The Date of Dancing with Bob under the stars is close, it's my Church... who can't Dance to this!!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings,Jakes Night Club Bloomingotn 12/6
On a cold snowy night I drove to Bloomington with a good friend to take in the Soulfulness that is Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. The well orchestrated Dap Kings would have been well worth the cost to get in, but to add the powerful vocals of one Miss Sharon Jones only sweated the deal. As a huge fan of Soul music I was pumped and ready for some “soulful dancing” & have waited to see them live since I acquired two of their albums last year
For a 52 year old woman from the Deep South this Woman brought the house down & heated the place up! No one could sit still while she ripped through her collection of upbeat horn invested songs. If you were sitting down or standing still Sharon was sure to get your ass grooving, often times bringing members of the audience on stage to strut their stuff and boogie on with her. There is a reason the music is called Soul Music, Sharon and other amazing Soul Artist sing from, well their fucking Soul. She put 100% into her performance and it showed, and I could do a whole another blog on how well the Dap Kings play together and the wonderful gift they give to the music world.
You would think you were back in Motown or in Harlem during the height of Soul and R&B, but no…She has a passion for the art and a voice that is hard to come by. Playing for over 2 hours and ending the show with (in my opinion) one of the best Soul Songs ever written “A Change is Gonna Come”…with her own style and with the recent election this was a highlight of the evening, well that and hanging out in the bathroom at the post party with the Dap Kings!
So if you need a new album for the Holidays or hear of her show coming close to you it is well worth the time to see.
For a 52 year old woman from the Deep South this Woman brought the house down & heated the place up! No one could sit still while she ripped through her collection of upbeat horn invested songs. If you were sitting down or standing still Sharon was sure to get your ass grooving, often times bringing members of the audience on stage to strut their stuff and boogie on with her. There is a reason the music is called Soul Music, Sharon and other amazing Soul Artist sing from, well their fucking Soul. She put 100% into her performance and it showed, and I could do a whole another blog on how well the Dap Kings play together and the wonderful gift they give to the music world.
You would think you were back in Motown or in Harlem during the height of Soul and R&B, but no…She has a passion for the art and a voice that is hard to come by. Playing for over 2 hours and ending the show with (in my opinion) one of the best Soul Songs ever written “A Change is Gonna Come”…with her own style and with the recent election this was a highlight of the evening, well that and hanging out in the bathroom at the post party with the Dap Kings!
So if you need a new album for the Holidays or hear of her show coming close to you it is well worth the time to see.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Classical Pop…a Breath of Fresh Air
I recently picked up the self titled new release by Elizabeth Willis, which is her first album and still flying under the radar (at least in the Midwest). This classically trained musician on the piano & violin has released a smoothly intense album. While so many artists are infusing classic string instruments on their albums, this album goes beyond that. It feels like a classical album with guitar and vocals added to it, instead of a folk album where a string quartet comes in and plays back ground and adds layers to a song. Her voice isn’t the most powerful voice out there, but look where Bono & Tom Waits are with their “stunning” vocals. However like Bono & Waits, she sings with passion and heart and is able to match it perfectly to her own songs.
Don’t be fooled by the classical training and large amount of backing strings, this album can rock and is not by any means just an album for the down times of life…though I would enjoy a nice fire and good bottle of wine while this album is on!
On top of her stunning arrangements she seems to be a pretty smart woman too! Let me list her accomplishments from her bio page: SESAC, ASCAP, alumnae of Meadowmount School of Music & Mannes College of Music Preparatory Division, Pres/CEO of Little Blackbird Records LLC. She produces, writes her own songs, and arranges everything!
Don’t be fooled by the classical training and large amount of backing strings, this album can rock and is not by any means just an album for the down times of life…though I would enjoy a nice fire and good bottle of wine while this album is on!
