Random Musings

Caspian - Live at Old South Church

2012-02-01T13:24:00.004-05:00

Been meaning to post this for some time, but due to being sick for over a week and various other issues..oh well lets get to it.

Followers of this blog know I have a love affair with the band Caspian. The band has just released their first live ep called “Live At Old South Church”.

I wrote a long review of the show [here]

The band culled five songs from the show and have pressed to vinyl. The cool limited edition colors used for the vinyl sold out quickly but you can still order it [here]

Proceeds go to Amirah AND you get a code for a digital download.

You can stream the record [here] as well to be sure its for you.

Really..it is. Get on it.

The Jealous Sound - First album in 9 years..limited stream

2012-01-27T13:21:00.003-05:00

Nine years since their debut LP, The Jealous Sound has emerged with their sophomore full-length A Gentle Reminder, to be released January 31 via Music is Subjective and Fontana Distribution. Their previous and debut album Kill Them With Kindness was embraced by critics worldwide, named one of Spin's best albums of ’03 and described by Spin writer Andy Greenwald as “heartfelt guitar rock capable of punching you in the gut and patting you on the back.”

After taking time away from the band, frontman Blair Shehan reconnected with founding guitarist Pedro Benito, whose friendship with Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters) helped The Jealous Sound land an opening spot on the 2009 tour for the bassist's previous band, emo pioneers Sunny Day Real Estate. The old juices started flowing.

Made in the Foo Fighters' Studio 606 with John Lousteau producing, A Gentle Reminder features founding members Shehan and guitarist Benito working alongside Mendel (filling in on bass for the departed John McGinnis) and new drummer Bob Penn. Josh Staples (the Velvet Teen) contributes backing vocals and bass on two tracks.

How the quartet coalesced to recapture the magic is a labyrinthine tale that covers three states and includes a lot of emotional baggage. The life lessons are revealed in the grandeur of the new album, a poignant and emotional triumph that not only proves a worthy successor to Kill Them With Kindness, but reveals the foursome at the top of its craft. Open-hearted, yes, but not really gentle at all, A Gentle Reminder represents a 44-minute epiphany set to cascading guitars, thundering rhythms and Shehan's evocative vocals.

You can stream the record RIGHT HERE but only until Tuesday the 31st.

Tour Dates!
2.3 San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
2.4 Scottsdale, AZ @ Rogue Bar
2.6 Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
2.7 Fort Worth, TX @ Lola's Sixth
2.8 Little Rock, AR @ Stickyz Rock'n'Roll Chicken
2.9 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
2.10 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
2.11 Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
2.12 Washington DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel
2.14 Allston, MA @ Great Scott
2.15 Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
2.16 Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy
2.17 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
2.18 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
2.19 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
2.20 Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room
2.21 Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
2.22 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
2.24 Portland @ Hawthorne Theatre
2.25 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
2.27 San Francisco @ Bottom of the Hill
2.28 Los Angeles @ The Satellite

Official site here.
Facebook here and finally Twitter

Kim DiVine set to release new ep!

2012-01-20T09:38:00.002-05:00

Former Massachusetts based singer songwriter Kim DiVine is set to release her new ep early next week.

THE 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KIM DIVINE'S NEW EP "FIVE" ---
- Track one on the EP ("Perfect Kind of Love") was featured in an episode of the hit show "One Tree Hill" in May 2011.

- Track three ("Easy on Me") was one of three finalists in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and a semi-finalist in the International
Songwriting Competition.

- Kim wrote all songs on the EP and recorded with producer Bill Lefler (Gym Class Heroes, Ingrid Michaelson, Dashboard Confessional, Cary Brothers) in Los Angeles.

- Kim's first-ever music video (for "Perfect Kind of Love") will be simultaneously released with the EP!

- Fans helped fund the "Five" release by supporting the project on Kickstarter. Those that pledged received a wide range of rewards (in addition to the EP, of course) that included a homemade pumpkin pie (with delivery), original paintings, personalized music jewelry and customized owl guitar picks.

You can stream the ep right here.

The album is due out Tuesday.

Said the Whale - Album News and Tour

2012-01-20T09:17:00.002-05:00

JUNO AWARD WINNERS FOR “NEW GROUP OF THE YEAR”

SAID THE WHALE SET THEIR SIGHTS ON U.S. WITH FORTHCOMING RELEASE AND TOUR

LITTLE MOUNTAIN is due on March 6, 2012

This may be Said The Whale’s third LP but the Canadian indie-popsters are still educating the U.S. masses, and their forthcoming album, Little Mountain, is a superb introduction. Their latest effort is their most adventurous to date and will be released in North America on March 6, 2012 via Hidden Pony Records/EMI, and in the U.K and Europe on March 12. The pre-order from iTunes will go live on February 20.

Said The Whale have been making their pretty music for some time, and in this past year were rewarded with the highest accolade available in their home land – a JUNO Award. The band snagged the crown for “New Group Of The Year” in 2011 and made their mark even bigger.

Little Mountain finds the group defying rock conventions without sacrificing any of their pop smarts. Said The Whale enlisted the juggernaut production prowess of Tom Dobrzanski, and multiple Grammy Award winner Jack Joseph Puig, who mixed the 15-track collection. Their combined efforts steered the song suites to explode out of the speakers, as they shepherded the band’s signature sound to a new level.

More diverse than previous albums, Little Mountain is a multi-stylistic tour-de-force that ventures into everything from soaring, horn-laden cabaret ("The Reason") to jaggedly syncopated rock ("We Are 1980") and effervescent guitar pop ("Loveless"). First single, “Heavy Ceiling,” is a dancefloor-ready ditty that reflects the confident and razor-sharp sound that dominates this LP.

Starting in early February and leading up to the release date, Said The Whale will regularly offer videos as exclusives, each coinciding with the 15 album tracks. The band partnered with Vancouver-based production company Amazing Factory for their ambitious endeavor, who helped re-imagine the band’s vivid lyrical imagery. Tune into Exclaim.ca for the premier of “1980” on February 7.

On February 25, the band will host a very special video screening and album launch at the Rio Theatre in their hometown of Vancouver. It will mark the beginning of the customary Said The Whale whirlwind tour schedule that will take the band across Canada, through the US, UK and Europe this year.

Feb 25 Rio Theatre Vancouver, BC
March 2 Q Café Seattle, WA
March 5 Luigi's Fun Garden Sacramento, CA
March 6 Hotel Utah San Francisco, CA
March 8 Silverlake Lounge Los Angeles, CA
March 10 Plush Tucson, AZ
March 11 Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ
March 13-18 SXSW Austin, TX
March 22 Club Café Pittsburgh, PA
March 23 M Room Philadelphia, PA
March 24 The Rock Shop Brooklyn, NY
March 27 Peppers Pub Saint John, NB, CAN
March 28 Reflections Cabaret Halifax, NS, CAN
March 30 Grenfell College Cornerbrook, NFLD, CAN
March 31 venue TBA St. John's, NFLD, CAN
April 5 UPEI Charlottetown, PEI, CAN
April 7 Charlotte St Arts Centre Fredericton, NB, CAN
April 8 Le Cercle Quebec City, QC, CAN
April 10 Le Divan Orange Montreal, QC, CAN
April 11 Ritual Ottawa, ON, CAN
April 12 This Ain't Hollywood Hamilton, ON, CAN
April 13 The Great Hall Toronto, ON, CAN
April 14 London Music Hall (Lounge) London, ON, CAN
April 16 Capitol Theatre Windsor, ON, CAN
April 17 The Lager House Detroit, MI
April 18 Double Door Chicago,IL
April 20 400 Bar Minneapolis, MN
April 21 Park Theatre Winnipeg, MB, CAN
April 23 Artful Dodger Regina, SK, CAN
April 24 Broadway Theatre Saskatoon, SK, CAN
April 25 Myer Horowitz Edmonton, AB, CAN
April 26 MacEwan Hall Calgary, AB, CAN
April 28 The Habitat Kelowna, BC, CAN
May 3 Vogue Theatre Vancouver, BC, CAN
May 4 Alix Goolden Hall Victoria, BC, CAN

For more information you can follow em:

Official Page
Facebook
Twitter

Finally, check out the single right here

Favorite Records of 2011

2012-01-13T08:00:00.005-05:00

Well another year passes and we get the obligatory “lists”. I've been doing a list of my favorite cds of the year since 1996. Started off as just a list of album title and artist. Then it got in to blog form with mp3s and all sorts of stuff. Now, sorta settling back with a little bit about the album. Some stuff to sample, but if you are that curious I figured you'd know places to go to go check this stuff out.

As always this is a list of my FAVORITE cds/records of the year. The rules are simple. Album had to have come out between January 1st and December 31st. No best ofs', live albums,eps or what have you. So, here it is. Hopefully short enough to get you to read, long enough to get you excited. It was a good year. Not astounding, but there were some gems.

One final thing to add, I've included when a band might have appeared before. For some reason I don't have all the years written down. Not that it matters..but if you see sort of a cryptic note, that is the reason.

Apologies on formatting, I keep fixing "one more thing" but i am gonna end up deleting something and being pissed. I hope you will sample some tracks and as always, comment away. I do care..just wonder if anyone else does some times.

Onward!

25. Wilco - The Whole Love

Always a consistent contender whenever an album is released Chicago band Wilco seemed to stumble out of the gate on this one. You usually see their records on any number of “best of” year end lists, but this one seemingly has gone missing. Perhaps it was the extended guitar solo on the album opener “Art of Almost”, but that can't be it..since it is pretty great. Overall the record was on the “quiet” side for me and it took a long time for me to start to get what they were trying to do. No dig on talent, as there is a ton, just a little on the lite side of Wilco for me personally. A weak record for Wilco is what many bands could just aspire to release.

Stand Out Tracks - “I Might”, “Born Alone”
Previous List Appearances - Summerteeth #14 in 1999, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot #6 in 2002, A Ghost is Born #3 in 2004, Sky Blue Sky #13 2007, Wilco (The Album) #19 in 2009

24. Panda Bear - Tomboy

This pops up on a few lists this year. Seen as essential by some and just a passing trend by others. Panda Bear (Noah Benjamin Lennox) is a part of art rockers “Animal Collective” but barring the sound of his voice these are very different projects. Panda Bear channels the Beach Boys. There is just something about it that you can't escape. The vocal layers add to that vibe. A very polarizing artist, but if you get it, you'll love it.

Stand out Tracks – Surfers Hymn
Previous List Appearances - This is the first time.

23. The Decemberists - The King is Dead

Admittedly I am slow on the Decemberists band wagon. Listening here and there, getting a live show, or friends passing it along saying “you may dig”. Another early release in 2011 that I was happy I spent the money on. Seemed to reach out to me on the first listen, and perhaps it felt like the band was having a lot of fun. Not sure why but there is this perception that I have they are sort of doom and gloom/mellow folky stuff, but I am so very wrong. Harmonies from Colin Meloy and Gillian Welch are outstanding and the mix is perfect. Peter Buck (R.E.M) appears on a few tracks on guitar and mandolin and he adds to a stellar cast of musicians. Listening again for this list I realize this record suffered from me just not playing it enough, after my first two or three listens. It should be higher. My heart of heart knows its better than this ranking but remember..its my favorite records and I am tool for seemingly ingorning this for the bulk of the year.

Stand out Tracks – This is Why we Fight, January Hymn
Previous List Appearances - This is the first time

22. Bon Iver - Bon Iver

One needs to be in the mood for Bon Iver. When the mood is not there, this can be one of the most “what the fuck are people smoking who rave about this record”. When the mood is there, this record will strike many a chord. Justin Veron “is” Bon Iver for all intents and purposes. This is a late night album to put on. After a party with a final drink, just listening as it needs some attention and will help you wind down. There are many layers for guitar, to banjo to subtle percussive instruments to saxophone. Vernon surrounds himself with strong talent and his unique vocals offer a diverse collection of songs. This was high on many best of lists. I might get more out of it over time, but this is where it lands for now.

Stand out tracks – Minnesota, WI.
Previous List Appearances – First time, the last one came close but I got it late in the year.

21. The Roots - Undun

This is the 11th studio album from hip hop band “The Roots”. A loose concept album about a rough and short life in poverty. Not the most uplifting of subject matter but you seem to work past this. The band is solid and are always rewarding to listen to with the smooth, to funked up tempos. The Roots albums I look forward to getting and are a solid listen, but never seem to break out for me. This one came out in late 2011, so maybe with more time it would have done “better”. You'll be hearing about this collection for a while though.

Stand Out Tracks – “Make Mine”, “Kool On” “Lighthouse”
Previous list appearances - Phrenology #15 2002, Tripping Point #24 in 2004, Game Theory #20 in 2006, How I Got Over #16 in 2010

20. Russian Circles - Empros

Every time this band releases a record I am always impressed and astounded that three people make this wall of sound. Right out of the gate with the steady pummel of “309” the band rotates between quiet and loud, but all the while the drums from Dave Turncrantz are the wall to be stood on. He hits them like they stole money from him or something. Not to be out done the bass is thundering on track like “Atacka”. Just solid stuff. Instrumental music is curious to many, how can you not have words and still get 6 minute song out of it. Easy. Just have it be really good. Vocalists often times blow anyway.

Stand out Tracks – 309, Atackla
Previous list appearances - Geneva #14 in 2009, Station #4 in 2008

19. Shels - Plains of the Purple Buffalo

Combing a message board for a band I like the typical post was up “favorite record of the year so far” and I stared to see this band/album listed over and over and over. Taking a chance is always just that, a chance. The people that posted this were right. I'd never have known about this band and with the power of the internet within 5 minutes I was able to sample songs on line and 10 minutes later I was buying their music. Blending the “posts” like like the most (rock and metal) this (according to what you read) super group of British and American underground music scene put together some complex and overpowering stuff. Sure you get 2-3 guitars, bass and drums but toss in a trumpet and you'll be confused and fascinated they can pull this off all at once. Plains of the Purple Buffalo Pt 2 is all that and the kitchen sink. If that track doesn't sell you nuttin will. They are two records in (since 2003) so it might be some time, but it appears so far they are worth the wait.

Stand out Tracks – Plains of the Purple Buffalo Part 2
Previous List Appearances – They are first timers.

Crank this one up good..

18. The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar

A copy of this record was forwarded to me by a music fan. I downloaded it, but didn't “extract” it right away for whatever reason. Wishing I did it earlier. The Wales trio, fronted by Ritzy Bryan open with the epic “The Everchanging Spectrum of a Lie” which clocks in over seven minutes and is chock full of big guitars, bass and drums. You quickly will be impressed with the sound the three can pull off. The tracks are rocking and a whole lot of fun with catchy guitar hooks and hand clapping choruses. There is very little not like on this, their debut full length.

Stand out Tracks - “Austere”. “Whirring”, “A Heavy Abacus”
Previous List Appearances – This is the bands first time.

17. Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, but You Will

The Scottish noisemakers continue to be the upper echelon of post rock performers. They work a little more with vocals on this album, even if they are distorted and nearly incomprehensible. You want to sing along on “George Square..” but it is just impossible. The big walls of guitars and thundering bass and drums are constant trademarks.

Stand out Tracks – How to Be a Werewolf, George Square Thatcher Death Party
Previous List Appearances - Mr Beast #13 in 2006

16. Codes in the Clouds - As the Spirit Wanes

Fun story how I heard about these Kent, England instrumentalists for the first time. Music used in a music bed piqued my interest so I called the station and asked who it was. Their prior record was a joy to listen to and when this was released early in 2011 it was perfect timing. I still had not had my fill of their last record and here it was, new material. The songs are shorter on this record and seem a little more focused, but no less able to take your breath away one minute, and then snap you to attention when you seemed to bear down to listen to that lone guitar plucking single notes (see “Washington”). A track like “Look Back, Look Up” feels quick and to the point, almost sounding like a radio friendly single. The guitars slowly build and after the 2:30 mark it really takes off. How a track like “The Tragedian” hasn't landed in some major motion picture remains a mystery. Still waiting for the band to tour the US as well, so that is all the more fun as it is frustrating.

Stand out Tracks – Look Back/Look Up, The Tragedian
Previous List Appearances – Paper Canyon #5 in 2009

15. Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys!

Every time I listen to an Elbow record I think of Coldplay fans. Mostly feeling bad that none of them have a clue these guys do it so much better (and I don't mind Coldplay). Singer Guy Garvey has this deep baritone that finds angelic soaring at times. Opener “The Birds” might start off as brooding, but the playful keyboard from Craig Potter that meets the chugging bass lines from Pete Turner offer a great display of what they are capable of. America needs to wake up on this one. They are a few albums deep and you've been missing a lot.

Stand Out Tracks - “The Birds”, “The Night Will Always Win”
Previous List Appearances – Seldom Seen Kid #11 in 2008

14. Motorhead - The World is Yours

Lets face it..its a Motorhead record. What you see is what you get. They've done it, and done it well for longer than most bands are around. Its a dirty rock record..that simple.

Stand out tracks – Born to Lose. Bye Bye Bitch Bye Bye
Previous List Appearances – First time actually

13. TV On The Radio - Nine Types of Light

The band seems to be overly prolific the last few years. Seems like each year there is a new album or live record. The Brooklyn band also had its share of bad news with the passing of Gerard Smith (bass/organs). Tunde Adebimpe continues to shine as the vocalist and will shed these underrated “singer” categories soon enough. The album has extended organ and string parts to expand on the sound. Kyp Malone is stong on his guitar parts and the band does solid work on harmonies. This record didn't hit me as quickly as their prior releases, but its still a very solid effort.

Stand out Tracks - “No Future Shock”, “New Cannonball Blues”
Previous List Appearances - Return to Cookie Mountain #7 in 2006. Dear Science #2 in 2008

12. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

I offer no apologies for enjoying this record. As far as “mainstream” rock there are few, if any bands that even come close. Band leader Dave Grohl continues to write one heck of a catchy tune and he surrounds himself with very competent players. Taylor Hawkins hammers the drums and offers the harmonies and Nate Mendel on bass is as solid as ever. Pat Smear and Chris Shiflett tandem on tracks like “Rope” and “Walk” to just hit you straight on. I am sure its about as cool as nothing to enjoy this bands output for whatever reason, but its a very solid rock record. Beyond the radio singles there are some real gems here. Not sure why people slag em, but they make a heck of a fun record.

Stand out Tracks – Dear Rosemary, White Limo
Previous List Appearances - The Color and the Shape #1 in 1997

11. Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin

The fun thing about doing these lists year after year is going back and seeing stuff that I'd never have expected to make my list. I knew not a lot about Raphael Saadiq and it was only later I found out he was part of the 80's pop band Tony! Toni! Tone! This is a far cry from that. Saadiq plays most of the instruments on each track, showing competence on each. From the super funky/buzzed out intro to “Heart Attack” to the crooning on “Go to Hell” (I know really?) its a great blend of styles. Its got that Mowtown feel, a splash of pop a kiss of funk and a whole lot of soul. The artist this year that will make you say “Really? On this list?” Yep. It is a solid record.

Stand out Tracks – “Stone Rollin”, “Heart Attack”
Previous List Appearances – First time

Lets him show off a little..

10. REM - Collapse in to Now

Hearing now that the band knew this was “it”. By the end of 2011 they'd disband, but they left us with this “return to the rocking” version of R.E.M. With the opener “Discoverer” there is the ringing guitar from Peter Buck, Stipe is in fine vocal form and it sets you up for a solid effort. We have the fun, really poppy tracks like “Mine Smell Like Honey” and more introspective tracks as well. Eddie Vedder helps out on “It Happened Today” and Peaches offers a rowdy backing vocal on “Alligator_Aviator_Autopilot_Antimatter” A wonderful swan song. Time will do this band well, people will realize now how great they really were.

Stand Out Tracks - “Discoverer”, “Oh My Heart”, “Alligator....”
Previous List Appearances - Accelerate #7 in 2008

09. ...and you will know us by the Trail of Dead - Tao of the Dead

There is no way to escape it, the last few Trail of Dead cds have been erratic. Sure there are listenable moments, but it always feels like the Texas group could never seem to capture their live essence on record. I was going to buy this record none the less, and what I then heard restored my faith. Disc 1, track one is an 11 part, single track Opus called “Tao of the Dead” (35:50), while part 2 (track 2) is in 5 parts called “Strange News From Another Planet” (16:32). When the cd came out there was a limited edition version that had a second cd, that was the same disc, but the tracks were broken out, but a little longer. Embracing “cover art” (which is lost to downloads) is both intricate and fascinating all done by Conrad Keely. If you were a casual fan at one time, I strongly suggest checking to see what they did here in 2011, you should be very pleased.

Stand out tracks - “Pure Radio Cosplay”, “Summer of All Dead Souls”, “Weight of the Sun”
Previous List Appearances - (Source Tags and Codes was a #1)

08. Explosions in the Sky - Take Care, Take Care, Take Care

The Texas four piece continue to offer solid release after solid release.. Their work with the film and TV show “Friday Night Lights” has worked in their favor as ticket and album sales seem to be up. The band remains true to their task unleashing these wonderfully sonic bursts of music that can lift you up as quickly as punch you in the gut. Long, swooping ebow infused tracks like the opener “Last Known Surroundings” blend well with the more “to the point” tracks like “Postcards from 1952”. The track “Trembling Hands” is about as short as any EITS song I can ever remember. The chanting vocals at the start are sort of odd, but the, pardon the use, musical explosion later in the track pays for it 10 times over. The most rewarding thing with this band releases for me personally is every time I listen, it is/was the right time and I always seem to hear something new.

