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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

More Info on the Next Dave Matthews' Album

I found it here.

Ben Harper's New Side Project

Read the full story here.

Recognition of the Buffalo Killers

Found an article online at jambase.

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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.