The Zone Insider

by Leroy Grey

Insider here, folding all my Christmas wrapping paper into nice, neat squares; waste not, want not. This Christmas got so bad, I had to resort to the Sunday comics. And I usually save that stuff for birthday presents.

Let's start with some concert news. The next band to bus in and yell, "Are you ready to rock, Cape Girardeau?" is going to be Three Doors Down. They're taking over the Show-Me Center January 29th, along with Shine Down and Tantric.

Here's what you're getting yourself into:

Three Doors Down hail from Mississippi; their first single, "Kryptonite," hit a home run on the charts, via a catchy drum roll and name-dropping Superman. Originally a trio, drummer Brad Arnold did a Phil Collins and stepped up to the mike; now, 3 Doors Down's a quintet, but they're not changing the name to 5 Doors Down yet. They're touring on their second album and a live EP.

Shinedown starts the show. They're a four piece from Jacksonville, Fla (that's Skynyrd country) who have that melodic crunchy sound that's becoming the new Rock. The lead singer looks like Peter Evrard, the Belgian Idol. They're the only band on this tour that doesn't have a Nascar connection (yet). Keep an ear out for "Fly from the Inside" to get a taste of their sound.

Tantric used to be 3/4ths of the Alice in Chains-esque band Days of the New, until their lead singer went all Axl, and turned Days of the New into a solo act. The others went back to Louisville, Kentucky and kept playing together, with a new vocalist. They already put a dent in the charts from their last album, with the single "Breakdown"; the song also makes a decent ringtone.

Okay, now let's talk about some music I like...

I put my ear to the ground, checking to see what's coming down the track this year, and I got some good news.

Phantom Planet's new album should drop the same week as this column. Phantom Planet should have been famous by now. I know you folks have seen Rushmore, starring Phantom Planet drummer Jason Schwartzman. I know you guys heard the Zone track "Blueside" from Rooney, related to Phantom Planet by sound and by blood. And I KNOW you folks have been watching "the O.C.", with the theme song "California" provided by Phantom Planet. Well, now you can give Phantom Planet the respect they deserve. In case you're still curious about what they sound like, imagine the Strokes getting a tan...

Second, this may be a historical month for hip-hop, if they live up to the hype. Dizzee Rascal won Britain's musical version of the Pulitzer for making hip-hop worth paying attention to; will he be able to do for London what Nelly did for St Louis? On another front, Aesop Rock is striking a blow for rap fans with triple digit IQ's (anybody remember De La Soul?)

For you creepy little gurls, the Cure's got a box set of b-sides and rarities, featuring almost 25 years worth of material. Can you believe that this collection's coming out? Can you believe that the Cure are eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Can you believe that I've got Tabatha's old driver's license photo, back when she had the Wedge?

EVANESCENCE UPDATE (because somebody needs to know): The band's soldiering on with Cold axeman Terry Balsamo, while founder Ben Moody remains incommunicado. Evanescence returns to the states in February, to make up some of the cancelled December shows. No Carbondale announcement yet, but I'll continue covering this story as events develop.

Kev, watch your mouth.

Hey, have you sampled the New Rock Zone on the Zone's website? That's a great place to hear all the prospective Zone tunes. Have I Zoned you out yet? Just check out the site and hear songs that are up and coming, songs we're considering for airtime. If you like something you hear, make some noise! Just check out 1071thezone.com and take it all in. Or just e-mail Kevin Casey and bug him about his top 5 movies.

I got no giveaways this month. Okay, so I got Scarface on DVD. But I'm keeping it! Unless you got some contest ideas. You got some, call up Gina at Off! Magazine. Yeah, that's the ticket...

Goodbye, Wonder Woman.

Finally, try to catch a local act called Catatonic as soon as you can. All indications are, they're ready for prime time.

Till next time, I'll be waiting for the snow and hiding from the man. Open your ears...

MUSIC QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

"Unfortunately, pain makes you interesting." Hugo Ferreira, vocalist, Tantric