23 reasons why Rock n Roll isn't dying out.

Usually I waffle on for a bit before I list the music in these blogs, but I’m going to keep this short and sweet. There’s been a lot of press recently about the decline of rock and roll and how it is ‘dying’ as a genre. Here’s 23 reasons why it isn’t.

 

Airbourne- Ready to Rock: Aussie rockers who take inspiration from AC/DC exploded back onto the scene last year with their third album ‘Black Dog Barking’. This is the album opener and it’s absolutely huge. Very much looking forward to hearing this when they open for Black Stone Cherry on their UK tour later in the year.

 

Alter Bridge- Addicted to Pain: The mammoth opening track to Alter Bridge’s fourth album ‘Fortress’, addicted to pain is an assault on the senses. With that thundering riff and Myles Kennedy’s distinctive vocals, it was one of the biggest rock tracks from 2013. It also helped to enforce Alter Bridge’s stock as a rising force in rock circles.

 

The Answer- New Horizon: The Answer returned last year with their fourth studio album and graced us with their blend of classic rock. I have followed this band since their debut album ‘Rise’ and think they are one of the best rock acts around. If you get a chance to catch them live, take it. You won’t regret it.

 

Band of Skulls- Hoochie Coochie: Southampton trio Band of Skulls, with their recently released third album ‘Himalayan’, are a band that are slowly building a large and loyal fan base. Their 2009 debut was good, but as this song shows, they are getting better with each album. Very much looking forward to seeing them on their UK tour later in the year.

 

Black Stone Cherry- Never Surrender: Kentucky rockers Black Stone Cherry made a triumphant return this year with their fourth album ‘Magic Mountain’. They are a band who have got better with each album, even if their last effort received a mixed reception. With ‘Me and Mary Jane’ and ‘Fiesta Del Fuego’ to taster singles, things looked good but this was a real treat when the full album arrived. A heavy, crunching effort this will be an absolute beast live.

 

Cage the Gods- Favourite Sin: There was a lot of hype surrounding this new British rock band last year called Cage the Gods, so I was pleased when I saw they were named as the support act for The Answer on their UK tour. Have to say I can see what people were going on about. Check out ‘Favourite Sin’ and you’ll see why these guys are tipped to be one of the next best things.

 

Crashdiet- Cocaine Cowboys: Fancy a bit of sleaze with your rock? Look no further than Sweden and Crashdiet. Cocaine Cowboys is right off the 1980s Sunset Strip, and it’s absolutely fantastic.

 

Dead Sara- Weatherman: Any girls out there looking for inspiration or an example to follow then Dead Sara are the band for you. Emily Armstrong and Siouxsie Medley are a formidable duo and provide the vocals and guitar for this exciting girl led band. I’m hoping and praying they make it to the UK soon as they are quite high on my list of bands to see.

Deap  Vally- Baby I Call Hell: American rock duo Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards have caused quite a stir since releasing their debut album 'Sistrionix' last year. They are certainly showing that anything their male counterparts can do, they can match and do better. They have a dirty blues rock sound full of attitude. A fantastic live act as well, you can't not love Lindsey Troy's voice.

 

Diemonds – Get the fuck outta here: Not necessarily a band many people here in Europe may have heard of, but certainly one you should listen to. Known for incessantly touring North America, this hard rock band fronted by the gorgeous Priya Panda are one that any fan of 80s rock will take a liking to. All the more impressive considering they’re an independent band on an independent label.

 

Fit for Rivals- Crash: A band that came out of no-where and then disappeared, Fit for Rivals gained a lot of fans with their mammoth 2009 song ‘Crash’. Since then however they have been quiet but it has been recently announced that they will be following up their debut album with new music in 2015. It will certainly be one to look out for as the big riffs and husky vocals of Renee Phoenix are a winning comination.

 

Foxy Shazam- Count Me Out: Queen wannabies or serious rock act? Who cares! Foxy Shazam take the fun element of rock and roll and run with it. I saw them support The Darkness a few years back and they were absolutely fantastic, so prima donnas they are not. The band can play and Eric Nally can certainly sing. If you do see them live, guaranteed you will walk away with a smile on your face.

