Kim Thayil joins Taylor Momsen, The Pretty Reckless for “Only Love Can Save Me Now”

As they continue their world tour with a stop in Seattle out west, The Pretty Reckless continue to mesmerize rock fans with their hard hitting brand of music.

Lead singer Taylor Momsen introduced Kim Thayil on stage for a special performance of hit song, “Only Love Can Save Me Now.”

The former guitarist of Soundgarden didn’t disappoint. Neither did Momsen, whose vocals remain poignant. The unique chemistry she has with band mates Ben Phillips, Jamie Perkins and Mark Damon is what makes TPR such a hot act. They really shine on stage together.

Having Thayil back in the grunge hotbed of Seattle sure was a plus. He has teamed up with Momsen previously during the past two years of the pandemic for some special performances that helped cheer people up during tough times.

The way Momsen introduced him during a rousing rendition of “Only Love Can Save Me Now” certainly was superb. In the middle of a brilliant 10-minute performance, she shined the spotlight on Thayil, who of course was excellent.

The way they did an extended version of the song was unique. Momsen and the band paused to include Thayil for the remainder. Then, came what felt like a conclusion only for the band to go a little further to really stand out for the crowd who attended.

The depth with which they play is what makes them a great band. One that doesn’t need a VMA from antiquated MTV. The same goes for the Grammy’s.

Momsen’s band is a nice blend of hard rock and alternative sound that possesses a distinct quality. Other Worlds is available for fans to pre-order.

It’ll be interesting to see what that record of past recordings sounds like. We’ve heard the remix of “Got So High,” that Momsen teased the release of recently. It’s excellent.

Before wrapping up this music post, I read someone say that Soundgarden was underrated. I don’t see how. They remain one of the best bands of the 90’s during the Seattle grunge era.

Chris Cornell is always fondly remembered by fans for his mesmerizing voice that delivered powerful lyrics to big hits in both Soundgarden and Audioslave.

Along with Kurt Cobain of Nirvana and Layne Staley of Alice In Chains, they’re three of the best voices from the 90’s. Ditto for the uber talented Scott Weiland, who fronted Stone Temple Pilots and supergroup Velvet Revolver. They truly made up a memorable era. Their many contributions live on.

Flip on the radio and you’ll still hear them. Momsen is a bit different from idol Cornell. But she delivers with a similar energy and electricity that wows the audience. Either you have it or you don’t. She does.

The Pretty Reckless are a fresh reminder that rock and roll isn’t dead. No matter how it’s covered, the fans remain loyal. If they didn’t Guns N’ Roses wouldn’t be drawing around the world as Axl and Slash near 60. Bush is back touring.

The demand is there. You can’t beat it.

The Pretty Reckless: “Got So High” (Remix)

As promised, The Pretty Reckless have released the remix of “Got So High.” A new version of the song will be included on Other Worlds, which can be pre-ordered.

It’ll feature some covers as well as other material that the band worked on the past two years. Having been on a world tour for top charted album Death By Rock and Roll, they continue to supply fans with plenty of reasons to get excited.

You don’t often hear remixes of songs in the rock industry. This is a rarity. With a different sound, it highlights Taylor Momsen’s strong vocals. Played at a unique beat, it definitely highlights the talent of Momsen along with Ben Phillips, Jamie Perkins and Mark Damon.

You can watch the video for our “Got So High” remix right now. Have you pre-ordered ‘Other Worlds’ yet? https://t.co/RZcesbjDEP pic.twitter.com/qNDLqEUsKE

— The Pretty Reckless (@TPROfficial) August 26, 2022

There’s a special quality to it. That’s what makes TPR a great band. They have their own distinct sound that captivates fans. If you love hard rock along with metal, then they’re a group with staying power.

It’s astonishing to think that at the young age of 15, Momsen made the decision to leave acting to head her own rock band. At the time, she was known for her role as Jenny Humphrey on hit CW show Gossip Girl. However, that’s not what she wanted.

Momsen’s dream was to be a lead singer in a rock band. Given the amount of success she’s had with The Pretty Reckless, it’s safe to say she made the right choice. With four successful albums highlighted by hits such as “Make Me Wanna Die,” “Heaven Knows,” “Going To Hell,” “Take Me Down,” “And So It Went,” “Death By Rock And Roll,” and “25,”

TPR are one of the best acts in music. They’ll continue to be due to a commitment and dedication to their craft.

The Pretty Reckless: “Heaven Knows” Live in Scranton, PA

All summer long, The Pretty Reckless have been touring. Last month, they made a stop in Holmdel, New Jersey where they rocked PNC Bank Arts Center.