Stand out Tracks – Postcards from 1952, Trembling Hand
Previous List Appearances - Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place #3 in 2003. All of A Sudden I Miss Everyone #8 in 2007

A little shorter (to the point version..but aces)

07. Adele - 21

Okay okay...lets just face facts dear readers. Its a good record. She can sing, leaves nothing back and has put out the finest “moving forward” record in years. She has made my list before with her debut “19” and the future looks bright. Don't feel bad your mother likes her too, its okay when there is talent involved. I refuse to let anyone tell me this is a bad record.

Stand out Tracks - Rumor Has It, I'll Be Waiting, Don't you Remember
Previous List Appearances – 19 at #16 on 2008

06 - Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

There are just some voices that hit you. Sometimes you'll hear the expression” They could sing the phone book and I'd buy it” Robin Peckhold has one of those voices. Perhaps not the most vocally diverse, but the vibrato he gets on his voice seem to fall on you like a light amount of rain. The songs have a “big” feel to them, but at the same time a few folks around a campfire or front porch also come to mind. If the title track doesn't get you, nothing will.

Stand out Tracks – Helplessness Blues, Montezuma
Previous List Appearances – First time, the last disc I got late in the year.

05. My Morning Jacket - Circuital

Even songs that don't seem to really take off slowly build and pull you in. Album opener “Victory Dance” is just like that. Slowly building before hitting the five minute mark and just exploding. Jim James, as always, is really shining vocally. The big, rowdy, reverb filled tracks seem to be limited, but MMJ continue to release one solid release after the other. They still do a great job of blending a lap steel portion in one song with a fuzzed out keyboard run on the next.

Stand out Tracks – Circuital, Wonderful (The Way I Feel), Outta My System, You Wanna Freak Out
Previous List Appearances - Z #11 in 2005. Evil Urges #6 in 2008 (It Still Moves has to have made it as well)

04. Battles - Gloss Drop

Before the band began work on this record Tyondai Braxton left the band. Braxton had played keyboards, guitars and offered up “vocal duties”. The band quickly re-shuffled things and you'd hardly notice the departure. Battles release complex stuff. Its just hard to really fall in to category with them. Gary Newman guests on “My Machines” (a driving rock tune) and tracks like “Ice Cream” are heavy with the math rock tempo while. “Africastle” which opens the record feels like trembling hands, with short guitar and keyboard notes that seem to drone for two plus minutes but that makes way for the frantic “Ice Cream”. If you want “erratic” just listen to the intro on that, but as it speeds up and begins to shape the drum roll that fires it off just slaps you in the face. It sounds like a circus organ with its off tempo downbeat, but the bass and guitars all rumble along with the quirky vocals that are thrown through pitch benders. The “circus” organ hook is the gel that holds this together. It can be a challengeing listen at times, but the payout is well worth the attention it needs during those times.

Stand out Tracks - Dominican Fade, Ice Cream, Futura. White Electric
Previous List Appearances – Mirrored #1 in 2007

A little NSFW..but man its a great video

03. Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math

Now and again, records just seem to hit you at the right time, or place. This was one of those records that if there was an award for “most played in the car” this cd would win in a landslide. Andy Hull has powerful vocals that he, and the band find the right times to use. A compliment of players for full rocking tunes, to laid back ballads to bar-room sing alongs. Tracks like “Mighty” build and build and the band just blows it up. “Pale Black Eye” is another real strong example of that. Using strings, a children s choir and a slew of percussion instruments to balance everything out. This record stands on its own for what it is. A very VERY solid rock and roll album and an album for short and long road trips. Worth every penny for “April Fool” alone.

Stand out Tracks – April Fool, Pensacola, Mighty, Simple Math
Previous List Appearances – Mean Everything to Nothing #3 in 2009

02. Mastodon - The Hunter

From the very first spin I knew we had a winner. The last few Mastodon albums (all amazingly awesome) were “concept” records and that can always be a buzz that can go good or bad. This time around the band focused on “songs”. Some freaking beastly, heavy songs. Opening with “Black Tongue” you get the speed and complexity you'd expect from these proggy metalist but with a lot more focus. Listening to tracks like “Basteroid” that have the speed and melody but with “that much more” and Brent Hinds just sounding “perfect” really makes for one of the best songs you may or may not have heard all year...back that right up with Octopus has No Friends..these two songs alone should sell millions of albums. Is it “metal” yeah, but its better than country. Remember that...always.

Stand out Tracks – Blasteroid, Octopus Has No Friends
Previous List Appearances – Blood Mountain #9 in 2006 Crack the Skye #2 in 2009.

Love love LOVE this tune

01. Fucked Up - David Comes to Life

Telling you now, Mastodon came damn close, but this is one record that..whew..just wow. This is a concept album. The idea is of David and Veronica, falling in love in England in the late 70's/early 80's. You can read the whole summary of love/life/death (You can read about it on Wiki). You are lead in to a false sense of what this is all about by the instrumental intro “Let Her Rest” which runs just over three minutes long, but after some delay and reverb the wall of guitars comes up and “Queen of Hearts” takes off. Seriously..it takes fucking off. A long guitar wails before the full band comes in and when front man Damian Abraham starts going you hair will blow back and stand on end. The band is furious and focused and when Damina tells you “hello my name is David...your name is veronica..lets be together...and fall in love” you long for this love story to work out. As the chorus runs through the lone female member (and bass player) Sandy Miranda takes the run at the verse and when she sings the same line of “Hello my name is David...” you just want this love story to work out. Broken in to four parts you can follow the journey with our heroes and when we are “Dying on the Inside” (The Other Shoe) we see how things are starting to change. 18 tracks in total that will leave you exhausted and begging for more.

Easily my favorite record of this year. This is not for everyone, I am fine with that, but, this borders on being an absolute masterpiece.

Stand out Tracks – Queen of Hearts and the whole rest of the effing thing....
Previous List Appearances – First time!

You will give up after 20 seconds or fall in love..there is no in between on this one.

Tomorrow..

2012-01-12T14:02:00.001-05:00

check back tomorrow..right here..for my 2011 "Favorite Albums of the Year" list.

please?!

2012..the year of the reunion???

2012-01-10T14:36:00.002-05:00

Gad zooks...more and more bands are getting back together.

Late in 2011 Stone Roses said "We are back".

In just 10 days of 2012..

At the Drive In
Refused
Dead Can Dance (Not sure they broke up..but its been a while)
Van Halen

All of them are doing Live shows. Stone Roses, Dead Can Dance and Van Halen have new music coming as well.

Shaping up well. My wallet is going to hurt..but so far..so good!

Jimmy Tingle - American Dream New Years Eve!

2011-12-28T12:46:00.003-05:00

Got some New Years Eve plans? No. You do now!

“Jimmy Tingle's American Dream – Live on Stage and Screen” will be presented on Saturday December 31st at 7pm at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA. This is the final event of the Theaters 95th Anniversary celebration.

Tingle is a nationally know comedian, filmmaker and commentator. This show will include the screening of the documentary, a live performance as well as a Q+A session. The event running time is approximately 2hrs.

About the show:
This captivating, provocative film is a one-hour tour-de-force of comedy, commentary and conversation with some of America’s most iconic personalities and social critics, as well as family, friends and total strangers as they speak up and speak out on the American Dream. As Tingle weaves his stand-up comedy career into the fabric of the American Dream, you’ll meet Oscar winners and comedians, historians and the homeless as he aspires to make us laugh, to make us think, and encourages us to dream.

The film features interviews and opinions of Robert Altman, Bobcat Goldthwait, Howard Zinn, Mort Sahl, Janeane Garafalo, Sean Hannity, Lewis Black, Al Franken, Robert Reich, Colin Quinn, Barry Crimmins, Jimmy's mother, Frances, and more. The soundtrack includes music by Willie Nelson, The Mighty, Mighty Bosstones, The Neighborhoods, and Jimmy Tingle on harmonica.
More information on film at http://www.jimmytinglesamericandream.com/

As the upcoming 2012 Presidential election season unfolds against the backdrop of the growing dissent of Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party movements, Jimmy Tingle has constructed another hilarious, thought provoking and politically charged one-man show based on his 2012 run for the presidency. As the founder of the "Humor for Humanity" party, Tingle is running on his comedic record. The campaign underlines his passion and creative thinking on every issue the next president must grapple with from alternative energy to immigration to jobs and the national debt. Despite the seriousness of the issues confronting America and the world, Jimmy Tingle for President is The Funniest Campaign in History.

The Regent Theater is located at 7 Medford St (off Mass Ave) in Arlington Center. Tickets are 25.00 and are General Admission. The theater is MBTA and handicap accessible with free parking in a municipal lot across the street. For more information please check out http://www.regenttheatre.com/ (781-646-4849) or http://www.jimmytingle.com/

If you miss this show Jimmy will be doing a show in Concord NH on Sunday January 8, 2012 just two days before the New Hampshire Presidential Primary.

Just something to read...

2011-12-08T13:28:00.002-05:00

So we are fast approaching the end of the year. Shopping is in the air, New Years resolutions are being batted around and trying to stay away from the cookie plate is harder and harder.

Not a ton to report on this end. Haven't been inspired to really write a lot. Getting a few requests to review cds here and there, did an interview with Joe Lally from Fugazi, some cool stuff like that.

Working on my year end list, well...kinda.

Sports
Bruins are doing pretty well, my fantasy team is doing eh.
Providence Bruins are doing not so good. We did the a cool "Skate with the Players" party a few weeks back. That was neat. The kids got some pictures and got to skate on the "same ice" so it was cool. Love that event.

TV
I miss Breaking Bad.

Dexter has two episodes left for this season. Its been pretty good I think. They won't ever top seasons 1,2 and 4 but it is still very good.

The Walking Dead and the Office are just getting worse and worse. Why I am sticking with them I do not know.

I am not watching any "new" shows this season, and that is okay.

Movies
Yeah, well...not so much here. I FINALLY saw "Dr.Strangelove". I have/had this thing where i want to watch the 100 Best Films (You can find it on line..just don't feel like doing links) but i think it was the 100 Best American Films. Came out in 1997. I decided I'd take a look and honestly tell myself "if you never saw it, in full, unedited, you haven't seen it". As of this typing I have seen 36. Not "too" bad, but a long way to go.

I've got two things sitting at home for Netflix. Now that the Walking Dead is "resting" and Dexter is almost done I hope to get some films out of the way.

Music
Always something to talk about here..but lets save that for the favorites of the year.

i guess I'll end it here for now....just "something" for now.

Happy Thanksgiving...

2011-11-25T13:23:00.001-05:00

It is a day late and many of you may be out and about seeing friends/family or at the local mall.

Hopefully you were surrounded with good company.

Thanks for reading and hanging out from time to time with this blog.

Foo Fighters - TD Garden, Boston MA November 16, 2011

2011-11-17T12:29:00.002-05:00

Foo Fighters
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Support – Social Distortion, Joy Formidable.

Wrapping up their US tour in Boston was cause for celebration for the Foo Fighters, and they celebrated all right, with a “just under” three hour performance full of hits from their seven studio albums and a few covers.

Hitting the stage just about 9pm the members took the stage hidden by large light fixtures. Facing the stage you had guitarist Chris Shiflett to the left, singer, guitarist Dave Grohl in the middle with wild man drummer Taylor Hawkins up high on his riser. Bassist Nate Mendel and guitarist Pat Smear finished off the line of guys that would create this wall of sound. Opening with “Bridge Burning” they'd waste little time hitting the audience with the sound and visuals.

The band would run through a few songs further before a rowdy and Grohl heavily requested sing along to “My Hero” early in the set. Grohl is an engaging front man. At times he struck the rock star pose and soaked in the roars, then he'd bait the audience with the fact they'd be playing a “smoking 1hr and 15 minute set”. Confused cheers, but more boos seemed to rain down on the band. Grohl would continue his tease asking if 90 minutes would be okay? 2 hours? 2 hours 15 minutes. Finally he said they'd go for 3 hours and they came pretty darn close. I'll get to how they “cheated” some in a minute.

Mid set Grohl would run down the catwalk that divided the general admission floor area. He'd point, strike a pose and stop on a small stage, that would later become elevated towards the back of the arena.

With the main set there was much to be happy with ranging from Learn to Fly, to Breakout to the Hawkins lead “Cold Day in the Sun” Shiflett and Smear provided the barrage of sound with Shiflett really showcasing his skills at the right time. Always steady Mendel is just fun to watch although all night I kept thinking he was Thom York's twin for some reason.

The band would wrap up the main set with a run of “This is a Call”, to which Grohl said this was probably the first song played as a band, which ran in to a cover of Pink Floyd's “In the Flesh?” (again lead vocals by Hawkins) and the set would wrap up with “All My Life”.

Now here is where the “3 hours” comes in to question. Don't get me wrong, the band was playing..a lot..and moving..a lot etc. The band leaves the stage and after 2-3-4 minutes of people cheering and techs tuning stuff we suddenly go backstage with video. Its shot in “night vision” and there is Grohl and Hawkins hamming it up for the camera. There is no audio but its them “trying to decide” how many songs to play. They'd hold up one finger, crowd cheers, they do the “I can't hear you” move (holding hand to ear). This goes on, and on...and on...and on...until the band “settles” on a six song encore. Part of me wished I timed this..but I am going to say from the moment they left the stage until Dave came back out was close to ten minutes. Also to further question the “three hours” was some questionable extended versions of the tunes...drawn out solos and the like. Not that any of it was not fun, but jam bands can play a three song set and have it be ninety minutes, but you'd expect it there.

Enough of that...so the encore begins and its just Grohl on the small stage in the rear of the venue. He is on acoustic guitar and talks to the audience at the back and says “This is for section zzz row zzz seat zzzz”. Three tunes are played there acoustically, “Wheels”, “Best of You” and before he started “Times like These” he said he could get the audience to do the “Wave” with just his face...sure enough it was done, and he made fun of everyone. “Times Like These” started acoustic and about half way in to it Grohl ran back down the catwalk, grabbed an electric guitar and hit the main stage. They'd play “Dear Rosemary” which went in to a cover of Tom Petty's “Breakdown”. The show ended with “Everlong” to a ravenous and loud reception. The audience, looking about as beat as the band seemed to have had enough, and seemed very satisfied.

All the “slags” I might have given very few, if any, rock bands give shows of this length. They worked the stage, they worked the audience and they didn't shy away from the hits. Two covers is a bit for a band with this much material and the lag between the set and encore bugged me personally, but it was money well spent.

Social Distortion was straight and to the point. I've never seen them live and they were good, did what they needed to do, but slowed their tunes down to much. “Ball and Chain” seemed slower in tempo and it seemed to hurt them I thought. Even the rowdy cover of Johnny Cash's “Ring of Fire” that closed the set failed to really get going. Sadly I missed the much buzz about Wales band “Joy Formidable” due to traffic. I'll see them headline in Rhode Island in a day, so that should make up for it.

Full set:
Bridge Burning
Rope
The Pretender
My Hero
Learn to Fly
White Limo
Arliandria
Breakout
Cold Day in the Sun
Stacked Actors
Walk
Monkey Wrench
Let it Die
These Days
This is a Call
In the Flesh? (Pink Floyd)
All My Life
Encore
Wheels (Dave solo acoustic)
Best of You (Dave solo, acoustic)
Times Like These (solo, then to full band)
Dear Rosemary
Breakdown (Tom Petty)
Everlong

(the picture I took of Dave on the catwalk stage towards the back of the venue..not the best I realize)

Joe Lally Interview. Fugazi bass player, solo artist.

2011-10-28T12:36:00.002-04:00

So the news I had to share is that I had done an interview with Joe Lally. Joe is probably best known as the bassist for the band Fugazi. He has released a few solo records and is about to do a short run of dates in the US. I hope you'll check out the interview I did for "Visible Voice". You can see it right here.

Explosions in the Sky - Orpheum Theater, Boston

2011-10-06T12:45:00.005-04:00

Explosions in the Sky
Orpheum Theater, Boston, MA
Wednesday October 5, 2011

Support – The Antlers

Walking down the alley towards the historic Orpheum Theater had me feeling a bit worried. How would this post rock band from Texas handle the theater crowd? Blending some of the quietest to suddenly loudest music your mind, ear and soul can bear it was actually the audience I was worried about. Would they clap at the wrong time? Would the calmness of a moment result in the random yelps from the audience? Yes on both questions, but Explosions In The Sky had everyone in the palm of their hand few would mind.

Arriving on stage at 8:45 the members went to their instruments. To the left was guitarist Mark Smith, Mike James, who played more guitar than bass this time around, in the center, drummer Chris Hransky on drums, touring bassist Carlos Torres to his left and Munaf Rayani to the right. Munaf is the lone person with a microphone and all it is used for is to say hello and goodbye. Okay, so he said more than that, but other than a polite, and very humble “thank you for coming and listening to our music” the band strapped in and started the 90 minute set with “The Only Moment We Were Alone”, the second track off the album “The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place”. Over the course of the next ten minutes the wall of sound, the flailing bodies worked ear drums like a speed bag. Smith is rather calm for the bulk of the show but James and Rayani punch their guitars like they did something wrong.

For “Greet Death” James would strap on his bass and continue to beat it like it stole something from him raising it high above his head and Rayani would peel his guitar off and drag it back and forth from front to back along the floor. The song transitions to a cool calm feel at which point Rayani remained on the floor teasing his strings with a small metallic object and off setting it with a slide. Smith ran a loop effect on his guitar as the track winds down, and its looping scratch rung in the halls seemingly for minutes after. The band rolled forward on the epic “Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean” and the long slow build up found Hransky hitting the floor tom to a venue shaking rumble, he'd do it a few times and the band grew in urgency as the guitars seemed to be coming from all sides.

Even with all this wall of sound it was fun to pan the audience from time to time to look at faces. Some jaws slightly dropped, others just with their eyes closed waving head from side to side, others squirming in their seats wishing everyone else would just stand up already. Not a face was seen of frustration, just a gentle calm in an very loud setting.

Songs would have quiet build ups and the audience was on the edge of their seat. Many seeming to wait for the right time to let it all out. Even this reviewer was hard pressed to not shout a joyous roar of approval. The audience seemed to know the right time and even shouting song requests were kept to the quiet transitions between tracks.

On what turned out to be the final song of the evening in “The Moon is Down” Rayani the band took the usual long epic build up which then found him huddled on the floor toggling with his array of effect pedals. Next thing you know he pulls out an ebow (a device that sends a signal to a guitar sting for a long continuous drone type sound) and tapes the device to his guitar that is now laying on the floor. Still on his knees Rayani takes to a tambourine and just hits it as hard as he can on the floor over and over.

Then, it ends. The audience shoots to their feet, hands over head and letting the last 90 minutes of pent up adoration pour out. Hransky rises from his drum kit, waves as does James and Smith. Rayani takes to the microphone once more and in the calmest and sincerest tone thanks us again for “our time” and “lending them our ears”. The band, who never encores, was hardly off the stage before the house lights came up.

The full set.
The Only Moment We Were Alone
Last Known Surroundings
Catastrophe and the Cure
Postcards from 1952
Greet Death
Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean
Let Me Back In
The Birth and Death of the The Day
The Moon is Down

Walking in to the cool Boston night the muttering of “awesome” and “just epic” were heard more than once as people pulled earplugs out and had smiles seemingly from ear to ear. Explosions in the Sky continue to shine in a live setting.

Few other quick shots from the iPhone.

The obligatory marquee picture:

This is Munaf Rayani tuning up before the show.
This is Mark Smith tuning up.
The very top picutre was the lone one I took "in action".

The Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Parade

2011-10-05T13:06:00.014-04:00

Okay, it has taken me long enough just to get these finally posted. The parade was back on June 18th and the season kicks off October 6th (tomorrow). For me to sort em would take even longer..so just bear with me.

I was on the corner of Boyleston and Tremont Street. I was on person off the rail with a stop light to my left so I could lean. I arrived early as you can see and it took over 1hr for the parade to get to me. Rumor has it that it was the largest parade for a team in Boston history. Seemed odd with the Red Sox taking longer to win, but their first parade was during the week, in November and it was raining.

Here goes.

This was the first duck boat to pass. On the back corner is Tim Thomas and Zdeno Chara.

This shot was actually towards the end of the parade. I understood later that the cup was passed from player to player so each had time with it. My section of the parade had Mark Recchi

Another shot of Mark with the cup. We waiting a long time for this. People were going crazy.

This shot was early in day. Just before I took this picture 3 MBTA buses came down the street and unloaded the police. For a bit I felt VERY safe. The older man in the image was part of the only 3 people in front of me. They sat on the curb (and stood when the parade came) but we held our ground well.

This was before the parade got to us. It felt like ages and everyone was starting to get impatient. This is looking up Tremont Street towards the State House.

Here they come...we had waited hours and hours.

This is the first shot of the day I took. The roads were not even closed yet. The Boston Common is to the right (where you see the trees).

This boat had Dennis Seidenberg on the back corner.

Micheal Ryder (now with the Dallas Stars). Notice on the upper left of the image, someone taking video/photos with an iPad.

Lets get back to the cup. This is/was the closest I have been to the Cup.

This was a mix of players and other notables. To the left of the image is Rene Rancourt. He is the anthem singer for (most) of the home games. People love this guy. He was excited to be there for sure.

