Album Review Recap

There's a few bands coming to town yet in September whose latest albums I've previously reviewed. In case you missed them, here's a short recap. Click on the links to read the full reviews.

Revocation - Existence Is Futile (Relapse) - 9/10

Misery Index - Heirs To Thievery (Relapse) - 9/10

Revocation and Misery Index perform tonight, Thursday, September 16 at Station 4 in St. Paul as support to Despised Icon.

Swallow The Sun - New Moon (Spinefarm) - 9/10

Swallow The Sun's last performance in St. Paul with Finntroll and Moonsorrow on April 17, 2010 was reviewed here.

Swallow The Sun performs this Saturday, September 18 at Station 4 in St. Paul as direct support to Katatonia with Orphaned Land and Cold Colours.

Slash - Slash (EMI) - 7/10

Slash performs Thursday, September 23 at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina.

Alation - Demo (Self-released) - 9/10 (updated here)

Alation's performance in Minneapolis with Echoterra on May 21, 2010 was reviewed here.

Alation performs Friday, September 24 at the Star Bar & Grill in Columbia Heights with Ugly Beauty and Bloodtrust.

CAIN Interview With Vocalist Jiggs Lee

As I scanned the fine print of an ad for the Mid-America Music (MAM) Hall Of Fame Induction Show in a local newsweekly a couple weeks ago, I was shocked to see Cain listed as a performing inductee. Could this indeed be the legendary 70’s hard rock band from the Twin Cities reuniting for a live show? Cindy from the MAM Hall Of Fame quickly informed me that, yes, this is true! To make this news even better, Cain wasn’t just going to jump up on stage for a song or two, but would perform a substantial 5-7 song set. By the end of the day Cain vocalist Jiggs Lee and I were in touch, and he graciously agreed to an email interview. This chat focuses on Cain’s upcoming reunion show and a discussion about plans for the release of archival material.

A brief recap of Cain’s history is in order, and an interesting, detailed biography can be found at the band’s official website (www.caintunes.com). Cain arose from the Twin Cities music scene in the early 70’s, and quickly hit the Midwestern US club circuit where they played alongside other, at the time, unknown bands such as Kansas, Cheap Trick, and Styx. They eventually signed with ASI Records, and released two albums: A Pound Of Flesh (1975) and Stinger (1977). Tours in support of the albums expanded Cain’s reach, but half the members split in 1978 and the band quickly fell apart.

Although many bands disappear and are forgotten, Cain was part of a group of underground 70’s bands that achieved revered cult status. People don’t pay hundreds of dollars for obscure albums without good reason. Monster Records (now Rockadrome) stepped up and reissued A Pound Of Flesh in 2003, which allowed Cain to be discovered by a new generation of 70’s rock fans. No less of a rock authority than Martin Popoff has praised Cain, saying in his amazing book The Collector’s Guide To Heavy Metal – Volume 1: The Seventies, “Cain deserve to be ranked right up there with Truth  And Janey as one of the most capable, ready-for-prime-time bands, toiling away, shining metal in hand, throughout America’s underground.” Popoff calls A Pound Of Flesh “a classy piece of work…innovatively arranged,” and praises the “tight, immediate drum sound and tone-rich guitars” and Jiggs Lee’s “huge, commanding, mid-to-high voice and the phrasing and style to make judicious use thereof.”

Cain will be inducted into the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fall and perform a special reunion show this Friday, September 17 at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel in Minneapolis. Over 20 bands will perform at this three-day event; go to the event’s website or Facebook page for complete details.

Click photo to see more vintage pictures of Cain at their website.

Twin Cities Metal (TCM): What was your reaction to learning that Cain is to be inducted in the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fame?

Jiggs: I think that Dave (Elmeer, bass) and I were both humbled and flattered that we were to be included in the mix of talented players being inducted. Kevin DeRemer (drums) feels the same way. Depending on schedules, we actually might see Kevin at the event. He’s been quite busy lately working on a project in New York. (TCM note: Kevin is also the husband and manager of Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Melissa Manchester.)

TCM: How did the current version of Cain come together?

Jiggs: Once it was established that Lloyd Forsberg (guitar) and Kevin wouldn’t be able to attend or rehearse, Dave and I turned to the considerable talents of musicians with whom we’ve had the pleasure of performing with over the last couple of decades. Brad Shultz is a no-nonsense, straight-ahead drummer who we knew could drive the effort. Adding John Kast on guitar alongside Marc Partridge gave us the raw – yet technical – blending we were after to recreate the brilliance that Lloyd added to Cain.

