Tuesday, December 30, 2008
One Last Thing
My cousin's band, Upshot, went into the studio just a few days ago, to lay down some tracks. He's the one known as Dr. Z. Please check them out on their MySpace here. Thank you...
Sunday, December 28, 2008
2008: The Year in Review & 2009: What's Next?
2009 is almost here, and that means it's time for my first ever Year in Review. You may ask yourself, what exactly am I reviewing from 2008? Well, honestly, I don't know at this point, so I'm just going to write, so just keep reading. Please...
Spring 2008
I began this site in either March or April, as a way to just write about things, namely music: the bands I love, and all the concerts and festivals I've seen.
Fast forward to Summer of 2008
There's this music festival in Cincinnati called MidPoint. It's a three day music festival held in downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, that generally falls on the last weekend of September, dating back to 2002.
I remember reading the amazing guides that Mike Breen of CityBeat has put together for past MidPoint's, and I thought to myself, "Hey, I'd like to do something like that." As my love for the local music scene was already brewing at that point, I began to do my homework for my own version of a MidPoint guide.
Sometime during the summer of 2008, bands were starting to be confirmed for the festival, and I was trying to stay on top of things as the news came.
I'll be honest though...I thought my MidPoint guide sucked bad. The main difference between my site and the CityBeat guide, was that my site offered up links online to the bands that were playing the festival, making it much easier to find out about these bands and discover some music for your ears.
The Birth of My Interest in Music Writing
For as long as I can remember, I've always had a deep love for music. But it was my brother Adam (who created CincyPunk), who was kind of like the firestarter, which led to me wanting to be an online music writer, which has now become something I would like to pursue as a career.
See, since I've listened to a lot of music in my short time, I feel like I know a lot about the bands I listen to. And that makes me want to tell the whole world about the bands I love. I'm also the artsy type of person, so I've always been that expressive, creative type.
I also owe credit to the aforementioned Breen and CinWeekly's Rich Shivener. Between my brother and these two guys, I feel inspired to hopefully one day become an educated music writer. They're all very passionate about the music they love as well, but the passion isn't exactly a problem with me. I've got that.
Kind Words From Strangers
I can't even tell you all of the nice things I heard about my site from a number of people I had never even met. One of the best things about the music scene here in Cincinnati is that it is a close knit community and everyone is very supportive of each other. It's like everyone wants to help everyone succeed. I'm happy I got to experience this first hand. Thanks everybody for the kind words and support. And thank you Mike for hooking me up with that Media Pass for MidPoint.
What Else Besides MidPoint?
Well, there were an unknown number of shows I saw this year. I'll try to go through them by going backwards in time.
For the month of December, The Seedy Seeds were the Artist-in-Residency at the Southgate House. I caught a couple of these shows, which also featured amazing guest artists such as Deastro, Stick Figures, and You, You're Awesome.
There was also the Ten Out of Tenn Christmas Tour featuring ten amazing male and female singer/songwriter's from Tennessee, who all performed original and traditional holiday songs as one huge band.
I witnessed mind-blowing/numbing Indie Rock at the Southgate House from bands I didn't know much about, much less even had heard about. This show was on December 10 and the bands were Ra Ra Riot, So Many Dynamos and Princeton.
During the month of November, our very own The Tillers performed in the lounge as the Artist-in-Residency.
I also happened to catch a few shows at the Madison Theater. Gov't Mule with Back Door Slam. Amos Lee. David Ford and Newton Faulkner.
The last day of November brought a variety of bands to the Southgate House Ball Room. Manchester Orchestra (not as impressed as I thought I'd be), Dead Confederate (probably the heaviest band I currently like) and Kevin Devine (whose lyrics speak so much truth that he may even make you cry, but not in a bad way).
At the beginning of November we had the Johnny Cash tribute, which served as a superjam of the man in black's material, featuring a number of Cincinnati's best musicians. That same night, in the lounge, they had the One More Girl on a Stage Series featuring several of the area's best and sexiest female musicians, including my fav, Beth Harris of The Hiders.
In October, I caught bluegrass jamband rockers, Railroad Earth, with our very own Magnolia Mountain as the openers. I saw Railroad Earth at Bonnaroo in 2007, but wasn't so impressed. I tell you what - there's something about the Southgate House, it's just the best venue to see a show at. And Railroad Earth blew me away that night.
The Seedy Seeds had their CD release party for Count the Days at the Southgate House with reunited friends Cam Cochran and Chris Haubner as The Sheds.
One of the area's best garage rock bands, The Lions Rampant, opened up for the weird/strange/odd hillbillies, The Legendary Shack Shakers. Their frontman is very odd...
80-something year old country legend Charlie Louvin opened up for Alt. Country legends, The Old 97's.
Possibly the best show I saw all year long was on October 3 at the Taft Theatre. I had 3rd row seats to the Ryan Adams & the Cardinals show, supporting the release of his one-thousandth album, Cardinology. Okay, I'm joking. The man releases a lot of music.
And that brings us to the end of September. MidPoint. On Thursday I caught Seabird, Ryan Adcock, Daniel Martin Moore, Why? and Ruckus Roboticus. Friday was my favorite night, as I saw The Hiders, Jake Speed, AA Bondy and the Felice Brothers. And the final night was pretty good as well - 500 Miles to Memphis, Ha Ha Tonka, Backyard Tire Fire and Radio 4.
A couple days before MidPoint I caught Stars and Bell X-1 at the Southgate House.
The only two shows I saw at Riverbend during the summertime were Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers with former Blind Faith/Traffic founder, Steve Winwood, and the Dave Matthews Band with Tim Reynold's band opening.
In April, my brother put on the most successful of all the CincyPunk Festivals. Look for this show at the Southgate House again in 2009. The lineup is currently being designed and the dates are set for April 10 and 11.
Earlier in the year I caught Bob Weir & Ratdog at the Madison Theater.
I also caught both Josh Ritter and Will Hoge at the Southgate House earlier in the year.
The only disappointment (music wise) I have of 2008, is not being able to catch Band of Horses sold-out show at the Southgate House.
Stay tuned for more as my memory comes back to me...
Spring 2008
I began this site in either March or April, as a way to just write about things, namely music: the bands I love, and all the concerts and festivals I've seen.
Fast forward to Summer of 2008
There's this music festival in Cincinnati called MidPoint. It's a three day music festival held in downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, that generally falls on the last weekend of September, dating back to 2002.
I remember reading the amazing guides that Mike Breen of CityBeat has put together for past MidPoint's, and I thought to myself, "Hey, I'd like to do something like that." As my love for the local music scene was already brewing at that point, I began to do my homework for my own version of a MidPoint guide.
Sometime during the summer of 2008, bands were starting to be confirmed for the festival, and I was trying to stay on top of things as the news came.
I'll be honest though...I thought my MidPoint guide sucked bad. The main difference between my site and the CityBeat guide, was that my site offered up links online to the bands that were playing the festival, making it much easier to find out about these bands and discover some music for your ears.
The Birth of My Interest in Music Writing
For as long as I can remember, I've always had a deep love for music. But it was my brother Adam (who created CincyPunk), who was kind of like the firestarter, which led to me wanting to be an online music writer, which has now become something I would like to pursue as a career.
See, since I've listened to a lot of music in my short time, I feel like I know a lot about the bands I listen to. And that makes me want to tell the whole world about the bands I love. I'm also the artsy type of person, so I've always been that expressive, creative type.
I also owe credit to the aforementioned Breen and CinWeekly's Rich Shivener. Between my brother and these two guys, I feel inspired to hopefully one day become an educated music writer. They're all very passionate about the music they love as well, but the passion isn't exactly a problem with me. I've got that.
Kind Words From Strangers
I can't even tell you all of the nice things I heard about my site from a number of people I had never even met. One of the best things about the music scene here in Cincinnati is that it is a close knit community and everyone is very supportive of each other. It's like everyone wants to help everyone succeed. I'm happy I got to experience this first hand. Thanks everybody for the kind words and support. And thank you Mike for hooking me up with that Media Pass for MidPoint.
What Else Besides MidPoint?
Well, there were an unknown number of shows I saw this year. I'll try to go through them by going backwards in time.
For the month of December, The Seedy Seeds were the Artist-in-Residency at the Southgate House. I caught a couple of these shows, which also featured amazing guest artists such as Deastro, Stick Figures, and You, You're Awesome.
There was also the Ten Out of Tenn Christmas Tour featuring ten amazing male and female singer/songwriter's from Tennessee, who all performed original and traditional holiday songs as one huge band.
I witnessed mind-blowing/numbing Indie Rock at the Southgate House from bands I didn't know much about, much less even had heard about. This show was on December 10 and the bands were Ra Ra Riot, So Many Dynamos and Princeton.
During the month of November, our very own The Tillers performed in the lounge as the Artist-in-Residency.
I also happened to catch a few shows at the Madison Theater. Gov't Mule with Back Door Slam. Amos Lee. David Ford and Newton Faulkner.
The last day of November brought a variety of bands to the Southgate House Ball Room. Manchester Orchestra (not as impressed as I thought I'd be), Dead Confederate (probably the heaviest band I currently like) and Kevin Devine (whose lyrics speak so much truth that he may even make you cry, but not in a bad way).
At the beginning of November we had the Johnny Cash tribute, which served as a superjam of the man in black's material, featuring a number of Cincinnati's best musicians. That same night, in the lounge, they had the One More Girl on a Stage Series featuring several of the area's best and sexiest female musicians, including my fav, Beth Harris of The Hiders.
In October, I caught bluegrass jamband rockers, Railroad Earth, with our very own Magnolia Mountain as the openers. I saw Railroad Earth at Bonnaroo in 2007, but wasn't so impressed. I tell you what - there's something about the Southgate House, it's just the best venue to see a show at. And Railroad Earth blew me away that night.
The Seedy Seeds had their CD release party for Count the Days at the Southgate House with reunited friends Cam Cochran and Chris Haubner as The Sheds.
One of the area's best garage rock bands, The Lions Rampant, opened up for the weird/strange/odd hillbillies, The Legendary Shack Shakers. Their frontman is very odd...
80-something year old country legend Charlie Louvin opened up for Alt. Country legends, The Old 97's.
Possibly the best show I saw all year long was on October 3 at the Taft Theatre. I had 3rd row seats to the Ryan Adams & the Cardinals show, supporting the release of his one-thousandth album, Cardinology. Okay, I'm joking. The man releases a lot of music.
And that brings us to the end of September. MidPoint. On Thursday I caught Seabird, Ryan Adcock, Daniel Martin Moore, Why? and Ruckus Roboticus. Friday was my favorite night, as I saw The Hiders, Jake Speed, AA Bondy and the Felice Brothers. And the final night was pretty good as well - 500 Miles to Memphis, Ha Ha Tonka, Backyard Tire Fire and Radio 4.
A couple days before MidPoint I caught Stars and Bell X-1 at the Southgate House.
The only two shows I saw at Riverbend during the summertime were Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers with former Blind Faith/Traffic founder, Steve Winwood, and the Dave Matthews Band with Tim Reynold's band opening.
In April, my brother put on the most successful of all the CincyPunk Festivals. Look for this show at the Southgate House again in 2009. The lineup is currently being designed and the dates are set for April 10 and 11.
Earlier in the year I caught Bob Weir & Ratdog at the Madison Theater.
I also caught both Josh Ritter and Will Hoge at the Southgate House earlier in the year.
The only disappointment (music wise) I have of 2008, is not being able to catch Band of Horses sold-out show at the Southgate House.
Stay tuned for more as my memory comes back to me...
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
News of the Day: Bonnaroo 2009 Headliners
Rolling Stone Magazine is reporting that the rumors that have been circulating for the past few months are in fact...fact
Phish will be headlining on both Friday and Saturday nights, while Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (the band playing this year's SuperBowl, maybe you've heard of 'em!) will close out the festival on Sunday.
The festival is sure to please a lot of Phish-heads, hippies and old school Bonnaroo fans, by signing to biggest jamband next to the Grateful Dead, for a festival once dominated by jambands.
Phish broke up in 2004, after a near twenty-year career rise to fame, by succeeding in a very similar way to that of the Grateful Dead.
The members of Phish have stayed busy since the breakup, many of them playing with their own bands at previous Bonnaroo festivals.
So, for all you Phish-heads who said "Phish wouldn't play Bonnaroo, they could have their own festival" and "they've never been that kind of band, they've never done that sort of thing" - well, Bonnaroo got Phish. And not just one show...two. This may be the best Bonnaroo yet.
