Supergroups

Well it’s been a busy year for supergroups, and I’ve definitely had a pretty big taste of Supergroup Stew this year. Many people I talk to don’t particularly like what feels like a new phenomenon. For the most part I disagree. And I have some evidence to back up my findings.

Oysterhead
Consisted (past tense, unless you hold out hope they’ll get back together) of Trey Anastasio (Phish), Les Claypool (Primus and 100 other bands) and Stewart Copeland (the Police).

As far as I’m concerned, this is the ultimate jamband supergroup. For my money, Les is one of the best bassists around. I’ll take him any day to back my rhythm section, but then on top of that you add Stewart Copeland?!?! Stewart Effing Copeland?? My god! Legend. And then the cherry on top is Trey? Wow.
In my mind they didn’t disappoint. The live show was fun and entertaining. From what I recall I couldn’t stop watching Copeland. Just a real good time. The album stays in the rotation and gets an occasional listen. Some huge Les/Primus influence. Not that that’s a bad thing!

Overall Grade: B/+


Chickenfoot
This might be the most blatant, hey I lost all my cash when the market went to shit, cash grab of them all. Chad Smith (Chili Peppers), Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony (Parts Unknown) and Joe Satriani (one of the best guitar shredders of all time!) teamed up for an album release and a small venue tour, followed by an amphitheatre run.

I was able to see them on the first leg of their US run at the Middle East downstairs in Boston. I think they had about 5 live shows under their belt at that time. If you haven’t been to the Middle East, the place is about as big as my basement. Only it was packed with Marshalls stacks. I was actually scared for my hearing when I walked downstairs. But having an opportunity to see Satriani up THAT close? Once in a lifetime. Well worth the $30 I ponied up.

The album was alright. Paint by the numbers rock. Nothing mind shattering or that original.

Final Verdict: Sammy and Michael? Cash grab. No doubt. Chad Smith? Most likely partying and passing the time until the Chili Peppers get back into the studio. Joe Satriani? Not really sure….

Overall Grade: B- (the venue saved them)

Dead Weather
Jack White is one of my favorite current musicians. No doubt about it. In my mind he’s one of, if not the best, song writer and musician going.

With Dead Weather he changes it up. He’s behind the drum kit instead of on lead guitar. First time since he was like a teenager. But not to worry. The band has plenty to offer.

Allison Mosshart from the Kills provides an amazing front woman presence. Definite punk background there. Rounding out the group are Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) on guitar and Jack Lawrence (the Raconteurs).

Album verdict? Yummy. Really enjoyed it. No surprise it’s a mashup of the Stripes, Raconteurs and, from what little I’ve heard the Kills. It was essentially confirmed in a Rolling Stone interview with Jack White recently that there is a new album in the works. Look for a spring 2010 release.

Live? Phenomenal energy. Allison Mosshart did not disappoint. Jack Lawrence was steady as he goes. I did feel as though Dean Fertita was playing like Jack White was looking over his shoulder. He probably was. About halfway in he seemed to loosen up. Jack White was a pretty steady rudder for the band. Not bad for a lead guitarist willing to take a risk.

At just over an hour it was a tad bit short for me. Definitely felt as though they needed another album under their belt to carry a live show.

Overall Grade: B (points off for a short live show)

Them Crooked Vultures
This has been Dave Grohl’s wet dream for years- to play with Zeppelin! Oh wait…..this is only part Zeppelin.

I bring you John Paul Jones (if you need an introduction please stop here, go to your favorite record store and get every Led Zeppelin CD available, and call me when you’re done) Dave Grohl (some bands called Nirvana; Foo Fighters) and Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age aka QOTSA) who for the time being are together under the name Them Crooked Vultures.

I saw them recently at the House of Blues in Boston. All I knew about them at the time was what I could find on YouTube. From what little I could see there I could tell that there was a nice energy, and a tremendous sound. Some definite potential.

Well that was confirmed and then some. I left the HOB after about 90 minutes completely impressed and ready for more. Not bad for a band I had never seen live or even really heard before. They were that good.

Their debut (not sure if there will be more?) came out November 17th. I have a buy recommendation out for all of my clients. It's a fun rock album with some interesting sounds and arrangements.

Overall Grade: B/+