A Taste:

Muse, Led Zeppelin, Blondie, Black Eyed Peas

Tina Parol likes to rock.

She makes delightfully catchy pop with a serious dose of rock n’ roll swagger on her debut EP, Bite My Tongue. It’s that edge that makes Tina’s music so sharp and unique. Looking at her playlist though, the rock and roll leanings are not a surprise!

Tina’s got a real appreciation for classic rock and modern alt rock, and it shows on her iTunes. She shared her playlist with ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor author Rick Florino in this exclusive interview. Check it out below and get Bite My Tongue now!

1. Aerosmith

2. Led Zeppelin

3. Blondie

4. The Clash

5. The Police

I grew up on everything from Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin to Blondie and The Clash to the Police. I’m a big, big classic rock fan. That’s my shit.

6. Green Day

7. Garbage

8. Foo Fighters

My taste in rock spans all the way to Green Day, Garbage, Foo Fighters and all of that stuff. I definitely listen to a lot of rock, but I have a big love of reggae. I think that’s where my rhythmic edge comes into play. My music definitely has a big pop rock sound with a little reggae sprinkled on top—sometimes it’s just the way I pronounce something or a lyric. I try to incorporate that because it makes me happy.

9. Muse

I like the new Muse record a lot. I think they’re really cool.

10. Black Eyed Peas

I’ve been listening to a lot of Black Eyed Peas because they’re just so fun. It makes me feel very L.A. I’m so New York, and in New York, I listen to dark shit—back in my element. Will.i.am’s the shit though!

—Rick Florino
11.09.09

Check out Rick Florino’s new novel Dolor available now for FREE here…

A Taste:

Led Zeppelin, Kings of Leon, Metallica

“I play kazoo! It’s a really great rock instrument,” laughs Malin Akerman.

Malin has quite the musical sensibility, and it’s one of the reasons that she steals the show more than a few times in Couples Retreat. Her sense of rhythm makes for some impeccable comedic moments. That style probably has something to do with her other gig, fronting The Petalstones. Despite a deep love for music, she doesn’t always have her iPod blaring on set though.

“I don’t really listen to music to get into character,” she continues. “The only time I did was during Watchmen before fight scenes. All I listened to was heavy metal like Primus and the hardest stuff you can think of.”

Typically, Malin dabbles in almost every genre though. She shared her playlist with ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor author Rick Florino in this exclusive feature. Check it out below and don’t miss her in Couples Retreat in theaters everywhere now!

Malin Akerman’s Playlist:

1. The Rolling Stones

2. Led Zeppelin

3. Metallica

“I’m listening to everything, really. I’m a big fan of old rock n’ roll. I love The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Metallica.

4. Rilo Kiley

“I love Rilo Kiley right now; I’m hooked on them.”

5. Kings of Leon

“I have to say I’m insanely in love with Kings of Leon. I think women can agree! The singer has got a sexy voice [Laughs]. They’re just sexy!”

—Rick Florino
10.12.09

A Taste:

My Favorite Highway, Thriving Ivory, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye

Green River Ordinance mix Texas swagger with massive melodies for a brand of infectious pop rock that’s as rowdy as a rodeo. On their EMI debut Out of My Hands, the band churns out groove after groove of pure pop gold. Guitarist Jamey Ice sat down with us in this exclusive interview and gave us a look at the music that inspires and influences him. Check out Jamey’s playlist below.

Jamey Ice’s Playlist:

1. My Favorite Highway

“They’re also on Virgin and we listened to them on the drive home last night from Oklahoma. Their album came out yesterday. It’s a really cool pop rock record in the vein of Fall Out Boy. It’s a really catchy album!”

2. Thriving Ivory

“They’re another cool pop alternative band. The singer has a crazy voice. He almost sounds like Geddy Lee from Rush. Their single, ‘Angels on the Moon,’ is massive. Aerosmith wanted to buy the song and do it like ‘Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing,’ but Thriving Ivory wouldn’t sell them the song. They wanted to do it themselves. That definitely gives you an idea of what it is. They’re a great new band.”

