Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Duff McKagan has issued the following update:

July 04, 2010

"Hey everyone! Sorry that things have been quiet here for awhile, we have all been busy doing what we all do between making records, touring etc. BUT! The time has come! We have been writing for the last few months and next week we start pre-production on the new Loaded record! We couldn't be happier and we think you fuckers will be too! As it is looking, we will be recording it in August and thus begins Loaded Mach III! In the upcoming weeks we will be shooting more webisodes documenting the shenanigans that always surround us, and also coming up with cool things to keep you all a part of this whole thing. We can't wait to get it all going. We miss you all!"

awesome news!! I really like Loaded and I strongly dislike Janes Addiction, so I am happy with this.

Great news!! can't wait

Duff McKagan's Loaded wrote:

Hey friends! Just wanted everyone to know that LOADED MACH 3 is back and ready for the big take over! Preproduction on the new record starts in a couple weeks followed by the making of a record that will rule your world! Here we go! Are you all ready for this shit!

Jeff Rouse wrote:
Next friday i will be playing with Kim Virant @ The West Seattle Summer Fest...then a week of pre production on the new LOADED RECORD....Then it all begins... YESSSSSSSSS! LOADED MACH 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Duff McKagan's Loaded's Photos - Pre-production July 2010

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=458272&id=88717375573&ref=mf

That's awesome, I thought the album SICK was a very strong rock record, and one of my favourites to come out that year.
Definitely looking forward to the next one!

oh yeah! Sick is awesome and also one of my fave albums of that year.

Id much rather hear Loaded than Janes Addiction any day of the week. Hopefully he gets away from that soon

i know Duff is a nice guy etc but he makes it sound like TOO much of an honor to play with JA.. u are Duff McKagan, u were in a way bigger band than JA. Stop acting like its the greatest honor of ur life.

It has just been announced by Isaac Carpenter (the drummer) on Facebook, that work on the album begins today, with Terry Date producing.

Wow, Terry Date?
He's more well known for working with heavier bands (Pantera, Deftones), so it will be interesting to see what he brings out of Loaded!

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED Taps Producer TERRY DATE For New Album - Aug. 4, 2010

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED, the band led by VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan, has tapped veteran rock producer Terry Date (SOUNDGARDEN, PANTERA, DEFTONES) to helm the sessions for the group's new album. The band is scheduled to enter a Seattle-area studio tomorrow to begin recording the effort, which is tentatively due in early 2011.

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED recently parted ways with Century Media Records after releasing one EP (2008's "Wasted Heart") and one full-length album (2009's "Sick") through the label.

Drummer Isaac Carpenter (LOUDERMILK, GOSLING, OURS, THE EXIES) joined DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED as the replacement for Geoff Reading, who left the band last year.

"Sick" sold around 1,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 43 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Sick" was released in North America on April 7, 2009 via Century Media Records. An e-card for the CD, which was produced by Martin Feveyear (PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, KINGS OF LEON), is available at this location.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=144014

Duff has confirmed that Terry Date will be producing the new album.

Loaded's Headed Into the Studio With Terry Date, the Guy Behind the Records That Inspire the Records I Strive to Make

By Duff McKagan, Mon., Aug. 9 2010

I am pretty fucking psyched to say that my band Loaded is doing a record this month with legendary Seattle-based producer Terry Date.

If you haven't heard of this guy, well then, you must have skipped over the genre of "hard rock" over the last 25 years or so. A recent glance at his Wikipedia page reminded me just how much he has contributed to the cause. Here are just a very few.

Soundgarden, Louder Than Love (1989): The sound of this record back in the late '80s really changed how records were made after its initial release. Gone was the histrionic "metal" drum samples and wimpy guitars.

Screaming Trees, Uncle Anesthesia (1991): It is nice to do a record with someone whose very work has been an inspiration. Many times in the studio over the years, I will have to audibly reference sounds of other records to a producer so that we can get on the same page. Terry Date has made many of those records. This Trees record is one of them.

Slipknot, "Vermillion," Vol.3 (2004): Need I say more?

http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/reverb/2010/08/loadeds_headed_into_the_studio.php

Loaded's first Webisode live from Studio X in Seattle has been posted:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1354737199795&ref=mf

Too bad people who aren't on Facebook can't see it..

Yeah, they usually post them on YouTube but I don't see it yet.

I'm on facebook, and the link still doesn't work...

Try these but you'll have to copy and paste it.  But that's all I've got.  :D

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/video/video.php?v=1354737199795

 http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1572390387#!/video/video.php?v=1354737199795&ref=mf

Or find it on their site:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duff-McKagans-Loaded/88717375573

From Jeff Rouse (Bass):

Hey everyone! Sorry bout only posting the webisodes on facebook. I am having a hard time getting them everywhere else? I will get that resolved next week. SO be patient, as i am not trying to leave anyone out of what is happening here in LOADED world. Just so you know....wow...this shit is gonna blow your mind! Love all of you. Jeff

Part 2 of the webisode is embedded so you can view it on their site here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duff-McKagans-Loaded/88717375573

Still can't see the first video, but in the second there's some pretty cool music I hear! :beer:

You're not missing much with the first video. It's like 50 seconds of Duff's dog snoring, with some close-ups of the dog's face and balls. And that's it.
The second video, however, is awesome. I wish more bands would make their webisodes worth watching.

 :smoking:

From Jeff Rouse:

Thank you Terry Date and my genius bandmates! 11 F**cking days of tracking and it looks like we have ourselves a new LOADED record! YES!