TCM: What can fans expect from your show this Friday?

Jiggs: We’re prepared to unleash six tunes on the ears of those in attendance. The songs will range from selections from both A Pound Of Flesh and from Stinger with the addition of a live version of a tune that was to be headed for a third album. I’m particularly jazzed about how well Marc and John work together. There are nods to the original guitar parts as well as stretches for them to really show their own considerable talents.

TCM: What were the circumstances that led to the band breaking up in 1978-79? As I understand it, a third album was partially recorded. Any plans to release any of this unreleased material?

Jiggs: We were thinking past the limitations that were a part of the ASI Records contract and were preparing quality material that would help launch the band into a better situation with a new label. We needed financial assistance to realize that goal and couldn’t find it. It was a very disheartening realization for us to finally acknowledge that they call it “The Music Business” for good reason. The re-release of A Pound of Flesh by Rockadrome includes the unreleased cuts.

TCM: When did you first begin to realize that there was continuing interest in Cain, long after the band broke up?

Jiggs: I think it was when we were being courted by record labels – maybe six years ago - to release our stuff on CD. We were amused (and flattered) that someone would pay $400 for a pristine copy of our record on the collectibles market. We were pleased that there was still a viable market for something that we had created in the 1970’s. I’m absolutely tickled that people still enjoy it today as much as we did.

TCM: Are there any plans for Stinger to be reissued?

Jiggs: We’re putting together the last bits and pieces now to allow Rockadrome to issue it. I expect that some yet-to-be-released live stuff will be included as a part of that package.

TCM: Are there any plans for Cain to continue playing live occasionally? Do you ever get any offers to play any of the European festivals?

Jiggs: One day (show) at a time. I think that we’d all give serious consideration to continuing, but it’s best to cross those bridges as they arise. It would be fabulous to perform at one of the European festivals, but no invitations so far.

TCM: What are your plans for your next solo album? Any plans for Cain to record again?

Jiggs: There is a second Jiggs Lee album in the can. I think that release plans for Cain are uncertain at this point, though.

TCM: You also mentioned in our correspondence the existence of some unreleased live material – what information can provide about this?

You can pick up a CD of some fabulous live stuff on Friday night at the Hall of Fame show. Ward Monroe – ex-Cain Renaissance Man – has assembled it and has promised to have copies for any interested folks. This will include stuff from a live radio broadcast in Chicago as well as our show at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in 1977. At the State Fair show we shared the bill with Kansas. They were good friends of ours through shared experiences doing Chicago club dates, and we enjoyed splitting shows with them whenever they were in the area.

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CAIN To Reunite And Be Inducted Into Mid-America Hall Of Fame This Friday

Further information has now been obtained about legendary Minneapolis 70's band Cain reuniting for a performance this Friday, September 17 at the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fame Induction Show. Cindy from the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fame has confirmed that the lineup for this special performance will include vocalist Jiggs Lee, bassist Dave Elmeer, drummer Brad Shultz, and guitarists John Kast and Marc Partridge. Cain is scheduled to go on at 10:40 pm, and they will play five to seven songs. According to Cindy, the band is "very excited about playing again" and "they are having some fun with it."

This one-time Cain reunion is in honor of their induction into the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fame. Cain vocalist Jiggs Lee commented about the induction, "Now that you look at what you've done, you've managed to incentivize some really good musicians to come together to play some really good stuff." The Mid-America Hall Of Fame Induction Show takes place this Thursday–Saturday, September 16-18 at the Sheraton Bloomington hotel, and will feature an impressive lineup of 24 performing inductees, including Cain, The Lamont Cranston Band, The Rembrandts, The Electras, and Sounds Of Blackness. The non-performing honorees include Twin Cities concert promoter Sue McLean. For complete information about this event, visit the website or Facebook page for the Mid-America Music Hall Of Fame.

Cain was one of the heaviest bands out of the Midwest in the mid-70's, and they created quite a stir nationally with their two albums, A Pound Of Flesh and Stinger. Out of print until reissued by Monster Records (now Rockadrome) in 2003, A Pound Of Flesh is one of the most beloved and collectable cult metal/hard rock albums from the 70's. Their legend has only grown throughout the years, and notable metal critics such as Martin Popoff have long heaped praise upon their albums. To the best of my knowledge, Cain has not performed live since the late 70's so do not miss the opportunity to witness this legendary band!

UPDATE: I've been in contact with vocalist Jiggs Lee, and I'll have some exciting news in the near future about the release of some live Cain material.

