Jay-Z, whose last solo album arrived nearly a decade ago at this point, is still relevant as ever. This May he’ll be performing with the Roots as the headliner of their annual Roots Picnic, and in July he’ll be playing three hometown shows at Yankee Stadium: One celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt, one for 25 years of The Blueprint, and a newly-announced third “Extra Innings” show that we’re assuming will compile his greatest hits from other albums. Sounds like it’s a good time for Jay to sit down for an interview.
“Hello BAAAAAYBY!” The coolest way to enter in to the new era of post David Lee Roth in 1986 was new singer Sammy Hagar’s intro to “Good Enough,” the opening track on the band’s first collaboration together. 5150 was a milestone for this legendary band, not only because of the dynamic switch in front men, but it was also the first recordings made almost entirely at guitarist Edward Van Halen’s home studio of the same name. Now remixed and remastered along with some expanded tracks, it has been re-released for the 40th anniversary of its 1986 explosive drop, which resulted in the band’s first ever #1 record. Rhino Records has released 5150 (Expanded Edition), a groundbreaking collection on vinyl, CD and Blu-ray, directly from the original master tapes overseen by the band’s longtime engineer Don Landee.
The set also introduces more than 90 minutes of previously unreleased live recordings from the band’s August 27, 1986 concert at New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven, Connecticut. These are joined by a selection of rare 7” single edits and extended 12” versions. The Blu-Ray includes a new high-definition upgrade of Live Without A Net, Van Halen’s double-Platinum 1986 concert video that was also recorded that same August night in New Haven, along with promotional videos for “Dreams” and “Why Can’t This Be Love.” The LPs come in standard black, but a limited Amazon-exclusive green vinyl version is also available. Again, the packaging on all formats has been updated and looks great.
The set sounds incredible when played at a loud volume. All songs are much crisper than the original releases. The extended versions of “Why Can’t This Be Love” and “Dreams” are mostly just repeats on the chorus, but are cool to have included. The real treat is the high-definition upgrade on the Blu-Ray version of “Live Without a Net.” The video is much sharper than the original, and the live recordings sound is outstanding. Relive the joy and excitement of the re-tooled and remastered Van Halen the way it was meant to be heard, cultivated from the original recordings, and brought to a new life. “The Best of Both Worlds” so to speak…
Cole Berliner and Dylan Hadley used to be in the skronky, chaotic San Francisco psych-rock band Kamikaze Palm Trees together. Last year, the two of them reintroduced themselves as the underground synthpop duo Sharpie Smile and released their very good debut album The Staircase. Now, Berliner is making music on his own, and it’s another…
(written by Islander) Commas are critical units of punctuation. “Let’s eat Grandpa!” is not the same as “Let’s eat, Grandpa!” Or, as in the joke about pandas and firearms, “Eats shoots and leaves” is not the same as “Eats, shoots, and leaves”. But even though Aggressive Perfector named their new album “Come Creeping Fiends“, I’m […]
Swedish metallers Narnia are proud to announce their tenth studio album, X, set for release on May 29th via Sound Pollution, marking the band’s 30th anniversary and nearly three decades of unwavering presence on the international metal scene.
While their previous release Ghost Town (2023) reaffirmed the band’s melodic metal foundation, X expands Narnia‘s sonic landscape. The album moves confidently between soaring, arena-ready choruses and more adventurous, progressive passages, without ever losing the band’s unmistakable identity.
Songs like “Oceanwide,” “Every Breath,” and “Heaven’s Calling” showcase Narnia‘s gift for strong hooks and uplifting melodies. At the other end of the spectrum, the high-energy “Remedy (SOS)” pushes the tempo to new heights, while tracks such as “God Under Fire” and “Jerusalem” explore more intricate arrangements and progressive textures.
Multiple lead vocalists share the spotlight throughout the album. Guitarist CJ Grimmark and bassist Jonatan “Jono” Samuelsson step forward on selected tracks, adding new tonal colors, while Christian Liljegren’s unmistakable voice continues to anchor the sound.
The album also reconnects with the band’s legacy. “The Man from Nazareth Pt. II” serves as a continuation of a fan-favorite from the 2006 album Enter the Gate, while “The War that Tore the Land (Reprise)” offers a reflective callback to 2019’s From Darkness to Light.
Guitarist CJ Grimmark comments: “This album represents both where we come from and where we’re heading. It’s heavier, broader, and more dynamic, but still unmistakably Narnia.”
X stands as both a celebration of Narnia‘s legacy and a bold statement of where the band stands today—musically sharper, more diverse, and more confident than ever.
The first single, “Oceanwide,” will be released on April 4th, 2026.
The album is produced and mixed by CJ Grimmark and mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson at Studio Bohus. It will be available on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl on May 29, 2026 via Sound Pollution Distribution.
Finnish symphonic metal band AMBERIAN DAWN is headed for a new era: not only do they announce their ninth album, Temptation’s Gates, which will be released on June 26, 2026 via Napalm Records, but they also introduce a new singer with it. Swedish-English musician Nicole Willerton is taking over from previous frontwoman Capri, who sadly couldn’t continue her […]