The hard rock band also visited Scranton, Pennsylvania on July 23. Fronted by Taylor Momsen with Ben Phillips on lead guitar, Mark Damon on bass, and drummer Jamie Perkin, TPR continues to deliver for fans.

The energy they play with combined with the powerful voice of Momsen make for a great combo. The chemistry is on display in their performances. As we see in a recent live concert playing, “Heaven Knows,” it’s a fulfilling version that lasts almost eight minutes.

You can feel the electricity coming through the screen on YouTube. Momsen not only can hit all the high notes, but she knows how to get the crowd involved. Something a great lead vocalist must possess. She has it all. The voice. The looks. The passion.

Most recently, TPR visited Winnipeg as part of their Western Canadian swing that includes stops in Calgary and Edmonton this weekend. They’ll also visit Kelowna and Vancouver next week before hitting the West coast starting August 31.

Their world tour also includes plenty of visits in the United Kingdom including Belfast. They’ll also play in Dublin, Ireland. There will be shows in Europe with Berlin, Milan and Paris among the highlights. France will be the last stop on November 18.

They’ve been touring with Halestorm. Lzzy Hale is one of Momsen’s female influences. She has a great voice and rocks. Not bad company to keep.

The Pretty Reckless have their latest video for “Got So High,” on their official site. Appropriately titled Death By Rock and Roll, they feature all the videos for their fourth album. Plus merchandise and albums that are available.

I like the lemonade vinyl. It runs 30 bucks. But looks worth it. Speaking of which, the Death By Rock and Roll CD only costs $10. Although that’s probably due to how available music now is in all formats including Apple and Spotify, it’s still cool to have the CD. They even are selling the cassette. Who else does that these days?

There’s something for everyone.

The Pretty Reckless release new video for “Got So High”

On Friday, August 19, Taylor Momsen went live on Instagram to make two announcements. Prior to taking stage in Toronto, she revealed that The Pretty Reckless released a new video for “Got So High.”

A dark song about Momsen’s past struggles with anxiety and depression, the video is a haunting reminder about feeling down. It’s like being in a fog. You can’t escape.

The haunting images of Momsen on a couch and switching to her at a party high being in a daze, are well done. I like the way it’s produced and directed. The scenes align with powerful lyrics like, “I was something, but now I’m nothing, I.”

Her voice is chilling. I saw someone reference Mazzy Star in a reply. Best known for 90’s hit, “Fade Into You,” Hope Sandoval had a similar delivery. It was eerie and unique.

Comparing Momsen and Cordova is interesting. There are similarities in how they sing the lyrics for the two songs. But it’s different styles. Plus Momsen covers a very serious issue. Mental health affects so many people. She battled depression and overcame substance abuse over the losses of idol Chris Cornell on a tour and close friend and producer Kato Khandwala.

“That was the nail in the coffin for me. I threw my hands up in the air and kind of went ‘Yeah, I give up.’ I went down a very dark rabbit hole of depression and substance abuse and everything that comes with that,” Momsen said in an interview following a motorcycle accident that killed Khandwala.

That’s what Death By Rock and Roll is based on. The fourth album has been very successful. Since being released last year on Feb. 12, 2021, it was the highest selling album in the country. It hit the top of the sales chart and reached number 28 on the Billboard 200.

Even better, Death By Rock and Roll ranked third among US Top Rock Albums and second amongst Top Hard Rock Albums. It peaked at number 6 in Australia and the UK.

They definitely deserve the recognition. A lot of hard work and dedication went into completing the album during a challenging time. I like that they released early singles for title track, “Death By Rock and Roll”, “And So It Went.” Momsen also teased promotional singles on Instagram for “25,” and “Broomsticks.”

There’s a lot to like about TPR. Their hard rock and edgy sound is unlike most acts today. Momsen is also front and center. She is very accessible thanks to how interactive she is via Instagram. They love their fans.

Paying tribute to Chris Cornell with “Only Love Can Save Me Now,” and featuring former Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello on “And So It Went,” demonstrates their appreciation for the alternative grunge genre.

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A post shared by Taylor Momsen (@taylormomsen)

Momsen also teased a new record called Other Worlds that’ll be released very soon. It will have tracks they recorded over the past two years. Plus a remix for “Got So High,” which Momsen described as “pretty fucking cool.”

The artwork was done by Stefanie Gomez. She was in the background of the video along with band members Ben Phillips, Jamie Perkins and Mark Damon. They were having fun.

The Pretty Reckless remain on tour in Canada. They head to Winnipeg next. Then out to Western Canada before returning to the United States out West. To find out more about the album, new video and tour dates, you can visit https://deathbyrockandroll.com/.