Phish will be headlining on both Friday and Saturday nights, while Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (the band playing this year's SuperBowl, maybe you've heard of 'em!) will close out the festival on Sunday.
The festival is sure to please a lot of Phish-heads, hippies and old school Bonnaroo fans, by signing to biggest jamband next to the Grateful Dead, for a festival once dominated by jambands.
Phish broke up in 2004, after a near twenty-year career rise to fame, by succeeding in a very similar way to that of the Grateful Dead.
The members of Phish have stayed busy since the breakup, many of them playing with their own bands at previous Bonnaroo festivals.
So, for all you Phish-heads who said "Phish wouldn't play Bonnaroo, they could have their own festival" and "they've never been that kind of band, they've never done that sort of thing" - well, Bonnaroo got Phish. And not just one show...two. This may be the best Bonnaroo yet.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
What I'm Listening To...
Bob Dylan, Tell Tale Signs
Bon Iver, For Emaa, Forever Ago
Conor Oberst, Conor Oberst
Kings of Leon, Only By the Night
The Raconteurs, Consolers of the Lonely
TV on the Radio, Dear Science
Bon Iver, For Emaa, Forever Ago
Conor Oberst, Conor Oberst
Kings of Leon, Only By the Night
The Raconteurs, Consolers of the Lonely
TV on the Radio, Dear Science
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Bonnaroo Early Bird Tickets On-Sale Dec. 4
Bonnaroo tickets go on sale this Thursday (Dec. 4) at noon, for the 2009 music and arts festival, which will be held on June 11-14, on the same 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee.
Note: the early bird ticket sale ends on Dec. 31, or when tickets sell out. There are only a limited number of these tickets.
Tickets are starting out at $209.50 plus the $23.10 ticket fee. After the early bird tickets are sold out, tickets will jump to $224.50, $234.50, and finally $249.50. All ticket prices have the same fee of $23.10, which includes a $6 facility fee, a $3 contribution to Coffee County, a $1 charity donation, and other service fees.
For those of you looking to spend a little at a time, they are once again offering a ticket payment plan. The only downside is, in the long run, you will be spending a little more money, but the fact that you have to pay a little at a time is quite tempting, that I think I may go with the payment plan option.
Here's how the payment plan will work:
Payment 1 (date of purchase) - $90.90, which includes all fees
Payment 2 (Feb. 10) - $50
Payment 3 (Mar. 3) - $50
Payment 4 (Apr. 7) - $50
Payment 5 (May 5) - $50
Take a virtual tour of the Bonnaroo farm (see what the farm looks like almost empty)
The lineup won't be out until late January/early February, but that doesn't mean the rumor mill is quiet this time of year. Some of the rumored bands include Phish, The Dead, AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Smashing Pumpkins.
Note: the early bird ticket sale ends on Dec. 31, or when tickets sell out. There are only a limited number of these tickets.
Tickets are starting out at $209.50 plus the $23.10 ticket fee. After the early bird tickets are sold out, tickets will jump to $224.50, $234.50, and finally $249.50. All ticket prices have the same fee of $23.10, which includes a $6 facility fee, a $3 contribution to Coffee County, a $1 charity donation, and other service fees.
For those of you looking to spend a little at a time, they are once again offering a ticket payment plan. The only downside is, in the long run, you will be spending a little more money, but the fact that you have to pay a little at a time is quite tempting, that I think I may go with the payment plan option.
Here's how the payment plan will work:
Payment 1 (date of purchase) - $90.90, which includes all fees
Payment 2 (Feb. 10) - $50
Payment 3 (Mar. 3) - $50
Payment 4 (Apr. 7) - $50
Payment 5 (May 5) - $50
Take a virtual tour of the Bonnaroo farm (see what the farm looks like almost empty)
The lineup won't be out until late January/early February, but that doesn't mean the rumor mill is quiet this time of year. Some of the rumored bands include Phish, The Dead, AC/DC, Bruce Springsteen, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Smashing Pumpkins.
Friday, November 28, 2008
First Local Band On Tap For SXSW
SXSW is also known as South By Southwest. It is a huge music/film festival in Austin, Texas, and every year, a handful of Cincinnati bands get to play the festival, exposing their sounds to music lovers from all over the world.
Seabird is the first, of what I am expecting to be at least a few local bands that will play the festival in 2009.
Local bands that have played in previous years:
Bad Veins
Buffalo Killers
The Chocolate Horse
The Greenhornes (now partly The Raconteurs)
Kim Taylor
The Minni-Thins
Over the Rhine
Peter Adams
The Sundresses
Thee Shams (who are now the Buffalo Killers)
Wussy
Seabird is the first, of what I am expecting to be at least a few local bands that will play the festival in 2009.
Local bands that have played in previous years:
Bad Veins
Buffalo Killers
The Chocolate Horse
The Greenhornes (now partly The Raconteurs)
Kim Taylor
The Minni-Thins
Over the Rhine
Peter Adams
The Sundresses
Thee Shams (who are now the Buffalo Killers)
Wussy
Monday, November 24, 2008
Let the Bonnaroo Phans Speak...
After nearly a hundred voters (on the Bonnaroo poll I created on Inforoo), the fans (or phans) have spoken up about their wishlists:
Top Popular Bands on the Poll:
PHISH - rumored
RADIOHEAD
THE DEAD - rumored
DAVID BOWIE
BEASTIE BOYS
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - rumored
DAVID GILMOUR
ROGER WATERS
NEIL YOUNG
Another Rumored Artist, but not popular in the poll:
AC/DC
And One Confirmation:
SPIRITUALIZED
THE LEAST POPULAR:
QUEEN WITH PAUL RODGERS
THE CURE
VAN MORRISON
THE NEW LED ZEPPELIN PROJECT
THE REPLACEMENTS
RUSH
SMASHING PUMPKINS
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
Bands That Fall in the Middle:
Nine Inch Nails
U2
Dave Matthews Band
Some Write-ins:
Prince
Jay-Z
Rage Against the Machine
Arcade Fire
Top Popular Bands on the Poll:
PHISH - rumored
RADIOHEAD
THE DEAD - rumored
DAVID BOWIE
BEASTIE BOYS
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - rumored
DAVID GILMOUR
ROGER WATERS
NEIL YOUNG
Another Rumored Artist, but not popular in the poll:
AC/DC
And One Confirmation:
SPIRITUALIZED
THE LEAST POPULAR:
QUEEN WITH PAUL RODGERS
THE CURE
VAN MORRISON
THE NEW LED ZEPPELIN PROJECT
THE REPLACEMENTS
RUSH
SMASHING PUMPKINS
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS
Bands That Fall in the Middle:
Nine Inch Nails
U2
Dave Matthews Band
Some Write-ins:
Prince
Jay-Z
Rage Against the Machine
Arcade Fire
CEA Awards Last Night - And the Winnners Are...
Bluegrass - Rumpke Mountain Boys
Blues - Sonny Moorman Group
Country - The Turkeys
Experimental/Electronica - Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar
Folk/Americana - Jake Speed & the Freddies
Hard Rock/Metal - Foxy Shazam
Hip-Hop - Eclipse
Indie/Alternative - The Seedy Seeds
Jazz - The Faux Frenchmen
Punk/Post Punk/Hardcore - Knife the Symphony
R&B/Funk - Daughters & Sons
Rock - 500 Miles to Memphis
World Music/Reggae - Super Massive
Singer-Songwriter - Kim Taylor
Best Live Act - Foxy Shazam
Best Musical Ambassador for the City - Bootsy Collins
Best New Artist - Daniel Martin Moore
Album of the Year - The Sundresses, "Barkinghaus"
Artist of the Year - Seabird
Blues - Sonny Moorman Group
Country - The Turkeys
Experimental/Electronica - Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar
Folk/Americana - Jake Speed & the Freddies
Hard Rock/Metal - Foxy Shazam
Hip-Hop - Eclipse
Indie/Alternative - The Seedy Seeds
Jazz - The Faux Frenchmen
Punk/Post Punk/Hardcore - Knife the Symphony
R&B/Funk - Daughters & Sons
Rock - 500 Miles to Memphis
World Music/Reggae - Super Massive
Singer-Songwriter - Kim Taylor
Best Live Act - Foxy Shazam
Best Musical Ambassador for the City - Bootsy Collins
Best New Artist - Daniel Martin Moore
Album of the Year - The Sundresses, "Barkinghaus"
Artist of the Year - Seabird
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Bonnaroo Inforoo Messageboard
So I started this poll on Inforoo, the unofficial Bonnaroo messageboard.
It's a poll I created for who you want to headline in 2009. Obviously the fans have no say in who Superfly and AC Entertainment book, but I've created this list based on bands who seem likely to play the festival/bands that are still around that tour, that could more than likely end up playing the festival this year, or in the future.
Right now, as far as headliners go, there is a lot of talk/rumors going on that both Phish and The Dead will be there. Who knows though.
So, for those of you interested, stop by here, and cast your vote for who you think should headline in 2009.
I voted for Coldplay, Neil Young and Phish. But I'm sure that I'll be more than happy with whoever they get.
Past Bonnaroo headliners include Pearl Jam, Metallica, Widespread Panic, Tool, The Police, Radiohead, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Phil Lesh & Friends, Dave Matthews Band, Dave Matthews & Friends, Neil Young, The Dead and Trey Anastasio.
It's a poll I created for who you want to headline in 2009. Obviously the fans have no say in who Superfly and AC Entertainment book, but I've created this list based on bands who seem likely to play the festival/bands that are still around that tour, that could more than likely end up playing the festival this year, or in the future.
Right now, as far as headliners go, there is a lot of talk/rumors going on that both Phish and The Dead will be there. Who knows though.
So, for those of you interested, stop by here, and cast your vote for who you think should headline in 2009.
I voted for Coldplay, Neil Young and Phish. But I'm sure that I'll be more than happy with whoever they get.
Past Bonnaroo headliners include Pearl Jam, Metallica, Widespread Panic, Tool, The Police, Radiohead, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Phil Lesh & Friends, Dave Matthews Band, Dave Matthews & Friends, Neil Young, The Dead and Trey Anastasio.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Kanye West Is Having His Period
It's that time of the month again. Kanye West is having his period.
Seriously though, shut up. We don't care.
You're not the voice of this generation, or this decade, you're not the loudest voice. We do here you, but frankly, we could give two sh*ts.
I'm sorry you've had a tough year, with the passing of your mother. I can't even begin to imagine losing my mother, and how that must feel.
But as for you, crawl into a hole, and shut the f*ck up. I hate your music. I hate what you did to Bonnaroo this past year. I especially hate your arrogance. You're not THE MAN, you're more of a woman. So shove a tampon up your as* and just go away already.
Seriously though, shut up. We don't care.
You're not the voice of this generation, or this decade, you're not the loudest voice. We do here you, but frankly, we could give two sh*ts.
I'm sorry you've had a tough year, with the passing of your mother. I can't even begin to imagine losing my mother, and how that must feel.
But as for you, crawl into a hole, and shut the f*ck up. I hate your music. I hate what you did to Bonnaroo this past year. I especially hate your arrogance. You're not THE MAN, you're more of a woman. So shove a tampon up your as* and just go away already.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The End of the Jimi Hendrix Experience
Drummer Mitch Mitchell passed away this morning. Read about it at Rolling Stone.
I know the end was really when Jimi died in 1970, but that doesn't mean Mitchell wasn't great - he's was just overshadowed by Jimi's legendary status. Still, a sad story.
I know the end was really when Jimi died in 1970, but that doesn't mean Mitchell wasn't great - he's was just overshadowed by Jimi's legendary status. Still, a sad story.
The End of Loud Music for Robert Plant?
More Led Zeppelin rumored coverage from Rolling Stone.
What do you think of the whole thing? Should we just wait and see what happens? Send me your thoughts on the situation.
What do you think of the whole thing? Should we just wait and see what happens? Send me your thoughts on the situation.
Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time
Who cares though, really? I've always thought that Rolling Stone does a terrible job with lists like these, especially this one. It's not because it doesn't appeal to my tastes (it doesn't but that's besides the point), the point is, what do they base this on? I know there are a series of polls taken by musicians, artists, writers, editors, whomever or whatever, but how exactly do they rate these singers?
I do enjoy looking at the list, but I don't think of it as truth in any sense.