On top of her stunning arrangements she seems to be a pretty smart woman too! Let me list her accomplishments from her bio page: SESAC, ASCAP, alumnae of Meadowmount School of Music & Mannes College of Music Preparatory Division, Pres/CEO of Little Blackbird Records LLC. She produces, writes her own songs, and arranges everything!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Music & the Times
With the recent election of a New President I have done a lot of thinking and one thought I have had is about music and the times. You always hear that the best art comes from pain & depression. If you take a look at the past century you will see music is no different and the type of music that is popular.
Let’s look at some examples…
1930-1960 Black Music…well lets see Jazz, Blues, and the birth of Rock & Roll, the suffering and lack of rights that Blacks had, enough said
Lets look at the state of the world in the 1960’s and all the music that came out of that time. I am not saying that if there wasn’t a war, sexual revolution, civil rights movement, anti-establishment movement, drug craze, and the unrest with the government in general that this music would not have been made. Wait yes I am! Art & Music was the one thing that people could cling to and have be their own, where as everything else people seemed to have to fight for. Not that Dylan, Beatles, or any other power house of the 60’s didn’t have many obstacles along the way, but they overcame them and brought music into the modern age as we know it. A generation felt this music was their own, something they could claim and set them apart from the older generations.
During the 1980’s when most of the Country (& world) seemed to be on the RIGHT track & the economy was up the music was happy go lucky, over produced going out music. While many now love singing along to power ballads of that time while at a bar, you don’t hear about the great music of the 80’s. (Though there are some, but they were not mainstream at the time and took a while to be seen for the art they truly are)
Towards the end of the 80’s and early 90’s when we started to see that maybe the world wasn’t as great as it should be, and a War breaks out, there was this thing happening in Seattle that broke Rock & Roll out of the shell and back to the raw emotions that truly defines Rock. Pear Jam, Nirvana, STP, and many others. One can claim that this music didn’t happen over night, maybe these artists were a head of the time and saw from a different view what the world really had to offer to them at this time and so they started to create such powerful music out of their own depression.
Clinton Era…Shitty Pop & Rock Music. The air waves were flooded with Boy Bands, Hootie & the Blowfish, over produced over spent Rock (that lacked a lot of what Rock needs). Not that this music is 100% bad but it was almost forced upon the world. My time during the 1990’s was spent finding as much as I could about the music of the 60’s because I was going through my own anti-establishment youth stage.
The past 8 years, well I don’t have to go into detail about the state of the world or the USA the past 8 years. But look at the change in music in the past 8 years, the sheer volume of music that has been made in the name of anger, frustration, and peace. Rock & Roll has come out on top of the pop charts. The Jazz World has put out some great albums (Katrina?), The Brits have produced some amazing pop singers who are not just pretty people who can kind of carry a note and then the studio makes them sound better, and some of the Rock out of the UK has also been the best in decades. Even the American Pop World has gone back to the roots of great vocals, catchy tag lines, and deep beats. Not just a pretty face that some one picked out of a group when they were 7.
There are always counter arguments to this post, yes there was great music in the 80’s & 90’s, yes there was bad music the past 8 years & in the 60’s. But look back at the charts and what was top of the pops during the past 60 years and I think it is clear that music and the state of the world can be linked in one way or another
Let’s look at some examples…
1930-1960 Black Music…well lets see Jazz, Blues, and the birth of Rock & Roll, the suffering and lack of rights that Blacks had, enough said
Lets look at the state of the world in the 1960’s and all the music that came out of that time. I am not saying that if there wasn’t a war, sexual revolution, civil rights movement, anti-establishment movement, drug craze, and the unrest with the government in general that this music would not have been made. Wait yes I am! Art & Music was the one thing that people could cling to and have be their own, where as everything else people seemed to have to fight for. Not that Dylan, Beatles, or any other power house of the 60’s didn’t have many obstacles along the way, but they overcame them and brought music into the modern age as we know it. A generation felt this music was their own, something they could claim and set them apart from the older generations.