This is Milan Lucic

Nathan Horton tippin his hat..and yeah you can look at the blonde (his wife Tammy)

Bruins television color commentator Andy Brickley

So, that is it. Lets hope for a repeat in '11-12 and another parade.

Nevermind Turns 20, a complete album?

2011-09-29T17:41:00.003-04:00

Music fans couldn't escape the fact that in September of this year, Nevermind from Nirvana celebrated it's 20th anniversary (September 24 to be exact).

The re-issue of the compact disc came out a few days later here in the USA and I grabbed it. I had a few reasons, the b-sides and boombox sessions piquing my interest for sure.

As I put the cd on and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” played in the “In Bloom” I started to think, has every song on this record been played on commercial radio? Maybe not in heavy rotation like others but I am thinking this record came VERY close to every song getting on radio.

The first five (Teen Spirit, In Bloom, Come As you Are, Breed and Lithium) we hear fairly often.
Polly is next. We might not hear it as much, but it still gets played.
Now we hit the one I think we DON'T hear and that is “Territorial Pissings”. The name alone is going to scare off some...so seven songs in I'll take away one we don't hear.
“Drain You” is next..yep that is still on the radio, but “Lounge Act” I don't recall hearing on the radio, same with “Stay Away”, but I could be wrong with “Stay Away”. I am still going to go with “no”. “On a Plain” is a yes and same with the closer “Something in the Way”. Granted we may get the Unplugged versions of some of the tunes, this is a pretty amazing feat.

Perhaps I just played the record a lot and think I heard songs on the radio

People may love or hate this record for “whatever” reason. Just got me thinking that of 12 songs, nine of them found their way to radio from what I can tell..and almost all of them you could probably hear on any given day on the radio.

Is there another album like that? Zeppelin records maybe? Zeppelin IV. A shorter record with only 8 tracks and the last track I am pretty sure is a cover (When the Levee Breaks). Black Dog, Rock and Roll and Stairway for sure, then Misty Mountain Hop. I could we WAY off on this as I don't usually listen to classic rock radio.

I am not comparing Nirvana to Led Zeppelin (or any other band) on musical merit. Trust me, apples and oranges here. Led Zeppelin were just the first band that came to mind for a record (not a best of) that has a bunch of songs from it still in heavy rotation.

Can you think of anything?

Children's Hospital Boston - Battle of the High School Bands

2011-09-28T13:03:00.005-04:00

Are you, or someone you know in a High School Band? Children's Hospital Boston is setting up a battle of the bands

Not only are you doing something very cool that will use the power of your music to help kids you have the chance to record on the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus! This is a fully functioning studio that travels the country.

There is a catch. You MUST register and submit a song prior to October 5th to be eligible for this opportunity! (The bus will be at Children's Hospital Boston on October 9, 2011).

To sign up each band must go to This Page

There will be online voting for the bands from January 4-18th, 2012. The top 8 chosen by fan votes he battle of the band is on February 12, 2012 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston.

More about Children’s Hospital Boston here

Also, more about the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus can be found here

Good luck!

Life is Good Festival.

2011-09-27T13:19:00.001-04:00

I was able to take photos and write about my two days at the Life is Good Festival on September 24th and 25th. There will be more pictures posted soon, but you can see one and read all about it.

Hope you'll check it out right here.

Farewell to R.E.M.

2011-09-21T21:30:00.005-04:00

I come back from lunch and flip through some web pages and social media pages and there it is.

R.E.M. Disbands.

I am saddened to read this so I quickly go and find the best version of why which is right here.

Okay, after reading this I am okay. Well as okay as you can be if one of your favorite bands of all time decides that is enough.

The last few years have been up and down for the band. I am sure when many folks read the band was calling it quits they said “They still make music?” Well sad state of affairs for the music business and album sales I guess.

The last two R.E.M records were strong records. Return to form in some cases with the band focusing on the rock that made “Green” so popular. Sure they were older and wiser and they'd have some deeper lyrics, but the band ALWAYS were big on lyrics.

In the end one can never say never. As long as the band members are alive there is always that “chance” maybe some time away is what they need. Who really knows, it has to be hard though. This is who they have been for 25+ years. Decision not made in haste but done with the class fans have come to expect and appreciate from the band.

Thank you guys...

Here comes a LOT of Pink Floyd

2011-09-21T21:25:00.002-04:00

Pink Floyd and EMI Music, announce a comprehensive release schedule, to be launched on September 26, 2011, encompassing CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, SACD, an array of digital formats, viral marketing, iPhone Apps and a brand-new single-album ‘Best Of’ collection.

The legendary band, who are still one of the most successful and iconic artists of all time, recently signed an agreement with EMI which has allowed the development of a multi-format program of packages, many containing archive material that has been collated during an extensive process between EMI and Pink Floyd for a range of media formats.

The releases, under the banner Why Pink Floyd?, are designed to appeal to a wide cross section of their fans, with music to excite first time listeners, while super-deluxe box sets will cater to dedicated fans, allowing them to immerse themselves in multi-disc sets, containing alternate takes, unreleased tracks, restored live concert screen films and a live recording of the legendary The Dark Side Of The Moon performance at Wembley in 1974.

A series of different listening experiences have been specially created for this release: in addition to remastered CD’s called Discovery and the Immersion CD / DVD / Blu-ray / memorabilia box sets will be a series of Experience Editions – coupling one classic album with a further disc of related content from that album to offer a deeper listening experience.

Storm Thorgerson, the band's longtime Art Director, has overseen the visual design, including new booklets for all the CD’s, new artwork for the box sets and menus for the DVD content. Respected photographer Jill Furmanovsky, has edited books of original unseen photographs. Pink Floyd collaborators James Guthrie (in the US) and Andy Jackson (in the UK) have been in charge of digital remastering to the highest audio and audiovisual standards.

Pink Floyd film archivist Lana Topham has supervised the painstaking restoration of many historic films from Pink Floyd’s classic era, included in the “Immersion” box sets for The Dark Side Of The Moon and Wish You Were Here.

First to be available on September 26, 2011 is the expanded deluxe and special edition versions of Pink Floyd masterwork The Dark Side Of The Moon, in a 6-disc Immersion box set and Experience 2-disc versions, as well as a collectors’ vinyl LP and various digital formats. Plus 14 studio albums, digitally remastered will be available separately or as a box set.

Other initiatives will include a digital marketing plan utilising user-generated content to allow fans to make their own creative contributions to the band’s music, plus iPhone Apps which will give a unique insight into Pink Floyd’s recorded legacy.

On November 7, 2011, Phase 2 of the releases will include:

Wish You Were Here - Immersion 5-disc and 'Experience' 2-disc editions, both of which will include bonus material from the band’s 1974 Wembley dates, including a 20-minute tour de force live rendition of ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, as well as a unique recording of ‘Wish You Were Here’ featuring the legendary jazz violinist, Stephane Grappelli. A collectors’ vinyl LP will also be available, as will various digital formats.

Released simultaneously will be A Foot In The Door - The Best Of Pink Floyd, a collection of their most well known songs, contained on one album for the first time.

The long-awaited 5.1 version of Wish You Were Here, mixed by James Guthrie, will also be released in parallel via independent label Acoustic Sounds.

The Wall, which has sold 25-million double sets and has become a cultural and political touchstone over the last three decades, will be afforded the same exhaustive treatment on February 27, 2012, with deluxe packages including a 7-disc ‘Immersion’ set and a 3-disc ‘Experience’ edition. A collectors’ vinyl LP will also be available, as will various digital formats.

Pink Floyd’s official website, www.pinkfloyd.com, will be given a substantial relaunch. Pink Floyd’s Facebook page now has over 11 million followers.

September 26:
All 14 remastered studio albums Discovery editions
Box-set of all 14 albums with photo book
Audio downloads of Discovery albums and box-set
The Dark Side of The Moon – Immersion and Experience editions, vinyl LP and digital editions.

November 7:
A Foot In The Door -The Best of Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here – Immersion and Experience editions, vinyl LP and digital editions

February 27 2012:
The Wall – Immersion and Experience editions, vinyl LP and digital editions

In 1967 the band comprised of Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Nick Mason and Richard Wright. Barrett left in 1968, to be replaced by David Gilmour. Syd Barrett died in 2006; Richard Wright died in 2008. Pink Floyd have sold over 200 million records worldwide to date.

Behold....

2011-09-16T13:07:00.002-04:00

The greatest band on the planet.

Sigur Rós: Festival from Sigur Rós on Vimeo.

The Vivs - Cd release party at the Lizard Lounge!

2011-09-16T13:06:00.002-04:00

The Vivs - CD Release Party Info!

Boston rock band The Vivs will celebrate the release of their newest material, the Why So Dark? EP, playing with friends Bill Goffrier (Big Dipper) and Count Zero at The Lizard Lounge on Septemeber 17th. The EP will be released the same day and features four songs as a sampling of their newest material

Boston-based The Vivs features driving, Brit-influenced rock/power-pop with three-part harmonies and lyrics that are alternately funny and melancholic, but always richly evocative. Karen Harris (front woman), sings low. Terri Brosius, (keys) sings high and sweet. Pete Sutton (bass) sings gravelly right down the middle. The guitars are hazy, melodic, atonal, Richard Lloyd-ish. Influences are varied, from The Kinks, Scrawl, Fleetwood Mac, and trifecta of Smiths: Patti Smith, Elliot Smith, and The Smiths. They’ve elicited comparisons to Bettie Serveert, Yo La Tengo, Throwing Muses, Scrawl, and The Breeders, however they’re pretty hard to nut-shell.

Saturday, September 17th
Lizard Lounge
1667 Mass Ave
Cambridge MA 02138
Venue page - here.

Doors at 8:30
Bill Goffrier/Big Dipper: 9:00
The Vivs: 10:00
Count Zero: 11:00

Tickets $10. Available right here

The band on Facebook

Band page is here

The English Beat - Showcase Live, Foxboro, MA 9/9/2011

2011-09-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

The English Beat
Showcase Live, Foxboro MA
Thursday September 8, 2011

The English Beat are still at it, and seeming to have a fun time while doing it.

One could argue the band was popular in the early 80's, releasing records and touring to ravenous audiences and considering they disbanded by 1983 (I'd have been 13) the chance for me to see them live wouldn't occur until last night.

There are two touring versions of the band, this features guitarist/vocalist Dave Wakeling and no other original members that I am aware of.

Arriving at the club I was able to secure a very close spot, so close I could rest my beverage right underneath bassist Wayne Lothian's monitor. After a little bit of a wait, the band took the stage. Dave looked great, a little fuller perhaps, but still looked healthy and was in good spirits. He was chatty the entire night, hardly a song was not given a little back story. They opened with “Whine & Grine/Stand Down Margaret” and played a seemingly extended version of it. Once completed Dave talked about how it was about Margaret Thatcher (former Prime Minister of England) and she was the only one in the world that would not remember that she once was Prime Minister. They'd tackle a bunch of songs off their debut “I Just Can't Stop It” and that was fine with me, as it is one of my favorite records. “Rough Rider”, “Click Click”, “Hands off She's Mine”, “Twist and Crawl”, “Rankin Full Stop”, Can't Get Used to Losing You” were tight and spirited versions. They did the Smokey Robinson cover “Tears of a Clown” to a wonderful response and personal favorite “Best Friend” sounded pretty good, but I wanted that bit more fro the guitars on that great hook. Perhaps I was too close, but the horns, drums and keyboards all filled room wonderfully. Antonee First Class provided many backing vocals and would rap and skat song from time to time as well. Most seemed to be made up on the fly as he name checked the city, town, venue etc.

Yes, we got “Mirror in the Bathroom” at the end, was a great way to bring the night full circle.

They played for over 90 minutes and once done they took to the front of the stage to shake hands and wave thanks.

As fans headed to the lobby and the merchandise table each mutter was more positive than the last. At the start of the show Dave mentioned the room is/was one of the best sounding rooms they'd played. He is right, the venue does it right, great sight lines, wide open spaces, tables if you want to sit,bathrooms you are not scared to use. I hope the venue continues to book bands that I care for (plus the 20 minute ride to/from and free parking..aces!)

There were a few tired moms and dads at the bus stop Friday morning I'll bet.

I try not to have my phone out much, but here are a few shots (hence the lack of professionalism)

Dave pretty much played this guitar all night, he was animated and bounced around in front of his microphone.

This is just a shot I took while we waited for the band to come on stage. It was the lights on the stage that gave it the cool look.

Yep, we were that close.

Sleeping in the Aviary Album/Tour news.

2011-09-01T21:33:00.004-04:00

To celebrate the release of Sleeping in the Aviary's fourth album You and Me, Ghost, the band will be heading on tour across the U.S., bringing their brand new "fuzzed-out doo-wop" tracks that are "all about girls!" says front man Elliot Kozel. A hard-working band of the road, Sleeping in the Aviary has shared stages with Califone, Ra Ra Riot, The Thermals, The Von Bondies, Elf Power, and many others. On this tour Sleeping in the Aviary will be playing with a variety of acts along the way, occluding Paper Thick Walls in Chicago, The Dodos in Ann Arbor, and The Late Greats in Boston.

Originating as a trio based in Madison, Wisconsin, Sleeping in the Aviary has evolved into a Minneapolis quintet including Kozel (vocals, guitar), Phil Mahlstadt (bass), Michael Sienkowski (drums, backing vocals), Celeste Heule (accordion, keyboards, musical saw), and Kyle Sobczak (guitar). All the members have roots in southeastern Wisconsin, and have been playing music for a decade and more in a near-countless number of bands and one-off projects. Those varied experiences and experiments have resulted in the bouillabaisse of sounds offered in their discography – from the power chord-fueled pop-punk of Oh, This Old Thing? (2007), to the mostly acoustic indie-folk of Expensive Vomit in a Cheap Hotel (2008), to the soul-influenced pop of Great Vacation (2010). For You and Me, Ghost the band’s sound takes on the influence of an earlier era but still sounds undeniably like Sleeping in the Aviary.

“The ‘golden oldies’ from the ‘50s and ‘60s had a major conceptual influence on this particular album,” says Kozel. “The simple romantic themes and short and straightforward song structures were elements we attempted to steal from it.” And it wasn't difficult to focus on themes that dwell on affairs of the heart since the songwriting followed the end of a long-term relationship for Kozel, who says, "It's the old tried and true 'break-up album.'"

You and Me, Ghost, is set for release by Science of Sound Records on September 6, 2011

Big Tour!!
Sept 2 Schuba's (w/ Dastardly, Paper Thick Walls) Chicago, IL
Sept 3 Patti Mayonaisse(w/ Hunger Strike Riot, Dirty Rotten So and Sos) Appleton, WI
Sept 8 Triple Rock Social Club(w/ Night Moves, Brute Heart, Red Pens) Minneapolis, MN
Sept 9 Memorial Union/Rathskellar(w/ Nice Purse) Madison, WI
Sept 10 Frank's Power Plant (w/ Squidbotz, John Muther: Adventure Music) Milwaukee, WI
Sept 16 Coffman Memorial Union Campus Arts Festival (Free, at Noon) Minneapolis, MN
Sept 16 Basement (w/ Good Grief, Terminated Television) Steven's Point, WI
Sept 17 Double Door (w/ Archie Powell and the Exports, Bright Light Social Hour, Chaperone) Chicago, IL
Sept 18 Beauty Shop Fairield, IA
Sept 19 Division Avenue Arts Collective Grand Rapids, MI
Sept 20 The Blind Pig (w/ The Dodos) Ann Arbor, MI
Sept 21 Gourley House (House Show) Bloomington, IN
Sept 22 Melody Inn (w/ Amo Joy) Indianapolis, IN
Sept 23 Lager House (w/ Pink Lightning, Hand Grenades, Phantom Cats) Detroit, MI
Sept 24 Ottawa Tavern (w/ GOLD) Toledo, OH
Sept 25 South Park Tavern Dayton, OH
Sept 26 Boo Box Cleveland, OH
Sept 27 Thunderbird Café
(w/ Delicious Pastries, Josh Verbanets of Meeting of Important People) Pittsburgh, PA
Sept 28 The Station (w/ Your Children is Beautiful, Giant Mind) Philadelphia, PA
Sept 29 Bruar Falls (w/ Talkie Walkie, Genuine Imitations, Puppies, Fish Doctor) Brooklyn, NY
Sept 20 TBA Troy, NY
Oct 1 House Show Lowell, MA
Oct 2 Shea Stadium (w/ American Sun, The Marsh Hens, Mister Melt) Brooklyn, NY
Oct 4 The Middle East (w/ The Late Greats, Doctors Fox) Cambridge, MA
Oct 5 Velvet Lounge (w/ Paperhaus, The Wild Fruits) Washington, D.C.
Oct 6 Sprout (w/ Tungs) Richmond, VA
Oct 7 Yerducken House Raleigh, NC
Oct 8 Tin Roof Charleston, SC
Oct 9 Haunted House (w/ Can't Kids, Hauswerk) Columbia, SC
Oct 11 Elliott's Revue (w/ Company) Winston-Salem, NC
Oct 12 Sewarcide Mansion House Show (w/ Company) Charlotte, NC
Oct 13 TBA Athens, GA
Oct 14 The 529 (w/ Sealions, The Mad Flight) Atlanta, GA
Oct 15 Retrofit Records Tallahassee, FL
Oct 16 The Saint (w/ In Elevators) New Orleans, LA
Oct 17 Dalzell house Shreveport, LA
Oct 18 Super Happy Funland Little Rock, AR
Oct 19 Smoke and Barrel (w/ A+ Setup, Opium Den Pool Party) Fayetteville, AR
Oct 20 Super Happy Funland Houston Houston, TX
Oct 21 Hole in the Wall (w/ GASHCAT, Scan Hopper ) Austin, TX
Oct 22 The Ten Eleven San Antonio, TX
Oct 24 Soundpony Tulsa, OK
Oct 25 Kirby's Wichita, KA
Oct 26 Cold House Kansas City, MO
Oct 27 Clawfoot House Lincoln, NE
Oct 28 Hell's Kitchen (w/ Buffalo Moon) Minneapolis, MN
Oct 29 Hexagon (w/ Buffalo Moon, Toxic Shrews) Minneapolis, MN

Tons more info on the band's Official Site.
You can "Like" them on Facebook and even check em out on myspace.

Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps hits the road.

2011-09-01T21:20:00.003-04:00

With their sophomore release Little Wind on the horizon, Minneapolis’ Caroline Smith & the Good Night Sleeps is planning out dates across the U.S. for the Fall, beginning with a CD release show at First Avenue in Minneapolis on September 16th. The group are already warriors of the road, having completed seven national tours and constant circuit through the Midwest, and are excited to bring their newest tunes to the stage.

At their shows throughout the Fall, be prepared to be enchanted by Caroline Smith’s alto timbre, quivering through vibrato, classic, and controlled with the presence of Billie Holiday, Leslie Feist, and Joanna Newsom. She'll be backed by "the Good Night Sleeps" who, along with Smith, build on gentle folk instrumentation to greater nuances of musical arrangement and soundscape rooted in modern indie rock, all characterized by unforgettable and endearing pop melodies.

The band's newest LP, Little Wind, is set to be released on September 20th via United Interests. Little Wind was recorded at the Terrarium in Minneapolis with Jason Orris (Polara, Happy Apple, Haley Bonar) and was mixed by Tom Herbers (Low, Dark Dark Dark, Andrew Bird).

Caroline Smith - Calliope - NORTH SHORE SESSIONS from North Shore Sessions on Vimeo.

Sept 16 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN *
Sept 17 The Cave Northfield, MN
Sept 18 O'Leavers Omaha, NE
Sept 19 The Hangar Fort Collins, CO
Sept 20 Hi-Dive Denver, CO ^
Sept 22 Off Broadway St. Louis, MN
Sept 23 The Space for Ames Ames, IA
Sept 24 The Mill Iowa City, IA
Sept 25 Replay Lounge Lawrence, KA
Sept 26 Soundpony Tulsa, OK
Sept 27 White Water Tavern Little Rock, AR
Sept 28 Earth House Collective Indianapolis, IN
Sept 29 Schuba's Chicago, IL #
Sept 30 Club Girabaldi Milwaukee, WI #
Oct 1 The Terrace Madison, WI #
Oct 4 Woodlands Tavern Columbus, OH
Oct 10 The Middle East Boston, MA
Oct 11 The Rock Shop Brooklyn, NY
Oct 12 Cake Shop New York, NY
Oct 13 Union Pool Brooklyn, NY
Oct 21 AS220 Providence, RI

* w/ Dark Dark Dark, Dead Man Winter, and Daredevil Christoper Wright
^ w/ Ivan & Alyosha
# w/ Dead Man WInter

Up to the minute news and tour info on the band page right here.
Also, follow em on twitter and "like" them on Facebook

Jay Psaros returns to Boston

2011-09-01T21:08:00.002-04:00

Boston musical minstrel Jay Psaros will be performing a homecoming show at Boston’s House of Blues Foundation Room on September 9th. This show will celebrate his return after three months on the road across the United States and the release of his sophomore album On Up the Road. Psaros’ touring has taken him from Boston to Los Angeles, up to the Pacific Northwest, through Alaska and back. Throughout the tour, he performed over 35 shows and received praise along the way. Psaros’ show was noted as “staff picks” by both The Amarillo Globe in Texas and The Santa Fe Reporter in New Mexico. The Liberty Lake Splash in Spokane, Washington noted Jay’s strong recordings while reveling, “Seeing these musicians [Jay Psaros and his tour mate Olivia Brownlee] perform showed me what real artists they were.”