Now THAT is some quick recording! : ok:

I wonder what this means for Loaded:

Adam Lambert Introduces New Drummer Isaac Carpenter

Adam Lambert fans might have noticed a new drummer on stage over the last few shows. With the departure of drummer Longineu Parsons III (who returned to his original band Yellowcard) near the end of the regular US leg of the Glam Nation tour, Lambert welcomed veteran skins-man Isaac Carpenter to the fold as his new beat keeper. Carpenter, who has played drums for former Guns N? Roses member Duff McKagan's band LOADED, Liz Phair, David Cook and Blind Melon?s Travis Warren, will get most of his workout during the European, Australian and Asian Glam Nation tour dates.

http://www.rockstarweekly.com/adam-lambert-introduces-new-drummer-isaac-carpenter.html

I just bought Sick last week, it's growing on me a little-it's about what I thought, more of a punk feel-I can take or leave Duff's voice for singing, the track the bassist sings on is really good-like I said, not bad.

Sick is a pretty great straight-ahead rock album, with a bit of a punk feel.
Still one of my favourite albums to come out from the year it was released.

Really looking forward to the new one!

Posted by Loaded:

It's gonna get loud soon! Be prepared!

11:29 AM Oct 17th via web

A couple of photos:

Duff and I out doing some filming and just enjoying a amazing day on the bikes!
about 22 hours ago via Twitpic
http://twitpic.com/2yhyqh

Taking a break from filming on a beautiful seattle afternoon
about 22 hours ago via Twitpic
http://twitpic.com/2yi1hj

^^More from Loaded:

Allright! Let the games begin..As of tonight, ESPN and Major League Baseball are using a new LOADED song called "WE WIN" off of our upcoming

"WE WIN" a new song off our upcoming record is being used by ESPN and Major Leagues Baseball for their ALCS,NLCS,and World Series Coverage!

This is just the beginning! More to come REALLY soon! We are ready for take off!

39 minutes ago via web

that's awesome  ;D

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED: New Song To Debut On KISW's 'Cockfight' - Oct. 22, 2010

"We Win", a brand new song from DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED ? the band led by VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan ? will be premiered tonight (Friday, October 22) at 9:00 p.m. PT on the "Cockfight" show on the Seattle radio station KISW 99.9 FM.

"Cockfight" is a show where DJ Jolene plays a couple of new tunes back to back and the listeners call and e-mail in their votes for best tune.

If you live in Seattle or the U.S., you can vote by calling (206) 421-ROCK or 1-800-783-ROCK. You can also e-mail Jolene@kisw.com.

To listen to the program live via the Internet, visit www.kisw.com.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=148154

^^Apparently it's going to air again on Monday, same time etc.

10/22/2010

Tonight for the Cockfight I got to premiere the new LOADED track from Duff McKagan and LOADED! It?s called ?We Win? and in fact it did just that, defeating Default?s ?Turn It On?.

Here is some other news on LOADED!!!!

Duff and the guys have been making a new record with Terry Date.

Duff got one of the new tracks, ?We Win,? to the Hawks and they?ve been playing it at each home game, before that game and at half time.

They?ve invited the band to play half time at the November 7th game.

That date also happens to be Veteran?s Appreciation Day game.

They are going to play We Win and a song that was inspired partially by the wounded Vets called ?Fight On.?

They are also going to have a link to buy ?Fight On? on the Hawk?s site with a portion of the proceeds going to the VA Hospital of Puget Sound.

Cool hun!

I just heard "We Win" on that KISW radio show.  The chorus is pretty good, but I don't really care for the song, TBH.  I'm still glad that it is getting a lot of exposure at sports games, because it is good in that context. 

I've heard it too.
Not bad, sounds like Loaded channeling Foo Fighters. A bit like a cross between In Your Honour and My Hero, with a Loaded twist.

Look forward to hearing more! : ok:

From Duff:

U guys rock! WE WIN voted #1 4 2 nites. 9pm pst VOTE4LOADED again2make it 3! Call 800-783ROCK. EMAIL votes 2 jolene@kisw.com.VOTE!

about 11 hours ago via web

From Loaded:

Because of your amazing response to "WE WIN" on KISW, they have added it to the stations regular rotation. Thank you all! More to come!!!!!!

about 15 hours ago via web

 8)

Loaded has signed with Eagle Rock Entertainment and will release their new, as yet untitled album, in March 2011.

Loaded's new song "We Win" is available for streaming here:

http://www.bravewords.com/knuckletracks/?tid=469

Thanks for the link! Sounds different then I expected, but killer  8)

DUFF MCKAGAN Supporting Veterans Through His Music - Nov. 4, 2010

VA Puget Sound Health Care System and rock and roll legend Duff McKagan are teaming up to serve those who served. McKagan's band LOADED will share proceeds from the songs "Fight On" and "We Win" to benefit the general patient fund. LOADED will perform the songs at the Seattle Seahawks game on November 7. The game is also the Seattle Seahawks Military and Veterans Appreciation Day and this performance is perfectly matched with the other events planned that day.

"Fight On" was inspired by the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and overcoming adversity after coming home from war. LOADED will play several songs at halftime of the November 7 game against the New York Giants, including "We Win", which has already been featured during Seahawks games this season, locally on KISW as well as during the broadcast of the MLB World Series.

The VA Puget Sound Patient Fund is used in many ways and for whatever is the greatest need at the time. The fund supports many services at the hospital including the marrow transplant unit, equipment for physical rehabilitation, spinal-cord injury unit, homeless veteran program and more.

A native and resident of Seattle, McKagan helped form the legendary rock and roll group GUNS N' ROSES in Los Angeles in 1985. They went on to sell more than 100 million albums worldwide. McKagan is currently a member of VELVET REVOLVER in addition to fronting LOADED. "We Win" and "Fight On" will both be released with the newest LOADED album, due in March 2011 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. McKagan also writes a twice-weekly column on music and culture for Seattle Weekly.

LOADED's new album was recorded at a Seattle-area studio with veteran rock producer Terry Date (SOUNDGARDEN, PANTERA, DEFTONES).