During the 1980’s when most of the Country (& world) seemed to be on the RIGHT track & the economy was up the music was happy go lucky, over produced going out music. While many now love singing along to power ballads of that time while at a bar, you don’t hear about the great music of the 80’s. (Though there are some, but they were not mainstream at the time and took a while to be seen for the art they truly are)
Towards the end of the 80’s and early 90’s when we started to see that maybe the world wasn’t as great as it should be, and a War breaks out, there was this thing happening in Seattle that broke Rock & Roll out of the shell and back to the raw emotions that truly defines Rock. Pear Jam, Nirvana, STP, and many others. One can claim that this music didn’t happen over night, maybe these artists were a head of the time and saw from a different view what the world really had to offer to them at this time and so they started to create such powerful music out of their own depression.
Clinton Era…Shitty Pop & Rock Music. The air waves were flooded with Boy Bands, Hootie & the Blowfish, over produced over spent Rock (that lacked a lot of what Rock needs). Not that this music is 100% bad but it was almost forced upon the world. My time during the 1990’s was spent finding as much as I could about the music of the 60’s because I was going through my own anti-establishment youth stage.
The past 8 years, well I don’t have to go into detail about the state of the world or the USA the past 8 years. But look at the change in music in the past 8 years, the sheer volume of music that has been made in the name of anger, frustration, and peace. Rock & Roll has come out on top of the pop charts. The Jazz World has put out some great albums (Katrina?), The Brits have produced some amazing pop singers who are not just pretty people who can kind of carry a note and then the studio makes them sound better, and some of the Rock out of the UK has also been the best in decades. Even the American Pop World has gone back to the roots of great vocals, catchy tag lines, and deep beats. Not just a pretty face that some one picked out of a group when they were 7.
There are always counter arguments to this post, yes there was great music in the 80’s & 90’s, yes there was bad music the past 8 years & in the 60’s. But look back at the charts and what was top of the pops during the past 60 years and I think it is clear that music and the state of the world can be linked in one way or another
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Music in a Web
As any music lover knows the amount of music out there can be over whelming. One is always being turned on to a new artist or an old one that might have slipped through the cracks. I still feel the best way to learn about new music is sitting around with a friend or none friend and just gabbing about music and what turns one on and off! I have been introduced to some great bands this way, but this way isn’t the only way to hear great music that one might not think about.
There are a few web-sites that I have found to enjoy some FREE music. While you can't always download music from these web-sites it allows you get an idea of the music.
http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/
This is a Great Archive site with plenty of shows from a wide range of Artist. Any music lover should know this site. It is the archive base for famed Concert promoter Bill Graham (Fillmore East & West). Not only can you hear rare early performances from…well just about anybody from the 60’s on, but you can view rare concert art, vintage t-shirts, ticket stubs, photographs & more!!
http://www.npr.org/music
NPR, well I am a NPR junkie…and their music site is great!! It always tries to bring the best new music to you from not just here in the States but from around the world. There are plenty of recent concerts to stream to you computer. Plenty of off the cuff interviews, history lesions, free downloads & more. This site also offers plenty of different types of podcast that you can take with you
http://www.pandora.com/
Most of you are aware of Pandora…what your not? Well this is a great site to make play list based off a song or artiest which works with the Music Genome Project. You can be very detailed in the play list or simply put in a bands name it poof it will continue to play songs that might be similar to that band or their style. You can create many different play lists and use even the quick mix tab to add all your play list to one! For you ipod lovers (and who isn't)you can have it on an ipod touch!
**Disclaimer, if you have it playing for a long time expect to hear the same song twice
http://www.archive.org/details/audio/
For you live show lovers this site is for you. Search the database for any band and if some one has sneaked in a recording device or if the band allows taping you will find it here. These shows are downloadable and free to do what you want with. I have obtained most of my live show collection from this site…have fun with this one!
