Friday, August 31, 2007

Still Awake?

Unreal: These, I think, will be on a dvd coming out soon. Speechless.
The Take Away Shows:

"Gospel" - on the Mediterranean Sea


"Start A War"


"Ada"

Thursday, August 30, 2007

The Great Banjo Post


Update: Added Monsters by Band of Horses on Pluckin' Cd. Go to Song to Song to load-down. I can't believe I left this one off. Just add it to your Pluckin' Collection.

This Post is to celebrate one of the greatest instruments in the world...The Banjo. I would recommend downloading all of these and making a great double mixed cd for a good road trip or just a lazy Saturday. Every one of these songs is accompanied by a banjo.



These tracks are not just a couple of random banjo songs that are decent, most of these songs are classic songs that I absolutely love.

Volume I
Click Here to Download Whole CD: Please Pet the Banjo

Or Song By Song

Baba O'Reilly (Teenage Wasteland) - Acoustic Syndicate
Come Thou Fount - Sufjan Stevens
Dueling Banjo's - Unknown
Everyone's a V.I.P. to Someone - The Go! Team
Houses on the Hill - Whiskeytown
I Thought I Held You - Wilco
Lil' King Kong - Simple Kid
Mother's Only Son - Yonder Mountain String Band
No More Parades - Son Volt
Sandusky (live 11-11-93) - Uncle Tupelo
Tear Stained Eye (live at KCRW- great version) - Son Volt
Will You Return? - Avett Brothers
Your Rocky Spine - Great Lake Swimmers

Bonus: Alpha Beta Gaga - Air also under Song By Song



Volume II.

Click Here to Download Whole CD Pluckin'
Or Song By Song (click to add: monsters).

1234 - Feist
Easier - Grizzly Bear
Float On - Pickin on Modest Mouse
Jezebel - Iron & Wine
Kissing the Lipless - Pickin on The Shins
Left On Laura, Left on Lisa - Avett Brothers
Update: Monsters - Band of Horses
Stomping Grounds - Bela Fleck & the Flecktones
Sweet Black Magic - Ryan Adams
The Magician - Jason Isbell
Wave that Flag - Uncle Tupelo featuring Brian Henneman of Bottle Rockets
We All Lose One Another - Jason Collett
What's the World Got in Store - Wilco

Bonus: If All Else Fails - My Morning Jacket in Song By Song

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

New Band of Horses Tune


Band of Horses releases a song via myspace that will be on their new album Cease to Begin out October 9th.

Is There A Ghost

Feist and the indie allstars on Letterman

Feist performs 1,2,3,4 on Letterman backed by: both Mates of State, 3 National members, Carl Newman of the New Pornographers, Kevin Drew, Brendan Canning, and all of Grizzly Bear.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Radio on the TV

This week on TV:

Tonight on Letterman, Feist will be joined by members of Broken Social Scene, the New Pornographers, Grizzly Bear, the National, and Mates of State.

Tuesday: "Late Night With Conan O'Brien": Okkervil River

Thursday: "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno": Wilco

Poll results, New Poll, Avett Cont'd.

Poll results are as follows:

Favorite My Morning Jacket album:
19 votes:

Z - 7
At Dawn - 7
It Still Moves - 4
Tennessee Fire - 1

Very surprising results. I did not think Z would get that many votes (although I do love it). My vote was for It Still Moves. That is the album that got it all started for me, I guess that is why.

New Survey put up: Who You would like to see re-unite (since I would bet Uncle Tupelo will be overwhelmingly number 1), please VOTE FOR TWO BANDS.


Update:
Listened a lot to Emotionalism by the Avett Brothers this weekend. Incredible album. A little slow at times but all in all incredible.
"The Weight of Lies" is one of the most unreal songs I have ever heard. Absolutely beautiful. I will post the Mp3 by the end of the day.. Just trust me and go download it on iTunes. 99 cents worth of pure bliss.

Friday, August 24, 2007

The Avett Brothers: Punkgrass at its finest.