In Psaros’ short time as a professional musician, he has racked up accolades from numerous Boston-area publications for his sincere songwriting. About On Up the Road, Performer Magazine wrote, “This is a soothing and vital addition to one’s record collection.” The Patriot Ledger awed, “Troubadour Jay Psaros is literally a one man band” and called his debut album Tripping and Running one of the “Top Ten Albums of 2010.” His music spans a variety of genres, allowing his music to be featured at stations ranging from Pixy 103 (Cape Cod’s Rock) to WUMB 91.9 FM (Boston’s folk station). He was named an “Artist on the Verge” by 88.9 WERS and has performed regularly on the station’s famous “Live Music Week.” WATD 95.9 FM calls Jay “An amazing songwriter and articulate storyteller.”

In true troubadour fashion, Jay will be performing solo at the House of Blues foundation room, starting at 9 p.m.

All the info:
September 9th, 2011
Jay Psaros with Ingrid Gerdes, Chris Mann, and Sarah Blacker
The House of Blues Foundation Room
15 Lansdowne St.
Boston, MA 02215
(888) 693-2583

Tickets $10
Doors at 7pm
Show Starts at 9pm

Visit his site here and even more stuff on his myspace page.

Buckethead - Showcase Live - Foxboro MA, August 30, 2011

2011-08-31T15:50:00.002-04:00

Buckethead
Tuesday August 30, 2011
Showcase Live, Foxboro MA

Support – Wolff

Sort of always been curious about seeing Buckethead live. The guy has played in the jam band area, to Guns and Roses. His mask, long hair and trademark KFC bucket on his head all add to the fun, curiosity and what have you.

I landed the tickets for free the day of the show, but after seeing him I'd have paid, and will be willing to do so in the future. Free is good, but hey can't always be free right?

I arrived at the club around 8:40 and the opener is on. Its this dude called Wolff. I kid you not, its a solo dude playing the tuba. He is looping it through all these pedals and stuff. It was freaking really cool..like really cool. Can't be late the next chance I get to see him live.

Time passes and I realize that there is just a line of Amps up on the stage. No guitars but noticeably no drums. The crew gets together whatever needs to get ready and the large movie screen backdrop starts to play. It is some odd (and really horrible) looking monster movie. One of those, so bad its good creature double feature types. This would play for the duration of the show. It wasn't sidetracking and at times I thought/wondered if he was trying to play a soundtrack for it.

Buckethead arrives on stage with two large robot like hands. He gestures towards, and over the audience. He then removes the gloves and straps on his Les Paul. For the next solid 40 minutes he doesn't seem to even slow down. Opening with “Jordan” he set the tone quickly. The audience was eating it up. The backing track(s) all night packed a wallop. It was freaking LOUD in the club. His stuff was all sequenced well enough he hardly had to even step off the front of the stage to make adjustments.

He moved around the stage a fair amount. When he did stop he'd often do these robotic like movements. The combination of the mask, hair and bucket make for quite the sight.

Buckethead just wails. He opened with "Jordan" and basically tore the place down. The sequencers and all that were his "backing" band. He moved around a lot, and does this cool robot stance when he plays from time to time.

After a bit he takes a break from the guitar and does this 2-3 minute Nunchuck demo. He is pretty good at whipping those things around. The beat is heavy and he gets to the center of the stage and just goes crazy. He ends that and grabs a bag of toys and starts handing them out. The audience down front seems to be his attention as only one toy appears to be “thrown” and even that is not tossed very far.

Once done playing Santa he picks up the bass and plays that for about10 minutes or so, then goes back to the guitar. Yes, he is pretty darn crazy on the bass two.

He has two buttons on his guitar that make it sound really choppy. It is called a “kill-switch” and it cuts the sound of based of him pressing the button. He is so comfortable and accomplished with what it can do he offers the guitar to fans to press from time to time.

He did tease a few songs, including the Star Wars theme and Imperial Death March. Also was a tease of an Anthrax song. I didn't notice it, but a few people around me said it was an Anthrax tune.

Toward the end of the show he seemed to be having a tech issue. It ended up being his wireless, so he switched to wired and wrapped up the show. He didn't wave, didn't say thanks of course and it was just sorta "over".

All in all, Pretty freaking cool. The one little thing I'd like to see/hear from him is a little cleaner solos. Its run through so many effects and distorted/delayed etc it can make anyone sound good, but the dudes hands are MASSIVE and he plays about as fast as anyone I've ever seen live.

If anyone has the full set, please post in the comments.

Made it through the storm...

2011-08-31T13:30:00.003-04:00

Made it through the storm here on the East Coast intact. Got a few things coming up..stick around okay?

Its time for a good touring festival...

2011-08-23T13:05:00.001-04:00

Why can't Lollapalooza being a touring festival anymore? For a few years it was the show of the year for me. I'd arrive early, stay late, and soak in “just” the right amount of bands to make the day (always hot and sweaty) well worth it. Then I'd go home. I bought food, I bought band merch I left with a glowing review.

They were done well, not a ton of bands and just the right mix. Didn't like a band on one stage, you'd check the second stage, didn't like that you'd check a vendor booth, done with that? Grab a bite to eat.

I miss that. The shows would start early, bands playing in daylight hours (Nine Inch Nails at like 12 noon anyone?).

There needs to be a mid sized touring festival for Alternative/Indie Rock. I know the Vans warped tour is still at it, but they pack 30+ bands on that bill. I know its still successful due to moderate ticket prices, but I think it would do even better if there was 15 bands tops and you alternated between two stages vs 3 or 4. What the heck do I know though?

There are some metal festivals, but barring Ozzfest I've never been to one. When I did go to Ozzfest that was done right as well. Two Stages with MAYBE a 5 minute lay over. So Motorhead is on their last song on one stage and Megadeath is warming up their PA music on the other, if you move it, you'd be in your seat/area by first song.

I've never been to a big weekend Festival. Sure stuff sounds neat, on paper, from the comfort of my home. Give people a days worth of music then send them home. Once you toss in camping I always just hear “rain”. Bonaroo looks and sounds cool as do many others.

I'd take a day off work for a day long festival. I don't even need to like/love all of the bands. I like the atmosphere and there is no way you are going to appeal to everyone. I have the most experience with Lollapalooza. You'd have 2-3 “upcoming” a long time indie buzz band, a rap act, maybe a heavier band, maybe funk, then your current 1-2 punch headliner. A wish list is easy, getting it to come together is something that needs to happen.

Beer Fest..out doors in summer???! Yes.

2011-08-05T09:55:00.002-04:00

Indian Ranch is on Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg in Webster less than an hour from Boston.

Fourth Annual Summer Brewfest at Indian Ranch August 27
Lakeside festival features craft brewers from New England and beyond, music, food and games

Indian Ranch is known for offering music lovers a chance to see some of the nation’s greatest country, classic rock and pop bands in an intimate setting steps away from the sandy shore of Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg. However, on one day each summer, music takes a back seat to beer, as Indian Ranch hosts its annual Summer Brewfest. This classic event provides beer aficionados and novices alike the opportunity to come together and sample more than twenty-five different craft beers while enjoying delicious food, listening to live music, and engaging in plenty of fun and games. This year, The Fourth Annual Summer Brewfest takes place at Indian Ranch on Saturday, August 27 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Participants at Brewfest will have the opportunity to sample local, regional and international micro-brews, craft beers and malt beverages. Attendees are sure to recognize Sam Adams, Harpoon, Narragansett, Sierra Nevada, Guinness and Red Hook Brewery. These breweries will be joined by local craft beer brewers including Worcester’s own Wormtown Brewery, Blue Hills Brewery, Wachusett Brewery, 50 Back American Lager, Ipswich Ale, Clown Shoes Beers, Paper City Brewery , Watch City Brewing Company and Sherwood Forest.

Other New England brewers taking part in the festival include Vermont brewers Magic Hat and Long Trail Ale, Maine brewers Peak Organic and Geary Brewing, Woodstock Inn from New Hampshire and Olde Burnside from Connecticut. National brewers taking part in Summer Brewfest include Widmer Brothers from Oregon, Kona Brewing Company from Hawaii, and Goose Island from Illinois. International brews include Estrella from Spain and Innis & Gunn from Scotland. In addition, Malt Beverages Woodchuck Cider, Jeremiah Weed and Mike’s Hard Lemonade also will be available at the festival.

However, the Summer Brewfest is more than just beer. From paddle boat rides to pole-ish horseshoes, fun and games will be in full swing on the beach at Indian Ranch. The Racky Thomas Band, known for their traditional Chicago blues, acoustic country blues, and gospel sounds, will perform throughout the afternoon.

And what is a Brewfest without food? BT’s Smokehouse in Sturbridge, voted one of the Top Ten BBQ Joints in New England by the Boston Globe, will be dishing up Southern BBQ. In addition, perennial favorite Tiny Tim’s Café and Catering will be serving food pulled pork and other grilled items and the Uxbridge First Night Committee will be selling Del's Lemonade and Loaded Baked Potatoes.

Summer Brewfest takes place Saturday, August 27 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Less than an hour's drive from Boston, Providence and Springfield, Indian Ranch is located at 200 Gore Road in Webster, MA. Tickets are $20 prior to before August 13, and $25 thereafter. Tickets for Summer Brewfest and all concerts at Indian Ranch are available at the Indian Ranch Box Office during regular box office hours, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or call 1-800-745-3000. A service charge will be added to the price of each ticket. Summer Brewfest and all concerts at Indian Ranch are rain or shine.

Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or call 1-800-745-3000. The Indian Ranch box office will be open for on sales, please call 508-943-3871 or go to www.indianranch.com for updated hours. A service charge will be added to the price of each ticket. All events are rain or shine. No refunds.

No..who have YOU seen in concert?

2011-08-04T16:14:00.001-04:00

Being in to music as much as I am I like to talk with fans of all ages an hear about their concert experiences. I may or may not like a band, but its always neat to hear about peoples "big" shows, or the shows that get you to react "Oh wow..you saw ______".

So it got me to thinking. I am not sure I know anyone that saw Led Zeppelin live. Even the re-hashes of the band every few years. What I am talking about is the full on 1970's version. Same with the Doors and Jimi Hendrix..but I do know someone that went to Woodstock in 1969 and did see Jimi play. This dude I believe to have went too, vs others that may have claimed to have been there. I had a customer at work that saw Bob Marley and the Wailers..but don't know of anyone else. Other "icons" (again all subjective) Janis Joplin (no) but Frank Zappa (yes).

My wife saw "The Who" but not with Keith Moon. (I saw them as well before John passed away). My cousin saw The Clash. My oldest brother Marvin Gaye, the Clash and the Talking Heads for example.

Age plays in this I understand. Some bands disbanded in the 80's..while others, well they didn't make it out of the 70s (as a band..or alive) so that factors in to it.

I don't know anyone that saw AC/DC with Bon Scott. The Grateful Dead with Pigpen is another one that as eluded me.

Not sure where I am going with this, just felt like babbling I guess.

Check..check 1, 2

Your band playing Life is Good Fest??!

2011-07-25T13:46:00.003-04:00

Life is good Teams with Sonicbids to Fill Final Performance Slot at 2011 Life is good Festival
Two-Day Fundraising Festival Hopes to Raise $1 Million for Kids Facing Life-Threatening Challenges

Ever wanted to play in front of a crowd of more than 15,000 people? Is the thought of playing on the same bill as Ray LaMontagne, The Avett Brothers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Levon Helm and others a dream come true? Does your music spread the power of optimism? If so, Life is good is looking for you to perform at the 2011 Life is good Festival.

Life is good has teamed up with Sonicbids to select one final band to perform at its festival on September 24, 2011 in Canton, MA. There is only one slot available and the Life is good Festival team wants to find the best band in America for this opportunity. To be selected, the band must have an incredible live show, great songs and most importantly, an optimistic vibe.

The 2011 Life is good Festival is a multi-faceted fundraiser combining world-class headliners and nationally known musical talent on three stages, including several of today’s most popular children’s performers. This one-of-a-kind festival aims to raise $1 million to benefit the Life is good Playmakers, the action arm of The Life is good Kids Foundation.

The 2011 Life is good Festival takes place on September 24 and 25, 2011. The festival will feature national headlining artists Ray LaMontagne, The Avett Brothers, Michael Franti and Spearhead, The Levon Helm Band, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Brandi Carlile, Martin Sexton, Raphael Saadiq, Ingrid Michaelson and The Hold Steady as well as The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Maceo Parker, Tristan Prettyman, The Ryan Montbleau Band, Zee Avi, Dwight and Nicole, and Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents. Kindie rock superstars Imagination Movers and The Laurie Berkner Band will headline the Good Kids Stage alongside special kids performances from Keller Williams and local favorite Ben Rudnick and Friends. The full talent line-up and complete festival information can be found at www.lifeisgood.com/festivals.

Sonicbids is a web-based company that helps bands from around the world discover and book gigs. To submit a band for consideration, go to http://sonicbids.com/lifeisgood. There is a $10.00 submission fee for bands to be considered and 100% of Life is good’s proceeds from the Festival will be donated to the Life is good Playmakers. Applications will be accepted through August 15, 2011.

The winning submission will perform at the Festival on Saturday, September 24, 2011. In addition, the band will receive a brand new Martin acoustic guitar and a $500 gift card at http://www.lifeisgood.com/.

There is a $10.00 submission fee for bands to be considered and 100% of Life is good’s proceeds from the Festival will be donated to the Life is good Playmakers. Applications will be accepted through August 15, 2011.

The two-day music and fundraising festival is hosted by Life is good, a Boston-based company that spreads the power of optimism through its colorful collection of apparel and accessories and through its social mission to help kids overcome life-threatening challenges. The annual event will make its return to historic and picturesque Prowse Farm at the foot of the Blue Hills, just minutes from Boston. Once again, Life is good has partnered with Superfly Presents, nationally-recognized producers of the iconic Bonnaroo and Outside Lands festivals to assure a first-class festival experience for all ages.

Tickets for the 2011 Life is good Festival are on sale at http://www.lifeisgood.com/. Adult single-day tickets are $65, and $120 two-day tickets are also available. Tickets for children ages 2-12 are available for $20 for a single day ticket and $35 for a two-day ticket. Children under 2 are admitted free of charge.

Since 2003, Life is good has raised over $6.5 million for kids in need. The Life is good Kids Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to helping children overcome life-threatening challenges such as violence, illness and extreme poverty. Its Playmakers initiative provides innovative training and support to the frontline child care professionals dedicated to helping these children so that all involved lead healthier, more joyful lives. To date, the Life is good Playmakers have trained more than 2,500 Playmakers across the country who have provided joyful, healing play to over 130,000 kids.

For more information on The Life is good Company, the Life is good Kids Foundation and the Life is good Festival, please visit http://www.lifeisgood.com/.

About The Life is good Kids Foundation
The Life is good Kids Foundation is an accredited 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to help children overcome life-threatening challenges, including violence, illness and extreme poverty. Through its action arm, Life is good Playmakers, it provides training and support to the adults dedicated to caring for these children so that all involved lead healthier, more joyful lives. More than $6.5 million has been raised to date for children in need, principally through Life is good Festivals and the 100% of profits that The Life is good Company donates to the Foundation from nationwide sales of select products. For more information, visit http://www.ligplaymakers.org/.

About Sonicbids
Sonicbids is the website the helps bands get gigs and promoters book the right bands. Our community includes more than 245,000 bands and 21,000 promoters and licensors from all around the world. With festivals, clubs, colleges, music licensing and much more, Sonicbids offers a diverse range of gigs for every kind of musician. In fact, last year alone, more than 71,000 gigs were booked on the site. The company was founded in 2001 by Panos Panay and continues to focus on its core mission of empowering the artistic middle class. Get a gig or book a band at http://www.sonicbids.com/.

Good Luck!!

Paul Dempsey live in Boston!

2011-07-25T13:36:00.002-04:00

Early heads up Boston area music fans:

Aussie singer-songwriter Paul Dempsey lands at the Brighton Music Hall on August 18th.
Paul just released his US solo debut Everything Is True The album received iTunes Australia Album of the Year honors and 4/5 stars from Rolling Stone Australia. Paul is also known for his work as frontman of the wildly popular Aussie rock band Something For Kate.

Tons of info on his site which is right here

Neflix subscribers....you are not going anywhere..

2011-07-14T12:25:00.001-04:00

Within the last week Netflix, the DVD by mail (and streaming) company announced they were making some changes to their services. It seems their most popular (from what I can tell) version of the services is “one at a time with unlimited streaming”. What that means is you get a physical DVD of lets say Mad Men Season 1. You watch it, you return it, you get DVD2 of that series, or whatever is next on your list. The streaming portion allows you to stream their available library to your phone, iPad, Playstation or whatever other device you have. It sounds like it was one set price for that service.

Well Netflix got sorta smart....lets charge you for the DVD as well as the Stream. The big issue is that customers that have that option had their price go up “double”.

I've had Neflix since February of 2004 and I love it. I really do. When I hear people don't have it I get really confused. I do. They'd pledge allegiance to Blockbuster on line, or another service that was now defunct. Now days they say Redbox is the way to go. Even for a buck I can't see the perk in this. You still need to go somewhere, get it, and bring it back. Granted they are getting to be more common than a Starbucks but I still think you are held hostage to that pick up/drop off you had with the old video stores.

What I find funny is how people are bent out of shape. “I am quitting, dropping my Netflix account” they yell. These are the same people that are moving to Canada if a certain person is elected President.

Cut the shit.

Seriously.

Look, Netflix has its flaws. It is never perfect for everyone. I've never had a broken DVD, I've had only one “damaged” dvd that was replaced in what seemed like 12 hrs. The library is massive, I can't even tell you the last thing I looked for that they didn't have.

Streaming is still “new” to them. The big issue that most have is that a new release is not there. So you are stuck paying for a “DVD” service if you want to see the latest movie(s). That is okay though right? What is wrong with popping in a DVD. You put in a cd now and then in your car when the iPod dies. You might even put the needle on a record in your home. Its okay people..really..its a movie..its supposed to be fun.

Looking at it, Netflix could have awarded its long term members some perk but what? The biggest issue I've seen above all has to do with streaming. Until a relationship can be worked out with the movie studios I think we are stuck. Netflix already delays new releases from some studios for 30 days to allow for “in store sales”. Again, if you LOVE “Entourage” that much you either have HBO, or you are going to buy the DVD..or you wait...and you know..waiting is okay. You've had to wait when a DVD you wanted was on a “wait”. Waiting is part of life. Rent a classic, or a documentary, let the dust settle and you'll be through the 5 DVD series of True Blood in about a week.

The one big perk, where Netflix and the Studios could make $$ is with a premium stream service. New releases for X number of dollars a month. There are people that would pay 10 bucks or more for this service. A first run movies is what 10$ at the very least. If Netflix and the studios could come up with a way..even if they limited your “First run stream” to 4 per month people would bite, you'd cut down on your mailing costs, eliminate the need to purchase a huge inventory etc. It works for the consumer, but the studios would lose a truck load of money.

In reading my own “plan” (3 at a time, unlimited with bluray and streaming) there is a few things I could cut back on. Drop blu ray (lets face it..as nice as it looks and sounds about 90% of what I rent is just fine on standard DVD) and drop it down to 2 at a time..I'll save close to 10 bucks.

Maybe we all just need to read our terms and bill a little closer.

Enjoy Netflix...I know I will.

Still Alive..

2011-07-11T13:44:00.001-04:00

Still alive here, just not a ton of exciting stuff to report. I'll have something shortly I am sure.

Taylor Swift at Gillette Stadium - June 25, 2011

2011-06-27T12:49:00.001-04:00

Yeah..deal with it..

Well I've never backed away from a show review when given the chance so I can't do it this time.

Yes, Saturday night I took my 12 year old to see Taylor Swift at Gillette Stadium. You read that right..a football stadium. A year ago she had played the same stadium and sold it out in less than 20 minutes. This tour she has some stadiums mixed in and Foxboro found two sold out shows. The first was Saturday.

Lucked out a few weeks ago with a ticket from ticketmaster. They had been “sold out” since December when both shows sold out in under 30 minutes. We had close seats on the side, but a little “too close” in that once you got beyond a certain point the rest of the stage you couldn't see. For example, if she had a live drummer, which she did, we couldn't see even the drum riser.

We arrived earlier than both of us would have liked, but you never know what a stadium crowd is going to bring. We got something to eat and waited for an hour or so for the first “act” to perform. I thought only one band was going to support but they rolled out two country singers. Clad with just acoustic guitars and two other guys James Wesley and Randy Montana both played very short sets, I'd say both were under 20 minutes in length. Need to Breathe played a 30 minute more rocking set before the headliner. None of them did a lot for me, but I am not really a fan of the genre.

Finally at about 9pm the stadium lights went down and the screams began. Earplugs are key here folks.

Taylor worked the stage very well. She was out on the catwalk in the crowd early, and often so I do give her credit there. At the end of the first song she stood there, with arms open sort of soaking it all in. At first it seemed popus, but then you could see she was genuinely moved by the ovation. She'd choke up a few times during the night due to the response. Genuine or not, it was refreshing to see her being so appreciative.