The band parted ways with Century Media Records after releasing one EP (2008's "Wasted Heart") and one full-length album (2009's "Sick") through the label.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=148853

Duff McKagan Loaded Seattle Seahawks halftime performance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfoU2Tl0lxg

Seahawks Webisode 11/06/10

Gearing up for our big halftime performance we decided to have a little fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJOKs2Ajfcs

"i think its too soon for a new album"







See how stupid that sounds, guys?

Loaded's new single "Fight On" is available on iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fight-on-single/id401049044

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED: New Album Title, Release Date Revealed - Nov. 24, 2010

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED ? the band led by VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan ? has set "The Soundtrack" as the title of its new album, due on March 22, 2011 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The CD was recorded at a Seattle-area studio with veteran rock producer Terry Date (SOUNDGARDEN, PANTERA, DEFTONES). Two tracks from "The Soundtrack", both available on all digital service providers, are already making a splash with the public. Anthemic rocker "We Win" was played during the World Series and is currently riling up football fans for McKagan's hometown Seattle Seahawks. "Fight On" draws inspiration from our military veterans, and proceeds from these downloads go exclusively to the Puget Sound Healthcare System.

In other news, Eagle Rock Entertainment will re-release DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED's 2009 album "Sick" (originally made available through Century Media) in April 2011. This special reissue of the CD also packs a bonus DVD, featuring 11 tracks from a live set at The Garage in Glasgow filmed in December 2008.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=149908

Great, I'm really looking forward to this!

Mike Squires and Loaded ready new album with prodcuer Terry Date at the helm

by Ruben Mosqueda on January 22, 2011

Guns N? Roses and Velvet Revolver founding member Duff McKagan recently signed a deal with Eagle Rock Entertainment. McKagan?s band, Loaded, are readying their new studio album, which was produced and recorded by the legendary Seattle veteran producer Terry Date (Soundgarden, Metal Church, Mother Love Bone, Screaming Trees and Pantera).  Originally publicized as The Soundtrack, the album?s title has been officially changed to The Taking, and it is the follow-up to the splendid 2009 effort by Loaded entitled Sick. As part of the signing with Eagle Rock Entertainment, the label will be re-issuing Sick with a bonus DVD of live material.

Oregon Music News spoke with guitarist Mike Squires about the new album and the signing with Eagle Rock Entertainment. Also two tracks from The Taking are currently available on iTunes. The anthemic rocker ?We Win? was played during the 2010 World Series and is used to pump up fans of the Seattle Seahawks during their regular season and into the playoffs. The second track ?Fight On? was inspired by military veterans, and most importantly, the proceeds from these downloads go exclusively to the Puget Sound Healthcare System.

Eagle Rock Entertainment will be re-issuing Loaded?s second album Sick as well as the new album?

Yes, they are. Sadly the record didn?t get a fair shot the first time around, maybe that?ll change this time around.

What happened with Century Media, because they had a heck of a band with Loaded on their roster and they didn?t take advantage of the signing?

A lot of things happened there. We felt that we made a great album and we had a good relationship with them. In the end things just didn?t work out. Collectively we missed the mark on a number of things and the record didn?t get a fair shot. We thought that Sick could have done very well, but it didn?t get a shot. There were just so many missed opportunities. With the release of The Taking I think people will get some awareness and go back and give Sick a look.

Loaded are working with Jamie Chamberlin on this film as a unique way of marketing the band and The Taking. Obviously people are aware of Loaded based on the fact that Duff McKagan is in the band.

Right. We?re doing things right this time and we?re going out on the road behind the new record and doing what we do best. It?s quite simple: We?re going to kick ass.

What can you tells us about The Taking? Are there any similarities musically to Sick?

You?ll have to hear for yourself, but it?s a lot darker and heavier than Sick.

You mentioned getting out and playing live. What time frame are you tentatively looking at right now?

We?re looking at playing this summer doing the European festival circuit. There?s talk about possibly doing a U.K. tour before that, we?re starting to get it all together right now actually.

The Taking (formerly rumored to be titled The Soundtrack) by Duff McKagan?s Loaded drops on March 22nd, 2011.

http://oregonmusicnews.com/blog/2011/01/22/mike-squires-and-loaded-ready-new-album-with-prodcuer-terry-date-at-the-helm/

found this today, while surfing on my fav japanese site! It'll be out on April 16, and contains these tracks:

1. Lords of Abaddon
2. Executioner?s Song
3. Dead Skin
4. We Win
5. Easier Lying
6. Wrecking Ball
7. She?s An Anchor
8. King of the World
9. Cocaine
10. Your Name
11. Follow Me to Hell
12. Indian Summer (bonus track)
13. Runaway (Accoustic) *日本盤限定ボーナストラック
14. King Of The World (Accoustic) *日本盤限定ボーナストラック
 

http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/images/B004H2YOEK/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=561956&s=music

http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%B6%E3%83%BB%E3%83%86%E3%82%A4%E3%82%AD%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0-%E3%83%80%E3%83%95%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%82%B1%E3%82%A4%E3%82%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BA%E3%83%BB%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%87%E3%83%83%E3%83%89/dp/B004H2YOEK/ref=pd_bxgy_m_img_a

 82.95.71.198

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED: 'The Taking' Cover Artwork Unveiled; New Songs Streaming - Feb. 1, 2011

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED ? the band led by VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan ? will release its new album, "The Taking", on April 19 via Eagle Rock Entertainment.

"The Taking" cover artwork can be viewed below. Also available are audio streams of three songs from the CD ? "Cocaine", "We Win" and "Dead Skin".