100 Mary J. Blige
99 Steven Tyler
98 Stevie Nicks
97 Joe Cocker
96 B.B. King
95 Patti LaBelle
94 Karen Carpenter
93 Annie Lennox
92 Morrissey
91 Levon Helm
90 The Everly Brothers
89 Solomon Burke
88 Willie Nelson
87 Don Henley
86 Art Garfunkel
85 Sam Moore
84 Darlene Love
83 Patti Smith
82 Tom Waits
81 John Lee Hooker
80 Frankie Valli
79 Mariah Carey
78 Sly Stone
77 Merle Haggard
76 Steve Perry
75 Iggy Pop
74 James Taylor
73 Dolly Parton
72 John Fogerty
71 Toots Hibbert
70 Gregg Allman
69 Ronnie Spector
68 Wilson Pickett
67 Jerry Lee Lewis
66 Thom Yorke
65 David Ruffin
64 Axl Rose
63 Dion
62 Lou Reed
61 Roger Daltrey
60 Björk - I'm not really sure how Bjork ended up in this spot...
59 Rod Stewart
58 Christina Aguilera
57 Eric Bourdon
56 Mavis Staples
55 Paul Rodgers
54 Luther Vandross
53 Muddy Waters
52 Brian Wilson
51 Gladys Knight
50 Bonnie Raitt
49 Donny Hathaway
48 Buddy Holly
47 Jim Morrison
46 Patsy Cline
45 Kurt Cobain
44 Bobby "Blue" Bland
43 George Jones
42 Joni Mitchell
41 Chuck Berry
40 Curtis Mayfield
39 Jeff Buckley
38 Elton John
37 Neil Young
36 Bruce Springsteen
35 Dusty Sprinfield
34 Whitney Houston
33 Steve Winwood
32 Bono
31 Howlin' Wolf
30 Prince
29 Nina Simone
28 Janis Joplin
27 Hank Williams
26 Jackie Wilson
25 Michael Jackson
24 Van Morrison
23 David Bowie
22 Etta James
21 Johnny Cash
20 Smokey Robinson
19 Bob Marley
18 Freddie Mercury
17 Tina Turner
16 Mick Jagger
15 Robert Plant
14 Al Green
13 Roy Orbison
12 Little Richard
11 Paul McCartney
10 James Brown
09 Stevie Wonder
08 Otis Redding
07 Bob Dylan
06 Marvin Gaye
05 John Lennon
04 Sam Cooke
03 Elvis Presley
02 Ray Charles
01 Aretha Franklin
Have you had the pleasure of seeing any of these singers in person? That's probably the only thing I like about these lists - seeing where the one's I've seen in concert stack up - it makes me feel like I've witnessed a part of music history.
Who I've seen from this list:
98 Stevie Nicks - although I didn't see her with Fleetwood Mac, she was a part of Tom Petty's 2006 tour
70 Greg Allman
33 Steve Winwood
24 Van Morrison
07 Bob Dylan
Turns out, I really haven't seen many of them at all. I'd definitely like to add to my list, because time may be running out to witness some of them...
I do enjoy looking at the list, but I don't think of it as truth in any sense.
100 Mary J. Blige
99 Steven Tyler
98 Stevie Nicks
97 Joe Cocker
96 B.B. King
95 Patti LaBelle
94 Karen Carpenter
93 Annie Lennox
92 Morrissey
91 Levon Helm
90 The Everly Brothers
89 Solomon Burke
88 Willie Nelson
87 Don Henley
86 Art Garfunkel
85 Sam Moore
84 Darlene Love
83 Patti Smith
82 Tom Waits
81 John Lee Hooker
80 Frankie Valli
79 Mariah Carey
78 Sly Stone
77 Merle Haggard
76 Steve Perry
75 Iggy Pop
74 James Taylor
73 Dolly Parton
72 John Fogerty
71 Toots Hibbert
70 Gregg Allman
69 Ronnie Spector
68 Wilson Pickett
67 Jerry Lee Lewis
66 Thom Yorke
65 David Ruffin
64 Axl Rose
63 Dion
62 Lou Reed
61 Roger Daltrey
60 Björk - I'm not really sure how Bjork ended up in this spot...
59 Rod Stewart
58 Christina Aguilera
57 Eric Bourdon
56 Mavis Staples
55 Paul Rodgers
54 Luther Vandross
53 Muddy Waters
52 Brian Wilson
51 Gladys Knight
50 Bonnie Raitt
49 Donny Hathaway
48 Buddy Holly
47 Jim Morrison
46 Patsy Cline
45 Kurt Cobain
44 Bobby "Blue" Bland
43 George Jones
42 Joni Mitchell
41 Chuck Berry
40 Curtis Mayfield
39 Jeff Buckley
38 Elton John
37 Neil Young
36 Bruce Springsteen
35 Dusty Sprinfield
34 Whitney Houston
33 Steve Winwood
32 Bono
31 Howlin' Wolf
30 Prince
29 Nina Simone
28 Janis Joplin
27 Hank Williams
26 Jackie Wilson
25 Michael Jackson
24 Van Morrison
23 David Bowie
22 Etta James
21 Johnny Cash
20 Smokey Robinson
19 Bob Marley
18 Freddie Mercury
17 Tina Turner
16 Mick Jagger
15 Robert Plant
14 Al Green
13 Roy Orbison
12 Little Richard
11 Paul McCartney
10 James Brown
09 Stevie Wonder
08 Otis Redding
07 Bob Dylan
06 Marvin Gaye
05 John Lennon
04 Sam Cooke
03 Elvis Presley
02 Ray Charles
01 Aretha Franklin
Have you had the pleasure of seeing any of these singers in person? That's probably the only thing I like about these lists - seeing where the one's I've seen in concert stack up - it makes me feel like I've witnessed a part of music history.
Who I've seen from this list:
98 Stevie Nicks - although I didn't see her with Fleetwood Mac, she was a part of Tom Petty's 2006 tour
70 Greg Allman
33 Steve Winwood
24 Van Morrison
07 Bob Dylan
Turns out, I really haven't seen many of them at all. I'd definitely like to add to my list, because time may be running out to witness some of them...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Southgate House Last Night
There was too much to see at the crowded Southgate House last night. The third annual Cash Bash. A StarDevils CD release party. In the lounge, there was the One More Girl On A Stage showcase, featuring some of the area's best female musicians.
The Johnny Cash tribute show featured The StarDevils, who started off the night with some older Cash songs, and later went into their own material for their new album. They were followed by Ryan Malott (who played the part of the man in black) and Kelly Thomas (who played June) for a bunch of popular and not-so popular Cash songs including, as Ryan said, Cash's only metal song "Flesh and Blood", "It Ain't Me Babe" with Ryan even playing the harmonica and "Jackson". They also played a 500 Miles to Memphis Johnny Cash inspired song, "Darlin". Rumble Club ended the night in the ballroom with songs like "Ring of Fire" and my personal favorite of the night, "Long Black Veil". I didn't catch all of Rumble Club's set because I was going back and forth all night long from the ballroom to the lounge.
The beautiful women who graced us with their musical gifts in the lounge included Beth Harris of The Hiders, Sharon Udoh of The Newbees, Kristen Kreft, Wendy Oakley, Whitney Barricklow and Veronica Grim. The event was free, however, donations and tips were encouraged, with all proceeds going to the Dramakinetics organization, which fosters a performing arts program for children.
The Johnny Cash tribute show featured The StarDevils, who started off the night with some older Cash songs, and later went into their own material for their new album. They were followed by Ryan Malott (who played the part of the man in black) and Kelly Thomas (who played June) for a bunch of popular and not-so popular Cash songs including, as Ryan said, Cash's only metal song "Flesh and Blood", "It Ain't Me Babe" with Ryan even playing the harmonica and "Jackson". They also played a 500 Miles to Memphis Johnny Cash inspired song, "Darlin". Rumble Club ended the night in the ballroom with songs like "Ring of Fire" and my personal favorite of the night, "Long Black Veil". I didn't catch all of Rumble Club's set because I was going back and forth all night long from the ballroom to the lounge.
The beautiful women who graced us with their musical gifts in the lounge included Beth Harris of The Hiders, Sharon Udoh of The Newbees, Kristen Kreft, Wendy Oakley, Whitney Barricklow and Veronica Grim. The event was free, however, donations and tips were encouraged, with all proceeds going to the Dramakinetics organization, which fosters a performing arts program for children.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Gov't Mule with Back Door Slam at the Madison Theater
Here's the little bit of video I shot before the security guard cut me off:
Gov't Mule - "John the Revelator"
Gov't Mule Setlist
Gov't Mule - "John the Revelator"
Gov't Mule Setlist
Set 1
John the Revelator (Blind Willie Johnson cover)
A Million Miles From Yesterday
Wandering Child
Larger Than Life
Kind of Bird
Wine & Blood
For What It's Worth (Buffalo Springfield cover)
Fallen Down>
The Other One Jam (Grateful Dead cover - featuring a Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter" Tease)
After Midnight (J.J. Cale cover - featuring Davy Knowles of Back Door Slam)
Set 2
Lola Leave Your Light On
Red House (Jimi Hendrix cover)
Mr. High & Mighty
Mr. Man>
Drum Solo>
Tastes Like Wine
Mule>
Who Do You Love (Bo Diddley cover)>
Mule
Encore
Can't You See (Marshall Tucker Band cover)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Big Night of Music
I went to the Amos Lee concert at the Madison Theater. I got there late, so I only caught the last few songs by Mutlu. Amos Lee and band were awesome though. I was kind of annoyed by all the girls screaming and singing but what can you do - they were hot. They're a little bit different live than on CD, because they tend to expand/jam on their songs a bit. They covered nearly all of the material on the two releases they have. The show ended about 10:30.
I figured The Tillers would still be playing in the lounge at the Southgate House, so I headed over to Newport. I'm not sure what I missed (they were scheduled to start around 9 pm) but they played till around 12:30 am, so I saw what I think was all their material from Ludlow Street Rag, plus a bunch of covers, including some Woody Guthrie songs, and even some songs dating back to the 1500's, which they noted. Their music gets my feet tapping and I accidently spilled one of their beer's, and the barkeep was kind enough to give me a replacement PBR for him.
The Tillers are one of my newer favorite local bands and if you live in the tristate and love live music you should definitely check them out. They're up for a CEA Award this year, and this month, they are the Southgate House's Artist in Residency every Wednesday beginning at 9 pm in the lounge. The shows are free and they'll be having some guests joining them for the remaining three shows they have. Next week they have Mark Utley and Magnolia Mountain opening for them. They also play the last Sunday of every month at the Northside Tavern.
I figured The Tillers would still be playing in the lounge at the Southgate House, so I headed over to Newport. I'm not sure what I missed (they were scheduled to start around 9 pm) but they played till around 12:30 am, so I saw what I think was all their material from Ludlow Street Rag, plus a bunch of covers, including some Woody Guthrie songs, and even some songs dating back to the 1500's, which they noted. Their music gets my feet tapping and I accidently spilled one of their beer's, and the barkeep was kind enough to give me a replacement PBR for him.
The Tillers are one of my newer favorite local bands and if you live in the tristate and love live music you should definitely check them out. They're up for a CEA Award this year, and this month, they are the Southgate House's Artist in Residency every Wednesday beginning at 9 pm in the lounge. The shows are free and they'll be having some guests joining them for the remaining three shows they have. Next week they have Mark Utley and Magnolia Mountain opening for them. They also play the last Sunday of every month at the Northside Tavern.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Greatest Rock Band Right Now
MY MORNING JACKET
I challenge you to find a better band. Go ahead. Try. It's impossible. Maybe I'm still coming off of the high I got by watching their set from the Austin City Limits television show that was just shown on KET.
I've been listening to them for a few years, I first saw them at Bogart's in 2005. And, it was through Bonnaroo in which I discovered them, which is where I've discovered most of the bands I listen to these days. I don't think they will ever play Bogart's again. Why? It's not big enough.
I don't know where they would or could play if they came back to Cincinnati, which is something they need to do. However, they are currently on a break, after injuries frontman Jim James sustained at a show weeks back in Idaho. Or was it Iowa? Apparently during the show, when the lights were out, he was stepping up on an amp or a box or something, and fell off the stage. Get better Jim! And when you do, please come back to Cincinnati. It's not really a home to you guys, but being from Louisville, it's close enough.
We love you here in Cincinnati, and we want you guys to come back. Maybe they'll get booked as the main act for MidPoint next year? Yeah, right.
But go ahead. Try to find a better rock band. Maybe they don't have the studio credentials to prove they are the greatest rock band. But go see them live. Try to find a better live band. You can't. A few years ago, The White Stripes were the biggest/newest (although they weren't that new) rock band. Now, it's My Morning Jacket's time (even though they aren't that new either).
