Rick Rubin

Avett Brothers Since Scott and Seth Avett traded in the shredding indie rock sound of their first band, Nemo, for the front porch bluegrass vibe of the Avett Brothers nearly a decade ago, the North Carolina trio (Scott on banjo/vocals, Seth on guitar/vocals and stand-up bassist Bob Crawford) has come to define the DIY ethic. The Avetts recorded and released their own albums (10 full lengths and EPs over the past 10 years, including 2007’s acclaimed “Emotionalism”), booked their own tours and negotiated their first label deal with tiny Ramseur Records 5 years ago. The Avett Brothers altered their formula somewhat when they signed ... Read Full Story

ZZ Top: it's dress down friday, ok? Veteran Texas blues-rock trio ZZ Top have signed a deal with Rick Rubin's American Recordings label, and are recording a new album with Rubin producing. The speculation is that Rubin will return ZZ Top to their rawer roots. According to frontman Billy F Gibbons: "Could be. Rick and I have been friends for a couple of decades now. And we both like a lot of the same things. And mostly it is that rootsy kind of sense of realism. That's his genius." ZZ Top were one of the biggest American bands of the '80s with their Eliminator, ... Read Full Story

Still have a while to wait before Metallica releases their new album. It's expected out in the fall sometime. While I didn't totally mind St. Anger, most people hated it. The new album will be much better regardless. I can't wait to hear what they come up with under new producer Rick Rubin. Rubin pulls no punches. Metallica was saying that if something sounds like shit, or a whole song is shit, Rubin will say it bluntly. Below are a few links to YouTube clips and sounds. I had to sift through all of the bullshit "new Metallica songs". I believe they have only ... Read Full Story

METALLICA has set up a special web site to promote the group's forthcoming LP. "Mission Metallica" will go live in May and it promises to offer fans a chance to "experience the new album before it's done." Check it out at www.missionmetallica.com A postcard promoting the new site — which was apparently included with the vinyl reissues of the "Kill 'Em All" and "Ride the Lightning" albums — can be seen at this location. METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich recently announced that the group's follow-up to 2003's "St Anger" will be released this September. The band has been recording the as-yet-untitled record in Los Angeles ... Read Full Story

Rockers ZZ Top are to follow Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond as they hope for a career revival at the hands of super-producer Rick Rubin . Read Full Story