I don't think the set list varies all that much due to the technical aspects of her show. Based off the audience reaction she hit the money songs, and a few choice new and older tracks. The band was pretty strong, but Taylor of course if the focus. She played guitar, banjo, piano and ukelele and had a competent band and army of dancers and props to keep things interesting.

Later in the set she made her way via a walk down the side of the floor seats to a “tree' set up behind the main mixing board. The tree had a rotating base and she did three songs out that far. At the start of the second it began to rain. She was a trooper and kept going. Then it rained more...and she decided to move off the little stage and head back to the main stage. By the time she made her way to the stage it had started to rain harder. When she returned to the main stage she did one more song and then it REALLY opened up.

The rain was heavy and didn't let up. People were with her though. Taylor decided to embrace the fact she was going to get wet..and she dealt with it. She did a least two songs in the middle of the cat walk and didn't shy away from being wet. She was careful to not lose footing but I never saw her run towards the stage for cover or even a towel. Fireworks boomed and the band all came out to get wet for a curtain call. (The drummer slipped and fell coming out to the line up)

At that point my daughter and I headed up to the back of our section for cover. We bought ponchos and did what we could to hang on to the bitter end. I let her decide and she said she had enough after 1-2 more songs. We had long walk to the car, it was late and we were very wet.

As the jaded 40 something indie hipster I like to portray myself as you put all that stuff aside and just live vicariously through your kid(s) at a show like this. Its nice to be excited for something and then be rewarded when its given back. Taylor might not be for everyone but I didn't feel ripped off at all.

Some other non review type observations:

Creepy part of the show? The 18-23 year old male fans I saw with hand/home made T.Swift t-shirt. Not sure if they are there to meet girls or were just fans. Some of them were in groups as well, 3-4 of them, Beers in hand, Taylor Swift in glue pen on their shirts.

-Cowboy hats. Suddenly everyone wants to be a cowboy/girl
-Glow sticks – man if I had a dime for every one sold.
-Kudos for the management team for reasonable t-shirts. These kids all want sort of keepsake and I think $25.00 for a t-shirt is very fair.

This explains a lot...

2011-06-22T15:35:00.001-04:00

On the cafeteria menu in one of the buildings here at "Innitech" (spot the typo)

Specials
Deli- Roast Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Mayo, Mescaline and Tomatoes.

Boston Bruins WIN!

2011-06-16T12:32:00.001-04:00

Wow.

Just Wow...they did it.

The Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup last night.

39 years coming and the Bruins did it.

I sat on the couch for over an hour after the game, just watching post game coverage, and the local news and sports networks just trying to drink it in.

It still hasn't sunk in....when will it?

Excited and happy and just...wow. Finally.

Thanks Bruins for a great and fun year.

Butterflies..panic..happiness and sadness..scared too..

2011-06-15T16:57:00.001-04:00

I sit here a few hours before face off.

I know, most people don't care about Hockey, but I do.

It is “My” sport. I am sure others could be considered more a “super fan” than I. I've remained as loyal as possible, always rooting, always hoping for the best....heck I even support the minor league team.

Sitting here a few hours before a game 7 is difficult. I want them to win...badly. For selfish reasons, for any reason at all you can figure. Just win. Please??!

I've had fun watching facebook chums, and co-workers that don't, or didn't care months ago suddenly falling in love, well at least lust, with a sport I like so much.

We have been fortunate in New England the last few years with the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox all winning the big one. Some will say “spoiled” and that is fair too. Heck most teenagers these days have no idea of the “dark days” us old folks have had to endure. The Red Sox went 80+ years for goodness sake. I can understand the thrill to long time fans and I was on my couch hoping for the playoff win(s) like countless others.

This is different though....

I care.

Far too much.

I am not a face painter or shirt popper or finger #1 wagger.

I just want to feel it has been worth it

Win or lose it has been a great, fun ride and I am sad the season comes to an end but the playoffs have been long and guys are getting hurt so its time to “reel it in” and close it down for a few months.

For the fans young and old I am hopeful and hope to celebrate something that has been a long time coming.

Lets go Bruins clap clap, clap clap clap

For da heck of it...

2011-06-08T13:55:00.002-04:00

Two days of hot weather and then we will be in the 60's this weekend? Odd.

Phish last night was pretty good.

Hanging at home listening to the new Fucked Up cd (which I really like so far) and the new Battles cd is next.

Word..

Oh yeah..Go Bruins!

Yet Another list...

2011-05-27T09:42:00.001-04:00

This weeks list was "Performers I'd bring back to life". We decided to omit classical composers just to make things less pretentious. As always the list is not in order, but the top few I think really are in order.

1. Miles Davis
2. Joe Strummer
3. Johnny Cash
4. Kurt Cobain
5. John Lennon
6. George Harrison
7. Jerry Garcia
8. Jaco Pastorius
9. Marvin Gaye
10. Freddie Mercury
11. Frank Zappa
12. Jimi Hendrix
13. Bob Marley
14. Jeff Buckley
15. Ian Curtis
16. Stevie Ray Vaughn
17. Michaekl Hutchence

Boston - Earth Fest this weekend!

2011-05-20T09:46:00.002-04:00

18th Annual Radio 92.9 EarthFest returns Saturday, May 21, 2011
LIVE’s Ed Kowalczyk, OK Go to Headline Celebration of the Earth

The 18th Annual Radio 92.9 EarthFest will return to DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston on May 21st, 2011 with a line-up that includes LIVE’s Ed Kowalczyk, OK Go, Sponge and Atomic Tom. Presented by Whole Foods Market, the free festival is a celebration for the Earth, showcasing national and local music acts, environmentally friendly products and local non-profit environmental organizations. Performances on the main stage will begin at 11:30 a.m.

The Radio 92.9 EarthFest will also feature Kids’ Planet – an interactive family area. Kids’ Planet will feature performances from Dan Zanes, Sarah Wheeler & Little Groove, RhymeZweLL, Vanessa Trien & the Jumping Monkeys and student performers from Zumix. Performances at Kid’s Planet begin at 10 am.

More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which will feature environmental activities, educational displaces, exhibits and more, designed to raise awareness information about different environmental issues facing the planet. Casella Waste Systems will manage a comprehensive recycling program onsite and Mass Bike will be onsite staffing a free bike-valet program, offering concertgoers an alternative to driving to the festival.

Main Stage Performance Schedule
11:30 a.m. – From the Ground Up
12:00 noon – Atomic Tom
1:15 p.m. – Sponge
2:30 p.m. – OK Go
3:45 p.m. – Ed Kowalczyk

Kids Planet Performance Schedule
10:15 a.m. – Zumix
11:15 a.m. – RhymeZweLL
12:15 p.m. – Sarah Wheeler & Little Groove
1:30 p.m. – Vanessa Trien
3:00 p.m. – Dan Zanes

The 18th Annual Radio 92.9 EarthFest is accessible by MBTA. Concertgoers can take the Green Line to Arlington Street or take the Red Line to Charles Street / MGH. For more information about the 18th Annual Radio 92.9 EarthFest, listen to Radio 92.9 FM or visit www.earthfest.com.

See you at the show!

Another List...Favorite Female Singers

2011-05-20T09:41:00.001-04:00

Favorite Female Singers/Vocalists. They need NOT be the “lead singer” but carry on some/most vocal duties.

Again..no order.

Annie Lennox
Beth Orton
Skin (Skunk Anansie)
Mama Cass Elliot
Aretha Franklin
Sharon Jones
Fiona Apple
Sinead O'Connor
Chrissy Hynde
Elizabeth Fraser – Cocteau Twins
Courtney Love
Beth Gibbons – Portishead
Hope Sandoval
Debbie Harry
Kim Deal
Adele
Amy Winehouse
Lisa Gerrard – Dead Can Dance

The next list we are doing is "Performers we'd bring back to life".

Hey Rosettta! set to play Great Scott in Boston May 25th

2011-05-18T09:43:00.004-04:00

Heads up Boston area music lovers. The Canadian Orchestral Indie Rockers Hey Rosetta! are doing a short US tour and they hit Great Scott on Wednesday May 25th.

I fell in love witht he bands latest cd "Seeds" when I did a review over on Visible Voice. Thrilled I get the chance to see them in what is sure to be the smallest venue in the area they will ever play again.

Check out the Great Scott web site for all your ticket neeeds. Doors are at 9 and Hey Rosetta! is due on around 11. Tickets are just $10 and the show is 18+.

Even more information on the band can be found on their Official Page

They are on Twitter (@heyrosetta) as well as Facebook.

See you at the show!!!

Manchester Orchestra - Lupos Providence May 13, 2011

2011-05-18T09:30:00.003-04:00

Manchester Orchestra
Lupos Heartbreak Hotel, Providence RI
Friday, May 13, 2011

“This is not the Vans Warped Tour” singer Andy Hull called from the stage early in to Manchester Orchestras fourteen song set. Over zealous fans towards the front decided pogo dancing needed to roll in to a little more of a “mosh pit” during “Shake it Out”. Hull didn't stop the show, but made his point clear and the audience were then treated to a powerful set of music pulling from each of the bands three full length records.

The five piece made seemingly quick work of the songs, keeping banter to a minimum they kept their focus on the perfect and strong delivery of the songs. Keyboard and percussionist Christopher Freeman who was off to Hulls left would rotate through his instruments of keyboard, tambourine to floor tom with animated and spastic freak outs. Freeman and guitarist Robert McDowell would sing the harmonies and choruses when needed. Bassist Jonathan Corley held the stead bottom and was just as animated as the rest.

The Lupos crowd, smaller than expected, was ravenous and did what they could to give everything back to the band. Hull seemed a little distracted, or frustrated the theater didn't have anyone in the balcony. He shouted “how is everyone in the balcony??..oh yeah we didn't sell enough tickets”. Self depreciating humor perhaps but the band had the audience in the palm of their hand. The audience would clap, jump and sing along. “My Friend Marcus” was a giant sing along with fist pumps and accents on the downbeats.

Hull kept his humor. At one point some audience members close to the stage were clapping along and Hull looked at them (when the audience was not joining in) and said “well that is not going so well, so you can stop”.

The set seemed to end suddenly though. Hull had noted a few minutes before he was not going to do the song “I've Got Friends”. Instead the band jammed a few minutes and everyone left the stage for Hull and Freeman, who both then walked off. The band did not return and the lights came up.

Even with the odd ending the band is well worth your time to check out. The rhythm section is very tight, Freeman is a blast to watch and Hull has a powerful and soaring vocal ability. This band is well worth your time. Catch them live now before the truth of their excellent live shows hit the masses.

* I did this same review for Visible Voice but that looks glossier with some sample tunes and an awesome YouTube clip. Hope you click around, "like",comment etc. Thanks for reading..really!!

List #1 : Favorite Soundtracks

2011-05-12T13:32:00.000-04:00

Okay..here is my first list. My "Favorite" Soundtracks. I am sure I'll think of something as soon as I hit submit...but here goes: (no specific order)

Rattle and Hum
Singles
Friday Night Lights
Boogie Nights Vol 1
Purple Rain
Star Wars
A Clockwork Orange
Repo Man
This is Spinal Tap
Stand By Me
Quiz Show
Romeo Is Bleeding
Sid and Nancy
The Wall * you can call bunk.
Garden State
The Big Chill

We love our lists....

2011-05-11T16:13:00.000-04:00

I stumbled upon a sorta music dorky book a few months ago. It simply is/was called
"Music Listography...Your Life in Play List". You can read more about the whole project over at Listography.com (I bought mine at Urban Outfitters I think) and got my buddy Dim one from amazon for a holiday gift.

We are both dorks..and music dorks too so I thought it would be fun if each of us picked a subject from the book and we'd have to write our thoughts and commit to them in the book. So we started last week, with our first "update" due this week.

This weeks list is "Favorite Soundtracks". We have made little rules like you can have no more listed than lines on the page (20) and if there is a part 1 and 2 to a soundtrack they need to be counted on their own, they can not be listed as one item. Dim is upset because he has Grease 1 and 2 and he is stuck...anyway..to add a little more content here I'll post my lists..and perhaps dim will do the same.

The book has various topics like "Best Duets" to "Best Instrumentals" (sorta hard when you like Post Rock) as well as stuff like best guitar, bass, drummer and covers "make out songs", "Songs for your funeral".

Should be a good time. Hope you'll stop over.

The big news...

2011-05-05T11:07:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I am a day later than expected.

I am happy to let my few readers here know that I am now going to be doing some writing over at VisibleVoice. This is a web site I came upon recently and decided to reach out to see if they were looking for any help.

Not 100% sure what I will be doing but I have already done a review. It is currently on the main page and it is a cd review for a band called Hey Rosetta!. It was fun to do, and I really did like the cd very much.

Hoping I'll be able to do more for sure. Rumblings of live show reviews and maybe even hosting shows I record. Baby steps, but so far I am pleased.

Hope you'll check it out, book mark, comment, "like" on facebook..whatever.

Thanks for taking a moment to read.

-March

On the edge of your seat I bet.....

2011-05-03T12:02:00.001-04:00

I hope to have some fun news to share tomorrow. Just need it to *happen*. Its not THAT big a deal, but fun news.

Stream the New Beastie Boys..

2011-04-26T12:20:00.002-04:00

The cd is out May 3rd..but get in to it early! Stream it Right Here

Just a note, this is the "explicit" version.

All the pre-order information/packs you'd ever need can be found
here.

Hey...check it out...

2011-04-25T16:26:00.003-04:00

My 12 year old daughter is blogging a page under my "name". If you are curious what 12 year olds are up to, and what is important to them. I still control the content and comments..but wanted to let cha know.

She has been working on some cool stop motion films w/her dolls. Sorta impressive.

http://meggielizzie99.blogspot.com/

New Stuff from Tigers that Talked

2011-04-20T09:17:00.002-04:00

'Holy Saturday, Gloomy Sunday' is three songs in one, moving from an uptempo, handclap-laden pop song into a waltzing lament, and from there into a furiously fast, thunderous finish.

A free download of the track can be found right here

Help? any ideas?

2011-04-05T13:14:00.003-04:00

Any bloggers have any ideas?

I usually edit my text under the "html" tab. I've noticed since I got windows 7 if I try to type paragraphs it still pushes it all together. It looks good here as I type, but once I publish it is all put together..any ideas?

Thanks

***update***
I think it has to do with me typing my posts elsewhere then cutting and pasting here. Sorta a hassle for the other blog I do...ahh well I'll manage for the 2-3 readers.

Death Cab For Cutie - Live, scripted one take music video shoot

2011-04-04T17:28:00.005-04:00

Death Cab for Cutie is filming and broadcasting the FIRST EVER live, scripted one-take music video shoot. This will happen Tuesday 4/5 at 7pm ET!! (That is tomorrow folks!) Long known for their ingenious and imaginative videos, Atlantic recording group Death Cab for Cutie are poised to make history with the companion clip for their hugely anticipated new single, "You Are A Tourist." Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tim Nackashi (TV On The Radio, OK Go, Elvis Costello, Radiohead), and conceptualized by frequent collaborator Aaron Stewart-Ahn, "You Are A Tourist" will be the first-ever live, scripted, single-take music video to be broadcast as it is filmed. Presented by Atlantic Records, Bing and RedLaser, viewers are invited to watch the production unfold before their eyes, Tuesday, April 5th at 7pm EST/4pm PST. Everything you need regarding the video shoot can be found here. For all the Death Cab news/tour etc. See their website.

Abbe May - Design Desire Cool stuff from "down under"

2011-04-01T17:22:00.004-04:00

Cool Artist Alert! With a growing reputation as an intense and exciting live performer, Abbe May has created her own moody, guitar driven sound over the last four years. Displaying an exciting ability that has come together in stunning style, Abbe May has spent the past two years writing and recording her forthcoming album "Design Desire". Attracting comparisons to everyone from Portishead to Patti Smith, the music Abbe creates provides a unique soundscape of crunching guitars with a seductively haunting vocal. Her album "Design Desire" is due for release mid-year and is already one of the most anticipated releases amongst genre-bending tastemakers. The first single "Mammalian Locomotion" grabbed the attention of Australian and international media including Triple J, Spinner.com, KCRW (LA) and Rolling Stone. The second single (and the album's namesake) "Design Desire" adds the next chapter. The single is an electrical surge of scaling guitar riffs, coupled with Abbe's multi layered, softly seductive vocals, "Design Desire" is brimming with sexual energy and attitude. The video clip, directed by UK based Zena Loxton and filmed in a dried lake near Gin Gin in Western Australia, perfectly captures the duality that is Abbe May and provides yet another glimpse of the artist that will be revealed with the full "Design Desire" release later in 2011. Check out her video right here. The intro alone is great, you should be hooked right away! Official site is here as well as myspace

Imaginary Cities to open for the Pixies on North American Tour

2011-04-01T17:11:00.003-04:00

Canadian indie-soul-pop group Imaginary Cities have just been confirmed as support on the entire North American tour for legendary, alt-rock muses, the Pixies. The twenty-one date “Doolittle Tour”is the Pixies’ most extensive tour across Canada and includes three U.S. dates in Detroit, Milwaukee, and St. Paul.

Although Imaginary Cities have been performing together for less than a year, they have already played alongside the likes of Ra Ra Riot, the Weakerthans, The Dears, Young Galaxy and The Besnard Lakes. In addition, the band recently delivered praiseworthy and packed performances at Canadian Music Week and SXSW.

The band is praised for having a lot of fun on stage and strong vocals.

This will be Imaginary Cities’ first tour in support of their debut album Temporary Resident, released by Hidden Pony Records on February 22nd. The band has been claimed “The Best Of What’s Next” by Paste Magazine and in Canada have garnered national media praise from the likes of The Globe and Mail and The National Post in week of release features. They have also topped two college radio charts, marking the first time ever that a band’s album has climbed to the top spot on the Chartattack National Chart before it has even been released.

Winnipeg-based Imaginary Cities is comprised of vocalist Marti Sarbit and multi-instrumentalist Rusty Matyas (who has worked with the Weakerthans and Waking Eyes) and augmented by a powerful trio of keys, drums and bass to round out their live sound. The composing duo met while Sarbit was performing in a soul cover band, which explains her soaring bluesy vocals.

Imaginary Cities are confirmed to perform on CBC Radio 1's massive morning show program, "Q" on April 8, 2011. "Q" airs across North America on PRI and on Sirius Channel 137. Check out a great acoustic performance by Imaginary Cities right
here

TOUR DATES WITH THE PIXIES
April 9 Metro Centre Halifax, NS
April 10 Casino Moncton Moncton, NB
April 12 Salle Albert-Rousseau Quebec City, QC
April 13 Metropolis Montreal, QC
April 14 Metropolis Montreal, QC
April 16 Civic Centre Ottawa, ON
April 17 The Center in the Square Kitchener, ON
April 18 Massey Hall Toronto, ON
April 19 Massey Hall Toronto, ON
April 20 Wentworth Room Hamilton, ON
April 22 Fox Theatre Detroit, MI
April 23 Eagles Ballroom Milwaukee, WI
April 24 Roy Wilkins Auditorium St. Paul, MN
April 26 Centennial Concert Hall Winnipeg, MB
April 27 Centennial Concert Hall Winnipeg, MB
April 29 TCU Place Saskattoon, SK
April 30 Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Calgary, AB
May 1 Shaw Conference Center Edmonton, AB
May 3 Orpheum Theatre Vancouver, BC
May 4 Orpheum Theatre Vancouver, BC
May 5 Save On Foods Memorial Centre Victoria, BC

They have an official page here as well as myspace.

Queens of the Stone Age - House of Blues, March 26, 2011

2011-03-28T12:17:00.007-04:00

Queens of the Stone Age
House of Blues, Boston MA
Saturday, March 26, 2011

Support - The Dough Rollers

We've got a dozen here. Saturday night Queens of the Stone Age rumbled through the House of Blues in Boston. They haven't been on the road in the US since 2007 so its been some time. The dozen? Oh, that just means this was the twelfth time I have seen the band live.

Currently on tour performing their debut album in full the band blasted through the album and a six song, two encore 90 minute set. Arriving on stage right at 8pm singer Josh Homme took center stage and it was off to the races. To his right was Troy Van Leeuwen on guitars and keyboards, Dean Fertita on guitar and keyboards. Behind Josh was, what is long term for QOTSA, drummer Joey Castillo and to the left of Josh was bassist Michael Shuman. Shuman was in top form all night. He was constantly in motion and the bass was high in the mix with the sludgy stoner drone that everyone wanted.

The band tore through the first few songs and Fertita and Van Leeuwen would swap from guitar to keyboards to hand held percussive instruments. Castillo would hit the drums as hard as he could, but cut back and be more methodic on intros to tunes like "If Only". Homme told the audience to never go to Mexico, but to go to Mexico to check it out before the track "Mexicola" was played then right before "Hispanic Impressions" he said "here is another song about Mexicans" The "album" set was focused and very well played. They didn't stray and only extended a solo on occasion, but the bulk was a very strong replaying of the record.

Just about 9pm the band left the stage and came back for a five song encore. Striking hard had fast with Sick Sick Sick and then rolling right in to "Go With the Flow" the audience was a in a frenzy. Heads bobbed, and as silly as it is, bodies got up to crowd surf. Homme didn't have a ton of banter with the audience like he is known for. Most were short, local references. He talked about their first show at the Middle East in Cambridge Ma and then a referenced to the Salem Witches at the start of "Burn the Witch". He was on a mission, to get the songs in as quick as he could.

