed with excellent singing and a Justice sounding backing. No matter what type of music you enjoy I would recomend checking out at least these two songs. To check out “Ain’t No Love in the Club,” by Wylde Bunch on YouTube Click Here To Check out “Less Work,” by Wylde [...] Continue...