 

Furyon- Disappear Again: Furyon are one of the best kept secrets of the rock world. With expert guitars and strong vocals, the band released their debut album ‘Gravitas’ on an independent label, thus relying on touring and word of mouth to become one of the best live acts around. I’ve been lucky enough to catch them twice and they really are fantastic. ‘Disappear Again’ is just a taster of what they are capable of.

 

Halestorm- Love Bites (So Do I): Grammy award winning song from the Philadelphia rockers, led by self-proclaimed banshee Lzzy Hale. With one of the best singers around at the moment, Halestorm are on an upward trajectory after releasing two LPs as well as two highly acclaimed cover EP’s. With a new album due in the near future, it is one that rock fans everywhere should be looking forward to.

 

Hardcore Superstar- One More Minute: An absolute barnstorming track from the Swedish hair metaller’s  2013 album ‘C’mon Take On Me’. Sounding like a lovechild between Motley Crue and Def Leppard, ‘One More Minute’ was one of the best rock songs of the last year in my opinion.

 

The Family Rain- Don’t Waste Your Time: Hailing from Bath, these three brothers released their debut album earlier in the year. It was an album I really looking forward to and it didn’t disappoint. Having seen them support the excellent Miles Kane last year, they made a lasting impression. Playing their own style of blues rock, they have the ability to play a range of styles. You may have already heard one of their songs, as ‘Pushing It’ was used on a recent advert for the clothing brand ‘Firetrap’.

 

The Pretty Reckless- Heaven Knows: 2014 sees the return of Taylor Momsen and her band The Pretty Reckless with the follow up to their popular and critically acclaimed debut ‘Light Me Up’. ‘Going to Hell’ sees the band take a slightly darker road while still maintaining the hard rock edge that helped gain their popularity. That said ‘Heaven Knows’, the latest single, has a softer side but still packs a punch. Definitely a band to catch at various festival slots over the summer.

 

The Temperence Movement- Ain’t No Telling: Few bands make such a big splash with a debut album as The Temperence Movement, but the acclaim The Temperence Movement received after releasing their debut last year meant they must have been done something right. Playing their own style of blues rock, they won a lot of fans in a short space of time, meaning tickets to their tours were at a premium. Their follow up is going to be very much anticipated.

 

The Virginmary’s- Just a Ride: They took their time releasing their debut album, but it was well worth the wait. Having toured with the likes of Slash, Queens of the Stone Age and Skunk Anasie, this hard rock have certainly cut their teeth and are reaping the rewards. Having seen them live when they opened for Feeder, I was an instant fan. They are fantastic live act and one I recommend you go and see.

 

Rival Sons- Open My Eyes: Critically acclaimed California rockers Rival Sons have enjoyed quite a mesmeric rise to fame. Having formed in 2009, they are already preparing to release their fourth album, ‘Great Western Valkyrie’. Often compared to legends Led Zeppelin due to their blues rock style, Rival Sons are a band to watch.  

 

Royal Blood- Come on Over: If there is a band to watch over the next year/18 months or so it is Royal Blood. The Brighton duo are causing quite a few waves and are getting a lot of warranted attention with their own brand of garage rock. Take ‘Come on Over’ as exhibit A. Having recently supported Arctic Monkeys at their massive Finsbury Park gigs, they have the likes of Download and Glastonbury festivals to keep them busy this summer.

 

Sick Puppies- You’re Going Down: A band I had the fortune to see live recently, Sick Puppies are responsible for one of my favourite ever albums in ‘Tri Polar’, with this one of the pick of the tracks. In 2013 they released its follow up ‘Only Connect’ and it shows these alt rockers are on good as form as ever. If you get a chance to see them live, take it. They are fantastic and very humble for the support.

 

Volbeat- Lola Montez:  It is hard to pigeon hole Volbeat, it very much depends which song of theirs you are listening to. Mixing together hard rock, heavy metal and rockabilly, they have slowly been winning over audiences around the globe with their strong studio albums and fantastic live act. I managed to catch them live last year in London and they blew me away. ‘Lola Montez’ is my favourite song from their current album and it is a good starting point for anyone who is new to the band.