One of the greatest things about them is that they don't have one particular sound, like most bands. Their most recent release has a lot of funk and R&B to it. Yeah, they're a rock band. But what band isn't. They're heavy, which makes you think they were influenced by bands like Metallica, not to mention they are one of James Hetfield's favorite bands right now. And Kirk Hammett did guest with them at Bonnaroo 2008. Metallica only wishes they could be as great as MMJ. Okay, there was a time when Metallica was fucking unbelievable. But the Black Album came out when I was in grade school, and it was basically all down hill after that.
MMJ is also slow and mellow, sometimes reminding you of a southern/alt country band, which would make you think they might be influenced by someone like Neil Young, or maybe even Wilco.
Loud. Quiet. Heavy. Soft. Rock and roll. Alternative Country. Funk. R&B. Gospel. They're the whole fucking package. They're the greatest rock band right now.
I challenge you to find a better band. Go ahead. Try. It's impossible. Maybe I'm still coming off of the high I got by watching their set from the Austin City Limits television show that was just shown on KET.
I've been listening to them for a few years, I first saw them at Bogart's in 2005. And, it was through Bonnaroo in which I discovered them, which is where I've discovered most of the bands I listen to these days. I don't think they will ever play Bogart's again. Why? It's not big enough.
I don't know where they would or could play if they came back to Cincinnati, which is something they need to do. However, they are currently on a break, after injuries frontman Jim James sustained at a show weeks back in Idaho. Or was it Iowa? Apparently during the show, when the lights were out, he was stepping up on an amp or a box or something, and fell off the stage. Get better Jim! And when you do, please come back to Cincinnati. It's not really a home to you guys, but being from Louisville, it's close enough.
We love you here in Cincinnati, and we want you guys to come back. Maybe they'll get booked as the main act for MidPoint next year? Yeah, right.
But go ahead. Try to find a better rock band. Maybe they don't have the studio credentials to prove they are the greatest rock band. But go see them live. Try to find a better live band. You can't. A few years ago, The White Stripes were the biggest/newest (although they weren't that new) rock band. Now, it's My Morning Jacket's time (even though they aren't that new either).
One of the greatest things about them is that they don't have one particular sound, like most bands. Their most recent release has a lot of funk and R&B to it. Yeah, they're a rock band. But what band isn't. They're heavy, which makes you think they were influenced by bands like Metallica, not to mention they are one of James Hetfield's favorite bands right now. And Kirk Hammett did guest with them at Bonnaroo 2008. Metallica only wishes they could be as great as MMJ. Okay, there was a time when Metallica was fucking unbelievable. But the Black Album came out when I was in grade school, and it was basically all down hill after that.
MMJ is also slow and mellow, sometimes reminding you of a southern/alt country band, which would make you think they might be influenced by someone like Neil Young, or maybe even Wilco.
Loud. Quiet. Heavy. Soft. Rock and roll. Alternative Country. Funk. R&B. Gospel. They're the whole fucking package. They're the greatest rock band right now.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
What Does the Future Hold for the Dave Matthews Band?
2008 has been a hell of a rollercoaster ride for the Dave Matthews Band.
The lows for the band, certainly outweighed the highs.
Back in May, just days before their summer tour was set to take off, keyboardist Butch Taylor left the band after ten years, citing personal reasons.
At the end of June, saxophonist and founding member LeRoi Moore was involved in an ATV accident. Sadly and tragically, and not even two months later, he had passed away.
The high points, or great things, that the year brought for the band, were the additions to the summer tour, of guitar mastermind Tim Reynolds and saxophonist/flutist Jeff Coffin, of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. But like I said, the lows outweighed the highs.
But before all of these things happened, the band was already hard at work on a new studio album, with producer Rob Cavallo, who is best known for his work with Green Day, the Goo Goo Dolls and My Chemical Romance.
Dave and company are reluctant to describe the sound for the follow-up release to 2005's Stand Up, but they have been saying that it's quite different from their previous albums.
Then one day, all of this stuff happened.
Luckily, for the band and its fans, the late Moore will be remembered one last time, with the band using as much of what he had already recorded.
The band has finished their 2008 tour, one of the most successful summer tours of the past fifteen plus years, and are taking a much needed break to focus on what is important in life.
Dave has said that in the past the band has tended to push the recording process, eager to get back on the road in time for summer.
But with everything that has happened, they have decided to take their "sweet time" with the new material, to pay respects to the legacy that LeRoi Moore left with the band and the fans.
Dear Dave Matthews Band,
As a DMB fan for nearly half of my life, you are what makes my summer's complete. I can hardly wait until the day, when the tourdates are announced and I decide on what shows to attend. I know it's been a rough year for you guys, and I know I speak for all the fans when I say: please, please, please take all the time in the world off that you need. There is no other band more deserving of a break, or in need of some time off, to spend with your families and loved ones.
To read a fuller, more detailed version of what's going on in the world of the Dave Matthews Band, please click here.
The lows for the band, certainly outweighed the highs.
Back in May, just days before their summer tour was set to take off, keyboardist Butch Taylor left the band after ten years, citing personal reasons.
At the end of June, saxophonist and founding member LeRoi Moore was involved in an ATV accident. Sadly and tragically, and not even two months later, he had passed away.
The high points, or great things, that the year brought for the band, were the additions to the summer tour, of guitar mastermind Tim Reynolds and saxophonist/flutist Jeff Coffin, of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. But like I said, the lows outweighed the highs.
But before all of these things happened, the band was already hard at work on a new studio album, with producer Rob Cavallo, who is best known for his work with Green Day, the Goo Goo Dolls and My Chemical Romance.
Dave and company are reluctant to describe the sound for the follow-up release to 2005's Stand Up, but they have been saying that it's quite different from their previous albums.
Then one day, all of this stuff happened.
Luckily, for the band and its fans, the late Moore will be remembered one last time, with the band using as much of what he had already recorded.
The band has finished their 2008 tour, one of the most successful summer tours of the past fifteen plus years, and are taking a much needed break to focus on what is important in life.
Dave has said that in the past the band has tended to push the recording process, eager to get back on the road in time for summer.
But with everything that has happened, they have decided to take their "sweet time" with the new material, to pay respects to the legacy that LeRoi Moore left with the band and the fans.
Dear Dave Matthews Band,
As a DMB fan for nearly half of my life, you are what makes my summer's complete. I can hardly wait until the day, when the tourdates are announced and I decide on what shows to attend. I know it's been a rough year for you guys, and I know I speak for all the fans when I say: please, please, please take all the time in the world off that you need. There is no other band more deserving of a break, or in need of some time off, to spend with your families and loved ones.
To read a fuller, more detailed version of what's going on in the world of the Dave Matthews Band, please click here.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Led Zeppelin To Tour in 2009?
Several music blogs are reporting that the long awaited Led Zeppelin reunion, is in fact, set to happen, starting in May of 2009.
However, Robert Plant may/may not be a part of it. Rumor has it that the band has been rehearsing with both Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge.
The latest rumor is that, when Plant found out about a possible replacement for him, he just might be jumping onboard, to take back what is so rightfully his.
Rumor has it, that the whole Tyler/Kennedy thing, was a ploy to get Plant to do the tour. Plant was hoping to do another album with Alison Krauss, but who knows.
It's all just rumors and speculation at this point, so who knows what will happen.
If they really need a replacement, why don't they just hop on YouTube, like Foreigner, Journey and Yes did - (I should note, that I was being sarcastic in the previous line). Nothing is more pathetic than a band who has established their place in rock and roll, who searches for a new lead singer on YouTube.
All I can say is, if this tour does happen and Plant isn't there, neither am I.
Now that I think about it:
ROBERT PLANT CAN NEVER BE REPLACED. IF THIS ZEPPELIN TOUR DOES HAPPEN WITHOUT HIM, THERE IS ONLY ONE MAN WHO COULD FILL IN FOR ROBERT PLANT. THAT MAN IS WARREN HAYNES FROM GOV'T MULE AND THE ALLMAN BROTHERS. NOT STEVEN TYLER OR THE FRONTMAN FOR THE CREED SIDEPROJECT, ALTER BRIDGE.
However, Robert Plant may/may not be a part of it. Rumor has it that the band has been rehearsing with both Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge.
The latest rumor is that, when Plant found out about a possible replacement for him, he just might be jumping onboard, to take back what is so rightfully his.
Rumor has it, that the whole Tyler/Kennedy thing, was a ploy to get Plant to do the tour. Plant was hoping to do another album with Alison Krauss, but who knows.
It's all just rumors and speculation at this point, so who knows what will happen.
If they really need a replacement, why don't they just hop on YouTube, like Foreigner, Journey and Yes did - (I should note, that I was being sarcastic in the previous line). Nothing is more pathetic than a band who has established their place in rock and roll, who searches for a new lead singer on YouTube.
All I can say is, if this tour does happen and Plant isn't there, neither am I.
Now that I think about it:
ROBERT PLANT CAN NEVER BE REPLACED. IF THIS ZEPPELIN TOUR DOES HAPPEN WITHOUT HIM, THERE IS ONLY ONE MAN WHO COULD FILL IN FOR ROBERT PLANT. THAT MAN IS WARREN HAYNES FROM GOV'T MULE AND THE ALLMAN BROTHERS. NOT STEVEN TYLER OR THE FRONTMAN FOR THE CREED SIDEPROJECT, ALTER BRIDGE.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Let the 2009 Bonnaroo Rumors Begin...
Okay...so it's not even November and already, rumors have taken flight, about who may play the mid-June music festival which draws nearly 100,000 people to a small town in Tennessee.
There are plenty of music festivals that take place during the summer concert season, so I'm hoping to make my third trip to the farm next summer.
There's a place on the internet, Inforoo, where the 'Roo addicts flock to, in the offseason (also known as the time of year that Bonnaroo isn't taking place, which would be 361 days out of the year).
The official artist lineup is usually released anywhere from the end of January, all the way up until mid-February, with artist additions usually lasting up until the end of May.
If you remember when I was putting together my coverage/guide for MidPoint, then I'll tell you that I'll most likely be doing a similar thing for Bonnaroo 2009. I'm a member on Inforoo, and for the past several years, I have followed the Bonnaroo rumors/confirmations year round, as information was leaked.
I even had some speculations of my own/a wishlist you could say, and for the past several years, I have guessed a few of the bands that ended up playing the festival. As a music lover who has studied all of the Bonnaroo lineups, it really doesn't seem to hard to guess some of (or the types of bands) that Bonnaroo books.
Anyways...rumors are starting to fly, and it's very possible that we have the first confirmed bands to play. Here's what's going on:
Bands "Apparently" Confirmed:
Red Hot Chili Peppers (oh god no...yuck!)
Spiritualized (yeah!!!)
Strong Rumors:
AC/DC
The Allman Brothers Band - they canceled last year due to Greg Allman's health, and a lot of people are speculating that they will be making up for that gig, in 2009
The Cure
The Dead
Phish
My wishlist/guesses/hopes
(I guarantee you right now, AT LEAST ONE of these bands will be playing Bonnaroo 2009):
Animal Collective
Arcade Fire
Backyard Tire Fire
Band of Horses
Bloc Party
Cafe Tacvba
Coldplay
Conor Oberst
Dave Matthews Band
David Byrne
Does It Offend You, Yeah?
Explosions in the Sky
Fleet Foxes
Ha Ha Tonka
Heartless Bastards
Holy F*ck
Islands
Justice
The Mars Volta
M. Ward
Neil Young
Okkervil River
Old 97's
The Polyphonic Spree
Radiohead
Roger Waters
Saul Williams
The Shins
Spank Rock
There are plenty of music festivals that take place during the summer concert season, so I'm hoping to make my third trip to the farm next summer.
There's a place on the internet, Inforoo, where the 'Roo addicts flock to, in the offseason (also known as the time of year that Bonnaroo isn't taking place, which would be 361 days out of the year).
The official artist lineup is usually released anywhere from the end of January, all the way up until mid-February, with artist additions usually lasting up until the end of May.
If you remember when I was putting together my coverage/guide for MidPoint, then I'll tell you that I'll most likely be doing a similar thing for Bonnaroo 2009. I'm a member on Inforoo, and for the past several years, I have followed the Bonnaroo rumors/confirmations year round, as information was leaked.
I even had some speculations of my own/a wishlist you could say, and for the past several years, I have guessed a few of the bands that ended up playing the festival. As a music lover who has studied all of the Bonnaroo lineups, it really doesn't seem to hard to guess some of (or the types of bands) that Bonnaroo books.
