Massive Attack to my heart. It's about time.

I'm happy to admit that "Mezzanine" by Massive Attack continues to be one of THE most played albums in my collection of music. It's been about seven years - six years too long - since legendary trip-hop duo Massive Attack released their last album.
The band is set to release their fifth studio album "Heligoland" in February 2010. Last month, we did get a taste of what's to come as the duo released a 4-song EP "Splitting the Atom."

I like the direction they've taken; it's mature and definitely displays progression. It does exclude, however, the seductive body that "Mezzanine" seems to engulf me with. It's not bad, just different. And I do love it when bands change, experiment and grow. I just need to remind myself that what I'm about to hear isn't going to be what I originally fell in love with - and that's okay.

The current standing tracklist is below. Check out the all-star cast of guest vocals - Damon Albarn, Hope Sandoval, Martina Topley-Bird, Guy Garvey and Tunde Adebimpe. I'm pleased.

"Heligoland" Tracklist
01. Pray for Rain [ft.Tunde Adebimpe]
02. Babel [ft. Martina Topley-Bird]
03. Splitting The Atom [ft. Robert del Naja, Grant Marshall, and Horace Andy]
04. 16 Seater [ft. Horace Andy]
05. Psyche [ft. Martina Topley-Bird]
06. Bulletproof Love [ft. Guy Garvey]
07. Paradise Circus [ft. Hope Sandoval]
08. Rush Minute [ft. Robert del Naja]
09. Saturday Come Slow [ft. Damon Albarn]
10. Marrakesh [ft. Robert del Naja]

Something old: "Black Milk"
Something new: "Psyche (ft. Martina Topley-Bird)"

Getting knowledgeable on Belfast punk

When I think of early Punk music, Belfast, Ireland isn't the first city that comes to mind; however, several influential punk bands sprouted from Northern Ireland, including classic bands such as The Outcasts, Rudi and one of my favorites - Ruefrex.

A friend of mine from Galway, named Cormac Stanton, recently produced a radio documentary called "Beyond the Wire, The Story of Belfast Punk 1975-1985." It's a fantastic account of how the Belfast punk scene thrived and helped give way to anti-sectarian attitude in Northern Ireland.

Have a listen: "Beyond the Wire"

mr. Gnome

Cleveland duo mr. Gnome's releases the first video from its sophomore album, "Heave Yer Skeleton." It's a live performance of the disc's opening track "Spain" and I'm sort of addicted to it.

The new album comes out Nov. 10 and is the follow-up to their debut full-length, "Deliver This Creature." The two have matured musically and continue to use the same minimalist ingredients - a soulful, feminine power combined with dynamic drumming.



"Vampires"
"Slow Side"

New Nouvelle

French band Nouvelle Vague is one of my favorite cover bands. They take some of the best post punk and new wave songs, remaster them and bring them to life all over again.

The group recently teamed up with the creators of these musical gems for a series of duets including “Master & Servant” (feat. Martin Gore), “Road to Nowhere,” “All My Colours (feat. Ian McCulloch), “Blister In The Sun,” “Our Lips Are Sealed” (feat. Terry Hall), “God Save The Queen” and “Parade” (feat. Barry Admanson).

"Master & Servant"
"All My Colours"