 

 

 

Thanks for reading J

 

 

World Cup Songs

With the league season now at an end, football fan’s attention can now be turned towards Brazil and the upcoming World Cup. Unless you support either of the Madrid clubs, in which case Saturday is quite important. Here I’ve compiled a small list of songs that should help get a World Cup party started. It’s not a comprehensive list, but there are some big songs on there. There’s a mixture of England songs (had to be there as I’m English), as well songs from previous World Cups and other football related games and adverts. The less said about this year’s official England World Cup song by Gary Barlow though, the better. 

Honourable mentions go out to Bell and Spurling for their immortalisation of ex-England manager Sven Goren Erikson with ‘Sven Sven Sven’. Also worth noting the 1970 England World Cup squad’s effort with ‘Back Home’. The classic ‘Nessun Dorma’ will also mean a lot to people having been the anthem to Italia ’90. There was also ‘Eat My Goal’ by Collapsed Lung at the other end of the musical spectrum. ‘Seven Nation Army’ by the White Stripes has also recently been the adoptive chant of many football fans across the world.

Apologies for the quality of some of the YouTube clips, but 240p was quite popular back in the day.

 

Ant ‘n’ Dec- We’re on the Ball: 2002 saw the Geordie duo record this cheesy yet quite good England World Cup song.  It has everything a good terrace anthem needs and even pays homage to England’s 5-1 win in Germany during the qualification campaign.

 

Baddiel & Skinner feat. Lightning Seeds- 3 Lions 98: Possibly the ultimate football song, Baddiel and Skinner struck gold when they teamed up with Brit Pop band the Lightning Seeds to record a song for Euro ’96. Rerecorded for the ’98 World Cup, the song is my personal favourite football anthem.

 

Dario G- Carnaval de Paris: The official song for the 1998 France World Cup, it really does evoke the carnival atmosphere that a World Cup brings. Fantastic song.

 

Elvis vs JXL- Little Less Conversation: It’s not so much the song, which is great, but the advert it was used in that evokes such good memories. So many legends in three minutes.

 

Fat Les- Vindaloo: Perhaps the definitive terrace sing along anthem, ‘Vindaloo’ by Fat Les is one of the best football songs you will hear. Subtle and sophisticated it isn’t, but you can sing/shout along till your heart’s content. Some great lyrics in there as well.

 

Gregor Salto- Samba Do Mundo (Fatboy Slim): A new song for this year, and it comes courtesy of Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim. With a new Brazil themed album especially for the World Cup, this is one of the first songs to appear. A good Samba themed song to help get you in the mood.

 

K’Naan- Waving Flags: One of the best World Cup songs in recent years, it isn’t just a great World Cup song; it’s a great song full stop. It did suit the 2010 South Africa World Cup though, and showed a unity the tournament promotes.

 

New Order- World in Motion: Arguably the best England World Cup song, ‘World in Motion’ graced the nation’s ears during Italia ’90. It’s popularity is mainly down to one part of the song in particular… the John Barnes rap. Sing along if you know the words.

 

Safri Duo- Played-A-Live (The Bongo Song): Ok I’ll be honest, the sole reason this song is here is because it features in FIFA Football 2003. That said it’s a good song and has a carnival feel to it. What more could you want?

 

La Copa De Todos: Another song for this year’s tournament, there are a few versions of this song kicking around but this Coca Cola version is pretty good. Whichever one you find though, they’ll all help you forward to a summer of football.

 

 

 

If you’re still having trouble getting excited for the World Cup, try watching these. You might just enjoy them J

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading, and wherever you are in the world, I hope you enjoy the World Cup.

 Come on England!!!

Gig Review: Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls @ Portsmouth Guildhall

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls @ Portsmouth Guildhall 13/2

I may have been a bit late to the party in terms of becoming a Frank Turner fan (I only got into him after his appearance at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics), but having listened to his albums he has someone I have wanted to see live for a while. Fair to say he didn’t disappoint.