Anyways...rumors are starting to fly, and it's very possible that we have the first confirmed bands to play. Here's what's going on:
Bands "Apparently" Confirmed:
Red Hot Chili Peppers (oh god no...yuck!)
Spiritualized (yeah!!!)
Strong Rumors:
AC/DC
The Allman Brothers Band - they canceled last year due to Greg Allman's health, and a lot of people are speculating that they will be making up for that gig, in 2009
The Cure
The Dead
Phish
My wishlist/guesses/hopes
(I guarantee you right now, AT LEAST ONE of these bands will be playing Bonnaroo 2009):
Animal Collective
Arcade Fire
Backyard Tire Fire
Band of Horses
Bloc Party
Cafe Tacvba
Coldplay
Conor Oberst
Dave Matthews Band
David Byrne
Does It Offend You, Yeah?
Explosions in the Sky
Fleet Foxes
Ha Ha Tonka
Heartless Bastards
Holy F*ck
Islands
Justice
The Mars Volta
M. Ward
Neil Young
Okkervil River
Old 97's
The Polyphonic Spree
Radiohead
Roger Waters
Saul Williams
The Shins
Spank Rock
Next Week of Events
Fri. Oct. 31
1. The Hiders, The Cincinnati Suds, Ugly Stick - Northside Tavern
Sat. Nov. 1
1. 500 Miles to Memphis - Vinyl Release Party for Sunshine In A Shotglass - 20th Century Theatre - 8 pm - Free
2. Frontier Folk Nebraska, The Tillers, Mike Fair and the Adventure Seekers and The Bones Dupree Band - Mad Hatter - 8 pm - Tickets are $5
Tues. Nov. 4
1. Election Day - Use Your Right to Vote
Wed. Nov. 5
1. Amos Lee with Mutlu - Madison Theater - 8 pm - Tickets are $25/27
2. The Tillers - Southgate House (Lounge) - 9 pm - Free
Thu. Nov. 6
1. Gov't Mule with Back Door Slam - Madison Theater 7:30 pm - Tickets are $28/30
Fri. Nov. 7
1. Sam Bush with Tanner Hill - Madison Theater - 8 pm - Tickets are $20/25
2. Johnny Cash Tribute - Southgate House (Ballroom) - 9:30 pm - Tickets are $10 for 21+/$13 for everyone else - performers include The StarDevils, Rumble Club, Kelly Thomas and Ryan Malott of 500 Miles to Memphis
3. One More Girl On A Stage Series - Southgate House (Lounge) - 9 pm - Free - performers include Beth Harris of The Hiders, Sharon Udoh of The Newbees, Wendy Oakley, Whitney B. and Kristen Kreft of The J. Dorsey Blues Band
1. The Hiders, The Cincinnati Suds, Ugly Stick - Northside Tavern
Sat. Nov. 1
1. 500 Miles to Memphis - Vinyl Release Party for Sunshine In A Shotglass - 20th Century Theatre - 8 pm - Free
2. Frontier Folk Nebraska, The Tillers, Mike Fair and the Adventure Seekers and The Bones Dupree Band - Mad Hatter - 8 pm - Tickets are $5
Tues. Nov. 4
1. Election Day - Use Your Right to Vote
Wed. Nov. 5
1. Amos Lee with Mutlu - Madison Theater - 8 pm - Tickets are $25/27
2. The Tillers - Southgate House (Lounge) - 9 pm - Free
Thu. Nov. 6
1. Gov't Mule with Back Door Slam - Madison Theater 7:30 pm - Tickets are $28/30
Fri. Nov. 7
1. Sam Bush with Tanner Hill - Madison Theater - 8 pm - Tickets are $20/25
2. Johnny Cash Tribute - Southgate House (Ballroom) - 9:30 pm - Tickets are $10 for 21+/$13 for everyone else - performers include The StarDevils, Rumble Club, Kelly Thomas and Ryan Malott of 500 Miles to Memphis
3. One More Girl On A Stage Series - Southgate House (Lounge) - 9 pm - Free - performers include Beth Harris of The Hiders, Sharon Udoh of The Newbees, Wendy Oakley, Whitney B. and Kristen Kreft of The J. Dorsey Blues Band
I'm Boycotting Guitar Hero and Rock Band
Why is it that people actually believe they can really play guitar or drums after playing these video games?
I've never played either because I grew out of the video game phase several years ago.
It's nothing like actually playing a real guitar! There are five buttons you hit, which take up an entire fret. Okay, so you can get practice moving your fingers from fret to fret, but what is it that makes these people think they can actually play?
And these buttons you hit, aren't even correct as to where to place your fingers in the actual songs you think you are playing.
The reason I won't play these video games is this: I prefer to play the REAL guitar! I may not be that great, but I don't suck. I'm trying and I'm trying to be more creative by learning an instrument and writing songs.
The creator's of this game are turning a generation into fool's to make them believe they have any speck of talent musically, when in fact, they don't.
So, to all of you who play this game, do yourself a favor: learn to play a REAL instrument.
Think of it like this:
1. Let's say there's a book. Any book you could or would read. Then, they make the movie version of it.
2. Now, take the guitar, or any instrument for that matter. Then, they make a video game to make you think you can play it, when the real truth is, you can't.
Guitar Hero and Rock Band are like the movie version of the book. It's just not the same.
Actually, it's nowhere near the same thing. It's a bit lazy, and it's for slackers.
Please do yourself a favor: learn to play a REAL instrument. Try to become a creative person. Being creative in life will benefit you so much more than sitting on your fat ass, eating chips, smoking pot all day, and playing video games. I know, because I was once there.
I've never played either because I grew out of the video game phase several years ago.
It's nothing like actually playing a real guitar! There are five buttons you hit, which take up an entire fret. Okay, so you can get practice moving your fingers from fret to fret, but what is it that makes these people think they can actually play?
And these buttons you hit, aren't even correct as to where to place your fingers in the actual songs you think you are playing.
The reason I won't play these video games is this: I prefer to play the REAL guitar! I may not be that great, but I don't suck. I'm trying and I'm trying to be more creative by learning an instrument and writing songs.
The creator's of this game are turning a generation into fool's to make them believe they have any speck of talent musically, when in fact, they don't.
So, to all of you who play this game, do yourself a favor: learn to play a REAL instrument.
Think of it like this:
1. Let's say there's a book. Any book you could or would read. Then, they make the movie version of it.
2. Now, take the guitar, or any instrument for that matter. Then, they make a video game to make you think you can play it, when the real truth is, you can't.
Guitar Hero and Rock Band are like the movie version of the book. It's just not the same.
Actually, it's nowhere near the same thing. It's a bit lazy, and it's for slackers.
Please do yourself a favor: learn to play a REAL instrument. Try to become a creative person. Being creative in life will benefit you so much more than sitting on your fat ass, eating chips, smoking pot all day, and playing video games. I know, because I was once there.
A Little Late, But Here Ya Go...
The Seedy Seeds CD Release Party for Count the Days at the Southgate House
(with special guests Lightning Love, Chris Haubner and Cam Cochran (aka Paul Bunyan) of The Sheds and DJ Evan Scott)
The Seedy Seeds picture
The Seedy Seeds video: "Earned Average Dance America"
(with special guests Lightning Love, Chris Haubner and Cam Cochran (aka Paul Bunyan) of The Sheds and DJ Evan Scott)
The Seedy Seeds picture
The Seedy Seeds video: "Earned Average Dance America"
The Sheds: covering Bob Seger's "Mainstreet"
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Album Review
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Cardinology
Tracklist:
1. Born Into A Light
2. Go Easy
3. Fix It
4. Magick
5. Cobwebs
6. Let Us Down Easy
7. Crossed Out Name
8. Natural Ghost
9. Sink Ships
10. Evergreen
11. Like Yesterday
12. Stop
Someone once told me that, as a musician, for every ten songs you write, chances are that only one of those songs will be good. An artist's life involves a constant creation/translation of personal feelings and emotions, and sometimes, an occasional block of creativity.
Years ago, Ryan Adams was known for releasing every line of every song he was writing at the time. In return, he was receiving a lot of flack from music critic's across the country, who were basically saying that you shouldn't release every single thing you write, but rather, an artist should take their time to master one project.
With Cardinology, we see only the second full album from Ryan and company, in the past two years. These past couple years have been clean and sober for Adams, and as far as his music goes, his maturity and growth as a person and songwriter is quite clear, resulting in quite possibly some of his best work yet.
Obviously I don't know Ryan personally, but if I had to say so, I would say that the Ryan Adams of 2008 is a much different Adams, say of the year 2000, when he released his first album, Heartbreaker, after leaving former band, Whiskeytown.
Cardinology is the next phase in his life, a road that may have seem somewhat expected, as the follow up to the very successful Easy Tiger of 2007.
As I previously mentioned, about critic's giving Adams flack, some will tell you that even his worst material is better than a lot of the music that is currently out there.
Cardinology may not be classic, old school Ryan Adams, but what it is, is a defining growth in his songwriting and vocals. 2008 brings a new look into the new life of Ryan Adams. Of course, his songs wouldn't be complete if it wasn't for his stellar backing band, The Cardinals, who perform at their very best on both the album and in concert.
After listening to this album a few times, I quickly caught onto the new songs. On the first few tracks, you'll hear some similar sounding, fairly catchy songs, both in melody and lyrics. His first single, Fix It, is everything you could hope for in a single: there's a nice mix of both flat out rock, but at the same there is enough for this song to make it on pop radio.
While the album may continue on with a similar feeling/vibe, Magick is where the album starts to break away from the three previous tracks. It remains catchy, but at the same time, there is more harder rock in it, with the distorted chords of Ryan's guitar and even a little country sound in the steel lap.
Cobwebs has often been used as the opening song of the current tour, and I couldn't think of a better song to start the show off with. It's a song that is driven by the pounding of the drums, and for nearly the first minute, it's an instrumental jam that just seems to build up into another catchy pop song.
The album starts to take a slightly different turn with Let Us Down Easy. It doesn't really sound like any of the previous tracks, and so far it has the most of their country sounding songs. I even feel that it offers up some of Ryan's best vocals of the entire album.
We then see a return to the overall album vibe with Crossed Out Name, which I think is more catchy musically, rather than lyrically. Natural Ghost goes back to the country feeling that Let Us Down Easy has. Sink Ships continues on with the country feel, but has possibly the strongest bridge out of any of the songs.
Evergreen has probably done the least for me out of all of the songs on the album, but it's still good. It's not as catchy as everything else, but I like the 1970's singer/songwriter feeling it gives me.
You wouldn't think this, but the Grateful Dead have played a big influence in Ryan's life, and Like Yesterday shows that occasionally, Ryan's guitar playing sounds much like Jerry Garcia is up there playing.
A lot of albums today wouldn't be complete without the ballad. A Ryan Adams album wouldn't be complete without a song that sounds very much like Neil Young. The ballad usually falls near or at the very end of an album, and Stop would be the ballad of Cardinology. It appears to be a song not about love between two people like a lot of ballads, but rather, it may be about Ryan's past substance abuses and the realization he has come to end that period of his life.
Tracklist:
1. Born Into A Light
2. Go Easy
3. Fix It
4. Magick
5. Cobwebs
6. Let Us Down Easy
7. Crossed Out Name
8. Natural Ghost
9. Sink Ships
10. Evergreen
11. Like Yesterday
12. Stop
Someone once told me that, as a musician, for every ten songs you write, chances are that only one of those songs will be good. An artist's life involves a constant creation/translation of personal feelings and emotions, and sometimes, an occasional block of creativity.
Years ago, Ryan Adams was known for releasing every line of every song he was writing at the time. In return, he was receiving a lot of flack from music critic's across the country, who were basically saying that you shouldn't release every single thing you write, but rather, an artist should take their time to master one project.
With Cardinology, we see only the second full album from Ryan and company, in the past two years. These past couple years have been clean and sober for Adams, and as far as his music goes, his maturity and growth as a person and songwriter is quite clear, resulting in quite possibly some of his best work yet.
Obviously I don't know Ryan personally, but if I had to say so, I would say that the Ryan Adams of 2008 is a much different Adams, say of the year 2000, when he released his first album, Heartbreaker, after leaving former band, Whiskeytown.
Cardinology is the next phase in his life, a road that may have seem somewhat expected, as the follow up to the very successful Easy Tiger of 2007.
As I previously mentioned, about critic's giving Adams flack, some will tell you that even his worst material is better than a lot of the music that is currently out there.