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UPDATE X2: Be sure to check out my recent interview with Cain vocalist Jiggs Lee: http://twincitiesmetal.blogspot.com/2010/09/cain-interview-with-vocalist-jiggs-lee.html

SHINEDOWN To Embark On US Acoustic Tour

Shinedown has announced an acoustic tour entitled "Anything & Everything - An Acoustic Evening With Shinedown". Beginning on November 4 in Tampa, FL, the tour hits the Eastern half of the US with a stop in Minneapolis on Saturday, November 27 at the State Theatre. Tickets for the Minneapolis show go on sale this Friday, September 17 at 10:00 am CDT.
November 4 - Tampa, FL, David A. Straz, Jr. Center For The Performing Arts

November 5 - Charleston, SC, Charleston Music Hall

November 6 - Chattanooga, TN, Tivoli Theatre

November 8 - Richmond, VA, The National

November 9 - Charlotte, NC, The Fillmore Charlotte

November 10 - Washington, DC, Warner Theatre

November 12 - Hampton Beach, NH, Casino Ballroom

November 13 - Northampton, MA, Calvin Theatre & Performing Arts Center

November 15 - Albany, NY, The Egg

November 16 - Scranton, PA, Harry And Jeanette Weinberg Theatre

November 18 - Westbury, NY, Theatre At Westbury

November 19 - Montclair, NJ, Wellmont Theatre

November 20 - Atlantic City, NJ, Showboat Hotel & Casino-House Of Blues

November 22 - Wilmington, DE, Grand Opera House

November 23 - Youngstown, OH, Powers Auditorium

November 24 - Saginaw, MI, Heritage Theatre

November 26 - Davenport, IA, Adler Theatre

November 27 - Minneapolis, MN, State Theatre

November 29 - Indianapolis, IN, Murat Theater

November 30 - Milwaukee, WI, The Riverside Theater

December 4 - Springfield, MO, Gillioz Theatre

December 6 - Tulsa, OK, Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino

December 9 - New Orleans, LA, House Of Blues

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SLIPKNOT Concert Receives Theatrical Screening On September 22

The June 13, 2009 performance of Slipknot at the Download Festival at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England will be screened in select American theaters on Wednesday, September 22. This full-length concert is featured on the upcoming DVD release, (sic)nesses: Live At Download, which will be released a few days later on September 28. In addition to the concert, (sic)nesses will include Audible Visions Of (sic)nesses, a 45 minute documentary of the All Hope Is Gone tour and four music videos. At this time there are three theaters in the Twin Cities that will be screening the concert - Carmike 15 (Apple Valley), Carmike Wynnsong 15 (Mounds View), and Carmike Oakdale 20 (Oakdale) - and one in outstate Minnesota (Carmike Stadium Cinema 6 in Mankato). The full list of American theaters screening the concert is below; check with your local theater for times. More theaters may be added so check out the film's official website (http://www.slipknotliveatdownload.com/) for the latest screening information.