 

This was show number 1,528 and although this was my first, it lived up to all expectations. This was his first arena tour and although there were reservations about him playing bigger venues, from my point of view, his music works perfectly on a grander scale. Especially with thousands of people singing the works back at him. “I didn’t really write these songs to be played in a room this size and shape. “I wrote them to play in bedrooms and bars. But we’re here because this many people wanted to see the band. It’s not about the room. It’s about us,” Turner explained.

 

In fact Turner had played the O2 Arena, London the night before to 20,000 people, so the capacity 2,500 Portsmouth crowd certainly had something to live up to. Fair to say I think we did ourselves proud. The fact that Guildhall was the first venue to sell out for the tour was a good sign. It was also the last night of the tour, although a solo homecoming show in Winchester had been organised for the following night, so Turner wanted to go out on a high.

Beans on Toast

Before Frank took to the stage though, there was support from Beans on Toast and Flogging Molly. Having never heard of Beans on Toast before, it didn’t take long for him to make an impression. With songs about serious subjects such as fracking, chickens and blow jobs, his humorous yet punkish lyrics related very well to the crowd. He also gave the crowd options with the setlist he played as well, giving them to choice to vote between two songs as to which got played. Overall he was very entertaining. Well worth checking out.

FM, Pyramids Centre 2011

Having seen Flogging Molly before when they played the Pyramids Centre in Portsmouth a few years back, I knew exactly what we were in for. They were fantastic when I saw them before and nothing has changed since. They had the had the crowd in the palm of their hand within the first thirty seconds or so of their opening song ‘Drunken Lullabies’, and after playing a short set consisting of favourites such as ‘Float’, ‘Devil’s Dance Floor’ and ‘What’s Left of the Flag’ they had the place well set for the headline act.

The man we had all come to see was next, and throughout the 2 hour and 24 song set, people were clapping, dancing and singing along. Songs such as ‘Photosynthesis’,’ The Road’, ‘If I Ever Stray’ and ‘Wessex Boy’ were all such examples of mass participation. And ‘Eulogy’. And ‘The Way I Tend to Be’. And ‘Losing Days’. I think you get the picture. It wasn’t just an impressive performance audibly though. Visually it was striking with effective use of the lighting making it an impressive spectacle.

With the ‘Best Crowd of the Tour’ award still up for grabs as well, we had to out-do Manchester, Nottingham and London during ‘Recovery’ by combining singing, jumping and clapping in one routine. To aid in our effort, Turner’s road crew joined the stage dressed in animal costumes to lead proceedings. Naturally we beat our rivals, of course.

He finished his set with two of my personal favourite songs of his, ‘I Still Believe’ and ‘Four Simple Words’. I love them because I can relate to them on so many levels. They encapsulate perfectly how I feel going to live music and about rock music in general, so to sing along to them live was something special.

It was a fantastic end to a brilliant night. His songs take on an extra dimension live, with added energy and the impressive Sleeping Souls playing with him, it made it a great night. It was well worth the late night and getting only 3 hours sleep before work the next day. A lot of people said “Frank who?” when I said I was seeing him live. It’s their fault they haven’t heard of him, as they are missing out on a real talent.

 

 

Gig Review: Gaz Brookfield @ The Latest Music Bar, Brighton

Gaz Brookfield @ The Latest Music Bar, Brighton 9/2

If I'm honest I hadn't planned on doing a review of this show. The main reason being I had never heard of Gaz Brookfield before and had no idea what to expect. All I had to go on was the insistence from my friend that he was brilliant. He didn't disappoint and I'm so glad I went along.

Having opened/toured with the likes of Frank Turner, Newton Faulkner and The Levellers, he plays an upbeat acoustic folk style, full of delicious hooks and fantastic story telling. It's this combination that holds your attention. He is a man who clearly enjoys performing his own songs and played with a smile on his face throughout.

His songs are based on everyday man's tales including growing up and surviving as a musician.  Songs such as 'Land Pirates Life', 'Towns' and 'The Busker Song', all off his latest album 'In the Company of Thieves', are perfect examples of these. Lyrically they are all fantastic. It may sound like an exaggeration, but are all that good. That's before you get to material from his other albums, such as 'Be the Bigger Man', a song about bullying at school, which also features Frank Turner in the video.