The band would leave the stage once more and did come back for the final song of the evening "No One Knows".

Here is the set:
1.Regular John
2.Avon
3.If Only
4.Walkin' on the Sidewalks
5.You Would Know
6.How to Handle a Rope (A Lesson in the Lariat)
7.Mexicola
8.Hispanic Impression
9.The Bronze
10.Give the Mule What He Wants
11.I Was a Teenage Hand Model
12.You Can't Quit Me Baby

Encore 1:
13.Sick, Sick, Sick
14.Go With the Flow
15.Into the Hollow
16.Little Sister
17.Burn the Witch

Encore 2:
18.No One Knows

Overall I was very pleased. I like the band very much, as well as 99% of their material. In the early days the band was a rotating cast and it would change between an album and live dates. The current band has been together for some time (since at least 2007) so they know one another and their tendencies which only makes for a stronger set and potentially stronger studio albums.

A few live shots..thanks to James for taking and sharing:

I am not that shallow...

2011-03-22T15:32:00.001-04:00

a recent best selling book in Great Britain is called "What Every Man Thinks about apart from Sex". It is 200 blank pages.

If I wrote it, it might be 199 blank pages. I think about beer, food, music and hockey...sunshine...ummm stay with me for a minute...

nah..its back to sex.

damn it.

Listen to and grab some live Caspian

2011-03-18T13:14:00.003-04:00

I taped the band back in the fall and thanks to the band and Mike at 6Fortyproject it has been posted for you to grab..download and share etc.

There is a review link I did to the show there as well. I'd be curious to hear feed back if anyone grabs it.

Again..go right here for the goods.

Have a good weekend.

Free Music - "Taste of Iceland"

2011-03-16T09:13:00.004-04:00

This Saturday at the Middle East in Cambridge there will be three bands performing as part of the "Taste of Iceland" festival.

Being a huge fan of Sigur Ros I am thrilled to see the string section that has supported them both in studio and live are performing. That's right Amiina are to perform in this intimate setting.

Doors are at 8:00 and the lineup is as follows:
Twin Berlin
Thick as Thieves
Amiina (from Iceland)

The event is free, but you can get a ticket and information
here.

For more on Twin Berlin check out their

Facebook and/or Twitter.

Funeral Party on tour!

2011-03-14T13:28:00.002-04:00

Funeral Party will join legendary alt-metal band Deftones and mathcore mavericks The Dillinger Escape Plan on their North American spring tour, beginning on April 14 in Seattle, WA. The tour begins just weeks after the highly anticipated release of Funeral Party's debut album The Golden Age Of Knowhere on March 29, 2011.

The first three songs - "New York City Moves to the Sound of L.A.,""Carwars," and UK hit, "Just Because" -are highlights of the post-punk onslaught that the record instills. The first U.S.single is "Finale."

Funeral Party will offer fans a prelude to their upcoming tour with showcases at South By Southwest as well as performances on the Late Show with David Letterman on March 31 and Jimmy Kimmel Live! on April 6. If you are in New York on 30, or LA on 4/8 you get special intimate shows.

Named one of Alternative Press' Bands to Watch in 2011, Funeral Party's DIY mentality and accompanying live energy furthered their rise from a local underground band to a worldwide alt-rock success.

On Tour!

Weds. March 16 Austin, TX (SXSW) WFNX Showcase - Club Crucial
Weds. March 16 Austin, TX (SXSW) RootMusic / SkullCandy Showcase - Lipstick
Sat. March 19 Austin, TX (SXSW) Steve Madden Showcase - Cedar St. Courtyard
Weds. March 30 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
Thurs. April 7 San Diego, CA Soda Bar
Fri. April 8 Los Angeles, CA Echo
Thurs. April 14 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre*
Fri. April 15 Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom*
Sat. April 16 Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom*
Thurs. April 21 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue*
Fri. April 22 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre *
Sat. April 23 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre*
Tues. April 26 St. Louis, MO The Pageant*
Thurs. April 28 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue*
Fri. April 29 Milwaukee, WI The Rave*
Sat. April 30 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre*
Sun. May 1 Detroit, MI Fillmore Theatre*
Tues. May 3 Toronto, ON The Sound Academy*
Thurs. May 5 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino*
Fri. May 6 Providence, RI Lupo's* <<<<---- see ya there???!
Sat. May 7 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre*
Mon. May 9 Boston, MA House Of Blues*
Tues. May 10 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory*
Weds. May 11 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom*
Fri. May 13 New York, NY Best Buy Theatre*
Sat. May 14 New York, NY Best Buy Theatre*

* Opening slot for Deftones

Check out the U.K. digital biography of the band here.

Stay in touch with the latest on Funeral Party via their official site, myspace, and/or Facebook.

Some You Tune clips:

NYC Moves to the Sound of LA is here
Just Because - here and
Finale, right here.

Matt & Kim Hit the Road

2011-03-07T13:13:00.003-05:00

Matt and Kim are going on a Spring Sidewalks Tour! The tour will kick-off May 28 at the Sasquatch Festival, blow-out Bonnaroo and cruise through tour stops until it ends in Boston. Check for all the dates below.

Matt and Kim declare war on dull nights out during their official SIDEWALKS headlining US tour, kicking off May 28th at the Sasquatch Music Festival and including Bonnaroo on June 10th. It's the official tour in support of their third full-length, Sidewalks, out now via FADER Label.

Each show will be a full night of dance debauchery and next day regrets. But Matt & Kim will not be alone; THE THERMALS are coming along too, and DJ AUTOBOT from FLOSSTRADAMUS will be carrying the nonstop dance party through the evening and between bands.

Head over to the bands site or
myspace as all the dates, tour information and links are there.

US Tour Dates

3/12 - Hayward, CA @ Pukka Indie Arts Festival
3/14 - Austin, TX @ The Belmont
3/16 - Austin, TX - mtvU Woodie Awards
3/18 - Austin, TX @ The FADER Fort, SXSW
5/28 - George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
5/31 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero
6/1 - Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live!
6/2 - Carrboro, NC @ Cats Cradle
6/3 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
6/4 - Orlando, FL @ Firestone Live
6/5 - Ft Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
6/7 - Tampa, FL @ Czar Imperial Ballroom
6/8 - New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues
6/10 - Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
6/11 - Austin, TX @ Stubb's
6/12 - Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues
6/14 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
6/15 - Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theatre
6/16 - San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues
6/18 - Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
6/20 - Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
6/21 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
6/22 - Kansas City, MO @ The Beaumont Club
6/23 - St Louis, MO @ The Pageant
6/24 - Detroit, MI @ Majestic
6/25 - Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
6/28 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
6/29 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5
6/30 - Boston, MA @ House Of Blues

Check out a tour video right here.

Well I done did it..

2011-03-02T09:07:00.001-05:00

Still same format..just new "jazzy" color. I need to add back in some links etc..but that was the big reveal.

Time for an update?

2011-02-28T17:54:00.002-05:00

I think this week I'll update the layout/background of this blog. I might lose some links and stuff, but it will maybe put some life back in this thing.

Life is pretty good ......great cover tune!

2011-02-16T14:37:00.002-05:00

When one of the up and coming bands right now (well they've been at it for a bit), but getting more widely known. Anyway...The Decemberists doing a cover of one of my favorite R.E.M songs of all time...yes please.

Check out "Cuyahoga" for free download right
here!!!

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - Met Cafe, Pawtucket, RI February 10, 2011

2011-02-11T11:07:00.008-05:00

Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings
The Met Cafe, Pawtucket, RI
Thursday, February 10, 2011

Support - The Jay Vons

I really want to do a proper review, but wanted to get this up as well. This is the set list from last nights show singed by "most" of the band (More on that in a moment)

*one thing to add..the band came out after 100 Days and did 2 songs. The second Sharon introduced the entire band, each had a quick solo etc.

This was my second time seeing the band (review of the last time is here). Met Cafe is a pretty cool venue, I hope to see more shows there.

Band was tight tight TIGHT as always. Sharon just lays it all out on the stage. How she has anything left is beyond me. The stage was full with members but she got all over the place, pulling up two men out of the audience to dance with and then a few ladies for a dance later.

She ripped through her set and tossed in at least one new song (at least new to me). I really can't say enough good things about the show. If you haven't seen her live..do so. You'll love it.

As far as meeting the band Sharon is VERY generous. After all that hard work within 10 minutes of the show being over she heads to the merchandise table and signs EVERYTHING that comes her way. Poses for pictures..takes a few moment to chat with you one on one and always ends it with a hug and kiss on the cheek. The rest of the band mills about but I wanted to say hi to the backup singers. These women can SING..ohh man. Saundra and Star spent at LEAST 10 minutes with myself and friends, singing things, talking about the tour and opening for Prince..it was like we were with old friends. Saundra at the end asked for our names..and said "I might never remember them but you were all very sweet".

With that we took to the cold Rhode Island night for ride home filled with favorite moments. There were so many the ride quickly evaporated.

See this band live...trust me.

Links for you:
The band's main page is here.
myspace and
Wiki page. the bands label site is here.

Follow the band on twitter and become a fan on facebook.

The Decemberists continue tour and other news.

2011-02-09T11:15:00.002-05:00

Granted they played two shows in Boston to kick off the tour here are more Dates, both US and abroad.

February 7, Uptown Theatre, Kansas City, MO#
February 9, Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO#
February 10, Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO#
February 12, The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA#
February 13, House of Blues-San Diego, San Diego, CA#
February 14, Fox Theater, Oakland, CA#
February 18, Paramount Ballroom, Seattle, WA#
February 19, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR#
March 4, Vicar Street, Dublin, Ireland
March 5, ABC, Glasgow, UK
March 7, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham, UK
March 8, Bristol Academy, Bristol, UK
March 10, Manchester Academy, Manchester, UK
March 11, Leeds Academy, Leeds, UK
March 12, De la Warr Pavillion, Bexhill, UK
March 13, Trix, Antwerp, Belgium
March 14, Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
March 16, Hammersmith Apollo, London, UK
April 16, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO+
April 17, Holland Performing Arts Center, Omaha, NE+
April 18, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA+
April 19, Overture Hall, Madison, WI
April 21, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA+
April 22, Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI
April 23, The LC Pavilion, Columbus, OH+
April 25, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI+
April 26, Iroquois Amphitheater, Louisville, KY+
April 27, The Pageant, St. Louis, MO+
April 29, House of Blues, Dallas, TX
April 30, Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheatre, Austin, TX
May 1, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA
May 2, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA+

# with Mountain Man
+ with Justin Townes Earle

This tour will include the band's first-ever appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 1, and a rescheduled performance in Royal Oak, Michigan on April 22. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning February 11.

The Decemberists are currently in the midst of the sold-out first leg of their North American tour on the heels of their #1 album The King Is Dead. The band's live show has already drawn rave reviews from the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Chicago Sun-Times. The New York Post wrote that "the set spanned the band's 10-year career, but wisely leaned heaviest on The King is Dead. Songs from that record made the best case for why the group should be superstars."

Rolling Stone recently premiered "The Great Outdoors," an original song written by Yo Gabba Gabba that was performed by The Decemberists and will appear in the February 8 episode of the popular Nick Jr. children's television show. The band will also be featured over the coming weeks on Sirius' XMU channel (February 9), KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" (February 11), and World Café (February 14).

For more information be sure to hit up the bands official site.

A Wish for Fire - Live @ TT The Bears

2011-02-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

A Wish For Fire combines powerful drumming and raw, understated riffs. They defy conventional structure and blend sometimes smooth, sometimes gritty vocals that are unlike anything likely to be found on commercial radio. There is a trace of psychedelic and classic rock in the composition with both the sound and arrangement following more of a feeling than any conventional pattern. They layer melodies to create multi-textured sounds ranging from simple and elegant to a full on sonic assault. The lyrics are complex and full of disheartening yearning. The music and vocals combine to make an unmistakable mood unlike anything out there.

The band released Sight Unseen, on September 18, 2010, and was dedicated in loving memory to Sep’s mother, “Ma Sep” (Anne D. Sepavich). It is a three-year audio scrapbook created during tumultuous and joyous times in A Wish For Fire's member's lives. It is the ultimate culmination of their passion and dedication. They feel it is easily their strongest, best-sounding effort yet.

The details!
T.T. The Bear’s Place, Cambridge MA
with MidAtlantic, Full Body Anchor and Tired Old Bones
$10, Show 9 PM
10 Brookline Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 492-0082

Check out the official band site here
You can read more and become a fan onFacebook, or check even more information out on
myspace.

Finally, a full bio AND mp3s are available right here.

Yeah..it has been snowing...

2011-02-02T10:53:00.003-05:00

Like much of the US we have been blanketed with snow. Mind you I've lived in the same area my entire life. I am used to snow, really, it is part of winters in New England.

It just has been too much this year.

All of last year we had 25 inches or something..this year *end of January* we had 60+ inches. It just has been a lot. There is no place to put it the walks with the kids to the bus (when they do have school) is awful because the sidewalks are not getting plowed. It is just crazy and people are starting to not only freak, but just be angry about it. Myself included.

Snow used to be fun. You'd go out and listen to it fall..smell the air, sort of take it in. Chances are that is when you last went sledding and didn't have to race to work, or drop someone off and you can't open the door on one side because the snow banks.

The snow will melt, hopefully not all at once and we will move on..but it really needs to change....please....

Trail of Dead to play album release party in NYC

2011-01-31T09:17:00.003-05:00

The lucky folks in and around the NYC area get to see rockers ...And you will know us by the Trail of Dead perform and show off their artwork.

Big fan here so I am jealous for sure.

Trail of Dead band members Conrad Keely and Jason Reece have teamed up with Baeblemusic for an exclusive release date event at Littlefield in Brooklyn on February 8th to celebrate their seventh full-length studio album – Tao of the Dead (Superball Music).

It’s an opportunity for fans to catch the band in an intimate setting and get to view the incredible artwork of Trail’s own Conrad Keely. Not only will Keely be displaying original art from the new album, he’ll also be debuting two large scale paintings. Check out the official 'Tao Of The Dead' site.

Reports are that the album is "forceful" yet "sophisticated" on this new album.
Tao of the Dead also features unbelievable cover art by Keely who brought characters and elements from previous album art to life through his graphic novella – created to accompany the release. When Keely co-founded the band with Jason Reece in 1994 he began discovering new ways to blend his love of art and music, mainly through the band's album covers and CD booklets. The art has evolved over the years, but has always been in a Victorian style, with a more recent branch into what some people have categorized as Steampunk – a sub-genre of science fiction and fantasy that often draws from the Victorian era when steam power was used and the genre came into prominence during the 80’s and early 90’s.

To celebrate this incredible artwork and the band’s impressive new album …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead teamed up with Baeblemusic, Superball Music and Littlefield to put on this one time release date event.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Littlefield 622 Degraw Street. Brooklyn NY
With Special Guests Takka Takka
Doors: 8:00 / Show: 8:30

You can RVSP on Facebook right here.

Have fun, I'll live through you on this night.

Well that is a fine how do you do.

2011-01-21T11:57:00.004-05:00

Snow is the word around these parts.

Knock on wood for the 28+ inches we have had in the last 2 weeks or so we haven't lost power..just no place to toss the snow!

Oh, Forgotten Disc Friday is up. I haven't really been putting up the links here because I figure most folks know its *usually* happening. Life gets in the way from time to time, but I try my best to have something new each week.

Now, if you will excuse me I need to go make lunch for the kids who are now on what feels like their 29th snow day of the year.

-March

Lets get this rolling...

2011-01-19T10:15:00.002-05:00

So I have been muddling a few *simple* ideas for resolutions for the new year. It being the 19th of the month figured I probably should get rolling...right?

Well part one is I wanted to "read more". I actually started a book...and finished it. Got it for Christmas and I am done. That is a good start..just need to keep that part up.

More to come.

Favorite albums of 2010

2011-01-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

Well, here it is. A years worth of music wrapped up in just 20 entries. Sort of a daunting task, but one I actually look forward to each year.

As always I must stress these are my "FAVORITE" records of the year. I also don't fall in to the traps of thinking some is good/great just because. Spoiler, there is no Kanye West on my list. The record came out in late November yet it bumped almost a full years worth of other records on virtually every list (print or online). Seems suspect to me. I've heard it, once but wasn't thinking "wow this is right up there with _____".

Anyway, just my thoughts. The rules are simple, going back to 1996 when I first really committed to making a list. No Live, best ofs or eps can make the list. The cd/album has to have been released in the calendar year and I *must* own the cd/album. Simple.

Well dig in...and pass judgement. Song samples vary from streams to you tube clips to complete album downloads. Feel free to comment away, tell me I am full of it, or I missed the boat on ____ or how could I have even liked _____. It is all in good fun.

20 - Girl Talk - All Day

Okay this is sort of cheating and purists will call foul. 372 song samples make up this album, or collection of mashups. The real fun when you listen is to pick out the samples. Blending hip hop with hard rock it will keep you busy. Really designed to be a "one long track" many of them really can stand on their own. A record to put on when you need to get stuff done.
Stand Out Track(s) - Kinda sorta all of it really.....
Previous List Appearances - Feed the Animals #14 2009

Here is an idea of what Girl Talk does. This is the lead off track called Oh No. If you dig you can still download the whole thing for FREE...right here.

19 - The Ocean - Heliocentric
One thing about my tastes in music you will find it varies. Look at #20, then this, the #18 to give you an idea. This cd was passed along by a friend and I only recently found out it is part one of a double album. Heliocentric is the fourth album from this German experimental metal band. Now before you push off "metal" hear me out. The music is heavy, complex and continually interesting. Its not just foot to the floor, it has some great structure. Lead vocalist Loïc Rossetti has that cookie monster growl to his voice, but where it fits, it really fits. There are some epic tunes on here, 5+ minutes is the norm for tracks and they are each mini passages in and of themselves. Probably not for everyone, but if you get it, you'll get it.
Stand Out Tracks - Firmament, Swallowed by the Earth, The Origin of Species
Previous List appearances - this is the first

Here is an audio only clip from YouTube for "Firmament"

18 - Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record
So lets get this straight, in your liner notes you list nine members of the band, then 13 "Additional" members and 10 "guests" you are in for one heck of a diverse record. The album opens up with a guitar driven "World Sick" and the band all seems to come together and really sets the tone for what you'd expect..a big sounding record. The horn section on "Art House Director" is a strong and cool touch to this perky rock record. The blend of male and female voices on the record really are refreshing, but full on instrumental rippers like "Meet me in the basement" really shine as well, almost having you long for a fully instrumental album.
Stand Out Track(s) - Art House Director, Meet Me In The Basement
Previous List appearances - Self Titled #19 2005

The link here has four tunes you can sample from the record.

17 - Deftones - Diamond Eyes
File under "the difficult sixth album?". The band wanted to do some quick turn around but a band tragedy (bassist Chi Cheng was in a terrible car accident that put him in a coma) slowed things. The band had all but completed an album, but shelved it after the accident and began to work on this record. With the deftones things are not always as they seem. Sure the band is heavy, hard and at times almost brutal. They will mix it up though, with tracks like "Beauty School" showing a little more mellow side of the band. The band continues to release solid records and this charted high for them on the album charts. Chances are if you like(d) the deftones you'd like this record as well.
Stand out Tracks - Rocket Skates
Previous list appearances - White Pony #18 in 2000, Saturday Night Wrist #15 in 2006

Check out Rocket Skates.

16 - The Roots - How I Got Over
The Roots are a lot more in the collective conscience as they are the late night band for Jimmy Fallon. The band jams with many of the artists that appear and the latest cd features 11 tracks with guests (14). When you feature a very tight band and compliment it with the ranges of "Monsters of Folk" and Joanna Newsom to John Legend you are getting a broad spectrum of feel and influence. The style of music is not always something I focus in on, but as you can tell with the roots making my list with each release since 2002 the band continues to be consistent, at least with me and there is always something I can take from their records.
Stand out Tracks - Dear God 2.0, Radio Daze, How I Got Over
Previous list appearances - Phrenology #15 2002, Tripping Point #24 in 2004, Game Theory #20 in 2006

Check out the track "How I got Over here (parental advisory)

15. Red Sparowes - The Fear is Excruciating, but therein lies the answer
Shocker! Another "post rock" band finds their way on to the list. A little lighter of an affair from these guys, but still not a soft rock album. The songs are still over 5 minutes long, and none crack the 8 minute mark where in the past that seemed the norm for the band. Not breaking a lot of new ground here, but still always hold attention when the music is playing.
Stand out track(s) - A Hail of Bombs. A Swarm
Previous list appearances - Every Red Heart Shines Towards The Red Sun #15 2006, At the Soundless Dawn #7 in 2005.

The Track "A Hail of Bombs" can be heard here.