3. Paper Route

“They’re like Radiohead meets Coldplay. I’ve been listening to them a lot.”

4. Marvin Gaye

“I got into an old school Motown mood so I was listening to a lot of Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson. I don’t know why, but I’ve been stuck on Pandora’s Motown channel.”

5. Smokey Robinson

6. Chuck Berry

7. U2 — No Line On the Horizon

“It’s growing on me. I was honestly a little disappointed by it at first compared to the last two records. I’m a huge U2 fan. It’s definitely growing on me. The music and instruments are really cool. It’s more like the pre-Joshua Tree U2. It doesn’t have those massive instantly singable anthem choruses. The more I listen to it the more I like it. The Edge is probably my favorite guitar player of all-time. I love him.”

8. Led Zeppelin

“They’re the reason I play guitar. I got II when I was in sixth grade and ‘Heartbreaker’ just rocked my world. I grew up listening to blues and classic rock and I probably didn’t listen to any new music at all until my senior year of high school.”

9. Stevie Ray Vaughan

10. Eric Clapton

“When I was in middle school my dad took me to see Eric Clapton. I grew up listening to that.”

11. Third Eye Blind

12. Coldplay

13. Zac Brown

“It’s a southern country Americana record. They’re insane musicians.”

14. Tom Petty

“We’re huge Tom Petty fans. If Tom Petty and U2 had a baby hopefully it would be something like our music. We’ve always tried to be a band that writes songs people can sing to, dance and enjoy.

15. Kings of Leon

“It’s so good!”

—Rick Florino
06.16.09

A Taste:

Van Morrison, Tower of Power, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Band

“How do you pick your favorite song if you’re a song lover,” asks Paul Ben-Victor with a smile. “I have 19,000 favorite songs [Laughs]!”

Nevertheless, the star of In Plain Sight managed to whittle that 19,000 down for this exclusive playlist feature.

Paul’s created some very memorable characters on everything from Entourage and The Wire to The Invisible Man and John From Cincinnati. He comes alive on screen with undeniable presence and a sharp sense of humor. His role as In Plain Sight’s WITSEC chief Stan McQueen is one of his most vibrant though.

So in between running witness protection on In Plain Sight, Paul found the time to open up his iTunes and gave us exclusive look inside. Check out his playlist below.

Paul Ben-Victor’s Playlist:

1. Van Morrison — “I’ve Been Working”

“‘I’ve Been Working’ is a great song. It’s got a real bad R&B riff! I’m seeing Van Morrison this week at The Orpheum fourth row center. To me, he’s one of the gods. I spent my last paycheck on these tickets [Laughs]. It’s insane what these things cost! Even though tickets to see legends like Van Morrison may cost an arm and a leg, they’re priceless in a sense. It’s like a painting by Van Gogh or Picasso. If the artists dies, you still live with the painting forever. You have these guys’ recordings, but you have to see them live and you’ve got to see it up close too! A great live performance feeds my soul. There’s nothing like it.”

2. John Martin — “May You Never”

“This is a beautiful song. He was an obscure folk singer from England, but you’ll dig this!”

3. Bruce Hornsby & Ricky Skaggs — “Come On Out”

“Hornsby and Skaggs did a country album together. Check out this song, ‘Come On Out.’ It’s a real badass, cowboy song. The track basically says, ‘Come on out motherfucker, I’m going to kill your ass’ [Laughs].”

4. Angelique Kidjo — “Babaloa”

“She’s an African singer, and her stuff is fucking awesome. This is a real festive, celebratory song.”

5. Average White Band — “Cut the Cake”

“They’re my boys! ‘Cut the Cake’ is one of my favorite songs.”

