A Vulgar Display of Power Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa by Chris A. MJS Music Publications 4.5 out of 5 As humans, we are all naturally curious about death. That fact is made evident by the high ratings of television shows like “Law and Order” and “CSI.” Personally, I like to think that the majority of us watch these shows to gain a better understanding of the world around us and help cope with the fact that some people are just off their fucking rockers. One of those people was obviously Nathan Gale, who tragically took the lives of four people and changed the lives of many others on Dec. 8, 2004. As many music fans know, one of the lives lost belonged to “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, who was a hero to millions after rising to fame with the band Pantera. Chris A.’s new book A Vulgar Display of Power attempts to shed some light on the tragic events of that night and overwhelmingly succeeds. A Vulgar Display of Power is an objective and powerful look at the events that unfolded at the Alrosa Villa concert venue as well as the events that led up to them. The book is well thought out and contains a host of pictures, as well as revealing interviews with those who were involved. The book also includes a foreword from police officer James Niggemeyer, who heroically stopped Gale’s rampage before he could kill anyone else. It doesn’t matter if you were a fan of “Dimebag” Darrell or not, either way this book is an eye-opening, heartfelt read about one of the most significant and disturbing events in the recent history of rock and roll.

—DJ Hippie

Megadeth United Abominations Roadrunner Records Megadeth takes on the United Nations and shows more balls and brains than most politicians. Additionally, according to the band, the drum kit used on the recording of this album was formerly owned by the late John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. Pretty sweet! 4 out of 5 Spyz Big C Independent When most musicians have something personal strike them, they write a song. Guitarist Jon Henderson wrote a whole album. His battle with cancer is the subject of Big C, and the proceeds are going to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center. It’s a good album and a great cause. 3.5 out of 5 Ozomatli Don’t Mess with the Dragon Concord Records After 12 years together, Ozomatli continues to keep things fresh for its band members and Don’t Mess with the Dragon is the epitome of that. It’s one of the band’s most polished and joyous records to date, with what they call “more of a personal responsibility.” 4 out of 5 Frank Zappa Classic Albums – DVD Eagle Vision This is too much fun. Zappa’s best and most well known albums, Apostrophe(’) and Over-nite Sensation dissected, relived and replayed with friends, family and band members discussing the mad scientist of rock and roll. Awesome! 4.5 out of 5