14 The National - High Violet
There is always something about these guys that feels "European" but they are an New York via Ohio band. Singer Matt Berninger is about as mellow a lead singer as you'll ever hear. His haunting baritone compliments a support cast awash in piano, strings and dramatic chord and musical progressions. If the musicians were not as accomplished this could be a pretty "downer" of a record. Nothing really gets beyond 4/4 time and the lyrics are heavy but at the same time this is where an album can be perfect at any time of day, on any occasion at any event, you just need to decide when you want to be swept away.
Stand out Track(s) - Anyone's Ghost, Afraid of Everyone, Bloodbuzz Ohio
Previous List appearances - The is the bands first list appearance

Check out Bloodbuzz Ohio

13 - Vampire Weekend - Contra
Having a full year to spend with a record can be a blessing and a curse. Contra was released in early January and was first put on hold as time was spent writing, listening and reading all the year end best lists. When the dust settled this ten track 36 minute collection showed on first pass it would be a strong contender for this years list. The lead track "Horchata" has everything from double bass to piano to guitars. The quirky guitar parts chirp out over, under and around lead singer Ezra Koeings vocals. It is hard to place the indie band under a real tag. Harmonies on "White Sky" sound like Simon and Garfunkel at times while the synth pop added to the tracks have a fun 80's feel to them. If you take your time with this record you'll catch your toes tapping on more than one occasion and a fair amount of "previous track" button presses on your player.
In recent months the bands "Holiday" could be heard selling automobiles and clothing further pulling folks to their catchy hooks all over again.
Stand Out Track(s)- California English, Run, Giving up the Gun
Previous list appearances - Self Titled #8 in 2009

Check out "Giving up the Gun" right here. Oh, and what heck since it was the holiday song you loved to hate from the Honda ads...here.

12 - Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
This band is in a tough spot. Darlings to the critics this band can't do a single thing wrong it seems. They released this album with something like 8 variations of the covers and there are probably a few fans that dropped the money on the various covers, you know, just cuz. Once inside the record though all grumbling can be laid to rest. The band is the strongest when Win Butler and Régine Chassagne share the vocal portions. When each is solo it doesn't have as much bunch, but the band is very "full" a lot of the time. You also mix strings and piano with your standard rock band instruments. A little uneven at times for my tastes, the band still makes darn good records.
Stand out Track(s) - Ready to Start, We Used to Wait, Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
Previous List appearances - Funeral #2 in 2004, Neon Bible #9 in 2007

We Used to Wait, check it.

11 - Intronaut - Valley of Smoke
Sophomore album from this Southern California band fuse odd melodies coupled with double bass drum pounding and swooping bass work. The vocals are a little "growly" at times but it fits the music that being played. A theme I am comfortable with. Information on the band was sent to me by a friend and I was really one the fence since "proggy metal" can be so hit or miss with me. In the end it blew me away, and still does. Well worth your time. A satisfying and heavy record that will satisfy the most critical of ears (for fans of the genre).
Stand out track(s) - Sunderance, Below
Previous list appearances - none, they are first timers

YouTube audio only clip for "Sunderance" is right here.

10 - High on Fire - Snakes of the Divine
Right from the start of every High On Fire record I am never let down. Driving guitars, pummeling drums put an immediate smell in your nose that mixes booze, body order and probably a hint of weed. Matt Pike is no Dylan in the lyric department and doesn't have an angelic voice by any means, but with a name like High on Fire you get what you get. A heavy gut punch that will make you long for a cruise in an old camaro with the windows down.
Stand out track(s) - Snakes of the Divine, Fire Flood and Plague
Previous list appearances - The Art of Self Defense #7 in 2000, Surrounded by Thieves #12 in 2002 and Death is this Communion #19 in 2007

You will need a bar of soap to wash up after getting beat to the ground with Snakes of the Divine.

09 - The Hold Steady - Heaven is Whenever
Americas best bar band is back, releasing albums at a "Kiss in the 1970's pace". The departure of long time multi instrumenatlaist Franz Nicolay didn't slow the band down. The opening track "The Sweet Part of the City" is awash with slide guitar and buzzy fills. By the second track long time fans (and new fans) get a solid idea of what the band is about..and that is rock anthems. You'll find all through foot stomping clap alongs and chanting chorus'. On top of all these good praises this record just *sounds* good. Everything is in perfect balance. No band these days makes me want to drink domestic beer and wave a lighter around at a concert than this band.
Stand out track(s) - Soft in the Center,
Previous list appearances - Boys and Girls in America #1 in 2006. Stay Positive #3 in 2008

Hurricane J

08 - Budos Band - III
Thanks to the web site Last.FM I stumbled upon this NYC based band. Couple that with a "making of III" clip on the bands site I fell in love right away. With drums "from the pocket" and a deep soul feel this record hung with me from the start. If you like music that sounds like it came from a 60's soul review you can't go wrong. Baritone sax is right up there in the mix with the horns and no vocals allow the focus to be totally on the music. Probably my favorite "new to me" band in 2010.
Stand out track(s) - Rite of the Ancients,
Previous List appearances - none, they are first timers

This is the video from you tube that sold me. There are three tracks on this clip with some short interview stuff in between.

07 - Goonies Never Say Die - No Words to Voice Our Hopes and Fears
Lets put it out there, we are lucky there is an actual physical cd from the band. Had to order it direct, but being a "i want the cd in my hand" sorta guy it was worth it. Post rock w/piano?! Yeah it works. The Blackpool, Northwest, UK sextet blends just that right amount of bass and drums with the piano to give a nice approach to the whole "quiet/loud" of the post rock genre. Oh, you get the walls of guitar and they will blow your hair back, they just have a not so usual instrument to help push that forward. The chaos might confuse some, but it will invigorate others.
Stand out track(s) - The Wrong End of a Trembling Knife
Previous list appearances - none, they are first timers.

Video for "Wrong end of a trembling Knife" can be viewed right here

06 - Band of Horses - Infinite Arms
The first thing that grabs you with Band of Horses is the voice of Ben Bridwell. The high falsetto at times is complimented off strings, acoustic guitars and sometimes buzzing guitars. Tracks like Laredo roll off the guitars with a simple back beat but with an infectious hook. Bridwell does this time and time again. As pretty a record as it is you just need to have the space and time to listen. Not quite dinner music, but not really something you'd put on to get a party started either. Put this on after the bulk of party guests have left your next BBQ, sit on the patio/deck and just be taken away.
Stand out Track(s) - Laredo, NW Apt.
Previous List apperences - Everything All the Time #2 in 2006, Cease to Begin #15 in 2007

Laredo

05 - Black Mountain - Wilderness Heart
Big swooping bass lines and chiming guitar chords are a running theme on this record. Stephen McBean and Amber Webber are in perfect harmony on the opening tack "The Hair Song" that sets the tone for a very solid and focused record. The Vancouver based band blend hard rock with psychadellia but at the same time its neither of those things. I find some great pop sensibilities on the record that are a far cry from "heavy", yet the band can hammer down when need be. There are tastes of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Sabbath smattered about on this record. Its a very accessible record. More people should be paying attention to them.
Stand out tracks - The Hair Song
Previous list appearances - although they came close in 2008, this is their first trip to the list.

The Hair Song

04 Maserati - Pyramid of the Sun
In late 2009 drummer Jerry Fuchs died suddenly and there was many questions on what the Athens based band would do next. After ample time to grieve the band hunkered down in the studio and using many drum lines Fuchs had created the band put together the record. Being an instrumental band the cohesion of the members is key as each must find their role and often times just "do their jobs". Each member does just that. The two guitars bounce off the rolling bass lines that are always present and the drumming is tight as ever. A difficult record to make the band came out of this one "that" much better. A track like "We Got the System to Fight the System" is enough to win many a new fan..or at least a curious and appreciative head bob.
Stand out track(s) - Pyramid of the Sun, We Got the System to Fight the System, Bye M'friend Good bye.
Previous List appearances - stunned to admit, but I believe they are first timers.

We got the System to Fight the System

03 The Sword - Warp Riders
A fantasy metal concept album? Really? It may not get as campy sounding as that but The Sword once again impress. The disc opens with the instrumental riff monster "Acheron/Unearthing the Orb" and as much a sucker for instrumentals as I am its the "sung" songs that really stand out. "Tres Brujas", the lead off single has Sabbath like riffs and real strong drum work. The band plays up the path of the album really well, and "concept" aside the bulk of the tracks can stand on their own. The guitar tone is just to die for. It is that blend of compressed/distorted sound will get even the stiffest of fans to bob heads and toss up the "devil horns". The album showed up on more than a few "best of" lists that I read this year so I know I am not alone on this one. You can read what the fantasy/concept is on the Wiki
Stand out track(s) - Tres Brujas, Arrows in the Dark
Previous List appearances - Age of Winters #4 in 2006

Tres Brujas

02 Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - I learned the Hard Way
Ms Sharon Jones and her Dap Kings have done it once again. Sharon Jones just makes me feel good. Music has the power to do that to you and its hard to listen to his firecracker of a woman and not crack a smile. Her command of the stage is brought right in to the studio and the stellar backing band compliment her every move. What you think is soul music, this is it. Toss in that 'retro soul" tag that likes to be tossed around and you've got it. Binky Griptight leads the tightest of bands and Sharon goes from gruff to calming at the drop of a hat. Honestly, if you don't like at least ONE song on this record you have to be dead.
Stand out track(s) - Money, The Reason (to showcase the band), Without a Heart
Previous List appearances - 100 days, 100 Nights #3 in 2007

Behold the voice and the band as she destroys on Money.

01. Jónsi - Go

Personally the most anticipated record of 2010 and easily the most played cd of 2010. Sigur Ros front man Jónsi takes a break and spreads his creative wings on this stunningly beautiful solo album. Written and recorded with his long time partner Jónsi goes almost exclusively in English on the album and his haunting falsetto has all the more punch as you hang on each word. When he sings "let them grow" during "Go Do" chills start at my feet and shoot up my back. This record moves me. It makes me feel awesome..its really hard to describe. There are times when listening I feel like I could stop a train and other times I want to just sit in utter silence and soak it up like a sponge. There are not enough good words I have for this record. A record that is not for everyone but for me, record of the year...easily.

Stand Out Tracks - Sinking Friendships, Go Do, Animal Arithmetic, Around Us, Grow Till Tall
Previous list appearances - first as a solo artist.

Give the track
Go Do

a listen. Chances are most will dislike, but those that like will be changed forever..for real.

Awww ight...

2011-01-07T16:46:00.001-05:00

Looking good for Monday to be the day I roll out my favorite records of 2010. I am sure you are all waiting with baited breath.

Getting some stuff lined up, links to work..cover add added...starting to really take shape.

See you Monday.
- march

Closing out 2010

2010-12-31T08:01:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to wish the few readers that hang along here a very happy new year.

Working on the best of 2010 and will probably do a quick list of shows from 2010. The usual stuff. The 2010 Favorite Albums is coming along and hope to have that posted in early January.

Again, Happy New Year.
-march

Question for your book lovers...

2010-12-21T12:05:00.000-05:00

Greetings reader(s).

Real quick question. Does anyone know a decent place to find a list of something like the "100 Books to read before you die" sorta thing? Or 100 books everyone should read..something like that. No, I am not dying (at least that I know of) but was thinking of a New Years Resolution in which I'd try to read something from that list. I'd love to say "I'll read 5 or more" but I just need to set the wheels in motion. I read far less than I should so I thought this might be something to challenge myself with.

Thanks for your time.

New Music! Tigers that Talked

2010-12-15T12:05:00.003-05:00

Art rock four piece "Tigers that Talked" hail from Leeds, UK.

Following a succession of critically acclaimed EPs throughout the last year, the band is happy toannounce the release of our long-awaited debut album “The Merchant”.

The band has been gaining much press overseas with the critical acclaim pouting in from the BBC radio with cries of "my favorite new band!"

The band has no US dates planned at this time barring a date at SXSW in Texas in the early spring. One can hope that once they hit these shores they will do a run of show!

Check out the bands
Official Site for loads of goodies!

New Music from Dreamtigers

2010-12-15T11:55:00.002-05:00

It is time for even more good tunes! This time check out Dreamtigers an indie hardcore outfit from Boston MA.

Some tunes:
Marchers
Dear John

Tons more information
here. The album came out on December 14th!

The band is also on myspace.

Hot Cha Cha

2010-12-15T11:37:00.005-05:00

HotChaCha is an amazing live band and 2010 has seen the band on tour, pretty much non-stop, which has enabled these four women to hone and refine their craft---making them now both great as a live band and recorded.

Somewhere in the midst of the constant drives up and down the east coast, through the south and Midwest, HotChaCha made time to record Fantastic Static, which is an EP that manages to harness their live show’s energy.

Check out some music right here! Bukarest and Pleasure Crusie are worthy of your time.

New Video for “Traffic" can be found right here.

Additional info, photos, live videos, tour dates can all be found here.

Are you a vinyl lover, or have a vinyl lover on your holiday list(s)? How about the 12" record? Limited to 300 copies as well in unique colors! Check out
this link.

The Nico Blues

2010-12-15T11:24:00.003-05:00

The Nico Blues are an alternative rock band based in New Jersey and Brooklyn, NY will be playing "All Asia" club in Cambridge MA on Saturday January 15, 2011.

The band recently self released their full length album "Blame the Boredom, Blame the Basements" which was recorded, produced, and mixed by the band in a studio they built from scratch.

The album can be streamed and downloaded here or here.

The band also made a music video for the song "Living Proof" off of the album. Feel free to check it out here. password: proof

Check em out on Facebook, Twitter, Bandcamp and Myspace.

Seriously...come on...people suck.

2010-11-29T14:36:00.001-05:00

I work with animals.

and I am sick of it.

I haven't mentioned "Innitech" in some time, but this one needs to be talked about. It is not pleasant, but you are used to my horrid writing skills.

Working on the first floor has its perks...no stairs. That is about it. Since the building has a larger entrance/atrium as well as the cafeteria, kitchen and mail room there is not of room for desk or work space. Lets say every floor holds 100 people this one hold 50 to give you an idea.

Well what we get is our downstairs bathroom (at least the mens rooms and by some reports the ladies room too) DESTROYED by 10am most days. Every person on another floor feels they can come down to the first floor, use our bathroom because they won't pass that cute guy/gal on the way to/from the bathroom. Heaven forbid Mary in accounting knows you actually use a bathroom!

Today I found myself heading to get a drink when I had the sudden urge to sneeze..and thusly did so (yes I covered etc). I was a few steps from the mens room so I decided I'd go in grab some tissue to blow my nose and then wash my hands.(hey having 2 kids has you do this..a LOT). So I go in. The bathroom has 2 urinals and then 2 stalls. One is smaller and the second is the handicapped stall. The smaller stall was "occupied" and I figured I'd be quick in and out since I just wanted to blow my nose.

So I push the stall door open...and it happens. The bowl violations are like a car crash..you look...are grossed out..but want to give it a second look..all the while screaming at yourself.

I quickly tried to roll off some toilet paper..and I noticed..both rolls were EMPTY. (this was 10:40am or so) Stuffed in the area of the holders...was that hard coarse paper towel. Torn in to smaller sheets..but no less a disaster.

Still needing some tissue I thought I'd look towards the sink. Housekeeping often leaves a few rolls on the sink (wrapped etc) but there was none.

I wasn't too far from a sink in another area so I decided I could just leave...but then I worried the guy in the stall would wonder what the heck I was doing. I decided to give my hands a wash. As I was doing that a second person came in to the bathroom...and went right for the stall. Part of me wanted to warn him there was no paper before he sat down and then realized he ONLY option was what I like to call "Prison paper". Even people serving life have more comfortable toilet tissue.

He went in and just had at it...so I guess he is in for a rude surprise.

Thanks for grossing up the LONE bathroom we have on the first floor.

People can be real assholes.

Heads up Boston locals..free music!

2010-11-18T14:59:00.002-05:00

Feel like checking out a FREE live show?

Get on down to the Burren in Somerville on December 12th at 8pm to cehck out "Bone Sweet Bone".

The duo returns to Boston after impressing a booking agent at the Lizard Lounge back in August. The New York based duo was formed when Drew Citron and Leigh Jones met at NYC drama school. The band has been touring east coast and playing before sell out crowds and winning praise all along the way.

All the details on the show:
Sunday, December 12th
8pm - FREE
The Burren
247 Elm St. Somerville, MA
(617) 776-6896
on the web

Finally, check out the bands web site here for all sorts of information and clips..all that good stuff!

Nuff said...

2010-11-16T09:34:00.002-05:00

Stuff

2010-11-10T11:24:00.003-05:00

Just some stuff.

So I dorked it up huge earlier this week. I waited outside for the midnight sale of a video game. Yeah crazy I know, but I really liked Modern Warfare 2 and the newest in the line is "Black Ops". I pre-ordered months ago and Monday night at 11pm I left my house and drove to the store. Easily 20 people in the store paying and finalizing the transaction, then 250+ in a line.

It is/was dorky but part of me wonders "What is left that people will wait out for?" People don't (or can't) sleep out for concert tickets. People don't have midnight sales of cds anymore because it appears that nobody wants to buy cds..well at least like that. Movies maybe people wait for..but I think video games is the last place where hard core fans will stand in line, or pre-order etc. Dorky and fun all at once.

Speaking of music and concerts I don't think I have much left I am waiting for cd wise in 2010. Maserati had their cd come out yesterday and other than Phish and Caspian in December I am not sure I'll get to another show.

TV wise has been slow. The wife and I have been watching Mad Men. I started off slow with the show but have grown to like it. We are on season 3 and having a hard time getting time to sit and watch together.

I bit the bullet as they say and bought Showtime for "Dexter". I loved LOVED season four even though I knew how it ended. This season is so far okay..I realize they need to mix things up. Waiting a week between episodes is a drag...but Sundays still rule. I started to watch the Walking Dead as well on AMC. That is pretty good too. After 2 episodes its already signed up for another season. I hope this season doesn't tank! 30 Rock still great, the Office I am really falling out of lust with. It just needs to end, it is time. Saturday Night Live is one thing I DVR each week and this season so far hasn't left many strong skits. I still watch, and will crack a smile, but I feel like they are really due for something.

Still haven't tasted Miles Davis Bitches Brew. My brother got me a bottle but I haven't seen him in a few weeks.

Sports wise, Boston Bruins are doing pretty well..we will take it. Providence Bruins are warming up some. After starting 2-5 they won their last 3 so that is a plus.

Just randomness I know...just felt like posting.

Crickets, ho-hum and feeling sorry for myself....

2010-11-02T13:33:00.003-04:00

Wow..i am going weeks at a time without updates. The blog has been on my mind some..but not a ton. Readership is way down (probably due to lack of content) so I need to really decide what to do.

Forgotten Disc Friday is sort of in the same rut too. Not a lot of feed back, but readership stats are pretty good.

Dunno..just dunno.

Caspian - Old South Church, Boston MA October 22, 2010

2010-10-26T11:37:00.006-04:00

Caspian
Old South Church, Boston MA
Friday, October 22, 2010

Support - Aaron Thomas and Marika Whitaker

Being a big fan of the Beverly, MA based band Caspian it is very hard to do a review. Honestly, the band could stand there, go through the motions and I'd still leave the venue a happy fan. Friday night they rose the bar for a very special occasion.

Donating their time and energy to a benefit the Amirah, A Safe House the band tore through an energetic set at the historic Old South Church in the heart of Boston. Those familiar with Caspians "post rock" music knew it would be a special evening. The band teased fans a day before the show with you tube clips of sound checks with no mics, showcasing the unconventional rooms booming sound. Behind the band was blue and red lights. Having seen then band more than just a few times lights are not something they focus on, which is fine, so I knew this would be different even more.

*
As we sat in our pews (yes..for real) the evening opened with two short acoustic sets of music. Aaron Thomas was first and Marika Whitaker was second. Both did well in front of the quiet and respectful audience.

Before Caspian there was a little more discussion of why we were all there. Please check out the links here and here

Then, the lights were shut down and Caspian arrived on stage. There was no clapping, no fanfare because we all felt the band was going to "tune up" then come back on. Well, this "tune up" would slowly grow and before you knew it, the few folks that had gotten up were scurrying back to their seats.

Over the next 75 minutes the band would take us on an emotional roller coaster. Playing songs that were a little more quiet at the outset and allowing them to fill the room. The punch of drummer Joe Vickers drums could have cut glass. They were tight and had such a "thwap" sound to them the soaring guitars could pull your right back. Phil Jamieson sat at the outset of the show, but would stand and lead the band forward showing, and working with the others to fully engage the music.

The band would not hold back unleashing "ASA" early in the set, but then calming things down for "Sea Lawn" and "Concrescence". The audience was polite, but very reserved. Even when songs ended people were hesitant to clap, but once it felt "okay" it was thunderous.

One of the neat touches to this show was the addition of a cello player. Tucked over behind guitarist Calvin Joss and bassist Chris Friedrich you'd hear the long swooping bow strokes that really filled out the sound. The band made little fan fair of this addition (I am not even sure of his name) but it was a great touch and the sound was so full when he did play it was noticed.

The band worked quickly to cover as many songs as they could due to a strict curfew. Even after the completion of the often set ending "Sycamore" in which all the members slowly converge on Vickers drum kit to beat the ever loving crap out of it, the band still had it in them to give us one more. The venue had this neat light that simulated stars and constellations on the ceiling of the church which was a wonderful touch.

Waving and clapping right back to us the band shouted their thanks and we the audience knew, we had just been "taken to church".

Caspian hits the road for a European run (their third Euro tour of 2010).

You can see all their dates on their myspace page.

The picture of the church came from the bands blog, which you can read/follow right here.

In the News..

2010-10-05T11:01:00.003-04:00

It has been a while..but here are a few.

A British study found that 20% of racy texts are sent to the wrong person.

The state of Massachusetts had a list of the top 1,000 tourist attractions, but listed only 996 places, some of which don't exist any longer, are closed to the public, or are listed in the wrong towns.