Cardinology may not be classic, old school Ryan Adams, but what it is, is a defining growth in his songwriting and vocals. 2008 brings a new look into the new life of Ryan Adams. Of course, his songs wouldn't be complete if it wasn't for his stellar backing band, The Cardinals, who perform at their very best on both the album and in concert.
After listening to this album a few times, I quickly caught onto the new songs. On the first few tracks, you'll hear some similar sounding, fairly catchy songs, both in melody and lyrics. His first single, Fix It, is everything you could hope for in a single: there's a nice mix of both flat out rock, but at the same there is enough for this song to make it on pop radio.
While the album may continue on with a similar feeling/vibe, Magick is where the album starts to break away from the three previous tracks. It remains catchy, but at the same time, there is more harder rock in it, with the distorted chords of Ryan's guitar and even a little country sound in the steel lap.Cobwebs has often been used as the opening song of the current tour, and I couldn't think of a better song to start the show off with. It's a song that is driven by the pounding of the drums, and for nearly the first minute, it's an instrumental jam that just seems to build up into another catchy pop song.
The album starts to take a slightly different turn with Let Us Down Easy. It doesn't really sound like any of the previous tracks, and so far it has the most of their country sounding songs. I even feel that it offers up some of Ryan's best vocals of the entire album.
We then see a return to the overall album vibe with Crossed Out Name, which I think is more catchy musically, rather than lyrically. Natural Ghost goes back to the country feeling that Let Us Down Easy has. Sink Ships continues on with the country feel, but has possibly the strongest bridge out of any of the songs.
Evergreen has probably done the least for me out of all of the songs on the album, but it's still good. It's not as catchy as everything else, but I like the 1970's singer/songwriter feeling it gives me.
You wouldn't think this, but the Grateful Dead have played a big influence in Ryan's life, and Like Yesterday shows that occasionally, Ryan's guitar playing sounds much like Jerry Garcia is up there playing.
A lot of albums today wouldn't be complete without the ballad. A Ryan Adams album wouldn't be complete without a song that sounds very much like Neil Young. The ballad usually falls near or at the very end of an album, and Stop would be the ballad of Cardinology. It appears to be a song not about love between two people like a lot of ballads, but rather, it may be about Ryan's past substance abuses and the realization he has come to end that period of his life.
Southgate House Tonight
Doors at 7 pm - Show at 8
Tickets are $15 at the door
Canadian singer/songwriter, Serena Ryder, is opening for acoustic/rock band, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
Tickets are $15 at the door
Canadian singer/songwriter, Serena Ryder, is opening for acoustic/rock band, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
Monday, October 27, 2008
Joseph Arthur/Jennifer O' Connor - Molly Malone's - Last Night
Although I've lived in Cincinnati my whole life, it wasn't until last night that I made my first trip to Molly Malone's (formerly Jack Quinn's).
I've been to Irish pubs before, so I knew what to expect, as far as drinks go.
What I wasn't sure about, was how this "rather-small" venue would host a "not-so-small" concert like Joseph Arthur. Another "not-so-small" name, Justin Townes Earle, played here a little while back.
Needless to say, this place is one of my new favorites to catch a show in town (sorry, but you'll never beat out the Southgate House).
Molly Malone's third floor (where the shows are) reminded me of a much nicer and bigger York St. Cafe.
I'm not a huge fan of Joseph Arthur, I don't know all of his material by heart, but I love music and respect what he does, musically and artistically (at one time I was an artist myself, but I've been in a little bit of a creative block for some time).
It was the song, In the Sun, which made me an Arthur fan. I think I either heard it first on the tv show, Scrubs, or it may have been on NPR's World Cafe. So I wasn't really sure what his setlist would consist of (Arthur is also a writing machine much like Ryan Adams, releasing nearly every single thing he writes, which can be good in a way).
I was really intrigued by the opener, Jennifer O' Connor. She's perfect for fans of Over the Rhine and Kim Taylor, her angelic voice sounding as if she could be Kim's long lost sister.
I've been to Irish pubs before, so I knew what to expect, as far as drinks go.
What I wasn't sure about, was how this "rather-small" venue would host a "not-so-small" concert like Joseph Arthur. Another "not-so-small" name, Justin Townes Earle, played here a little while back.
Needless to say, this place is one of my new favorites to catch a show in town (sorry, but you'll never beat out the Southgate House).
Molly Malone's third floor (where the shows are) reminded me of a much nicer and bigger York St. Cafe.
I'm not a huge fan of Joseph Arthur, I don't know all of his material by heart, but I love music and respect what he does, musically and artistically (at one time I was an artist myself, but I've been in a little bit of a creative block for some time).
It was the song, In the Sun, which made me an Arthur fan. I think I either heard it first on the tv show, Scrubs, or it may have been on NPR's World Cafe. So I wasn't really sure what his setlist would consist of (Arthur is also a writing machine much like Ryan Adams, releasing nearly every single thing he writes, which can be good in a way).
I was really intrigued by the opener, Jennifer O' Connor. She's perfect for fans of Over the Rhine and Kim Taylor, her angelic voice sounding as if she could be Kim's long lost sister.
CD Releases for October 28
Ten Albums Worth Checking Out:
1. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Cardinology - when I saw Ryan Adams at the Taft Theatre earlier this month, it seemed mostly like a "greatest hits" show, with a few new songs from the new album. I didn't discover Adams for myself, until just a couple years ago, but it didn't take long before I had his entire released collection. Some of those albums quickly grew on me, while others took a little more time. Easy Tiger was definitely what first made me a fan, but Demolition is probably my favorite album. The man writes a lot of tunes, some people saying that you shouldn't release every single thing you write. But the fact is, Ryan Adams "not best" material is still 100 times better than a lot of the crap out there today.
2. Jesse Malin, On Your Sleeve
3. Langhorne Slim, When the Sun's Gone Down
4. Hunter S. Thompson, The Gonzo Tapes: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
5. Rodrigo y Gabriela, Live in Japan (CD/DVD) - I saw these two on the first night of Bonnaroo 2007, and they were clearly one of the crowds favorites of that night, my personal favorite from that night (because I missed The National on the same night). Amazing what they can do, and how loud they can do it, with just two acoustic guitars. They're from Mexico but based out of Ireland, and although their influences include a lot of metal music, they play instrumental music on acoustic guitars, often beating on the wood of the guitar to create some bass, almost like having a drummer. You should get this DVD if you don't have the chance to see them live, but if you do get the chance to see them, you must go!
6. Deerhunter, Microcastle
7. The Cure, 4:13 Dream
8. Bloc Party, Intimacy
9. Kaiser Chiefs, Off With Their Heads
10. Susan Tedeschi, Back to the River
1. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Cardinology - when I saw Ryan Adams at the Taft Theatre earlier this month, it seemed mostly like a "greatest hits" show, with a few new songs from the new album. I didn't discover Adams for myself, until just a couple years ago, but it didn't take long before I had his entire released collection. Some of those albums quickly grew on me, while others took a little more time. Easy Tiger was definitely what first made me a fan, but Demolition is probably my favorite album. The man writes a lot of tunes, some people saying that you shouldn't release every single thing you write. But the fact is, Ryan Adams "not best" material is still 100 times better than a lot of the crap out there today.
2. Jesse Malin, On Your Sleeve
3. Langhorne Slim, When the Sun's Gone Down
4. Hunter S. Thompson, The Gonzo Tapes: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
5. Rodrigo y Gabriela, Live in Japan (CD/DVD) - I saw these two on the first night of Bonnaroo 2007, and they were clearly one of the crowds favorites of that night, my personal favorite from that night (because I missed The National on the same night). Amazing what they can do, and how loud they can do it, with just two acoustic guitars. They're from Mexico but based out of Ireland, and although their influences include a lot of metal music, they play instrumental music on acoustic guitars, often beating on the wood of the guitar to create some bass, almost like having a drummer. You should get this DVD if you don't have the chance to see them live, but if you do get the chance to see them, you must go!
6. Deerhunter, Microcastle
7. The Cure, 4:13 Dream
8. Bloc Party, Intimacy
9. Kaiser Chiefs, Off With Their Heads
10. Susan Tedeschi, Back to the River
Friday, October 24, 2008
Old Crow Medicine Show Tonight - Joseph Arthur on Sunday
Well, I was hoping that I'd be going to see Old Crow Medicine Show tonight at the Madison, but once again, my place of work failed to give me the night off, so I'm pretty upset that I won't be there because, well, they're awesome. It's okay though, I'll make it through.
I will be catching Joseph Arthur for the first time, at Molly Malone's on Sunday night. Okay, so maybe I became a fan when I first heard his pop hit "In the Sun" on the tv show, Scrubs, but that's a damn good song, and even Michael Stipe of REM and Chris Martin of Coldplay couldn't recreate the song to be as good as the original. Totally psyched about this intimate, stripped down show that Arthur will be playing, probably a solo acoustic show or something. I don't think his band, the Lonely Astronauts, will be with him. Should be amazing.
I will be catching Joseph Arthur for the first time, at Molly Malone's on Sunday night. Okay, so maybe I became a fan when I first heard his pop hit "In the Sun" on the tv show, Scrubs, but that's a damn good song, and even Michael Stipe of REM and Chris Martin of Coldplay couldn't recreate the song to be as good as the original. Totally psyched about this intimate, stripped down show that Arthur will be playing, probably a solo acoustic show or something. I don't think his band, the Lonely Astronauts, will be with him. Should be amazing.
Back to Back Nights at the Southgate House
On Wednesday night there were quite a few bands playing at the Southgate House. One of those shows, was a solo guitar show, from one of the members of The Sundresses (sorry, I don't know your name - it's either Brad or Remy).
The first song he played was Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and because of my more recent discovery of this song (didn't hear it until a couple years ago), I was beyond happy, and waiting to see what else he had in store. Amazing set man!
Downstairs in the ballroom, I caught one of Cincinnati's finest americana/bluegrass bands in Mark Utley and Magnolia Mountain. Later on, Railroad Earth would completely blow me away.
I saw a bit of Railroad Earth at Bonnaroo 2007, but for some reason I just wasn't feeling their set that day. I wasn't as into these types of music as I am today, so that may have played a factor.
What my second RRE show brought, was very unexpected, but I was quickly sold on what they were bringing this night.
During a number of times throughout the show, I told myself that this was one of the best live band's I've ever seen. I'm not sure what it is about bluegrass music, but it seems like the band's who put on the best live shows, are usually bluegrass/americana style.
Listening to Railroad Earth, I could hear bits of the Grateful Dead, Jethro Tull, String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon.
They've been quite a hit on the festival market the past few year's, and it won't be long until they're a staple act in that scene.
Another Show
Earlier tonight, I caught Mike Fair and the Adventure Seekers killer (and free) set in a nearly empty lounge. At one point in the show, Jeff and Misty Perholtz, from The Newbees, came up on stage, replacing Mike Fair. Jeff was playing electric guitar, and his solo's seemed to me, that they fell somewhere in between Trey Anastasio and Tim Reynolds, if you can imagine either of those two playing classic rock songs.
Although The Newbees aren't a bluesy band, this husband and wife team possesses the musical skills to be whatever they want. The first song they played was "Me and Bobby McGee", and Misty showed the few of us there, that she has the vocal talent and range similar to Janis Joplin.
The first song he played was Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and because of my more recent discovery of this song (didn't hear it until a couple years ago), I was beyond happy, and waiting to see what else he had in store. Amazing set man!
Downstairs in the ballroom, I caught one of Cincinnati's finest americana/bluegrass bands in Mark Utley and Magnolia Mountain. Later on, Railroad Earth would completely blow me away.
I saw a bit of Railroad Earth at Bonnaroo 2007, but for some reason I just wasn't feeling their set that day. I wasn't as into these types of music as I am today, so that may have played a factor.
What my second RRE show brought, was very unexpected, but I was quickly sold on what they were bringing this night.
During a number of times throughout the show, I told myself that this was one of the best live band's I've ever seen. I'm not sure what it is about bluegrass music, but it seems like the band's who put on the best live shows, are usually bluegrass/americana style.
Listening to Railroad Earth, I could hear bits of the Grateful Dead, Jethro Tull, String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon.
They've been quite a hit on the festival market the past few year's, and it won't be long until they're a staple act in that scene.
Another Show
Earlier tonight, I caught Mike Fair and the Adventure Seekers killer (and free) set in a nearly empty lounge. At one point in the show, Jeff and Misty Perholtz, from The Newbees, came up on stage, replacing Mike Fair. Jeff was playing electric guitar, and his solo's seemed to me, that they fell somewhere in between Trey Anastasio and Tim Reynolds, if you can imagine either of those two playing classic rock songs.
