Vivian Campbell, 'Seems So Real'

Have you heard Vivian Campbell's new song "Seems So Real?" The song sounds nothing like Def Leppard - it's definitely alternative rock. Check it out and let me know what you think. Props to Viv for putting out new music.

Seems So Real by Vivian Campbell

I'm Enroute to M3!

Early this morning, I'm flying to Baltimore, Maryland for the M3 Rock Festival. I'm planning on meeting a lot of you guys there, so if you see me, don't hesitate to come and say hello!

My big goals of the weekend? Hang with friends of course, but also rock out to Kix (tonight!), Mr. Big and Whitesnake. I'm also really curious about Hurtsmile.

After the festival, expect a full recap and plenty of photos. For immediate news, please follow me on Twitter @bringbackglam -- I'll have set reviews and funny stories all weekend long. Now, let's just keep our fingers crossed for sunny skies and no rain! If you want to meet and don't see me, Tweet me.

Rock on people. Oh and if you live close and don't have tickets - get on down to Merriweather Post Pavilion. Seats are left, and the lawn is always an option.

Headphone Discussion?

Can we have a bit of a different type of discussion today? I want some opinions on headphone brands. For the longest time I thought Bose offered the best in headphones and stereo sound. Now I'm thinking that Beats might be better? The last time I was at Best Buy, I looked at the Beats... and about fell over at the price. The earbuds are over a hundred bucks!

Then I see a commercial...you can get a laptop with Beats audio. I'm in the market for a new laptop (mine is a piece of crap) so I'm intrigued by this. For someone who lives and dies by music like me, I think having optimal sound would be a great luxury -- something I would really enjoy. Do any of you own any Beats products? I'm pretty sure you can get true Beats stereo speakers as well, but I'm not in the market for that. I don't have the space or the budget. But I'm thinking the laptop with Beats audio would be good... and maybe even the earbuds? I would like a real-life opinion here. If you have the Beats, are they worth the cost and how does the sound differ from iPod earbuds or other brands like Bose? Thank you in advance.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, here's a video. Then maybe you can benefit from the discussion too. I'm crossing my fingers that at least one of my readers has an opinion on this!

South Texas Rock Fest Is Back

Feel like the summer festival calendar is jam-packed? Well, South Texas Rock Fest is back, but this time in the fall. The fest will take place in San Antonio, Texas October 7 and 8.

So far, the bands announced are Quiet Riot, Moxy and Stephen Pearcy. Obviously, more bands will be added. The actual event location is the Sunken Garden. I've never been there, but the pictures show that it will be a great venue for a festival. Plus, San Antonio in October means great temperatures, too.

The official website is under maintenance, so I don't have information on ticket prices or anything of that sort. Keep checking back for information and band announcements.

Switchblade Scarlett Rocks!

So yesterday, we discussed Wildstreet. Then someone mentioned Switchblade Scarlett in the comments. And then a member of the band Switchblade Scarlett emailed me, saying I should check them out. So I did. And they rock!

Turns out, Switchblade Scarlett are from Ohio and they have that great Glam sound. The band's debut, White. Line. Fever will be out in July. Check them out. I'm sure when July rolls around, I'll be reviewing the album. I like what I hear so far!

Wildstreet, 'Poison Kiss' -- New Video

Wildstreet are bringing back glam! The band has just released a video for the song "Poison Kiss" off the new album Wildstreet II:...Faster...Louder.

The video is basically awesome. Everything about it screams "Look at me, I'm Glam! In your face, 80's inspired, big hair rules Glam!"

And I love it. I love it so much I wish I was in it! Wildstreet is a great band that doesn't hide their passions, allegiances or who they are: they want to be referenced in the same sentence as bands like Bon Jovi and Faster Pussycat, and hallelujah for that.

The opening of "Poison Kiss" sort of reminds me of Kix but once the song gets going, it is clear Wildstreet have carved their own sound into their niche of 80s-influenced metal. And that's the key, right? Be original, while still being true to your heroes? I wish Wildstreet were playing a show in Ohio, soon. Watch:

M3 2011 Set Times Announced!

Can you believe that this time next week, M3 will be over?! Since the event is this week, promoters recently released the official set times and stage breakdowns. Here are the times. Remember to print a copy if you are going to the fest so you'll know who is playing when and where. See you in Maryland!