Arizona - Lake Havasu, UltraStar Lake Havasu 10

Arizona - Surprise, UltraStar Surprise Point 14

Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carmike 14

Arkansas - Little Rock, Rave RC Colonel Glenn 18

California - Anaheim, UltraStar GardenWalk 14

California - Apple Valley, UltraStar Apple Valley 14

California - Buena Park, Krikorian Metroplex 18

California - Hollywood, Mann Chinese 6 Theatres

California - Los Angeles, Rave 18

California - Monrovia, Krikoriran Monrovia Cinema 12

California - Oceanside, UltraStar Mission Market 13

California - Redlands, Krikorian Redlands Cinema 14

California - Riverside - UltraStar University Village 10

California - San Diego, UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas

California - San Diego, UltraStar Poway Creekside Plaza 10

Colorado - Colorado Springs, Carmike Chapel Hills Mall 15

Connecticut - Hartford, Bow Tie Palace 17 Cinemas

Connecticut - Manchester, Rave TC Buckland Hills 18

Connecticut - Milford, Rave RC Connecticut Post 14

Connecticut - New Haven, Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas

Delaware - Dover, Carmike 14

Florida - Pensacola, Rave Bayou 15

Georgia - Atlanta, Studio Movie Grill Holcomb Bridge

Georgia - Columbus, Carmike 15

Illinois - Bloomington, Carmike Palace 10

Illinois - Champaign, Carmike Beverly 18

Illinois - Dekalb, Carmike Market Square 10

Illinois - Forsyth, Carmike Hickory Point 12

Indiana - Elkhart, Carmike Encore 14

Indiana - Ft. Wayne, Carmike 20

Indiana - Indianapolis, Rave Metropolis 18

Iowa - Johnston, Carmike Wynnsong 16

Kentucky - Louisville, Rave Stonybrook 20

Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Rave Mall Of Louisiana 15

Maine - Portland - Patriot Cinemas Nickelodeon

Maryland - Annapolis, Bow Tie Annapolis Mall

Massachusetts - Boston, The Regent Theatre

Massachusetts - Gloucester, Cape Ann Community Cinema

Massachusetts - West Springfield, Rave West Springfield 15

Michigan - Battle Creek, Carmike Lakeview 10

Michigan - Detroit, Emagine Canton

Michigan - For Gratiot, Carmike Birchwood Cinema 10

Michigan - Jackson, Carmike Plaza 8

Michigan - Kalamazoo, Rave Cityplace 14

Michigan - Saginaw, Carmike Fashion Square 10

Michigan - Traverse City, Carmike Horizon 10

Minnesota - Apple Valley, Carmike 15

Minnesota - Mankato, Carmike Stadium Cinema 6

Minnesota - Mounds View, Carmike Wynnsong 15

Minnesota - Oakdale, Carmike Oakdale 20

Montana - Billings, Carmike Shiloh 14

Montana - Missoula, Carmike 10

Nebraska - Omaha, Rave Westroads 14

Nevada - Las Vegas, Rave Town Square 18

New Jersey - Voorhess, Rave Ritz 16

New Mexico - Las Cruces, Allen Theatres Cineport 10

New York - Babylon, Clearview Babylon Cinemas

New York - New York, Clearview Chelsea Cinemas

New York - Schenectady, Bow Tie Movieland 6

North Carolina - Durham, Carmike Wynnsong 15

North Carolina - Fayetteville, Carmike Market Fair 15

North Carolina - Greenville, Carmike 12

North Carolina - Jacksonville, Carmike 16

North Carolina - Raleigh, Carmike 15

North Carolina - Wilmington, Carmike 16

North Carolina - Winston-Salem, Carmike Wynnsong 12

North Dakota - Bismarck, Carmike 8

Ohio - Beavercreek, Rave The Greene

Ohio - Cleveland Heights, Cedar Lee Theatre

Ohio - Columbus, Rave RC Polaris 18

Ohio - Sandusky, Carmike Plaza 8

Ohio - Toledo, Rave Franklin Park

Ohio - West Chester, Rave West Chester 18

Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, Rave University City 6

Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh, South Side Works Cinema

Pennsylvania - Wayne, Clearview Anthony Wayne Cinemas

South Dakota - Rapid City, Carmike 10

Tennessee - Madison, Carmike Wynnsong 10

Tennessee - Murfreesboro, Carmike Wynnsong 16

Texas - Dallas, Studio Movie Grill Dallas/Royal Lane

Texas - Edinburg, Carmike 20

Texas - El Paso, Carmike 16

Texas - Houston, Studio Movie Grill City Center

Texas - Hurst, Rave TC North East Mall 18

Texas - Tomball, Santikos Silverado 19

Texas - Tyler, Carmike 14

Texas - San Antonio, Santikos Mayan Place 14

Texas - San Antonio, Santikos Northwest 14

Texas - San Antonio, Santikos Silverado 16

Utah - Provo, Carmike Wynnsong 12

Utah - West Valley City, Carmike Ritz 12

Virginia - Charlottesville, Carmike 6

Virginia - Fairfax, Rave RC Fairfax Corner 14

Virginia - Richmond, Bow Tie Movieland At Boulevard Square

Virginia - Virginia Beach, Cinema Cafe Pembroke Meadows

Virginia - Winchester, Alamo Drafthouse Winchester

West Virginia - Morgantown, Carmike Morgantown Mall 12

Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Carmike Oakwood 12

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OZZY OSBOURNE/HALFORD Minneapolis Ticket Information Now Available

To update the previous post about the just announced Ozzy Osbourne/Halford tour, ticket information for the Minneapolis show at the Target Center on December 12 was just released. General tickets go on sale this Saturday, September 18 at 10:00 am CDT ($27.50–77.50), along with the combined Meet & Greet/Possessed Party packages. You can also purchase the Meet & Greet and Possessed Party packages separately beginning this morning, Monday, September 13 at 10:00 am CDT.