June was the worst month on record for suicides among US Army soldiers, with 32 self inflicted deaths. 22 of them were from veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan - Foxnews.com

In 1960, just 12% of homes had air conditioning. As it became more common place the population of the south has grown by 96% and the west by 143%. -The LA Times.

Looks like e-books are here..at least for now. Amazon.com has reported that they sell more electronic books than hardcovers. The site has been selling hardcovers for 15 years, and electronic versions for only 33 months. bloomberg.com

American passenger airlines collected $1.86 billion in extra fees in the first quarter of 2010. USAToday

20 homes on Nantucket Island were sold out of foreclosure in the first six months of 2010. CNNmoney.com

A school teacher in New York has hit the 3 Million mile mark on his 1966 Volvo. His secret for the longevity? "Read the manual and do what it says".

The number of illegal immigrants entering the US has fallen from 850,000 a year to about 300,000 due to the weak job market. - Wall St.Journal

Boom Boom Satellites - taking it to America!

2010-09-27T12:54:00.004-04:00

Can't really say they are a "new" band, but new to me, you may dig em as well....

Absorbing both electronic and rock elements, Tokyo’s BOOM BOOM SATELLITES created a completely new and unknown sound; a sound that NME stated was “like The Prodigy fighting Underworld with bloody big sticks.” This sound not only established them as an exciting new band, but also boosted their profile as one of the most distinguished music producers in Japan.

Check out the You Tube click for "kick it out" right here.

The brain child of Bassist/programmer Masayuki Nakano and guitarist/vocalist Michiyuki Kawashima, BOOM BOOM SATELLITES have been combining distortion-drenched rock and punk guitars, with electronic dance music and heavy jazz elements to constantly evolve and refine their innovative sound over the last decade.

It's not only music fans who are captivated with their mind blowing live performances, their music has also caught the attention of prominent anime film creators and Hollywood motion picture producers. A number of tracks from the group's album, Full of Elevating Pleasures, contributed to the soundtrack of the CGI anime film Appleseed. "Easy Action" was included on the soundtrack of the mammoth anime film Vexille. Their tracks "Scatterin' Monkey" and "4 A Moment of Silence" from their first album Out Loud, were featured in the film The Dark Knight and "Shut Up And Explode" became the opening theme song for the PlayStation Store exclusive and later television anime series Xam'd: Lost Memories.

Here are Boom Boom Satellites Confirmed Tour Dates

October 10th, 2010 - New York, NY
New York ComicCon and Anime Festival - Far East To East Showcase (FETES)
w/ Puffy Amiyumi
Irving Plaza

October 13th, 2010 - Washington DC
9:30 Club

October 16th, 2010 - Asbury Park, NJ
The Wonder Bar

October 17th, 2010 - Philadelphia, PA
North Star Bar

Oct 19 - Boston, MA
TT the Bears

October 20th, 2010 - New York, NY
CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival 2010 Official Showcase
Backstage Bar

October 23rd, 2010 - New York, NY
Best Buy Theatre
w/ Gary Numan

October 25th, 2010 - Los Angeles, CA
Troubadour

October 27th, 2010 - San Francisco, CA
The Independent

October 31st, 2010 - Portland, OR
Halloween Show
Peter's Room (Roseland)

Special In-store Signings at Giant Robot LA & SF
CDs for these events will be bundled with a special BBS muffler towel!

Sunday, October 24th 5-7pm
GR2
2062 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
gr2.net
(310) 445-9276

Tuesday, October 26th 6-8pm
GRSF
618 Shrader Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
gr-sf.com
415-876-4773

The band's myspace page is here for plenty more news/tunes.

Whoa..thats wild.

2010-09-21T14:51:00.002-04:00

Okay this is just too odd to not share.

This past weekend I grabbed a few new cds. One was
"Thelonious Monk Live at the 1964 Monterey Jazz Festival". Well I listened to the cd at work on Monday. I was checking out the liner notes and wouldn't you know..."Recorded on September 20, 1964".

Then today (September 21st) I was listening to ANOTHER cd I had bought. This one was "Jaco Pastorius Big Band, Word of Mouth Revisited" and I was listening and wanted to read about his career once more (I had read the book on his life and tragic death) but then I was thrown for a loop.

Jaco had died on September 21st 1987.

Wonder what cd will be in the cards for September 22nd??!

The Alarm, Showcase Live, Foxboro MA, September 16, 2010

2010-09-17T11:14:00.009-04:00

The Alarm
Showcase Live, Foxboro, MA
Thursday September 16, 2010

As I stood outside of Showcase Live in Foxboro Massachusetts talking with an old friend a younger woman approached us. "Who played here tonight" she asked, "The Alarm" we both said in unison. She paused and said "Are they local?" It is okay, such is life for the Wales based band that has been playing second fiddle to U2 for the better of 25 years now. That doesn't sway the nearly sold out club from raising fists, jumping up and down and singing along like it was 1986 all over again.

Touring to support their April 2010 release "Direct Action" the band would dip in to cuts, but would focus the bulk of their energy on their early hits. Gone are "Twist", Eddie MacDonald and Dave Sharp, but the voice of Mike Peters carries it on. Walking to the stage in a dark shirt and pants yet still a youthful color to his hair and a smile that went ear to ear. He strapped on the acoustic guitar, said his hellos and the band launched in to "Declaration/Marching On" the two lead off tracks from their 1984 album "Declaration".

Peters worked the audience well and guitarist James Stevenson stuck some rock star poses, but this was mostly a Peters affair. Changing between acoustic and electric guitars Peters sang with such urgency was knocking in to the microphone stand. The band dipped in to some newer tracks but were careful in their selection as they knew the audience wanted to be whisked back in time.

Tracks like "Where were you hiding when the Storm Broke", "Strength" and "Rain in the Summertime" (in which at the conclusion Peters filled his mouth with water and spat it high above the audience) sounded terrific. Peters still has the range in his voice, but worked with the audience for hand claps, and sing alongs. Peters told a great story about how the New England area is one of the places the band got their early success in the US. He told a story about their first time playing in Massachusetts was opening for U2 at the Worcester Centrum. He continued that the band had done considerably well with their 30 minute time slot and when they left the stage the audience was chanting their name, calling for an encore. The band was not sure what to do and they were told to not break the union contracts as it would cost about $5,000 to do so. U2 manager Paul McGuinness walks over, sticks his hand in his pocket and paid the $5,000 out of pocket for us to play....so here is a song we'd like to dedicate to U2 and we always think...this is the song they payed $5,000 to hear...this is "We are the Light".

The only other time Mike took a long time to chat was with regard to the foundation he works with/for "Love, Hope, Strength" an organization that works to find bone marrow donators. Mike has battled cancer twice and was like a proud papa telling how they have had 45 people so far appear as matches for people all over the world. Find out about it here.

"68 guns" was a blistering take and was about all us soccer moms and dads could do to hold ourselves back. Sure we had to shuffle back in to our mini vans and wagons post show, but we all felt like those "rebels" we once were.

The encore began with a wonderful version of "Walk Forever By My Side", a track that should be played at most weddings, but doesn't even seem to be widely known. As a fan of "alternative" music in my later high school years I kept thinking I'd have done anything to be close to this band and there I was, 1 row deep away as the band was playing songs that felt like I had hand picked. The night was perfect in many ways and when Peters came to the edge of the stage and started the opening of "Spirit of 76" I had one of those concert moments...its so very very rare...but it happened. I was whisked back 20 years and I felt 20 years younger, my palms got clammy, my knees and legs started to ease up under me....the band had me floating. There was nowhere else I wanted to be and as my voice grew even more hoarse with each passing line I could hardly get the words out through the huge smile.

Lights came up, and fans chatted quick with one another, most talking about the next persons vintage Alarm concert t-shirt. For just a little while everyone hit rewind on the way back machine and nobody was ready to go face their "absolute reality".

Full Set List:
Marching On
Direct Action
Where Were you Hiding when the Storm Broke?
Release The Pressure
Superchannel
Absolute Reality
Drunk & Disorderly
Blaze of Glory
Rain in the Summertime
We are the Light
Unsafe Building
Strength
One Guitar
Rescue Me
45 rpm
68 Guns
Walk Forever by My Side
Spirit of 76'

Here are some shots I took from the show. Kudos to Showcase Live for being cool with pictures, and overall VERY positive experience..I hope to be back.

The Alarm page is here.

It would be easier on the Price is Right....

2010-09-13T15:07:00.002-04:00

Well we done gone and done it...we decided to get a new car.

A new car for us is sort of a big deal, like for most. The biggest thing for us is we tend to drive cars in to the ground. The car we are replacing is a 1998, and it has 219,000+ on it. The impressive part is it still has the original clutch. The thing is/was a workhorse and I honestly have to say I will miss it. The biggest thing is just knowing it was such a dependable car.

Sure the new car is wonderful so far, but I need to get used to a car payment. With all the paperwork we have been doing for this new car we realized we made our LAST car payment NINE years ago this coming Sunday (or that was the day the title was created for us). It is just crazy. I've had this car longer than my son!

It was taken very good care of, but it is tired. I've got someone lined up to pay about $500 for it. My mother thinks we should get a least $1000 for it...but its a hard sell when a car has that high of miles on it. It might be easier to sell if it was an automatic as well..perfect..I mean PERFECT first car. 6 cd changer, moon roof, power just about everything...really if I was a junior/senior in high school my folks would be imploring me to buy it.

That is about the biggest news around these parts...

Shellac - Middle East Cambridge, MA September 6, 2010

2010-09-07T13:58:00.001-04:00

Shellac
The Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
Sunday, September 6, 2010

Support - Helen Money

Okay, so folks have a "bucket list" of stuff they want to do before they "shuffle off this mortal coil". You know, see the Pyramids, or swim in all the major oceans..whatever..its cool stuff. Well I created one for bands that I wanted to see. Granted there are always "new" bands that come along I'd like to see but there are always those bands you *love* but just have missed for whatever reason. Well I finally got to see Shellac and that was one more I could check off. (read the link as to why it took so long..band doesn't tour too much!).

Upon arrival the sold out, and hot middle east was a buzz as cellist Helen Money was on stage. I caught about 2-3 songs of hers. It was okay, but the audience was still pretty chatty. Difficult for a lone cello to quiet a room full of people down. It was packed and when Money was done I eased my way down the side of the venue towards the front. Being taller I try to get off to the side some, to ease the pain of those behind me. I ended up about 15 feet back a little off to the right, but there was no person as tall, or taller than me in front of me.

The band are their own roadies so they were on stage setting up the gear. The trio of Steve Albini (guitar/vocals), Todd Trainer on drums and bassist/vocalist Bob Weston lined themselves close to the edge of the stage, set up their gear and left for about 10 minutes.

Walking out decked in a "Wolf Shirt" Albini and Trainer locked in to a quick buzzy groove. The amps used by Weston and Trainer have these "huge" simple looking heads (the tops of the amps) and the sounds he can get out of these amps are just awesome. You've never heard a buzz on a guitar like this, anywhere. The audience was electric, jumping up and down, singing along and shouting requests. After a few tunes the band stopped and Weston began the first part of one of the things the band is known for a "short question and answer". People asked about the gear, (some complex wire answer was given) if they were having fun (they were) and when is there going to be a new record (not sure, playing new songs tonight).

The pace as good all evening. Not a lot of lulls. There were a few more question and answer sessions and at one point Albini took the audience to task regarding the "song requests" that were prominent all night. In a nutshell Albini said "We don't care what you want to hear

At that point the audience mellowed some with the constant shouts. One person yelled during a Q+A "Can you hurry up I need to get home and go to bed".

As the show ended the band cleared the gear and then Albini and Weston began to sell shirts from the front of the stage, something I thought was cool. It allowed the band/fan interaction, even it it was brief. I sorta wanted a shirt, but it was 'black on black' and that is not something i usually rush to buy. Oh well, I like to support the bands I like.

The band tours so sporadically who knows what I'll be doing in the maybe 5+ years it will take them to come back, but I'd love to see them again.

read about the band on wiki, read even more on their site (label site) here and as always myspace.

There were two decent articles in the Boston Phoenix this week re: the band. One was an overview (about the band touring etc) here and then the full interview that was sampled for can be found here.

New Music and news from Matt & Kim

2010-08-31T13:25:00.004-04:00

Today! (Tuesday August 31, 2010) Matt and Kim release their first bit of new music since "Grand".

You can jump over to their facebook page here where the track is streaming. Or even on soundcloud. If you dig, or just want to by it, iTunes link here.

There are a slew of dates out there, check the list to see if they are coming to your area!

Matt And Kim North American Tour Dates

Sept 15th Westcott Theater # Syracuse, NY
16th Beachland Ballroom # Cleveland, OH
17th Newport Music Hall # Columbus, OH
18th Majestic Theater # Detroit, MI
19th Metro # Chicago, IL
21st Majestic Theater # Madison, WI
22nd First Ave # Minneapolis, MN
23rd The Granada Theater # Lawrence, KS
24th Ogden Theater # Denver, CO
25th Virgin Mobile FreeFest Columbia, MD
27th The Rickshaw Theater Vancouver, BC
28th Showbox * Seattle, WA
29th Roseland Theater * Portland, OR
30th The Fillmore * San Francisco, CA
Oct 1st House of Blues * San Diego, CA
2nd Music Box at The Henry Fonda Theater * Los Angeles, CA
3rd Music Box at The Henry Fonda Theater * Los Angeles, CA
6th The Clubhouse * Tempe, AZ
8th House of Blues * Dallas, TX
9th Austin City Limits Austin, TX
11th The Lyric Oxford % Oxford, MS
12th House of Blues % New Orleans, LA
13th Club Downunder % Tallahassee, FL
14th Culture Room ! Fort Lauderdale, FL
15th State Theater ! St. Petersburg, FL
16th Masquerade ! Atlanta, GA
17th Exit In ! Nashville, TN
19th Orange Peel ! Asheville, NC
20th Cats Cradle ! Carrboro, NC
21st The Canal Club ! Richmond, VA
22nd 9:30 Club ! Washington, DC
23rd Rams Head Live! ! Baltimore, MD
24th Starlite Ballroom ! Philadelphia, PA
26th Webster Hall ! New York, NY
27th Webster Hall ! New York, NY
28th Water St. Music Hall ! Rochester, NY
29th Phoenix Theater ! Toronto, ON
30th Le National ! Montreal, QC
31st Northern Lights ! Clifton, NY
Nov 2nd Higher Ground ^ Burlington, VT
3rd Port City Music Hall ^ Portland, ME
4th House of Blues ^ Boston, MA
5th Toad's Place ^ New Haven, CT
6th Pearl Street Nightclub ^ Northampton, MA

# w/ So So Glos
* w/ Fang Island
% w/ Big Freedia
! w/ Donnis
^ w/ Javelin

More information on Matt + Kim
Official Page here.
Check them out on twitter
and you have facebook as well as myspace.

Dig in!

Darn it.

2010-08-26T11:06:00.001-04:00

Guess I need to be a little quicker next time....bah.

Like an old friend...

2010-08-17T15:30:00.003-04:00

Bought the new Iron Maiden cd today.

Actually I know very little about the band, but I was in a local shop getting Season 4 of Dexter and it was playing. For the price of 9.99 I couldn't pass it up. I was curious before, but the stuff I heard I liked.

So far I like it. I asked an old friend who plans to get it to let me know what he thinks, I'd be curious if long time fans think its good/bad/okay etc.

Oh, thanks for taking the poll over at Forgotten Disc Friday, getting some good feed back.

I need some input..

2010-08-12T16:01:00.002-04:00

As many/most are aware I also write Forgotten Disc Friday and we are closing in on 200 albums/artists reviewed. If you head to the site would you take the 10 question survey? I would be a big help. Not sure I want to keep a "dead" blog up and running. I love it and I know what you are saying "write because you love it...." but it is nice to know there are readers.

Thanks for your time.

A photo journal of vacation....

2010-08-10T15:46:00.002-04:00

Just goofed around with an iPhone app called "Hipstamatic". As you can tell it takes shots and ages them. I found out after a few days of use you can "shake" the phone to get random. I still like how the first image comes out the best w/the frayed sides etc. Feel free to click and make em bigger.

1. I am not a huge fan of flying. I know you can't control anything. I just was taking random shots waiting for our plane.

2. The night we got to (just outside) Cleveland we went out for a quick bite and ice cream. Cleveland has a lot of bridges. Just snapped one.

3. This is when I got used to "shaking" the phone to get a more random exposure. Stood in the same spot for this.
4. So we flew, then drove something like 400 miles to arrive in Meaford Ontario. It is really pretty and peaceful. This was the first shot I took looking down our hosts dock. No the world is not that yellow

5. Same deal w/shaking the camera. This one looks like a storm looms...
6. I took a few steps forward, shook the phone again and took this. I like this one the best.
7. I turned a bit to the right to take a shot down "the beach".
8. The wave runner getting ready for bed. I went for a ride on the back of it and we hit 73mph. Since I didn't have my glasses on I had no real idea how fast things were going. The thing moves that is for sure.9. Headed back towards Cleveland. I drove from Meaford Ontario to about Erie Pennsylvania. I was just bored and since I can't read (or sleep) in cars I figured I'd take some shots.

11. Some 7+hours in to our trip the lights of Cleveland. This is a blurry image of the ballpark the Indians play at.
12. We went downtown for a bit later in the week and my wife said we should check out the "Arcade". My kids and I were bummed there was no Tetris machines (I kid). It was a neat old hotel/mall. Very cool.
13. A set of stairs at one end of the Arcade. We walked to one end, then down these stairs.
14. The biggest, softest leather couches were strewn about the ground floor. I swear my son sat in/on each one.

I am alive..

2010-08-09T14:11:00.001-04:00

Crickets I realize...CRICKETS!

Out of state and the country for that matter. Took a few pictures..but nothing major. I'll do some updating so my lone reader doesn't worry if I am buried under a stack of old newspapers.

Not much has changed...

2010-07-30T08:47:00.001-04:00

Well I am now officially "40". Not much has changed but I did realize I am now moved up in an age bracket for on line polls and surveys. Few more years until the early bird specials??!

Your band..as part of the Life is Good Fest??!

2010-07-21T12:16:00.002-04:00

Do you want to perform on the same stage as Jason Mraz, Ben Harper and Ziggy Marley in front of a crowd of more than 15,000 people? Life is good has teamed up with Sonicbids to select two local bands to perform at the 2010 Life is good Festival at Blue Hills.

On September 11 and 12 at Prowse Farm in Canton, MA, Life is good and Superfly Presents will bring together more than 20 world-class performers for a one-of-a-kind festival designed to spread good vibes through music while raising more than $1 million for kids who are facing life-threatening challenges. Confirmed performers include Ben Harper and Relentless7, Jason Mraz, Ziggy Marley, Guster, Ozomatli, Corrine Bailey Rae, Dr Dog, OK Go, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and many more.

Sonicbids is a web-based company that helps bands from around the world discover and book gigs. Life is good is working with Sonicbids to round out the line-up for the festival by selecting two local bands who look to spread optimism through their music. To submit a band for consideration, go here. The $10.00 submission fee will be completely donated to The Life is good Kids Foundation. Applications will be accepted through August 5, 2010.

The 2010 Life is good Festival at Blue Hills is a multi-faceted event that combines world-class headliners, popular developing bands and the top children’s artists working today. In addition to the artists highlighted, the festival will feature a wide range of entertainment options including games, interactive art activities and a nationally-known circus company.

Top children’s artists The Laurie Berkner Band, Dan Zanes and Friends and They Might Be Giants will join in the fun on the “Good Kids” Stage and will be joined by San Francisco’s kids-rock performers The Sippy Cups and a unique “Circus To Go!” performance by Big Apple Circus. The complete line-up and additional festival information can be found here.

Tickets for the 2010 Life is good Festival at Blue Hills are available at www.lifeisgood.com. Adult single-day tickets are $50, and $90 two-day tickets are also available. Tickets for children ages 6-12 are available for $10 in a limited supply and children 5 and under are free.

Through its nationally-known festivals, Life is good has raised over $3 million for children in need since 2003. All public donations, including individual fundraising prior to the event, will be directed to the foundation. The Life is good Kids Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to helping children overcome life-threatening challenges such as violence, poverty and serious illness. Its Playmakers initiative provides training, resources and support to the adults dedicated to caring for these children so that all involved lead healthier, more joyful lives.

For more information on The Life is good Company, the Life is good Kids Foundation, and the Life is good Festival, please visit www.lifeisgood.com/festivals

Good luck to your band and if you get picked let us know!

New Music from Like Bells!

2010-07-13T14:25:00.004-04:00

One of the bands I really enjoy these days are "Like Bells" {myspace]. The Orberlin Ohio based bands second album "Palma" is out now.

If you poke around the band site you can find links to some mp3's to sample. Suggested are:

Follow the Birds - A plaintive falsetto vocal melody floats above a shifting and unsettled foundation. After a quiet interlude the song settles into an airy tribal groove that surges back to the original theme, reframed against a simple 3/4 meter.

Sea Salt - Violin and bass melodies weave in and out of a rolling guitar line, while humming processed textures develop and grow until the song erupts into a triumphant explosion of distortion and vocals. Instrumental evocations of tropical air and the pulse of ocean waves provide the backdrop for lyrics that tell of travel, love, and repetition.

Chamomile - A ballad-like meditation that unfolds slowly, driven by cello and electronic drums until reaching acacophonous close.

The label site for the band here.

Jump on it folks, you will dig!