The Pretty Reckless: “Got So High”

AP Photo via Getty Images

For almost two months, The Pretty Reckless new album Death by Rock and Roll has been out. It’s a splendid album that combines all the elements that make rock music great.

The self-titled album track, “Death By Rock And Roll”, is a huge hit. But more than that, there isn’t a bad song on the most anticipated TPR release thanks to kick ass lead singer Taylor Momsen teasing a few of the songs on social media.

Whether you’ve heard the 12 song album on CD, vinyl or even in classic cassette thanks to Momsen creating an old school feel to it, it doesn’t disappoint. Of course, in today’s modernized world of technology with apps like Spotify, you can listen to the entire album on your Android or iPhone. I’m glad I have it saved.

One of my favorite songs is the very surreal, “Got So High.” A track that obviously addresses Momsen’s personal demons with substance abuse following the deaths of rock idol Chris Cornell and producer Kato Kwandwala over a year apart between April 2017 and May 2018. During that time, she struggled with the losses of the Soundgarden/Audioslave legend they toured with and then the sudden loss of close friend Kwandwala.

It’s only natural to feel depressed when you lose people you’re very close to. Thankfully, Momsen recovered from her personal demons and was determined to finish the album with band mates Ben Phillips, Jamie Perkins and Mark Damon. At 27, she’s a very driven person with a powerful voice that can be felt in how she delivers the lyrics in The Pretty Reckless’ songs.

There’s plenty of raw emotion in “Got So High.” Even though it’s only a 3:20 track, you can feel exactly how Momsen feels on every word. That’s how strong it is. The way it all comes together with an acoustic sound that blends well with a familiar melody from grunge past. It is eerily similar in sound to Mazzy Star when they had hit, “Fade Into You.” A comparison knowledgeable music observers recognized. That is sung by Hope Sandoval.

However, Momsen and her band are drawing on their challenging experiences. Cornell had one of the greatest voices in the music industry. It’s still hard to believe he’s been gone nearly four years after taking his own life following a performance in Detroit when TPR opened for him.

“That was the nail in the coffin for me. I threw my hands up in the air and kind of went ‘Yeah, I give up.’ I went down a very dark rabbit hole of depression and substance abuse and everything that comes with that.”

Taylor Momsen on the sudden loss of producer and close personal friend Kato Kwandwala. 😔 The lyrics are well delivered and it’s a song we can all identify with.

One, two, three

Turned out wasted, confused, complacent, I
Lost my center, suppose I meant to hide

I, I, I, I, I got so high
I, I, I, I got so high

Success showed somethin’, at the same time nothin’, I
Thought I got it, but it seems I’ve lost it, I

I, I, I, I got so high
I, I, I got so high

If I wanted to fly, I should have gone up in a plane
If I wanted to fly
I should have climbed up to the highest mountain top
Now I’ve lost my brain, but I’m insane, so

I, I, I, I, I got so high
I, I, I, I, I got so high
I, I, I, I, I got so high
I, I, I, I, I got so high

I was somethin’ but now I’m nothin’, I…

I like her candid honesty in the song where she references losing her brain.

“If I wanted to fly, I should have gone up in a plane. If I wanted to fly, I should have climbed up the highest mountain top.”

Pretty heavy stuff. Basically, Momsen is saying there are better ways to go than doing drugs. Or to get so high. It almost seems that she was at such a low point. I’m glad she got past it and worked even harder during the pandemic to put together a great rock album. On her Instagram, she released footage of the band shooting videos in NYC. There were plenty of cool moments caught on camera including that beautiful red gown she wore in hit song, “25.”

They had to do the shooting in one session due to COVID-19. Of course, everyone got tested and they wore masks when they had to. I can’t imagine what that was like. I’ve listened to interviews Momsen did from Maine where she was very vocal about mental health. She’s been front and center on the stigma attached to anxiety and depression. Something that hasn’t been covered enough over the past year.

It speaks to a level of maturity and growth that she’s having so much success this early into her career thar began after she left Gossip Girl. Momsen knew that it was music that captivated her. She was proven right.

The Pretty Reckless are a band to be reckoned with. With now a fourth successful album doing well, hopefully they’ll be able to tour soon. One can only hope.

The Pretty Reckless release the epic video for new song, “25”

The Pretty Reckless are still less than two months away from the official release of their fourth album, Death By Rock And Roll. However, they’ve teased some of it on social media platforms courtesy lead singer Taylor Momsen. The blonde stunner stars in the epic new video for “25.” It’s fantastic.