All in all it was a fantastic gig in a great little venue hidden away in Brighton. I love these kind of gigs as much as an arena/stadium. Perhaps even more so as there is a greater connection with the audience. Gaz was very humble and thankful that a roomful of people had come out to see him on a Sunday night. Not a bad first gig of the year at all.

Next up for me is Mr Turner himself in Portsmouth on Thursday which I will be reviewing at the end of the week.

Chill Out Songs

No matter what sort of music you are into, everyone likes music they can chill out. There are plenty of compilation albums out there, but I decided to do a round up of 20 of my favourite songs to relax to. It's the usual mix of stuff most people will recognise and some songs you may not know. So sit back, relax and enjoy :)

Bran Van 3000- Drinking in LA: A personal favourite of mine, this song is the first single released by Canadian group Bran Van 3000. A mixture of electronica and hip-hop, this is a great chill out song. It achieved mixed chart success, peaking at number 3 in the UK charts. It was also covered by UK indie band The Twang, and surprisingly does the song justice.

Bruce Springsteen- Streets of Philadelphia: One of my personal favourite Springsteen songs, The Boss wrote it especially for the 1993 Tom Hanks film 'Philadelphia'. The song proved to be a massive hit, hitting number on in 8 countries and making well into the top 10 elsewhere it charted. With it's distinctive synthesizer and drums, the oozes a calm and peaceful vibe. This is helped by the not having the usual gruff vocals that are Springsteen's hallmark. A fantastic song.

Charlotte Hatherley- Be Thankful: This is a fantastically relaxing song from ex-Ash guitarist Charlotte Hatherley. After leaving Ash, Hatherley embarked on a solo career, with this song off her second album ‘The Deep Blue’. It’s a totally different sound to Ash, but it’s a really peaceful song. Definitely one that will grow on you.

College and Electric Youth- A Real Hero: The film ‘Drive’ was recommended to me by a friend and I’m glad I watched it as it includes this absolute gem of a song that sounds like it should have been released in 1981. If you like 80s/New Wave music you have to listen to this, as it’s a little piece of the 1980s made in the 21st century and its absolutely brilliant. Give it a listen and I dare you not to love it.

Gorillaz- On Melancholy Hill: Think of Gorillaz and songs such as 'Dare' and 'Clint Eastwood' immediately spring to mind. However, in 2010, they relased this little gem from their 'Plastic Beach' album. It's a much gentler song than some of their previous work. With a distinctive hook and entertaining video, its a good song to sit back and relax to.

HAERTS- Wings: You may not be familiar with the name, but New York indie band HAERTS struck gold with this gem from their debut EP 'Hemiplegia'. It has a great hook which, coupled with soothing vocals, makes it a joy to listen to. It has an 80s vibe to it, with the vocals not unlike that of Delores O'Riorden from The Cranberries. A song that definitely deserves more exposure.  

Hurts- Wonderful Life: Synthpop duo Hurts made a big introduction with their 2010 debut album 'Happiness'. 'Wonderful Life' was the second single and cemented and cemented their place as one of the breakthrough artists of the year. With their Pet Shop Boy-esque sound, the song does transport you back to the 80s. Saying that it sounds modern, fresh and different to other acts in the charts. 

Jake Bugg- Broken: ‘Broken’ is a re-recording of a song that appears on the album, but this time features Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers on drums and was recorded with veteran producer Rick Rubin. The result is a beautiful acoustic number that emphasizes Bugg’s talent as both a singer and song writer. It’s a slower song than say ‘Two Fingers’ or ‘Seen It All’, but it shows he can mix it up a bit.

Jose Gonzalez- Heartbeats: This is one of those songs as soon as it comes on I have to turn the volume up. Originally by The Knife, the song appears on Gonzalez’s 2003 album ‘Veneer’. It wasn’t until 2006 that it was released as a single however, and hit the number 9 spot in the UK. The gentleness of the guitar and vocals is soothing if nothing else, which makes it a great song to chill out to. 