6. Stevie Wonder — “Did I Hear You Say You Love Me”

“I had to put a Stevie Wonder song on here. My favorite album was Hotter Than July. The first track, ‘Did I Hear You Say You Love Me,’ was big for us in the ’80s. It’s got this ramp-up in the beginning that’s amazing. It’s really fun to kickoff a party with.”

7. The Band — “Unfaithful Servant”

“There are tons of amazing songs by The Band, but this is one of my favorites. It’s a beautiful bluesy ballad.”

8. Bob Dylan — “Tangled Up In Blue”

“Anytime I head out on a road trip to go skiing or snowboarding, I pop in Blood On the Tracks. ‘Tangled Up In Blue’ is the first track, and it’s fucking amazing. It’s a classic road track. Dylan was in my house early on. I knew those songs and records as a little kid. I grew up with Van Morrison, The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.”

9. Bruce Springsteen — “Thunder Road”

“This is another great road song!”

10. James Taylor — “You Can Close Your Eyes”

“I’m a huge James Taylor fan. I grew up listening to him.”

11. Paul McCartney — “Mother Nature’s Son”

“I had to pick a Beatles song, but I’m particularly a fan of Paul McCartney. I feel like he’s singing about me in some way. It’s about youth and coming of age. There’s a beautiful melody to it.”

12. Marc Cohn — “The Things We’ve Handed Down”

“He did ‘Walkin In Memphis.’ I got really into a couple of his albums. There’s one song called ‘The Things We’ve Handed Down.’ It’s a beautiful song if you ever have a kid. It’s about the generations, and he’s talking about this unborn child. It’s so heartfelt.”

13. The Rolling Stones — “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’”

“I had to pick one Stones song. I saw The Stones do this a few years ago, and Ron Wood was wasted [Laughs]. I was there with a friend of mine who is a concierge at the hotel where he was staying. That’s where we got the tickets. During the show, Wood was all over the place smoking and kicking Mick in the ass! My friend goes, ‘Oh my God, you’re not going to believe this. I sent a crate of vodka up to his room this morning, and from what I heard, he drank most of it!’ I got it from the horse’s mouth that he was completely fucked up because she sent the booze up there [Laughs]. However, Ron played that solo incredibly. He stuck a cigarette in the head stock of the guitar, and it was inspired. It was even better than the album. I was impressed.”

14. Jimi Hendrix — “The Wind Cries Mary”

“I had to throw in a Hendrix song, and this is my favorite. Where did that come from? It’s incredible.”

15. Led Zeppelin — “Black Country Woman”

“I was a drummer as a kid, and now I’ve got a cool Roland electric kit. Bonham played a fucking great syncopated kick drum on this song. It’s so good! I had to put a Zeppelin song on there! Page was in the moment and inventive.”

16. Nick Drake — “Know”

“His music has come around more lately, but he committed suicide in his 20s. He was a buddy of John Martin’s. Nick Drake is more distant and melancholy though. Like Joni Mitchell, he created voicings and chords. They’re using him in commercials.”

17. Thunderclap Newman — “Wild Country”

“I knew these guys because my brother brought their music into the house when I was nine. This song is really raw rock. They had a great drummer.”

18. The Tower of Power — “(To Say the Least) You’re the Most”

“They’re my favorite band of all-time. They’re the bomb!”

19. Jackson Browne — “Under the Falling Sky”

20. Joni Mitchell — “Coyote”

21. Frank Sinatra

“The man’s got soul. I love early Frank Sinatra. He’s always good; he’s just the man.”

—Rick Florino
05.11.09

Photo By: Fernando Escovar

A Taste:

Led Zeppelin, Alice In Chains, Black Sabbath, Soundgarden

When Seventh Void drum extraordinaire Johnny Kelly whips out his iPod the first thing that plays is quite surprising. No, it’s not Venom, Black Sabbath or Metallica. It’s an episode of The Odd Couple.

“The Odd Couple is the last thing that was playing on my iPod,” laughs Johnny. “I was watching it on the plane to L.A. How awesome is that?”