Having already heard the song itself, the video is wonderfully done with Momsen starting out in a long red dress, looking beautiful. You have a kind of James Bond theme at the start as she’s sitting at a bar in a darker outfit with a bartender nearby. Almost as if contemplating her life from 1 to 25. As the numbers increase, so does the intensity with which she sings along with her band that plays so well together. There’s a perfect symmetry.

It feels like a dramatic buildup to numbers 21, 22, 23 and 24. They roll off Momsen’s tongue along with the feverish pitch count, “One. Two. Three. Four.” At 25 and still alive she beckons. There’s a uniqueness to it like that fancy drumbeat at the cool conclusion once she’s finished singing. It slowly fades out and you’re left wondering what else happened.

There just isn’t much great rock music played and sang with this edge. It’s meaningful. You find yourself hanging on every lyric she sings. All the while enjoying the way it meshes together. Yeah. It’s worth the wait. The production and editing prove it. This isn’t some pop act that keeps churning out albums like candy. They’re more complex and have more substance. Especially in light of the tragedies that affected Momsen and the band.

The music is meant to continue. It’s a release on all the emotions and emptiness that’s been felt over the losses of close friend and rock star Chris Cornell and band manager Kato Khandwala. They came a year apart. It had an obvious impact on Momsen, who battled depression over the deaths of her best friend Khandwala and idol Cornell, who they had opened for on that final night before he took his life. I can remember seeing the video of him performing and looking withdrawn. It was sad.

I’m glad that Momsen decided to return and finish the record. They put too much work into it to not continue. The music can be a way to cope with loss and be used as a tribute to the fallen. That’s always how I’ve used it when I’m down or struggling. The older you get, the harder it gets. We all experience loss. It doesn’t get any easier.

February 12 can’t come soon enough. The album has 12 tracks. It will be excellent.

Live Acoustic: Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless sounds phenomenal singing new single “25”

Taylor Momsen seems to always fly under the radar in the music scene despite her obvious God given talent. The lead singer of The Pretty Reckless recently released new single, “25” off the band’s fourth album Death by Rock and Roll. It’s set for release next February 12, 2021.

The 27-year old blonde bombshell has a remarkable voice that delivers the powerful lyrics to the band’s edgy songs. The former actress who once played teenager Jenny Humphrey in hit show Gossip Girl that prominently starred Blake Lively and Leighton Meester, has been in her own band since 2009. Momsen gave up acting for her first true love of rock and roll. It was a great decision.

A unique artist who has toured with The Pretty Reckless and even fulfilled her dream of opening for legendary Chris Cornell, she was heartbroken by the rockstar’s tragic death in Detroit, Michigan. Following a show on May 17, 2017, the former Soundgarden and Audioslave front man took his own life. The suicide took its toll on Momsen, who also lost her best friend and band manager Kato Khandwala due to a bike accident on April 25, 2018.

The combination of the two tragedies made her contemplate giving up writing. Thankfully, she didn’t. Her music is now a release. Along with original guitarist Ben Phillips, they finally continued work on The Pretty Reckless’ fourth album. So far, so good. They released the self-titled album track earlier this year to much fanfare. Just in time for Halloween, “Broomsticks” was also released as a single online. A perfect catchy tune for the witching hour.

Last Friday, the band debuted “25”, with Momsen revealing it in a Instagram announcement with a direct link. The song is excellent. She also appeared on Fox Five’s Good Morning New York to help promote it. Like most of her interviews even through Zoom due to the pandemic, she is well spoken and handles herself well.

She went on to give a live acoustic performance that was phenomenal. Her vocals always standout due to the emotion she delivers with every word. She has great range and is a extraordinary talent who deserves more recognition along with her band for how well they play. The live performance along with the interview can be viewed below courtesy of YouTube super fan Marianne Audouin.

The piano in this is excellent. It’s not something you really see enough of in rock groups that play as hard as TPR. You have the quartet of Momsen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Phillips (lead guitar, backing vocals), Mark Bass (bassist) and Jamie Perkins (drums and percussion) combining to form a cohesive band with staying power. Their alternative and hard rock sound is something that we don’t hear enough of anymore due to today’s pop culture along with the decline of rap.

If music wants to right a wrong, they need to open their eyes and start paying attention to The Pretty Reckless. A great band with a unique sound that’s very complete. Momsen can power through the words. She’s sang emotional tribute covers of Cornell hit songs dating back to the heyday of Seattle grunge in the 90’s.

The very fact that a live acoustic set of “25”, sounds even better than the studio version should tell you all you need to know. You can judge for yourself. Here is the official song with cool Halloween lyrics included. Momsen wrote it when she was 25.

As we draw nearer to Thanksgiving and Christmas, we can anticipate more great songs coming out until the album hits stores next Feb. 12. That is exciting news for rock fans. We need it.