Lana Del Rey- Video Games: The song that essentially introduced her to the world, 'Video Games' is the hit single by American singer Lana Del Rey. It charted in the top 3 in 15 countries around the world, achieving platinum status in four countries and was nominated for a whole string of awards. It's a beautiful ballad which emphasize Del Rey's unique and distinctive vocals. It's a classic and I am very much looking forward to her follow up album.

Lighthouse Family- High: How can you not like the Lighthouse Family? It is exactly the sort of music you put on after a hard day at the office and this classic is a perfect example. With Tunde Baiyewu's distinctive vocals, the Lighthouse Family gained massive popularity in the late 90s/early 00s. It's not hard to see why with songs like this. 

M People- Search for the Hero: Another classic from the 90s, it's another song that everybody knows and likes no matter what music they are into. It is an all embracing tune and was the groups signature song. Fronted by Heather Small, she gave the group a distinctive sound with her powerful vocal delivery. 'Search for the Hero' is a perfect example of this and remains one of their most popular hits.

M83- Midnight City: Not a song you may recognise by name, but give it a listen and I'm pretty sure you will have heard it before. Released as the first single from French electronic band M83's sixth album in 2011, the song achieved worldwide success. It's not hard to see why. It has a brilliant hook while the saxophone at the end give it an added 80s feel. A modern classic.

Moby- Porcelain: Another track that everyone knows. Released as the sixth single from Moby's mammoth 1999 album 'Play', 'Porcelain' soon became one of the biggest singles off the album, reaching number 5 in the UK charts. After allowing it to be used in commercials and films, Moby described it as the 'most signature song on the album', something the critics agreed with. It's ambience and subtlety makes it a perfect song to chill out to. 

Solange- Losing You: The name Solange may not mean much to some people, but add the surname Knowles and you may take a bit of notice. Yes, this is Beyonce's younger sister and she is starting to make her own name in the music world. With two studio albums and an EP to her name, from which this is taken, she deserves all the plaudits she gets. 'Losing You' is a peaceful song which mixes elements of RnB and electronica to create an ambient and gentle tone. A fantastic song all round.

Temper Trap- Sweet Disposition: Another huge song that received lots of radio play, Temper Trap's 'Sweet Disposition' is the nxt song on the list. It was the lead single from the band's debut album and peaked at number 6 in the UK charts. It has also been used in TV commercials for Chrysler and Diet Coke. It has a gentle with the distinctive vocals from frontman Dougy Mandagi before building into a big chorus. One of those songs that you have to turn up when it comes on the radio.

The Beloved- Sweet Harmony: Now this is a classic song; the 1992 hit for electronica band The Beloved. It reached number 8 in the UK charts and is widely regarded as the groups signature song. The song is famous for it's controversial video, consisting of a totally cast, including TV presenter Tess Daly. However that detract from the fact that this is a fantastic song and sounds just as good now as it did 20 years ago.

The Dandy Warhols- Sleep: This song is taken from one of my favourite albums of all time; 'Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia' by American indie band The Dandy Warhols. Known for their hit single 'Bohemian Like You', the album changes genre practically every song; one of it's strengths is its versatility. The title of the track I've chosen here, 'Sleep', gives some indication as to the sort of song this is. Slow, gentle and calming, its an underrated song from an underrated band.

The xx- VCR: One of the biggest British bands of recent times, 'VCR' was the fourth single from the self titled debut album from The xx. Gentle, brooding and atmospheric the song has a perfect bass line hook. There is something quite minimalist about the song that adds to it's appeal.

Uncle Kracker- Follow Me: Another modern classic, this time from Country Rock star Uncle Kracker. This 2001 hit from his album 'Double Wide' reached the top spot in six countries including Australia, USA and Ireland and is his highest charting single to date. It's a fantastic song with easy, sing-along lyrics and catchy acoustic hook. It also has a good beat to it which makes it perfect to relax to. 

Well there you have it, hope you enjoyed that list. I'm sure you have your own favourites but you may now have some new songs to add to your playlists.