Here: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153165

From Duff in his latest column:

On Tuesday, three of our new songs and the cover-art from our upcoming record, The Taking, were leaked on BLABBERMOUTH. A few years ago, digital streams as leaks spelled doom for a band's future record sales; now they are looked at as almost a good thing, something that can get a prospective audience pumped and talking about the upcoming release of the full-length. It is almost like it is free advertising, like "Here, check out some of THIS. It is so good and precious, that someone figured out how to hack into the label's mainframe computer and unleash this new kick-ass music." Hey, for me, and everything that I have seen over the years in this business, who cares? As long as people are talking.

DUFF MCKAGAN Says New LOADED Music, Cover Art Were 'Leaked' on BLABBERMOUTH.NET - Feb. 3, 2011

Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED, GUNS N' ROSES) has penned the latest installment of his column, which appears on Reverb at SeattleWeekly.com. An excerpt follows below.

"On Tuesday, three of [DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED's] new songs and the cover art from our upcoming record, 'The Taking', were leaked on BLABBERMOUTH. A few years ago, digital streams as leaks spelled doom for a band's future record sales; now they are looked at as almost a good thing, something that can get a prospective audience pumped and talking about the upcoming release of the full-length. It is almost like it is free advertising, like 'Here, check out some of THIS. It is so good and precious, that someone figured out how to hack into the label's mainframe computer and unleash this new kick-ass music.' Hey, for me, and everything that I have seen over the years in this business, who cares? As long as people are talking."

[For the record, "The Taking" cover art and the songs in question were originally posted on the official Soundcloud account of DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED's record label, Eagle Rock Entertainment, where they can still be found and where they can be accessed by anyone with an Internet connection.]

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153316

^^

Just Me 34 minutes ago in reply to Duff

Duff,

Blabbermouth didn't "leak" the cover art or songs. They have posted this:

[For the record, "The Taking" cover art and the songs in question were originally posted on the official Soundcloud account of DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED's record label, Eagle Rock Entertainment, where they can still be found and where they can be accessed by anyone with an Internet connection.]

Duff 7 minutes ago in reply to Just Me

It was supposed to be 'tongue in cheek'...i don't think that that part of my writing this week came through. 'Leaks' these days, are OF COURSE the way labels market parts of a record these days. No one got my joke....blah!

Duff

From Duff regarding the new album:

?This record really sort of took a life of its own and the songs really revealed themselves to us as we went along,? explained  McKagan in an issued statement. ?[Producer] Terry Date came into the picture at a time when his genius ear helped to capture a sonic theme for the record. You can?t underestimate what a guy like TD brings to the table. The Taking is the closest thing to a ?concept? record that I have ever been involved with. Pain, loss, triumph, and redemption. Life. Bring it.?

http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/02/07/duff-mckagans-loaded-announces-the-taking/

Duff talks about this in a new video interview.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaxeVDvY8es

From a review of the Album:

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED - The Taking (Album)

Armoury Records - 18 April 2011

Introduced as ?the band?s trademark blend of hard rock with a punk edginess?, the 11 tracks on Loaded?s new offering ?The Taking? sound good on paper, the kind of ?safe? good songs any rock lover has come to expect from Duff McKagan. Well, it is indeed a good album, I can promise you that, but no way ?hard rock with a punk edginess? comes even closer to start describing what is arguably the best album ever released by Loaded ? and one of the best McKagan ever put his name on.

The hard rock punk aroma fades into the notes of majestic arena pop rock anthems a-la Foo Fighters, like ?Dead Skin? and single ?We Win? ? already used by ESPN in their Major League Baseball coverage; a whispered hint of Muse over Easier Lying helps Loaded?s sound steering imperceptibly towards pop punk territory and then gently out towards the heavier, darker atmospheres of ?Cocaine? and ?Follow Me To Hell?? You can take the boy out of Seattle, but you can?t take Seattle out of the boy, and I?m not going to complain about that.

?The Taking? is not just an album, it?s a bold statement from McKagan. ?The Taking? is an album that is not afraid to dive into commercial territory and back out again, an album that proudly displays the ageless passion and experience of his creators and sets in stone Duff McKagan?s iconic status.

The album will be partnered by a series of short films relating to each song. Created by film maker Jamie Burton Chamberlin, the films are linked by a narrative to form a continuous movie. These will be used individually then released in their entirety online later in the year.

From an interview with Duff and Mike:

Interview with Loaded's Duff McKagan and Mike Squires

3/29/2011

TheCelebrityCafe: You have been a part of quite a few iconic rock bands. What did you learn from your time with Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver?

Duff McKagan: I?ve learned many things. I don?t know if I?ve been asked that question oddly enough?what have I learned?

Mike Squires: Maybe name one thing that you learned not to do.

Duff McKagan: Oh yeah, I?ve learned ? not to do drugs on the road ? or like ever. It?s not good. It?s not sexy ? not good for your relationships with other people, not good for playing music. It?s not good probably for your liver and all that kind of stuff. There?s a lot of not goods about it and I found out twice. I did. So that?s probably key.

TCC: How do you think the industry has changed over the years?

Duff McKagan: When I started, I used to make records and it was analog. In 1989, when digital music ? CDs started coming out, people still didn?t have home computers so nobody kind of got it. By 1993, more and more people had home computers and you could see music being traded. The big mistake the industry made was in about 1997 when Napster dude Sean what?s-his-name went to the record company and said, ?Look, I?m getting all this revenue for ads, hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars worth of revenue on Napster?s site. We can do this. We won?t have to fight. This is the way of the future. So you might as well just go in as partners on the website. You can pay your artists from the revenues of the ads and that's way we?ll go.? And the record company said, ?F*ck you, we?re going to sue you.? That?s why the major labels now are in so much trouble. They didn?t think ahead. So that?s a big change. Am I kind of sore about it? No. Luckily, I was part of a record that still sells a ton. People want that piece of whatever it is. They want to look at it.