Really, how metal is that?

Kenny Hickey and Johnny have been playing together in Type O Negative almost as long as Felix and Oscar have been making mischief in T.V. Land. However, with Seventh Void, Johnny and Kelly made some of their best music yet. On Seventh Void’s epic debut, Heaven Is Gone, they channel classic rock more than anything else. Nodding to Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and even The Beatles, the album shows Johnny and Kenny’s knack for melody and love for a good old fashioned groove.

Their playlists also display that love for all things timeless in rock n’ roll. Kenny and Johnny each gave us a gander at their iPods in this exclusive feature. Check out what they’re spinning below.

Kenny Hickey’s Playlist:

1. Led Zeppelin — Physical Graffiti

“I’ve been listening to Physical Graffiti because we’re going to start writing the next record and I need to rip the songs off [Laughs]. I start with Zeppelin. I’ll go from Physical Graffiti to Sabotage and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.”

2. Black Sabbath — Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

3. Black Sabbath — Sabotage

4. Soundgarden

“Of course our intention was to do something fun with Seventh Void. I feel like we embraced our influences—Zeppelin, Sabbath, AC/DC, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains.”

5. Alice In Chains

6. AC/DC

7. Seventh Void — Heaven Is Gone

“There’s a funny story behind our album title. I had a friend who died on the operating table and was revived. He was religious. So when he was recovering, I said, ‘Bro, did you see the light at the end of the tunnel?’ He yelled, ‘No, it’s all a lie!’ He was really pissed off [Laughs]. That’s where we got the title, Heaven Is Gone.”

8. Type O Negative

“Our whole Type O Negative story would be a bestseller if we ever wrote a book. We basically hire outpatients to work for us just for entertainment value [Laughs]. We make the circus. That’s how we have fun. It’s an insane life. As we get older, we get odder. It’s getting worse [Laughs]. When I tour with other bands like Kingdom of Sorrow, I even bring the same nuts with me.”

Johnny Kelly’s Playlist:

1. Aerosmith

“I got on an Aerosmith kick recently. We had something that we had to do in Boston last weekend, so we drove up from New York. I sat in the car for four and a half hours by myself, and I was listening to a ton of Aerosmith. Since I was going to Boston I felt obligated. When in Rome…listen to Aerosmith [Laughs].”

2. The Beatles — Help!

3. Led Zeppelin — III

“I’ve got a Zeppelin tattoo on my arm!”

4. Led Zeppelin —IV

5. Shinedown

6. Elton John

7. Kings of Leon — Because of the Times

8. The Beach Boys — Pet Sounds

9. Alice In Chains — Facelift

10. Type O Negative

“Think of Type O like this…Put 12 guys in a bus together, add alcohol, idiosyncracies and it really makes for an incredible experience—both good and bad. It’s always memorable. Now that I’m older, I appreciate it more! When you go home, you have your family and you have to be a responsible adult. The minute you set foot on that bus, it’s a rolling mad house. It’s insane! I don’t want it to stop ever.”

—Rick Florino
05.01.09

A Taste:

Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, The Black Crowes

Lamb of God can certainly pummel with the best of them. However, lead guitarist Mark Morton really just wants to kick back and listen to the blues.

He laughs, “I spend so much time around heavy metal that it’s constantly floating around in my head. Personally, I find more inspiration in that soulful, finesse-y blues playing than I do in modern shredding. That’s not to take away from anything anybody’s doing because there’s a lot to be said for really fast licks. I work on some of that myself [Laughs]. For me, great blues players are who really give me goose bumps.”

Morton opened up his iTunes for us and gave us an exclusive look at the artists that truly inspire him. Check out his playlist below!

Mark Morton’s Playlist:

1. The Black Crowes — Warpaint

“This is probably not what a lot of people want to hear from me [Laughs]. But, I’m still really into the latest Black Crowes record. Luther Dickinson’s slide and lead work is really some of the more exciting guitar playing that I’ve heard lately.”