I have been meating out on The Avett Brothers recently. They are playing Monday, September 3 (Labor Day) in Memphis at 5:15 for the Delta Fair & Music Festival. So far, I am obsessed with Four Thieves Gone. I have only listened to their new Cd Emotionalism once through, but was very impressed (a little slower but still great). The Avett Brothers are supposed to be an incredible live show. I have heard that from everyone I know who has ever seen them live. Their music is packed with banjo's and guitars. As one of my buddies described it, their music is "Punkgrass." mp3 - Distraction #74. Check out other songs on Hype Machine

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Bright Eyes coming to Memphis and Birmingham



Bright Eyes coming to Memphis, Tuesday, November 6(Orpheum) and Wednesday, November 7 in Birmingham (Alabama Theater). Conor and the gang are touring like crazy including stops down South.
09-13 Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre *
09-14 Boise, ID - Big Easy Concert House *
09-15 Spokane, WA - Big Easy Concert House *
09-16 Olympia, WA - Capital Theatre *
09-18 Fairbanks, AK - University of Alaska - Fairbanks *
09-19 Anchorage, AK - University of Alaska - Anchorage *
09-20 Anchorage, AK - University of Alaska - Anchorage *
09-22 Seattle, WA - Quest Field (End Fest)
09-23 Eugene, OR - McDonald Theatre #
09-24 Chico, CA - Senator Theatre #
09-29 Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl ^
10-03 Mexico City, Mexico - Vive Cuervo Salon
10-19 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
10-20 Kalamazoo, MI - State Theatre
10-21 Champaign, IL - Foellinger Auditorium at University of Illinois
10-22 Milwaukee, WI - Riviera Theatre
10-23 Lawrence, KS - Lied Center at University of Kansas
10-24 Omaha, NE - Waiting Room
10-25 Sioux Falls, SD - Ramkota Exhibit Hall
10-27 Billings, MT - Shrine Auditorium
10-28 Missoula, MT - University Theatre
10-30 Edmonton, Alberta - Events Center
10-31 Calgary, Alberta - MacEwan Hall
11-02 Winnipeg, Manitoba - Burton Cummings Theatre
11-03 Fargo, ND - The Venue at Playmakers
11-04 Iowa City, IA - Main Lounge at University of Iowa
11-06 Memphis, TN - Orpheum Theatre
11-07 Birmingham, AL - Alabama Theatre

11-08 Charleston, SC - The Plex
11-09 Winston Salem, NC - Millennium Center
11-10 Norfolk, VA - The NorVa
11-11 Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall
11-12 Wilmington, DE - Grand Opera House
11-14 Binghamton, NY - Magic City Music Hall
11-15 Rochester, NY - Main Street Armory
11-16 Portsmouth, NH - The Music Hall
11-17 Providence, RI - Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
11-18 Worcester, MA - Palladium
11-19 New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall

* with Nik Freitas
# with Port O'Brien
^ with Los Angeles Philharmonic, M. Ward

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Heads Up

In case you missed it on P4k, Radiohead releases a new track.
Article and Stream

Local News: Oxford Gets a Record Store

thanks to Oxford Music Snob for the heads up.

Purple Haze Vintage, Music, and Internet Cafe is now open on 1004 N. Lamar Blvd.

"Open 7 days a week, 11 AM to 9 PM, a retail retro shop, an independent music shop and a Self-Serve Internet Cafe with Cafe Mam’ Fair Trade/Organic coffee from Oregon, Yogi Organic Tea and Organic and Health Food and Beverages."

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Article on Bands that should Re-unite

Pretty comprehensive list. A couple of them I could care less about, but I really enjoy the top 10.
Top 25 Bands that Should Re-unite

Monday, August 20, 2007

New Releases Tomorrow


The only really important release (at least to me is The New Pornographers Challengers. I fell in love with "supergroup" TNP after they released Twin Cinema. Any cd with Carl Newman of A.C. Newman, Dan Bejar of Destroyer, and Neko Case is sure to please. I have yet to hear the cd yet, but it is not getting great reviews. I usually take bad reviews with a grain of salt though.
Stream whole cd

Other releases tomorrow include:



Caribou - Andorra
I am actually interested in this release. Caribou sounds somewhat Beach Boys-y transfused with new age lap top pop. Sounds pretty good. Melody Day
Stream Whole Cd



Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter


I have never really listened to much of singer/songwriter Josh Ritter, but it may be time. With comparisons to Ryan Adams and Bob Dylan, I may just have to pick up a copy of this album. Critically acclaimed The Animal Years slipped under my radar.




Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight
I am just not a big fan of Rilo Kiley. The last release More Adventurous , in my opinion, just wasn't good. I cannot get past her cheesy lyrics. I am Streaming the whole album on myspace right now and am just not impressed with the Postal Servicer.











M.I.A. - Kala
M.I.A. releases her sophmore album. Check out if you like trance, electronic dance music. Stream whole album








The Flaming Lips - UFO's at the Zoo DVD
Any Flaming Lips dvd grabs my attention. I am sure this will be raging reedic.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Upcoming Local Concerts.

Upcoming Concerts:

Birmingham:

Patterson Hood (of DBT) Friday August 24 at the Museum of Art

Jason Isbell Saturday August 25 at Stokin' the Fire

The National Wednesday September 12 at Bottletree with The Rosebuds

Bela Fleck & Flecktones Wednesday September 19 at Alabama Theater

Jason Collette Wednesday October 3 at Workplay with Josh Rouse

!!! and The Field Thursday October 4 at Bottletree

Kings of Leon Wednesday October 10 at Ala. Theater with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Drive By Truckers Friday October 12 at Workplay with the Avett Brothers

Ryan Adams Monday October 15 at Ala Theater

Robert Earl Keen Thursday October 25 at Workplay

Rogue Wave Saturday November 10 at Bottletree

Oxford, MS:
David Alan Coe Saturday August 18 at Nighttown

Jason Isbell Saturday September 22 at Proud Larry's

Jackson, MS:
Jason Isbell Friday September 14 at Hal and Mals

Memphis, TN:
Avett Brothers Monday September 3 at Delta Music Festival

The Sea and Cake Tuesday September 18 at Young Ave Deli

Smashing Pumpkins Thursday October 25 at Mud Island with Explosions in the Sky

Great Articles

Articles around the web.

Top 10 Alt Country Greats not Recorded by Uncle Tupelo It's missing Dog Days by Blue Mountain and Whiskeytown Stranger's Almanac

50 Hottest Women in Music Way out of order in my opinion.

77 Unforgettable Movie Songs Pretty good list, but out of order in my opinion.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Rogue Wave new Cd and Tour




Rogue Wave's new cd Asleep At Heaven's Gate hits stores September 18. It will be followed by a tour including stops in Birmingham and Nashville.
New Mp3 from AAHG

Lake Michigan

Rogue Wave - 2007 Tour Dates
9/9/07: Burlington, VT: Flynn Theatre *
9/11/07: Baltimore , MD: Ram’s Head Live *
9/12/07: Upper Darby, PA: Tower Theatre *
9/13/07: Pittsburgh PA: Carnegie Music Hall *
9/14 /07: Grantham, PA: Messiah College *
9/15/07: Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan Theatre *
10/10/07: The Casbah: San Diego, CA
10/11/07: El Rey Theatre: Los Angeles, CA
10/12/07: Bimbo’s 365 Club: San Francisco, CA
10/13/07: TBA
10/15/07: Wonder Ballroom: Portland, OR
10/16/07: Neumo’s: Seattle, WA
10/19/07: Bluebird Theatre: Denver, CO
10/20/07: The Bottleneck: Lawrence, KS
10/21/07: The Waiting Room: Omaha, NE
10/23/07: 400 Bar: Minneapolis, MN
10/24/07: Double Door: Chicago, IL
10/26/07: Mod Club: Toronto ON, Canada
10/27/07: Cabaret Music Hall: Montreal QC, Canada
10/29/07: Iron Horse Music Hall: Northampton, MA
10/30/07: Paradise Rock Club: Boston, MA
11/01/07: The Bowery Ballroom: New York, NY
11/02/07: Maxwell’s: Hoboken, NJ
11/03/03: Johnny Brenda’s: Philadelphia, PA
11/05/07: Black Cat: Washington, DC
11/06/07: Satellite Ballroom: Charlottesville, VA
11/08/07: The Earl: Atlanta, GA
11/09/07: Mercy Lounge: Nashville, TN
11/10/07: The Bottletree: Birmingham, AL

* w/ Feist

Reviews 2007: Cont'd

Sorry it has been so slow. Combination of not much news and I have been very busy. I figured why not lay down the rest of the reviews.