My next blog will be a review of Frank Turner's gig in Portsmouth next week supported by the fantastic Flogging Molly.

Until then, thanks for reading :)

Super-groups and Side Projects

Not quite sure how to introduce this one, so I'll keep it short and sweet. Below you'll find some of my favourite side projects and super groups from recent years. We all have our own favourite bands, but its sometimes nice to hear what people come up with when members from two and three different bands come together. There are some big names as well as some I'm sure some will be unfamiliar with.

58: Formed in 2000 as a side project from Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, 58 were around for just one album, but they created a gem. With Steve Gibb, son of Bee Gee Barry, on vocals, it is totally different from any of Sixx’s other projects. Unlike his other bands which play hard rock, this could arguably be called ‘pop’. It’s very easy to listen to, and very accessible.

Audioslave: Formed by the members of rap metal band Rage Against the Machine with Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell on vocals, Audioslave were the first big super group of the 21st Century. They made three albums; 2002's 'Audioslave', 2005's 'Out of Exile' and 2007's 'Revelations' before disbanding the same year. Their brand of hard rock was very popular with both fans and critics and spawned singles such as 'Your Time Has Come' and 'Show Me How To Live'. Their debut single 'Cochise' is also arguably considered a modern classic. With both RATM and Soundgarden having both reformed since Audioslave split, it's unlikely we'll be hearing any new material anytime soon. 

Black Country Communion: formed in 2009, Black Country Communion were a super group featuring ex-Deep Purple bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes, guitarist Joe Bonamassa, drummer Jason Bonham and keyboard player Derek Sherinian. They released three albums between 2010 and 2012, but tensions between Bonamassa and Hughes led to the band's break up last year. It's a shame because they were a very strong group. I saw them live in summer 2011 and they blew me away.  One of the stronger super groups of recent years.

Brandon Flowers/Big Talk/Mark Stoermer: It didn't go unnoticed that there was a sizeable gap between the last two albums by The Killers. The band went on a break between 2008's 'Day and Age' and 2012's 'Battle Born, with the members in turn releasing their own solo material. Frontman Brandon Flowers had perhaps the most high profile solo album with his 2010 album 'Flamingo', but both drummer Ronnie Vanucci with 'Big Talk' and bassist Mark Stoermer with 'Another Life' had their own albums to rather less fan fare. If anything it shows why The Killers are such a force.

Brides of Destruction: Another one of Nikki Sixx's other bands, Brides of Destruction was born when Motley Crue went on hiatus back in 2001. Releasing their first album in 2004, 'Here Com the Brides' featured Sixx, Tracii Guns from LA Guns, London LeGrand and Scott Coogan. They had an entertaining brand of hard rock that served them well before Sixx departed the band to carry on his Motley Crue duties. Even though BoD released one further album, they finally disbanded in 2007.

Chickenfoot: Another super group, this time featuring Van Halen's vocalist and Bassist Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony with Joe Satriani on guitar and RHCP stick man Chad Smith on drums. The band formed in 2008 and have currently released two albums between other commitments. They don't seem to be showing any signs of splitting either so it looks like they could be one super group who are here to stay.

Codeine Velvet Club: Formed by Lou Hicky and Jon Lawler, aka Jon Fratelli (The Fratellis), Codine Velvet Club released one cracking self titled album in 2009. A mixture of cabaret and alternative/indie rock, their sound was different to what we have come to expect from their other work. It worked brilliantly however and it was one of my favourite albums of 2009. With songs such as 'Vanity Kills' and 'Reste Avec Moi', they also did a brilliant cover of the Stone Roses classic 'I Am the Resurrection'. A real gem that would be an asset to any music collection.

Gorillaz: After being a member of one of the biggest and most successful bands, it might be easy for you to stick with the one project. Not Damon Albarn. No, he decided to team up with Jamie Hewlett and create a virtual band. Seems a bonkers idea but Gorillaz were arguably one of the biggest bands of the noughties. Part of their appeal was the wide range of genres their music incorporated, but mostly mixing alt rock and hip hop. The band is currently on hiatus after releasing four albums, but new material hasn't been ruled out in the future.