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ECHOTERRA Releases Rehearsal Footage Of "To Live Again"

Minneapolis symphonic metal band has released a video of keyboardist Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze) and vocalist Melissa Ferlaak (ex-Visions Of Atlantis) performing a duet of "To Live Again" during rehearsal which you can view below. The song originally appeared on The Law Of One, the band's debut album released last year. Echoterra is currently working on their new album, and you can also view live footage of two new songs, "After The Rain" and "Midnight Sun", performed for the first time on May 21 at the 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis. You can read the review of that concert, with pictures and other videos, here.

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FU MANCHU Album Review

Fu Manchu – Signs Of Infinite Power

Century Media, 2009

7/10

California’s long-running stoner rock kings Fu Manchu continue down their patented road of fuzz and distortion with a solid release that offers no surprises. This consistency is both a blessing and a curse for this venerable band. The first time I heard In Search Of… way back in 1996, its sheer heaviness and homage to 70’s rock was a revelation. There’s no band that has perfected this style better than Fu Manchu, other than the long-defunct Kyuss. With Signs Of Infinite Power, Fu Manchu’s tenth album, the limits of this style are unfortunately apparent. This is a very good album, however, it’s hard for me to be as excited about Fu Manchu as I once was. The band has lost none of its trademark sound, and even sounds great on “El Busta”, “Gargantuan March”, and the title track, the best songs on the album. The majority of the record plods through as you would otherwise expect. This is the issue – Signs Of Infinite Power is not a bad album by any stretch, but Fu Manchu seems to be caught in a creative trap that offers too little for long-time fans of the band. If expectations are held in check, Signs Of Infinite Power is a worthy addition to the Fu Manchu catalog, however, if you’re hoping for a fresh twist on stoner rock you won’t find it here. Their live show never disappoints, so get down to the Triple Rock tonight if you can!

Fu Manchu performs Sunday, September 12 with support from Black Tusk and The Rockford Mules at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis.

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DIRTY LITTLE RABBITS To Play Chicago And Minneapolis

Dirty Little Rabbits, the experimental/alternative band of Slipknot percussionist Shawn Crahan (Clown) and vocalist Stella Katsoudas (ex-Sister Soleil), will be performing next month in Chicago and Minneapolis (information below). It's not clear if these shows are part of a planned tour or one-off shows, but no other dates are known at this time. This is only the third time Dirty Little Rabbits has played in the Twin Cities - once a couple years ago at the 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis and last month at Station 4 in St. Paul after wrapping up a stint on the Warped Tour.

October 22 - South Barrington, IL, Penny Road Pub w/Far From Falling, Last Second Signal, The Last

October 23 - Minneapolis, MN, Triple Rock Social Club w/Far From Falling, Johnnyrook, Standard Thompson

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First OZZY OSBOURNE and HALFORD North American Dates Announced; Minneapolis Included

I'm back from Europe, so I'll be able to get some album reviews posted that I had hoped to post before my trip. The biggest concert announcement in a while is the first North American dates for Ozzy Osbourne in support of his Scream album, including a date at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sunday, December 12. This is his first tour here with new guitarist Gus G who, if you saw him when his band Firewind opened for Epica at Station 4 in St. Paul a couple years ago, can shred like a monster. Contrary to other reports, general ticket sales for most of these shows begins on Saturday, September 18 (where information is currently available). There will also be various VIP ticket packages that go on sale as early as this Monday, September 13. Included in these initial dates is a show at the Target Center in Minneapolis; more dates will be announced soon. The support band for all shows will be Halford, whose new IV - Made Of Metal album will be released in North America on September 28. October 5 will see the release of the Tour Edition of Scream, which will include seven bonus tracks, including unreleased and live songs.

November 12 - Victoria, BC, Save-On Foods Memorial Centre*

November 14 - Vancouver, BC, Rogers Arena*

November 16 - Calgary, AB, Pengrowth Saddledome*

November 18 - Edmonton, MB, Rexall Place*

November 20 - Winnipeg, MB, MTS Centre*

November 23 - Montreal, QC, Bell Centre***

November 25 - Ottawa, ON, Scotiabank Place***

November 27 - Toronto, ON, Air Canada Centre**

December 1 - New York, NY, Madison Square Garden Arena*

December 3 - East Rutherford, NJ, Izod Center*

December 5 - Cleveland, OH, Quicken Loans Arena***

December 12 - Minneapolis, MN, Target Center***

*Tickets on sale Saturday, September 18, 10:00 am local time

**Tickets on sale Friday, September 17, 10:00 am local time

***No ticket information at this time

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