Great Lake Swimmers - Ongiara released February 20, 2007
Great Lake Swimmers is a band you immediately enjoy upon hearing them. Tony Dekker's voice is captively meditating and soothing. Backed by a banjo and guitars, GLS combine for a very tight sound. My only criticism would be that it is very slow. However, that is just my personal taste. I do think it is a very solid record by a very talented band. For Fans of Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine Favorites: "Your Rocky Spine" and "I am Part of a Large Family" Grade B

Pela - Anytown Graffitti released April 23

I am absolutely obsessed with this cd. Anytown Graffitti did not get great reviews, and I honestly don't understand why not. At first listen, you think it is decent. However, after two or three you will be captivated. For Fans of Okkervil River, Clem Snide. Favorites: "Waiting on the Stairs," "Trouble with River Cities" "Anytown Graffiti" Grade: A-



Blonde Redhead - 23 released April 10.

I only recently got this cd because eMusic held out on it for some reason. I must say I thoroughly enjoy it. As previously mentioned, it is a very textured, wordly sound surely to soothe while not boring you. For Fans of ambient music. My Bloody Valentine, Bjork, Sigur Ros'. My favorites are "23" and "Dr. Strangluv." Grade B+


The White Stripes
- Icky Thump June 6, 2007

I really respect the White Stripes, but I am not 100% on board. While I do like some tracks on Icky Thump, I do not think it is a great record. I finally got White Blood Cells and must admit I do see what all the hype is behind that album. It truly is their best album. Some songs on Icky Thump are throwaways: "Rag and Bone" "Conquest." Favorites are: "Icky Thump," "You Don't Know What Love Is," and "Little Cream Soda." Grade C



Thursday, August 09, 2007

May and prior Reviews

A long time has passed since I have done one of these review posts. One is long overdue especially since news has been slow. DISCLAIMER: My opinions have been known to change.


Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
Pretty disappointing release. There, its off my chest. However, I have found a few gems in the album, and it is not that bad. Some of these tracks grow on you such as "Side with the Seeds," "Leave Me Like You Found Me," others I literally can't handle "Shake It Off," "Please Be Patient With Me," and "Sky Blue Sky." Strongest track is "You Are My Face" followed by "Either Way", "Impossible Germany", and "What Light." Grade C+/B-

Broken West - I Can't Go On, I'll Go On released January 2007.
I am just not a big fan of this record. While I will concede that I can see how people enjoy it, I get bored with it. Although laced with poppy tunes and catchy lyrics, it just doesn't grab me. I definitely think they are talented just not my favorite. Similar to: The Shins, Phoenix, Rogue Wave. Best Song: "Down in the Valley" Grade C



The Clientele - God Save the Clientele May 2007
The Clientele has never really gotten my blood flowing. However, I am sometimes in the mood for it. GSTC is just as good as Strange Geometry and a little more laid back. It is filled with violins and heavily textured melon collied ballads. Though there is something happy about it. Best Song: "Winter on Victoria Street" Grade B










The National - Boxer
Do I honestly have to say anything? This is an amazing album. While it is no Alligator, it is still a classic. No album will ever be Alligator. Boxer, a touch more meditative, delivers like no other release I have heard in a while. Lyrics are intriguing, music is beautiful, and the album is cohesive. Weakest song, "Racing Like a Pro" Favs are "Fake Empire," "Slow Show," "Apartment Story." Grade A








Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position
This album is very inconsistent. It contains unbelievable tracks as well as many just not that great tracks. First half of album will blow you away and second half will put you to sleep. Similar to: Arcade Fire, Andrew Bird, The Go! Team. Best Song: "The Magic Position" Grade B-