Marmaduke Duke: Marmaduke Duke is a conceptual band from Scotland featuring Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro and JP Reid from Sucioperro. They perform under the pseudonyms The Atmosphere and The Dragon. They have so far released two albums, with their second album 2009's 'Duke Pandemonium' achieving commercial success thanks to the single 'Rubber Lover'. They're a good band and offer something different to their other band's.

Sixx A.M.: A current project for Nikki Sixx sees him team up with Guns n Roses guitarist DJ Ashba and vocalist James Michael. Their debut album was originally the soundtrack to Sixx's autobiography 'The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star'. However they have since released a follow up called 'This Is Gonna Hurt' in 2011 and are currently working on a third album. With songs such as 'Life Is Beautiful' and 'Lies of the Beautiful People', they are perhaps one of the most underrated hard rock acts around. With Motley Crue calling it a day in the not too distant future, it will allow Sixx AM to flourish.

Slash's Snakepit/Slash feat. Myles Kennedy: Slash has been busy since he left Guns n Roses. Before he left GnR he released the first Snakepit album in 1995, which featured fellow GnR members Gilby Clark and Matt Sorum as well as Alice in Chains bassist Mike Inez and Jellyfish guitarist Eric Dover on vocal duties. A new line-up released a follow up album in 2000, before they disbanded. Then we had Velvet Revolver (see below), before Slash's own solo project. After a successful solo album where he worked with everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy to Fergie and Adam Levine, Slash settled on Alter Bridge frontman Myles Kennedy to be permanent singer for his own band. They have since released a follow up album, 2011's 'Apocalyptic Love' and have another album in the pipeline. That is something I am looking forward to.

Stone Gods: Born after The Darkness briefly disbanded in the 2000s, Stone Gods offered up one of the best rock albums of decade. That might seem quite a big statement, but their one and only album is one of my personal favourites. After Justin Hawkins left The Darkness in 2006, his brother Dan formed Stone Gods with the remaining members. It worked brilliantly, and with songs such as 'Burn the Witch', 'Start of Something' and 'You Brought a Knife to a Gun Fight' they had a catalogue that was heavier than the glam sound of their previous incarnation. Now The Darkness have kissed and made up, they are back together, so Stone Gods have been consigned to the pages of history.

SuperHeavy: SuperHeavy were a short-lived super group, who only released one self titled album in 2011. The band featured Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, singer Joss Stone, Dave Stewart from Eurythmics, A.R. Rahman and Damian Marley. Their sound was a mixture of reggae, soul and pop. The sound was overlapping and conceptual, but at the same time it worked really well. The album peaked at number one in Austria and Holland and hit number two in Switzerland. However after one album they decided to disband.

The Raconteurs: The Raconteurs are one of Jack White's many post White Stripes projects, including Dead Weather as well as his own solo stuff. However The Raconteurs are arguably his most high profile project so I will concentrate on that. Formed in 2005, the band has released two albums and is best known for the hit single 'Steady As She Goes', with that very distinctive riff. In February 2013, White announced that the band was working on new material, so watch this space.

Them Crooked Vultures: Formed in 2009, Them Crooked Vultures is a super group featuring Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones, Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme. While the have only released one album to date, a follow up album hasn't been ruled out. However with Grohl and Homme on duties with their own band's, we may have wait a little while longer.

Velvet Revolver: Velvet Revolver were one of the biggest super groups of the noughties. Featuring ex Guns n Roses members Slash, Duff McCagen and Matt Sorum as well as Wasted Youth's Dave Kuschner and Stone Temple Pilots' frontman Scott Weiland, it gave us a glimpse into what we had been missing since GnR imploded. They released two albums, 2004's 'Contraband' and 2007's 'Libertad' before Weiland was fired from the band. Although the band has not officially disbanded, both Duff and Slash have their own projects so it is unlikely we will see VR return anytime soon.

Well there you have it, some of the best Super groups and side projects of recent times. Of course I couldn't include each one of the last ten years or so, but all these are personal favourites.

As always thanks for reading and I'm always happy to receive comments and feedback.

Until next time :)