2. ZZ Top — ZZ Top’s First Album

“I’m still stuck on my old ZZ Top. I listen to ZZ Top’s first album a whole lot. That Billy Gibbons stuff is amazing. Most of my inspiration comes from real heavy blues playing. That’s where my head’s at.”

3. Led Zeppelin

“Jimmy Page is probably my all-time favorite guitar player.”

4. Fleetwood Mac

“Recently, I was looking into some of Peter Green’s stuff—his early work with Fleetwood Mac. Fleetwood’s so famous for the Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham-era, but there’s a whole catalog of Top-40 stuff from before. During that time, they were really a heavy British blues band. There’s some great guitar playing there.”

5. The Yardbirds

“The Yardbirds were really ahead of their time.”

—Rick Florino
04.29.09

A Taste:

Led Zeppelin, Pantera, Machine Head

Anthrax’s Scott Ian is a busy man these days. Between recording and playing shows with Anthrax and hosting “Scott Ian’s Home Game” on UltimateBet.com, the legendary axeslinger has little time for R&R. Nevertheless, he’s always cranking good tunes. The Anthrax guitarist opened up his iTunes and gave us an exclusive look inside.

About his current favorite tunes, he explains, “I listen to lots of shit that I always listen to—Thin Lizzy and AC/DC. In my car, I keep my radio tuned to the ‘Sound of the Boneyard’ on Sirius.”

Check out Scott Ian’s playlist below and be on the lookout for Anthrax’s next metallic epic due out this summer.

Scott Ian’s Playlist:

1. Led Zeppelin

2. Pantera

3. AC/DC

4. Thin Lizzy

5. Metallica

6. Machine Head – The Blackening

“That was the best metal record of the last ten years!”

—Rick Florino
03.18.09

A Taste:

The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones

Arielle Kebbel found inspiration from many different places for her character Alex Rydell in The Uninvited, including the musical world. She has a diverse palette for sonic treats, and she shared musical experiences, her ideas for a soundtrack, and some of her favorite bands with us in this exclusive interview.

If you were to create a soundtrack for the film, what bands would you pick and why?

Good question! It’s funny I am very sensitive to music with all of my characters. I actually spend a lot of time thinking about music ahead of time and what the character would listen to and maybe what Arielle Kebbel would listen to in order to help get me into that character. So for me, Incubus has significant meaning just because that was how I started my day every morning. It was one of the soundtracks that helped transfer me from Arielle to Alex. So now anytime I hear a couple of those songs—which I prefer to keep private—it takes me back to feeling like Alex for a minute [laughs].

Are there any other bands that you really dig?

I love music. I literally, on an average day, will go from listening to country to rock to rap. I’ve got my Florida in me, and I love rap [laughs]. From there, I’ll even go to NPR or classic rock. It really varies from minute to minute. I’m very opinionated. I love working out to hard rock, actually! I like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. I love The Rolling Stones. Thinking of my iPod, I have EVERYTHING. I also did a music video for Buckcherry.

Which music video?

It was called “Don’t Go Away.” It’s their new single. I really liked the song. It’s funny talking about the emotional ties to music. I didn’t have any connection to it other than that I’d listened to the song before we shot the video. Because the director had me go through the range of emotions from happy to reflecting on a relationship to screaming to crying, I became immersed in it. It was funny because by the time I walked away from shooting that day and walked away from the song, I realized I loved it [laughs]. It’s just because you recognize that there’s so much deep-rooted attachment.

Especially when you meet the musicians.

Oh yeah, that always helps [laughs].

What’s next for you?

I have a comedy for Screen Gems called Mardi Gras coming out. Three college guys head down to Mardi Gras for a weekend trip. I’m the fun-loving, sarcastic, quirky girl that the main character thinks he had in his girlfriend and then realizes he didn’t. We have this fun little fling for the weekend. It’s very cute.

—Rick Florino
01.27.09