With Loaded, we?re just like a smart street band. We?re in the front lines of the thing.Bands just don?t sell music anymore, so we sell CDs. I?m in a band, we sell CDs at gigs. We actually physically go out there. When we sell a thousand, it?s just like f*ck yeah. We put out this EP a couple falls ago--three, four--I don?t know when it was?the Wasted Heart EP?

Mike Squires: Two and a half years ago.

Duff McKagan: It was just on vinyl and it was just like 75 hundred copies and it sold out. And we were like, ?F*ck yeah!?

Mike Squires: Victory.

Duff McKagan: Victory. Huge! It sold out in ten days or something. It was amazing for us. So it?s kind of the small things now that sort of make me happy. Bands just have to be smart and license music out. You know, it?s okay nowadays to have your music on commercials. Whereas ten years ago Iggy made that change with that cruise line thing ?Lust for Life.? All of a sudden, Iggy did it so it?s okay now.

TCC: What do you think makes a successful band?

Duff McKagan: You got to write good music. It?s about the music first. It?s about the chemistry of the guys. It?s about "is this something you want to do or need to do?" Is this something you need to do because you gotta get something out of your system or else you?re going f*cking kill somebody or break some sh*t? Those kind of things make the best bands. Mike and I have a little bit of tension on stage, and in life sometimes, but we know about it and sometimes we use it to our advantage. Every good band has to have a little bit of?there?s got to be a rub.

TCC: You take on vocals with Loaded. What else would you say differentiates Loaded from your other music?

Duff McKagan: Other than that? Well, that?s a big other than that. I don?t play bass in Loaded. It?s not a lot different than anything else I do. It?s still a band. I?ve been lucky. I?ve been in bands with good chemistry. I?ve done other things kind of here and there, and just for fun and I could tell that the chemistry was different. Mike and I?somebody introduced us in like 2001 or something and then Jeff Rouse the same year-ish. I?ve just been really lucky. Mike and Jeff had been playing together so there was this chemistry there. And then with this drummer Isaac, he?s a monster. We needed a good drummer. That was the first guy we thought of. We were really surprised when he said, ?Yes, I?ll play in your band.? I don?t know if you know about Isaac or his past band: Loudermilk?underground sensation, the band that all bands would go see and they went to go see them lots of times because of the drummer. So, yeah, I don?t know what differentiates Loaded from other things. I don?t. I just love this band. I don?t think about Velvet Revolver. I don?t know what the f*ck is going on with Velvet Revolver. Everyone?s on tour and doing sh*t, you know? It?s not kind of right here for me at all. It?s over there somewhere.

TCC: How would you describe The Taking?

Duff McKagan: Mike, you describe our record please because I want to learn.

Mike Squires: I would say it?s a little bit darker than anything. There?s always a little bit of darkness in Loaded?s music, but it?s a little more aggressive. I think there were a lot of tensions in the writing of this record and I think that comes out in the music and the words.

Duff McKagan: The music and words?

Mike Squires: That?s describing the record. The record consists of music and words.

Duff McKagan: You know something that really kind of happened on this record? This is the closest to maybe a concept record that I have ever been a part of in that we, as a band, witnessed something together while we were on tour: a falling apart of a long term relationship between a man and a woman. They were both very close with us. One of the guys was on tour with us the whole time and we couldn?t take sides. We couldn?t do it. We just watched it. It was really sad and hardcore. Maybe the first song with lyrics was a song that Mike brought in, it was called ?Easier Lying.? And then the second song with lyrics was another song ?She?s an Anchor.? And these were like, ?Oh, we?re going there.?

TCC: What is the movie about? Is it just about the album? Concert footage?

Duff McKagan: It?s about our drummer getting kidnapped.

TCC: So it?s not a reality type thing. It?s scripted?

Duff McKagan: Yeah. It takes place in one day, it may be a dream.

Mike Squires: We ?act.?

Duff McKagan: We kind of act? It?s kind of a Hard Days Night/Inception?is it a dream?

TCC: When does it come out?

Mike Squires: When do we finish making it?

TCC: Oh, you?re still making it?

Duff McKagan: Yeah?So Seattle Film Festival would like to debut the film and that is in June?And then we?ll probably have it like a re-release of The Taking. That?s why the record is called The Taking because our drummer is taken?but The Taking can also apply to the subject matter of the record because it?s kind of like soul or heart taking?

TCC: The proceeds from ?We Win? and ?Fight On? go to the VA Pugent Patient Fund. Why did you choose that?

Mike Squires: Because they need it. The ?Fight On? song has an underlying theme that relates to them and they need the help.

Duff McKagan: Mike was a Marine back when he was a youngster. I have a friend, Tim Medvetz, who?s a mountain climber and he climbed Everest. He got in a really bad motorcycle accident. They fused his foot together. They were going to take it off, but he was a Hell?s Angel. He said, ?You take off my foot, I?ll take your foot off, seriously.? So they kept his foot on. They put a cage around his lower spine that?s all fused. He was in a hospital bed and he read Into Thin Air and goes ?I?m going to climb Everest.? So he knows what it?s like to be in a hospital bed and kind of overcome. After he climbed Everest, he said he was taking a plane back from somewhere and there was a guy coming back from Walter Reed Hospital?a soldier, kid, 18. Kid?s out of high school in Minnesota, whatever?goes to boot camp, goes over and he?s six days in Iraq and ?Boom!? An RPG?and you?re in a hospital in Germany with no arm and no leg or whatever and then you?re in Walter Reed in DC, they give you a prosthetic and kind of show you?the next thing you know you?re back on your mom?s couch going ?What the f*ck just happened?? This is not a comment on war or any of that stuff. These are about the kids.

So Tim was telling me all this stuff and he started taking veterans up and made this hero?s project to raise money. He took a guy with no legs up Kilimanjaro. So he was telling me "it was so f*cking gnarly, amazing," so there?s a line in ?Fight On.? ?Soldier went to war, fight on. Lost a leg to a bomb. Fight On.? Again, it?s about overcoming.