Although The Newbees aren't a bluesy band, this husband and wife team possesses the musical skills to be whatever they want. The first song they played was "Me and Bobby McGee", and Misty showed the few of us there, that she has the vocal talent and range similar to Janis Joplin.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Playing on my iPod
Band of Horses
Dave Matthews Band
Explosions in the Sky
The Hold Steady
The National
Old Crow Medicine Show
Ray LaMontagne
Ryan Adams
Wilco
Dave Matthews Band
Explosions in the Sky
The Hold Steady
The National
Old Crow Medicine Show
Ray LaMontagne
Ryan Adams
Wilco
Friday, October 17, 2008
Music, Politics and A Movie Star Sighting
Thousands of people showed up on Fountain Square last night for "Vote Early, Rock Late", a rally supporting our probable next President, Barack Obama.
Many sported Obama gear, which included shirts, hats, buttons and stickers. The event also featured speeches from several local politicians and activists, and even the beautiful actress, Natalie Portman, made an appearance, giving about a five minute speech.
But the highlight for many seemed to be the music of The Breeders and The National. People packed the area near the stage for hours, despite the chilly winds that blew water from the fountain.
When I arrived, The Breeders were just finishing up their set, and I was impressed with the turnout.
But it wasn't all about music. In between bands, and aside from the guest speakers, there was a video collection of what seemed to be a never-ending list of celebrities, with their reasons for voting.
I've never been much into politics, but Obama secured my vote when he got the nomination. I'm not voting for him because many of my favorite bands are endorsing him, which some may think is why I'm choosing him. And I'm not choosing him because I'm a young man, and it would seem like the likely thing for someone my age to do.
I've only voted once in my life, the last election, and I went with the Kerry/Edwards campaign. We all know how that turned out or didn't turn out for that matter.
I haven't been watching any of the political coverage or debates, so I guess I'm not as up-to-date as I should or could be on the whole thing.
Basically Obama is getting my vote because of change. While some have said that he is still kind of too young or inexperienced to run our country, I say take a look at his track record, and you will see that this man is the best candidate we have had since Bill Clinton. And don't tell me that Clinton wasn't a good President because of the whole Monica Lewinsky thing. The fact is, that Clinton did wonderful things for the economy, unlike G.W., a former cocaine user.
Like a lot of Americans, I am fed up with the crap that we have seen over the past eight years, with Bush and his gang of heathens.
I have had friends who have fought in the unjust Iraq/Oil war, and luckily they have made it home safely. I grew up across the street from someone who was killed in the 9/11 attacks. These two things are the biggest reasons why G.W. angers me.
I could keep going on and on about my hatred towards Bush and how it seems as if he's trying to flush our country down the drain, but I won't.
What I will say is this: in a few weeks when Obama will more than likely be chosen as our next President, I really believe that he will be a man of his word. He appears to be trustworthy, and I feel that he is a man who truly cares for Joe Everyman, you and me, unlike Bush who seems to only care about himself. At the same time, Obama is still a politician, and for some reason, politicians seem to be a little different than you and I.
Anywho, enjoy some pics and footage below of last night's "Vote Early, Rock Late"
Natalie Portman
The National: "Squalor Victoria"
Many sported Obama gear, which included shirts, hats, buttons and stickers. The event also featured speeches from several local politicians and activists, and even the beautiful actress, Natalie Portman, made an appearance, giving about a five minute speech.
But the highlight for many seemed to be the music of The Breeders and The National. People packed the area near the stage for hours, despite the chilly winds that blew water from the fountain.
When I arrived, The Breeders were just finishing up their set, and I was impressed with the turnout.
But it wasn't all about music. In between bands, and aside from the guest speakers, there was a video collection of what seemed to be a never-ending list of celebrities, with their reasons for voting.
I've never been much into politics, but Obama secured my vote when he got the nomination. I'm not voting for him because many of my favorite bands are endorsing him, which some may think is why I'm choosing him. And I'm not choosing him because I'm a young man, and it would seem like the likely thing for someone my age to do.
I've only voted once in my life, the last election, and I went with the Kerry/Edwards campaign. We all know how that turned out or didn't turn out for that matter.
I haven't been watching any of the political coverage or debates, so I guess I'm not as up-to-date as I should or could be on the whole thing.
Basically Obama is getting my vote because of change. While some have said that he is still kind of too young or inexperienced to run our country, I say take a look at his track record, and you will see that this man is the best candidate we have had since Bill Clinton. And don't tell me that Clinton wasn't a good President because of the whole Monica Lewinsky thing. The fact is, that Clinton did wonderful things for the economy, unlike G.W., a former cocaine user.
Like a lot of Americans, I am fed up with the crap that we have seen over the past eight years, with Bush and his gang of heathens.
I have had friends who have fought in the unjust Iraq/Oil war, and luckily they have made it home safely. I grew up across the street from someone who was killed in the 9/11 attacks. These two things are the biggest reasons why G.W. angers me.
I could keep going on and on about my hatred towards Bush and how it seems as if he's trying to flush our country down the drain, but I won't.
What I will say is this: in a few weeks when Obama will more than likely be chosen as our next President, I really believe that he will be a man of his word. He appears to be trustworthy, and I feel that he is a man who truly cares for Joe Everyman, you and me, unlike Bush who seems to only care about himself. At the same time, Obama is still a politician, and for some reason, politicians seem to be a little different than you and I.
Anywho, enjoy some pics and footage below of last night's "Vote Early, Rock Late"
Natalie Portman
The National: "Squalor Victoria"
The National: "Daughters of the Soho Riots"
The National: "Fake Empire"
The National: "Mr. November" - song used in Obama Campaign, thus becoming his nickname - this is when vocalist Matt Berninger left the stage to get close to the crowd, having a couple members sing along
Thursday, October 16, 2008
2008 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards
November 23 will be a special night for Cincinnati music. The annual Cincinnati Entertainment Awards (CEA) will not only be honoring the best in music this year, but will also be paying tribute, with the 65th anniversary of King Records, with a special performance by the legendary bluegrass musician, Ralph Stanley. They're also saying that another special performance is in the works. The event will taking place at The Emery Theatre in Over-the-Rhine.
For more details on this event, you can visit here, here or you can even cast your vote right here. You can also keep reading, to see my perspective on the whole thing.
Our music scene here in Cincinnati, grows stronger every year, with more talented bands popping out of the wood work. More and more bands from the tri-state are starting to make names for themselves, and are beginning to build fanbases across the country. The CEA's honor the best in every type of music genre you can think of, but even though there is only one winner, these categories are loaded with a great array of talent.
Here's what you, the public, gets to vote on:
And the nominees are...
Bluegrass
Comet Bluegrass Allstars
Katie Laur
Moonshine Drive
Mt. Pleasant String Band
Rumpke Mountain Boys
Tanner Hill
Blues
J. Dorsey Blues Band
Dallas Moore Band
Kinsey Rose
Straw Boss
The Turkeys
Dan Varner Band
Country
The Bad Words
Dallas Moore Band
Kinsey Rose
Straw Boss
The Turkeys
Dan Varner Band
Experimental/Electronic
Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar
Eagle to Squirrel
Pete Fosco
IOVAE
Johnnytwentythree
C. Spencer Yeh
Folk/Americana
Greg Mahan
Daniel Martin Moore
Jeff Scott Roberson
Jake Speed & the Freddies
The Tillers
Mark Utley & Magnolia Mountain
Hard Rock/Metal
Angels of Meth
Banderas
Chakras
Foxy Shazam
The Host
noctaluca
Hip-Hop
Billfold Entertainment
Eclipse
Ill Poetic
IsWhat?!
Khadijah
da muttss
Indie/Alternative
Bad Veins
The Chocolate Horse
Pomegranates
The Seedy Seeds
The Sundresses
Wussy
Jazz
Rusty Burge
Phil DeGreg/Brasilia
Dan Faehnle
The Faux Frenchmen
Gordy Horn
Dan Karlsberg
Punk/Post Punk/Hardcore
A Decade to Die For
The Dopamines
The Frankl Project
Knife the Symphony
The Read
John Walsh
R&B/Funk
II Juicy
Daughters & Sons
Iolite
Los Honchos
Shades of J
SOUSE
Rock
Alone at 3AM
Buffalo Killers
The Cincinnati Suds
Pete Dressman & the Soul Unified Nation
500 Miles to Memphis
The Lions Rampant
Singer/Songwriter
Chris Arduser
Dusty Bryant
Wake the Bear (aka Scott Cunningham)
Nathan Holscher
Daniel Martin Moore
Kim Taylor
World Music/Reggae
Baoku & the Image Afro-Beat Band
Dark Moll
duppy a jamba
Lagniappe
Poco Loco
Super-Massive
Best Musical Ambassador for the City
Bad Veins
Bootsy Collins
Buffalo Killers
Foxy Shazam
Josh Hisle/Lost in Holland
Daniel Martin Moore
Seabird
C. Spencer Yeh
Best Live Act
The Chocolate Horse
Foxy Shazam
The Host
The Lions Rampant
Rumpke Mountain Boys
Straw Boss
The Sundresses
Wussy
The Critical Achievement Awards (unfortunately, we cannot vote for these categories. The votes specifically come from a committee)
New Artist of the Year
Bosco Rossi
Cash Flagg
The Chauncers
Cut in the Hill Gang
The Emeralds
The Flux Capacitors
The Harlequins
The Koala Fires
Daniel Martin Moore
Wonky Tonk
Album of the Year
Peter Adams: I Woke With Planets in My Face
Banderas: Beast Sounds and Parlour Tricks
Buffalo Killers: Let It Ride
The Faux Frenchmen: Oblivion
The Hiders: Penny Harvest Field
Pomegranates: Everything is Alive
Jeff Scott Roberson: Summer's Here
Seabird: 'Til We See the Shore
The Sundresses: Barkinghaus
Super-Massive: Super-Massive
Artist of the Year
Bad Veins
Buffalo Killers
Eat Sugar
Daniel Martin Moore
Pomegranates
Kelly Richey
Seabird
The Sundresses
Wussy
C. Spencer Yeh
For more details on this event, you can visit here, here or you can even cast your vote right here. You can also keep reading, to see my perspective on the whole thing.
Our music scene here in Cincinnati, grows stronger every year, with more talented bands popping out of the wood work. More and more bands from the tri-state are starting to make names for themselves, and are beginning to build fanbases across the country. The CEA's honor the best in every type of music genre you can think of, but even though there is only one winner, these categories are loaded with a great array of talent.
Here's what you, the public, gets to vote on:
And the nominees are...
Bluegrass
Comet Bluegrass Allstars
Katie Laur
Moonshine Drive
Mt. Pleasant String Band
Rumpke Mountain Boys
Tanner Hill
Blues
J. Dorsey Blues Band
Dallas Moore Band
Kinsey Rose
Straw Boss
The Turkeys
Dan Varner Band
Country
The Bad Words
Dallas Moore Band
Kinsey Rose
Straw Boss
The Turkeys
Dan Varner Band
Experimental/Electronic
Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar
Eagle to Squirrel
Pete Fosco
IOVAE
Johnnytwentythree
C. Spencer Yeh
Folk/Americana
Greg Mahan
Daniel Martin Moore
Jeff Scott Roberson
Jake Speed & the Freddies
The Tillers
Mark Utley & Magnolia Mountain
Hard Rock/Metal
Angels of Meth
Banderas
Chakras
Foxy Shazam
The Host
noctaluca
Hip-Hop
Billfold Entertainment
Eclipse
Ill Poetic
IsWhat?!