Feist - The Reminder
Leslie Feist blew her debut out of the water with this album. Her debut was slow, I mean real slow, (except for standout "Mushaboom.") Reminder brings the thunder with standout tracks "I Feel It All" (my personal fav), "Sealion" "1,2,3,4" and "My Man, My Moon." Grade B












White Rabbits - Fort Nightly
I really haven't given this album to good of a listen. It no doubt has some great tracks, but like Broken West just doesn't grab me....at least yet. Best Song: Navy Wives. Grade C+ (for now)

Bush, not a Hipster

Bush is definitely not a hipster.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Survey Says......

Results from Wilco Poll:
Out of 47 Votes: YHF was the winner. My personal favorite is Being There.

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 40%
Being There 19%
Ghost Is Born 12%
A.M. 10%
Summerteech 10%
Sky Blue Sky 6%

The Next Poll is Posted:
Favorite MMJ album: I know its tough but you can only choose one.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Monday, August 06, 2007

Now That's What I Call Indie Rock


Now That's What I Call Indie Rock Volume 1 comes out 8/21. Kind of strange.

01 Bloc Party - "The Prayer"
02 Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Cheated Hearts"
03 Sonic Youth - "Do You Believe In Rapture?"
04 The Shins - "Phantom Limb"
05 Spoon - "The Underdog"
06 Bright Eyes - "Four Winds"
07 Cat Power - "Lived In Bars"
08 Neko Case - "Hold On, Hold On"
09 Of Montreal - "Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse"
10 Deerhoof - "The Perfect Me"
11 The Hold Steady - "Chips Ahoy!"
12 Cold War Kids - "Hang Me Up To Dry"
13 Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - "Colleen"
14 M. Ward - "Chinese Translation"
15 Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! - "Satan Said Dance"

New 2 Me: Blonde Redhead


I have been meaning to purchase the new Blonde Redhead album 23 for a while. Finally, eMusic has it. I just listened to it all the way through, and it is unreal. 23 combines the eclectic sounds of Bjork and the vocals have a dash of Sigur Ros' to create a very worldly textured sound. Much more ear friendly than the previously mentioned. I would HIGHLY recommend it. For the most part, the girl sings, however, the guy has a solid voice as well. As you may or may not know, I don't particularly dig female singers except Cat Power, Feist, Stars, Camera Obscura etc, add Blonde Redhead to the list. Mp3 Below:
23

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Jim James haircut


Wow, Jim of MMJ chopped all of his hair off.

Friday, August 03, 2007

Local News: Proud Larry's in Oxford gets a makeover


Proud Larry's in Oxford is getting a full makeover. They literally gutted it but kept the murals. Shows should be much better now, not so crowded and stuffy. PICS below.




Thursday, August 02, 2007

The National on Letterman & Opening Bands

The National "Fake Empire" on Letterman


The National just announced opening bands for tour. For Birmingham: The Rosebuds and Doveman.


04 SEPT: PHILADELPHIA, PA - TLA w/ The Rosebuds + Doveman
05 SEPT: WASHINGTON, DC - 9:30 Club w/ The Rosebuds + Doveman
06 SEPT: WASHINGTON, DC - 9:30 Club w/ The Rosebuds + Doveman
07 SEPT: CARRBORO, NC - Cat's Cradle w/ Doveman
08 SEPT: ATLANTA, GA - Variety Playhouse w/ The Rosebuds + Doveman
10 SEPT: ORLANDO, FL - Club At Firestone w/ The Rosebuds + Doveman
11 SEPT: TALLAHASSEE, FL - Club Downunder w/ The Rosebuds + Doveman
12 SEPT: BIRMINGHAM, AL - The Bottletree w/ The Rosebuds + Doveman
14 SEPT: DALLAS, TX - The Granada Theater w/ St. Vincent
15 SEPT: AUSTIN, TX - Emo's (ACL aftershow) w/ Blonde Redhead + Islands
16 SEPT: AUSTIN, TX - Austin City Limits Festival, Zilker Park
18 SEPT: DENVER, CO - The Ogden Theater w/ St. Vincent
19 SEPT: OMAHA, NE - The Slowdown w/ St. Vincent
20 SEPT: MINNEAPOLIS, MN - The Fine Line w/ St. Vincent
21 SEPT: MILWAUKEE, WI - The Pabst Theater w/ St. Vincent
22 SEPT: CHICAGO, IL - The Vic Theatre w/ St. Vincent
23 SEPT: CINCINNATI, OH - The Madison Theater w/ St. Vincent