This guy in Seattle at the VA hospital, Ken LeBlond, reads my weekly column and I had written about this Tim guy and he got a hold of me through the column, and next thing we know we?re playing Veteran?s Appreciation Day at the Seahawks game. We did kind of a deal with the VA hospital. We went in and visited some folks there, some patients. Went to rehab which is kind of near and dear to me--you know drugs, alcohol--and it just all made sense.


TCC: What?s up next for you? A tour?

Duff McKagan: When?s the tour? You know more about that than me.

Mike Squires: June. I believe we will be in Europe for the festivals in Europe?through July.

Duff McKagan: I think we were talking about perhaps curating a tour of our own for the States. So what we do, we go on tour. That?s what Loaded does best?not really talking and whatnot. We?re good at touring. We really love it when we?re in front of an audience and the audience buys into our whole thing when they see us live.

http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/interview-loadeds-duff-mckagan-and-mike-squires-03-28-2011

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED: 'Dead Skin' Video Released - Mar. 31, 2011

"Dead Skin", the new video from DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED ? the band led by VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan ? can be viewed below (courtesy of CraveOnline.com). The song comes off the group's new album, "The Taking", which will be released on April 19 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The CD was recorded at a Seattle-area studio with veteran rock producer Terry Date (SOUNDGARDEN, PANTERA, DEFTONES). Two tracks from "The Taking", were previously made available digitally. Anthemic rocker "We Win" was played during the World Series and riled up football fans for McKagan's hometown Seattle Seahawks. "Fight On" draws inspiration from our military veterans, and proceeds from these downloads go exclusively to the Puget Sound Healthcare System.

"This record really sort of took a life of its own, and the songs really revealed themselves to us as we went along," says Duff.

"Terry Date came into the picture at a time when his genius ear helped to capture a sonic theme for the record.

"You can't underestimate what a guy like TD brings to the table.

"'The Taking' is the closest thing to a 'concept' record that I have ever been involved with. Pain, loss, triumph, and redemption. Life. Bring it."

"The Taking" track listing:

01. Lords Of Abaddon
02. Executioner's Song
03. Dead Skin
04. We Win
05. Easier Lying
06. She's An Anchor
07. Wrecking Ball
08. King Of The World
09. Cocaine
10. Your Name
11. Follow Me To Hell

Video: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=156139

i cant wait to get this.

Its looking like it might be better than Sick, and I loved Sick!

DUFF MCKAGAN Talks About LOADED Documentary In New Video Interview - Apr. 1, 2011

Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED, GUNS N' ROSES) recently spoke to the Artisan News Service (see video below) about the upcoming feature-length film about him and his band LOADED. The movie is based on LOADED's new album, "The Taking", and was helmed by Seattle filmmaker and documentarian Jamie Burton Chamberlin.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=156230

The Dead Skin video is pretty cool. Made me appreciate the song a little more.  Susan is hot.  My favorite part of the song is probably the guitar on the verses, and the lyrics.

I pre-ordered the autographed CD version from Newbury Comics.  I will finally have Duff's autograph!!!

Black Tide Opening For Duff McKagan's Loaded!

Posted 4/4/2011 by blacktidemusic

We're excited to announce that we will be opening up for Duff McKagan's Loaded at their CD release show on April 19th at The Viper Room! Entry to the show is free with proof of purchase of The Taking, Loaded's new album. Otherwise tickets are $15 and can be purchased here. We're looking forward to seeing all of our LA friends at the gig!

http://www.interscope.com/artist/news/default.aspx?nid=34996&aid=580

?The Taking?: Hard Outside, Soft Inside

4/5/2011

Duff McKagan?s Loaded will drop their new album The Taking later on this month. The rock band, who was formed by former Guns-N-Roses member Duff McKagan himself, has some hit singles like ?Seattlehead,? ?Sick,? and their most recent ?Dead Skin.? So, how is their upcoming album?

Although, I myself am not a big rock-n-roll listener, I found myself very impressed with this album. I can say that the structure of this album can be called a ?sandwich??hard rock on the outside, soft rock on the inside; almost each song has a bad ass guitar solo.

The album opens up with two hard rock songs called ?Lords of Abbadon,? and ?Executioner?s Song,? who?s song seems to be political with the hook saying ?democracy is such a whore/know your history.?

After those two songs, ?Dead Skin,? ?We Win,? ?Easier Lying,? ?Indian Summer,? and ?Wrecking Ball? all seem to be songs about relationships, love, and heartache.

And as the album comes to an end, songs like ?King Of The World,? ?Cocaine,? ?Your Name,? and ?Follow Me To Hell? goes back into that hard rock sound, closing the album up nicely.

Duff McKagan?s Loaded The Taking comes out on vinyl on April 12 and comes out on CD on April 19. Be sure to pick up a copy then.

Check out Duff McKagan's Loaded new video for their single "Dead Skin."

http://thecelebritycafe.com/reviews/taking-hard-outside-soft-inside-04-05-2011

A few things on Loaded.  Some cool footage in this video:

Rock Bullet April with Duff McKagan's Loaded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwfnXoE3NK4

Duff McKagans Loaded Events & Shows on Myspace http://fb.me/DTV3pWIA

Enter the Duff McKagan Loaded Giveaway

To celebrate the April release of The Taking, the new album by longtime Duff McKagan project Loaded, we're gonna load up one lucky giveaway winner with a serious package of Duff stuff?namely, an autographed signature model Duff McKagan P Bass? guitar and a copy of the album.

