Those that have moved beyond archaic CD technology into the world of digital music, iPods, and MP3 players have probably already heard this news.

On Nov. 13, the Led Zeppelin catalog, one of the last major holdouts in legal downloadable music, will become available online. [NY Times] [Rolling Stone]

While this news is not off-road specific, it bears mentioning on Sevenmile.net. Why? Because Led Zeppelin is very high on the list of Best Tunes to ‘Wheel To, and on Nov.13 the entire Led Zeppelin catalog becomes more accessible, portable, and convenient for us all.

Besides, if you’re going to take up space with Led Zeppelin “Discs”, they should be made of Vinyl…

Welcome to the return of Sevenmile Recommended Listening. Music to ‘wheel to, and drink to, but not necessarily at the same time.

Kicking off the return of the Recommended Listening to sevenmile.net is a modern classic of angry, beer soaked, redneck rock from the group HELLYEAH.

Born from the ashes of Damage Plan (RIP Dimebag) and dipped in the new metal sound of Mudvayne, HELLYEAH delivers a sound that is solid and melodic, but true to its metal roots. In other words, there are some “slower tunes” on this CD, but this is not easy listening. This is well crafted hard rock with serious balls, polished enough for radio play, but probably too nasty for the typical radio audience.

One listen and it is obvious that these are very accomplished and talented musicians. What is also obvious is that they are here to rock and have a good time, not just show off their chops. Standout tracks include the blistering and definitive opening “Hell Yeah” and “You Wouldn’t Know”, which is decidedly radio oriented, but containing the necessary edge and unmistakable Vinnie Paul backbone.

However the finest track on the CD (and worth the price of admission) is undoubtedly the instant classic “Alcohaulin’ Ass”. Pure genius in it’s simplicity and crossover appeal.

HELLYEAH  Itch’s Sevenmile rating: 4 out of 5 BFH