Khadijah
da muttss
Indie/Alternative
Bad Veins
The Chocolate Horse
Pomegranates
The Seedy Seeds
The Sundresses
Wussy
Jazz
Rusty Burge
Phil DeGreg/Brasilia
Dan Faehnle
The Faux Frenchmen
Gordy Horn
Dan Karlsberg
Punk/Post Punk/Hardcore
A Decade to Die For
The Dopamines
The Frankl Project
Knife the Symphony
The Read
John Walsh
R&B/Funk
II Juicy
Daughters & Sons
Iolite
Los Honchos
Shades of J
SOUSE
Rock
Alone at 3AM
Buffalo Killers
The Cincinnati Suds
Pete Dressman & the Soul Unified Nation
500 Miles to Memphis
The Lions Rampant
Singer/Songwriter
Chris Arduser
Dusty Bryant
Wake the Bear (aka Scott Cunningham)
Nathan Holscher
Daniel Martin Moore
Kim Taylor
World Music/Reggae
Baoku & the Image Afro-Beat Band
Dark Moll
duppy a jamba
Lagniappe
Poco Loco
Super-Massive
Best Musical Ambassador for the City
Bad Veins
Bootsy Collins
Buffalo Killers
Foxy Shazam
Josh Hisle/Lost in Holland
Daniel Martin Moore
Seabird
C. Spencer Yeh
Best Live Act
The Chocolate Horse
Foxy Shazam
The Host
The Lions Rampant
Rumpke Mountain Boys
Straw Boss
The Sundresses
Wussy
The Critical Achievement Awards (unfortunately, we cannot vote for these categories. The votes specifically come from a committee)
New Artist of the Year
Bosco Rossi
Cash Flagg
The Chauncers
Cut in the Hill Gang
The Emeralds
The Flux Capacitors
The Harlequins
The Koala Fires
Daniel Martin Moore
Wonky Tonk
Album of the Year
Peter Adams: I Woke With Planets in My Face
Banderas: Beast Sounds and Parlour Tricks
Buffalo Killers: Let It Ride
The Faux Frenchmen: Oblivion
The Hiders: Penny Harvest Field
Pomegranates: Everything is Alive
Jeff Scott Roberson: Summer's Here
Seabird: 'Til We See the Shore
The Sundresses: Barkinghaus
Super-Massive: Super-Massive
Artist of the Year
Bad Veins
Buffalo Killers
Eat Sugar
Daniel Martin Moore
Pomegranates
Kelly Richey
Seabird
The Sundresses
Wussy
C. Spencer Yeh
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Ryan Adcock's 10th Anniversary
This month, my favorite local singer-songwriter is celebrating his ten-year anniversary as an artist and performer.
Ryan Adcock, an acoustic-folky, pop artist that fans of Dave Matthews, John Mayer and Rob Thomas would enjoy, will be playing a free show on Saturday, October 18 at the College Hill Coffee Company, located on Hamilton Avenue.
Over the years, Ryan has played over 600 shows, released five albums (with a sixth on the way), and won a number of awards (including CEA's, the Cammy's and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest). His music has also been featured in tv shows, movies, and he even played to 2.5 million listeners on Mitch Albom's Radio Show.
He has made quite a name for himself all over the midwest, and along the way, has made many friends in the local music community. Many of Cincinnati's best artist's and producer's have joined him in the creation and production of some of his album's, which only brings out the very best in what he is capable of.
Before the 2008 MidPoint Festival, I contacted Ryan about doing an interview, to let my reader's get to know who Ryan is as a person. You can read that interview by clicking here.
For nearly the first half of his career, Ryan played with an exceptional backing band, which included none other than the beautiful Kim Taylor on background vocals. The second half of his career, Ryan has been going at it alone, giving his live show a more intimate feeling, when you see one barefoot man alone onstage with his guitar.
Ryan has some special things planned for this anniversary show, so why would you want to miss one of Cincinnati's premiere storytelling songwriter's? Did I mention that this show is free?
Ryan Adcock, an acoustic-folky, pop artist that fans of Dave Matthews, John Mayer and Rob Thomas would enjoy, will be playing a free show on Saturday, October 18 at the College Hill Coffee Company, located on Hamilton Avenue.
Over the years, Ryan has played over 600 shows, released five albums (with a sixth on the way), and won a number of awards (including CEA's, the Cammy's and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest). His music has also been featured in tv shows, movies, and he even played to 2.5 million listeners on Mitch Albom's Radio Show.
He has made quite a name for himself all over the midwest, and along the way, has made many friends in the local music community. Many of Cincinnati's best artist's and producer's have joined him in the creation and production of some of his album's, which only brings out the very best in what he is capable of.
Before the 2008 MidPoint Festival, I contacted Ryan about doing an interview, to let my reader's get to know who Ryan is as a person. You can read that interview by clicking here.
For nearly the first half of his career, Ryan played with an exceptional backing band, which included none other than the beautiful Kim Taylor on background vocals. The second half of his career, Ryan has been going at it alone, giving his live show a more intimate feeling, when you see one barefoot man alone onstage with his guitar.
Ryan has some special things planned for this anniversary show, so why would you want to miss one of Cincinnati's premiere storytelling songwriter's? Did I mention that this show is free?
2008 CEA Nominees Coming Tomorrow
CityBeat music writer, Mike Breen, is reporting that the full list of nominees for this year's CEA (Cincinnati Entertainment Awards) will be announced tomorrow (October 15).
All the voting will be done online this year, so make sure to stop by http://www.citybeat.com/ tomorrow, to cast your vote for the best of the best in local music.
Breen mentioned some of the artist's up for awards this year, and it reminded me of how strong the local music scene is, and that it just keeps getting better every year.
Up for New Artist of the Year we have Cash Flagg, The Chauncers, Cut in the Hill Gang, The Emeralds, The Flux Capacitors, The Harlequins, The Koala Fires, Daniel Martin Moore, Bosco Rossi or Wonky Tonk.
Album of the Year will go to one of the following: Peter Adams, Banderas, Buffalo Killers, The Faux Frenchmen, The Hiders, Pomegranates, Jeff Scott Roberson, Seabird, The Sundresses or Super-Massive.
Bringing home Artist of the Year will be either Bad Veins, Buffalo Killers, Eat Sugar, Daniel Martin Moore, Pomegranates, Kelly Richey, Seabird, The Sundresses, Wussy or C. Spencer Yeh.
All the voting will be done online this year, so make sure to stop by http://www.citybeat.com/ tomorrow, to cast your vote for the best of the best in local music.
Breen mentioned some of the artist's up for awards this year, and it reminded me of how strong the local music scene is, and that it just keeps getting better every year.
Up for New Artist of the Year we have Cash Flagg, The Chauncers, Cut in the Hill Gang, The Emeralds, The Flux Capacitors, The Harlequins, The Koala Fires, Daniel Martin Moore, Bosco Rossi or Wonky Tonk.
Album of the Year will go to one of the following: Peter Adams, Banderas, Buffalo Killers, The Faux Frenchmen, The Hiders, Pomegranates, Jeff Scott Roberson, Seabird, The Sundresses or Super-Massive.
Bringing home Artist of the Year will be either Bad Veins, Buffalo Killers, Eat Sugar, Daniel Martin Moore, Pomegranates, Kelly Richey, Seabird, The Sundresses, Wussy or C. Spencer Yeh.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Local Band of the Day
Jake Speed & the Freddies
(Acoustic/Americana/Bluegrass/Country/Folk/Humor/Roots)
They're having a CD release party tonight at Northside Tavern for their new album, "World Come Clean"
Read Mike Breen's review of the album here.
Other Upcoming Shows:
Sun, Oct 12 - Black Walnut Festival at the Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve - Noon to 4 pm
Fri, Oct 17 - Jasper's - 8 pm
Sat, Oct 18 - McGlasson Farm - 1 to 4 pm - "Northern Kentucky's home for fresh fruits & vegetables" - Check out their Harvest Calender right here.
Sat, Oct 18 - Arnold's - 9 to 12 am
(Acoustic/Americana/Bluegrass/Country/Folk/Humor/Roots)
They're having a CD release party tonight at Northside Tavern for their new album, "World Come Clean"
Read Mike Breen's review of the album here.
Other Upcoming Shows:
Sun, Oct 12 - Black Walnut Festival at the Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve - Noon to 4 pm
Fri, Oct 17 - Jasper's - 8 pm
Sat, Oct 18 - McGlasson Farm - 1 to 4 pm - "Northern Kentucky's home for fresh fruits & vegetables" - Check out their Harvest Calender right here.
Sat, Oct 18 - Arnold's - 9 to 12 am
Friday, October 10, 2008
Band of the Day
The Swell Season
(Acoustic/Folk)
Who are they?
Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Czech singer and pianist, Marketa Irglova. The name "The Swell Season" comes from Hansard's favorite novel by Josef Skvorecky, bearing the same name.
The Swell Season's rise to fame came about because of the 2007 film, "Once."
They won an Academy Award in 2008, for Best Original Song, with "Falling Slowly."
You may like them if...
you like The Frames, Damien Rice or bands with "a penchant for vocal harmonies and acoustic-based songcraft."
(Acoustic/Folk)
Who are they?
Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Czech singer and pianist, Marketa Irglova. The name "The Swell Season" comes from Hansard's favorite novel by Josef Skvorecky, bearing the same name.
The Swell Season's rise to fame came about because of the 2007 film, "Once."
They won an Academy Award in 2008, for Best Original Song, with "Falling Slowly."
You may like them if...
you like The Frames, Damien Rice or bands with "a penchant for vocal harmonies and acoustic-based songcraft."
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Band of the Day
The Black Keys
(Akron, OH)
Rock/Blues/Alt
Brief Description:
Duo of Dan Auerbach (guitars, vox) and Patrick Carney (drums), often compared to The White Stripes.
Other Links:
MySpace
Fan Site
Rolling Stone Magazine
Pitchfork Review of their latest album, Attack & Release
They are playing a sold-out show at the Madison Theater in Covington, on Friday, October 10. I was planning on going, but I didn't think it would sell out, so I'm out of luck.
(Akron, OH)
Rock/Blues/Alt
Brief Description:
Duo of Dan Auerbach (guitars, vox) and Patrick Carney (drums), often compared to The White Stripes.
Other Links:
MySpace
Fan Site
Rolling Stone Magazine
Pitchfork Review of their latest album, Attack & Release
They are playing a sold-out show at the Madison Theater in Covington, on Friday, October 10. I was planning on going, but I didn't think it would sell out, so I'm out of luck.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Band of the Day
The Old 97's
(Dallas, TX)
Alt. Country/Roots Rock
Where the Name Comes From:
Johnny Cash song called "Wreck of the Old 97"
Other Websites:
MySpace
Rhett Miller
Similar Artists/For Fans Of:
The Pixies, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Wilco, Ryan Adams, Whiskeytown, Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo, Drive-By Truckers, 500 Miles to Memphis
Discography:
11 albums over a 14-year career
Why to Go See 'Em Live:
Plain and simple - they rock. They combine country, rock and punk, which doesn't lean towards any of those genre's specifically, so you don't have to worry about saying "I don't like country or punk, so I won't go see them". It's not really the type of country or punk music you would think it would sound like.
They're playing the Southgate House this Sunday. Opening the show is the country legend, Charlie Louvin. Tickets are $22/$25 at the door. Doors open at 7pm, the show is at 8pm.
(Dallas, TX)
Alt. Country/Roots Rock
Where the Name Comes From:
Johnny Cash song called "Wreck of the Old 97"
Other Websites:
MySpace
Rhett Miller
Similar Artists/For Fans Of:
The Pixies, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Wilco, Ryan Adams, Whiskeytown, Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo, Drive-By Truckers, 500 Miles to Memphis
Discography:
11 albums over a 14-year career
Why to Go See 'Em Live:
Plain and simple - they rock. They combine country, rock and punk, which doesn't lean towards any of those genre's specifically, so you don't have to worry about saying "I don't like country or punk, so I won't go see them". It's not really the type of country or punk music you would think it would sound like.
They're playing the Southgate House this Sunday. Opening the show is the country legend, Charlie Louvin. Tickets are $22/$25 at the door. Doors open at 7pm, the show is at 8pm.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Band of the Day
I'm going with this idea, in hopes of spreading word about some great bands.
Today's Band:
Fleet Foxes
Album:
Fleet Foxes (self-titled) - debut album, released on June 3, 2008, given 4 stars by Rolling Stone magazine
Label:
Sub Pop
Their Sub Pop Page
Other Sites:
NPR Music
Similar Artists/For Fans Of:
The Beach Boys, Crosby Stills & Nash, My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, Animal Collective and Blitzen Trapper
My Take:
The Fleet Foxes are what you'd get if My Morning Jacket teamed up with The Beach Boys. It's that simple.
Today's Band:
Fleet Foxes
Album:
Fleet Foxes (self-titled) - debut album, released on June 3, 2008, given 4 stars by Rolling Stone magazine
Label:
Sub Pop
Their Sub Pop Page
Other Sites:
NPR Music
Similar Artists/For Fans Of:
The Beach Boys, Crosby Stills & Nash, My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, Animal Collective and Blitzen Trapper
My Take:
The Fleet Foxes are what you'd get if My Morning Jacket teamed up with The Beach Boys. It's that simple.
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