About that particular bass model, it's worth noting that there really isn't anything else like it in the vast Fender bass universe. McKagan got his?a distinctive Japanese-made Jazz Special model?in the mid-1980s, and it is the bass the whole world heard on massive 1987 Guns N' Roses debut album Appetite For Destruction. He subsequently played it on other albums by GNR and Velvet Revolver, and it is the instrument Fender turned to when it honored McKagan with a signature model in 2007. About the instrument, McKagan himself has professed, "I just know what sounds good, what feels good, what's right and what's honest, and that bass is."

You get the picture?fantastic instrument with a great story behind it. One could be yours. Five second-place winners will receive a copy of the CD autographed by the man himself.

All you have to do is sign up below, and the prize could be yours for The Taking...

Open to U.S. and Canadian residents. U.S. Residents click here. Canadian Residents click here.

http://www.fender.com/promos/2011/duff/index.php

The album is streaming for people in the EU here:

http://www.deezer.com/en/music/duff-mckagan-s-loaded

Tour dates for Loaded:

April

16 Easy Street Records- Free In-Store!
Easy Street Records- Free In-Store! Seattle, Washington, US - 14:00

19 Viper Room
Viper Room Los Angeles, CA - 20:00

23 Neumos
Neumos Seattle, WA - 20:00

June

1 Stadium Qemal Stafa
Stadium Qemal Stafa Tirana, 0, ALBANIA - 12:00

4 Rock Im Park Festival
Rock Im Park Festival Nuremberg, DE - 12:00

5 Rock AM Ring Festival
Rock AM Ring Festival Nurberg, DEU - 12:00

6 Turbinenhalle
Turbinenhalle Oberhausen (DE), DE - 18:00

7 Gruenspan
Gruenspan HAMBURG (Germany), DE - 19:00

9 Sweden Rock Festival
Sweden Rock Festival S?lvesborg, SE - 12:00

10 Download Festival
Download Festival Donington Park, UK - 12:00

11 Sonisphere Festival
Sonisphere Festival Prague, CZE - 12:00

12 Nova Rock Festival
Nova Rock Festival Nickelsdorf, Austria - 12:00

14 AB
AB Brussels, BELGIUM - 19:00

16 Le Splendid
Le Splendid Lille, FRANCE - 19:00

17 La Laiterie
La Laiterie Strasbourg, GERMANY - 19:00

19 HELLFEST OPEN AIR
HELLFEST OPEN AIR CLISSON, FRANCE, FR - 12:00

20 Z?nith de Paris
Z?nith de Paris Paris, FRANCE - 20:00

22 Gods Of Metal
Gods Of Metal Milan, ee, ITALY - 12:00

23 Sonisphere Festival
Sonisphere Festival Basel - St Jakob, SWITZERLAND - 12:00

24 Graspop Metal Meeting
Graspop Metal Meeting Dessel, Belgium, BE - 12:00

After listening to all the (streaming) songs lots of times, I've found to really like 'Lords Of Abaddon', 'Wrecking Ball', 'Cocaine' and 'Fight On'. Probably cause I can see those easily on 'Sick' which I really liked. Then there are songs like 'Indian Summer', 'We Win' and King Of The World' which aren't bad either. The other songs don't really strike a nerve with me as those, so 'Sick' reminds my favorite Loaded album

It's funny cause when I first heard 'We Win' I expected the album to be more softer and more commercial sounding then Sick, but it's really the opposite - the majority is pretty agressive sounding. Some songs have a sort of 'Bad Brains' kind of vibe to me, only slowed down in pace. I favor the more 'groove' type of songs like 'No Shame', 'Wasted Heart', 'Blind Date Girl' etc.

and here on Spotify : http://open.spotify.com/album/0k4Y11K8rvL5srDyY0q0Xj

see you at the Hellfest guys!

This works for me, samples of all the songs at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Duff-Mckagan/dp/B004QDCYPG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1302449053&sr=8-1

Duff McKagan's Loaded - The Taking

REVIEW.

Former Guns N' Roses/Velvet Revolver bass legend Duff McKagan is back with his side project Duff McKagan?s Loaded. The follow-up to 2009 release Sick, new album The Taking is bluesy, radio-friendly hard rock. It?s raw yet polished, with a little bit of edge, and whilst nothing incredible, it?s decidedly infectious. It?s still a little lacking in the energy and fury of Duff?s other bands, but there are a few killer tracks amongst this solid set of hard rock songs.

Opener Lords of Abaddon shows massive potential- a sexy, raw rock track with punk undertones. The album does go a little downhill as it progresses from here, but there are a couple of awesome tracks in between. King of the World is very Queens of the Stone Age, with an irresistible pounding drumbeat and heavy bass under its catchy chorus. Indian Summer is an album treasure - it?s like hard rock mixed with a little Ataris, with soaring sing-along choruses and emotive lyrics. She?s An Anchor is dark and captivating, with lyrical anger and a great raw emotion in McKagan?s vocals as he shouts ?you only need me when you?re drunk and dirty/you only use me when you feel alone.? Follow Me to Hell is a mesh of old-school punk rage, with heavy riffs and yelling vocals. The whole album is a perfect mix of typical radio-friendly rock with enough edge and darkness to keep you interested.

I?m a big fan of the acoustic closer, and The Taking ends with an acoustic version of the tenth track Cocaine. It?s cruisy, bluesy, with some excellent guitar work and McKagan?s vocals at their peak. It?s smooth but gritty, and one of the best tracks of the album.

The Taking is largely hit and miss, but is a decent album with some really solid tracks. It?s radio-friendly and not quite the dangerous rock you might expect, but it does what it does to perfection. If old school rock is your thing, this is definitely worth a spin.

CONCLUSION.

