By Denny Spinks – General Manager/Producer: All Things Metal

It amazes me how people who say they love new music and hope their favorite bands step out of the box and do something different. They then turn around and complain that it doesn’t sound like the band they are fans of. My suggestion would be to quit your bitching and Thank “The Metal Council” that there are those out there willing to think out of the box.

Just so we can get the editorial reviews from Amazon out of the way, “Highly anticipated 2011 two CD collaboration between Rock legend Lou Reed and the Heavy Metal monolith that is Metallica. Lulu was inspired by German expressionist writer Frank Wedekind’s plays Earth Spirit and Pandora’s Box, which tell a story of a young abused dancer’s life and relationships and are now collectively known as the “Lulu Plays.” Originally the lyrics and musical landscape were sketched out by Lou for a theatrical production in Berlin, but after coming together with the ‘Tallica boys for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concerts in New York in 2009 all guilty parties knew they wanted to make more music together. Lou was inspired enough by that performance to recently ask the band to join him in taking his theatrical Lulu piece to the next level and so starting in early May of this year they were all camped out recording at HQ studios in Northern California, bringing us to today and 10 complete songs.”

With that being said and hopefully you have paid attention and know that this is NOT a “Metallica” record. This has been expressed in more than one interview I have seen. I would happen to agree. It is a Lou Reed record! Now that we have gotten that out the way, let’s talk about LULU.

Brandenburg Gate is probably one of my favorite tracks on this collaboration. I love how the music compliments the frail voice of Reed. I would agree that at times the vocals of Reed don’t fit with the music but in some ways, that is what I like about it. To be honest the music is as solid as ever. I think Metallica did a really great job in creating some that in time will be called some of their best.

As I listen to LULU, I feel like I am thrown back in time during German Expressionism during the 1920s–1930s. For me, this album has more emotion than I get from the normal albums I listen to. This album grabs you, sucks you in and doesn’t let go. Don’t expect those narrow minded billboard suits fool you. This is a concept album that is more than just a single. If you truly want to listen to something different and off the wall and make you think WTF are these guys doing, then go and get this album. If you are looking for something to bitch about, well, maybe you should buy this also. We don’t care what you think anyway! I recommend getting this album for the sole reason is that when you look back at this album; you will know that this really is a piece of art.

Make sure you check out this semester’s new line up of producers Monday – Friday!

David and Brian from Red Fang stopped by the press tent at the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival in Boise, ID. on July 13th. David and Brian share their love for music and beer while giving us a little insight on the Red Fang videos. Listen to the full interview here David and Brian – Red Fang Mayhem

Red Fang Social Media: Facebook, MYSPACE,

Kirk Windstein of Down, Crowbar, and Kingdom of Sorrow, stopped by the press tent at the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival in Boise, ID. on July 13th. Kirk talks about touring, his work ethic, and Down’s new album. Listen to the full interview here Kirk Windstein – Down-Crowbar-KOS Mayhem

Kingdom of Sorrow Social Media: Facebook, MYSPACE, Twitter

Shawn Drover from Megadeth stopped by the press tent at the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival in Boise, ID. on July 13th. Shawn talks about the New Album, Touring, and Mayhem. Listen to the full interview here. Shawn Drover – Megadeth.

Megadeth Social Media: Facebook, MYSAPCE, Twitter,

Check out this podcast with PRSSA discussing COMM CON 2011. May 3rd, 4:30 to 6:30pm in the Jordan Ballroom. Listen to it here PRSSA on COMMCON

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On Friday, 3/18/11, Eric Gilbert of the Boise rock band Finn Riggins spoke with us during our weekly live show. Eric discusses Finn Riggins’ forthcoming split 7″ with Hillfolk Noir, recording songs for Daytrotter, extensive touring and their new approach to recording.

Finn Riggins is playing at the Visual Arts Collective on Wednesday, 3/23/11 along with Delicate Steve (NJ), Hosannas (OR), Teens and Owlright.

Check out the interview after the jump!

(Right click and ‘save as’ to download or click the play arrow to listen on this page!)

Interview with Finn Riggins

Click the image for a larger version of the flier.

We’ll see you there!!

The Arbiter‘s Trevor Villagrana takes a look at Boise’s hardcore scene in this article. He interviews Eric Muniz of Brawl, Chase Chivers of Animal Skins, discusses upcoming shows and speaks about the ups and downs the scene has faced in the last several years.

Click here to jump to The Arbiter.