27 SEPT: SAN DIEGO, CA - The Casbah w/ St. Vincent // SOLD OUT
28 SEPT: LOS ANGELES, CA - The Wiltern w/ St. Vincent
29 SEPT: SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The Grand Ballroom w/ St. Vincent
01 OCT: PORTLAND, OR - Crystal Ballroom w/ St. Vincent
02 OCT: SEATTLE, WA - Showbox w/ St. Vincent
03 OCT: VANCOUVER, BC, Canada - Commodore Ballroom w/ St. Vincent

06 OCT: BOSTON, MA - Roxy w/ Doveman
07 OCT: MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada - Le National w/ Doveman
08 OCT: TORONTO, Ontario, Canada - Phoenix Concert Hall w/ Doveman

31 OCT: BELFAST, Ireland - Spring + Airbrake w/ St. Vincent
01 NOV: DUBLIN, Ireland - Olympia Theatre w/ St. Vincent
02 NOV: GLASGOW, Scotland - ABC w/ St. Vincent
03 NOV: SHEFFIELD, England - Leadmill w/ St. Vincent
04 NOV: MANCHESTER, England - Academy 2 w/ St. Vincent
06 NOV: BIRMINGHAM, England - Irish Centre w/ St. Vincent
07 NOV: LONDON, England - Shepherds Bush Empire w/ St. Vincent
09 NOV: BRISTOL, England - Anson Rooms w/ St. Vincent
10 NOV: PORTSMOUTH, England - Pyramids w/ St. Vincent
12 NOV: BRUSSELS, Belgium - AB w/ Hayden
13 NOV: REIMS, France - La Cartonnerie w/ Hayden
14 NOV: PARIS, France - Elysee Montmartre w/ Hayden
15 NOV: RENNES, France - Ubu Club w/ Hayden
16 NOV: ANGOULEME, France - La Nef w/ Hayden
17 NOV: BARCELONA, Spain - La [2] del Apolo w/ Hayden
19 NOV: CLERMONT-FERRAND, France - Le Cooperative De Mai w/ Hayden
20 NOV: LAUSANNE, Switzerland - Le Romandie w/ Hayden
21 NOV: MILAN, Italy - Transilvania w/ Hayden
22 NOV: ZURICH, Switzerland - Abart w/ Hayden
23 NOV: ZAGREB, Croatia - KSET w/ Hayden
24 NOV: VIENNA, Austria - Szene Wien w/ Hayden
26 NOV: STUTTGART, Germany - Schocken 12 w/ Hayden
27 NOV: COLOGNE, Germany - Prime Club w/ Hayden
28 NOV: AMSTERDAM, Holland - Melkweg w/ Hayden
30 NOV: COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Amager Bio w/ Hayden // SOLD OUT
01 DEC: STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Debaser w/ Hayden
02 DEC: OSLO, Norway - John Dee w/ Hayden
03 DEC: MALMO, Sweden - KB w/ Hayden
05 DEC: HAMBURG, Germany - Knust w/ Hayden
06 DEC: BERLIN, Germany - Postbahnhof am Ostbahnhof w/ Hayden

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Okkervil River Stage Names out Tuesday, August 7th



Okkervil River releases follow up to critically acclaimed Black Sheep Boy on August 7th. I have been listening to Stage Names via Full Album Stream on Myspace, and I must say I am impressed. Sounds like they picked up where they left off on BSB and expanded their sound for the better. I am thinking it will be on eMusic as well, which is nice. Mp3 below Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe

Guitar Players

If you are a picker, head over to indie guitar tabs. They have tons of tabs ranging from The National to Sufjan Stevens. Solid website.