The Taking does fall a little short of the rock glory it could embody, but there?s still enough sleaze and swagger to keep old school rock?n?roll fans interested. The Taking doesn?t seem to take itself to seriously, and if you don?t either, this is a solid set of thirteen infectious, smooth rock tracks from one of rock?n?roll?s veterans. The album is cross-generational, cohesive and has enough of a dirty edge to satisfy your rock desires.

http://www.killyourstereo.com/reviews/648/duff-mckagans-loaded-the-taking/

The songs sound pretty good.  I would almost say it is their best album.   Terry Date really elevated their sound, with his production.  I agree that there are some strong songs like "Lords of Abaddon", "Wrecking Ball", "Follow Me To Hell".  Then there are a few other good songs like "Indian Summer" "King Of The World" "Your Name"  "Dead Skin."   The production really makes every song listenable.  It has kind of a Seattle feel to it.   Overall, I'm pretty happy with it and I think Duff did a good job.  He has impressed me a bit with his guitar playing too.   

Duff McKagan: Everything Bass [HD]

by Fender Guitar
4:05

"There's a trust that the Precision has earned," says Duff McKagan in this Fender Vision interview. Find out what else the former Guns N' Roses & Velvet Revolver bassist has to say ...

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=217482841600546&oid=84437728562&comments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Gd3ovAXzE

Corey Taylor to Perform with Duff McKagan's Loaded

COREY TAYLOR, frontman of SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR and a nominee for the Best Vocalist Award, as well as STEVE JONES, legendary guitarist of the SEX PISTOLS, will make guest appearances during the previously announced performance by DUFF McKAGAN'S LOADED at the third annual REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARD SHOW presented by Epiphone(r). Taylor and Jones will join the band on a cover of the JUDAS PRIEST classic "Electric Eye."

The show goes down live on Wednesday, April 20, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. Highlights from the event will be televised on VH1 Classic on Saturday, May 28. A Handful of tickets are still available, via Ticketmaster.

http://www.thecoreytaylor.com/

Duff McKagan's Loaded - Dead Skin.mp3

(right click & save link as.. to download)

http://landsharkpromotion.com/projects/duffmckagansloaded.html


Duff McKagan Interview: The Taking Was Born From A Caffeine High And Testosterne High

http://guitarinternational.com/2011/04/15/duff-mckagan-interview-the-taking-was-born-from-a-caffeine-high-and-testosterone/

What to do?  Duff in Seattle at the book store or a planned family birthday at the exact same time, I am so not sure, as family should always be first, but this is one of those times, somebody help me :'( :'(

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED: Entire 'The Taking' Album Available For Streaming - Apr. 18, 2011

"The Taking", the new album from DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED ? the band led by VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan ? is available for streaming in its entirety at AOL Music.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=156965

DUFF MCKAGAN: People Think I'm Rolling In Cash - Apr. 17, 2011

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=156915

Buying this tomorrow for sure.

Dam would love to get this!!!

DUFF!

love this album. favorite song so far is Easier Lying

From Duff:

I'm getting a lot of questions on Loaded's touring plans. We are working on coming everywhere. Stay tuned here, or at duff-loaded.com. LAMF.

18 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry?

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED: 'The Taking' First-Week Sales Revealed - Apr. 27, 2011

"The Taking", the new album from DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED ? the band led by VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan ? sold 2,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 12 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200. The group's previous album, "Sick", opened with around 1,400 units back in April 2009 to debut at No. 43 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157336

Sebastian Bach interviews Duff McKagan's Loaded on the Revolver Golden Gods Black Carpet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKjxcWVUmdo&feature=fvst

From Duff:

We have every intention of doing a full UK tour sometime after Download. LAMF.

19 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry?

I can't believe Duff was comfortable joking around about the old coke days. I agree with the youtube comment, Sebastien seemed buzzed and talked too much. Still cool though :)

Come on man, that's Sebastian way of talking.  ;D

He's just really enthusiastic and excitable, and in many of his interviews he talks about either drugs or drinking too much. It's the Savage Animal we all know and love, and I don't think there's any harm in it at all.  :)

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED: 'Sick' Special Edition Detailed - May 9, 2011

Eagle Rock Entertainment, through its Armoury Records subsidiary, will re-release DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED's second album, "Sick", as a special edition on May 24. The specially-packaged double-disc comes complete with two additional bonus tracks on the CD ? "Roll Away" and an acoustic version of "Wasted Heart" ? plus a 94-minute bonus DVD featuring the band in full force from The Garage in 2008 Glasgow, Scotland. The DVD also features the band's "No More" music video and five webisodes, four on the making of "Sick" and one of the 2008 U.K. tour.

"Sick", originally released in 2009, strikes a precarious balance at the juncture of metal, punk and grunge.

Originally formed in 1998, LOADED is fronted by Grammy/American Music Award-winning songwriter/recording artist/bassist Duff McKagan ? a founding member of GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER. With Duff stepping up to the front as lead vocalist and guitarist, bassist Jeff Rouse picks up the low end duties. Guitarist Mike Squires and drummer Geoff Reading round out the band lineup on "Sick" (Reading was replaced by drummer Isaac Carpenter before the release of the band's latest album, "The Taking").

"Sick" reissue track listing:

CD

01. Sick
02. Sleaze Factory
03. Flatline
04. IOU
05. The Slide
06. Translucent
07. Mother?s Day
08. I See Through You
09. Forgive Me
10. No Shame
11. Blind Date Girl
12. Wasted Heart
13. No More

Bonus tracks:

14. Roll Away
15. Wasted Heart (acoustic)

DVD

01. Sick
02. Queen Joanasophina
03. IOU
04. No More
05. Dark Days
06. Superman
07. Sleaze Factory
08. Executioner?s Song
09. 10 Years
10. Translucent
11. I Wanna Be Your Dog

Artwork/videos: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157881

Guitar World's 50 Best Studio Albums of the First Half of 2011

07/01/2011

#25 - Duff McKagan?s Loaded ? The Taking

http://www.guitarworld.com/guitar-worlds-50-best-albums-first-half-2011#slide-24