There are a few web-sites that I have found to enjoy some FREE music. While you can't always download music from these web-sites it allows you get an idea of the music.
http://www.wolfgangsvault.com/
This is a Great Archive site with plenty of shows from a wide range of Artist. Any music lover should know this site. It is the archive base for famed Concert promoter Bill Graham (Fillmore East & West). Not only can you hear rare early performances from…well just about anybody from the 60’s on, but you can view rare concert art, vintage t-shirts, ticket stubs, photographs & more!!
http://www.npr.org/music
NPR, well I am a NPR junkie…and their music site is great!! It always tries to bring the best new music to you from not just here in the States but from around the world. There are plenty of recent concerts to stream to you computer. Plenty of off the cuff interviews, history lesions, free downloads & more. This site also offers plenty of different types of podcast that you can take with you
http://www.pandora.com/
Most of you are aware of Pandora…what your not? Well this is a great site to make play list based off a song or artiest which works with the Music Genome Project. You can be very detailed in the play list or simply put in a bands name it poof it will continue to play songs that might be similar to that band or their style. You can create many different play lists and use even the quick mix tab to add all your play list to one! For you ipod lovers (and who isn't)you can have it on an ipod touch!
**Disclaimer, if you have it playing for a long time expect to hear the same song twice
http://www.archive.org/details/audio/
For you live show lovers this site is for you. Search the database for any band and if some one has sneaked in a recording device or if the band allows taping you will find it here. These shows are downloadable and free to do what you want with. I have obtained most of my live show collection from this site…have fun with this one!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
New Ryan Adams (Cardinals)
It’s that time of the year, a new album from Ryan Adams! Cardinology was released on Tuesday with the help of the Cardinals (Neal Casal, Chris Feinstein, Jon Graboff, & Brad Pemberton), who seem to really click well together on stage and in the studio.
Now I could be very bias about any Ryan Adams release because he is one of my favorite living musicians. This album is damn good, however if I was to introduce a Ryan Adams virgin to his music I would not use this album. It is not as strong as his previous releases but it still packs the punch and variety that Ryan is known for. The more it plays in my ear phones the more I get into it, & the more I hear the details this band puts into their music while recording.
All songs were written by Mr. Adams, though Neal’s Solo Albums are worth a listen too for those mellow tunes. Less acoustic on this album but it does end with a beautiful piano balled. One song that really jumped out at me was Magick, upbeat, hard rocking…almost an Oasis or STP influence. Other Stand out songs are Cobwebs, & the next song Let Us Down Easy has that “alternative country” feel that people like to label his music (which I don’t get, wtf is alternative country?)
One feeling I have is that the songs are short, in length and substance. I just think that right when the song is picking up they end. Maybe I should see a few more of his shows to get the full feeling of these songs. However, as always his lyrics are deep and smooth, one of his most under recognized talents.
Now I could be very bias about any Ryan Adams release because he is one of my favorite living musicians. This album is damn good, however if I was to introduce a Ryan Adams virgin to his music I would not use this album. It is not as strong as his previous releases but it still packs the punch and variety that Ryan is known for. The more it plays in my ear phones the more I get into it, & the more I hear the details this band puts into their music while recording.
All songs were written by Mr. Adams, though Neal’s Solo Albums are worth a listen too for those mellow tunes. Less acoustic on this album but it does end with a beautiful piano balled. One song that really jumped out at me was Magick, upbeat, hard rocking…almost an Oasis or STP influence. Other Stand out songs are Cobwebs, & the next song Let Us Down Easy has that “alternative country” feel that people like to label his music (which I don’t get, wtf is alternative country?)
One feeling I have is that the songs are short, in length and substance. I just think that right when the song is picking up they end. Maybe I should see a few more of his shows to get the full feeling of these songs. However, as always his lyrics are deep and smooth, one of his most under recognized talents.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Females Rock my Soul
Many of you know my great admiration for not only the females of the world but for their voices and great contribution to the music we all love. In the past few months I have been able to obtain a few different singers that are a force to be reckon with and are out there pushing for their voice to be heard.
Instead of writing a review for each album or artist I will list a few with brief descriptions of why their music might be worth a listen to you. Now some of these wonderful performers have been around forever or their albums might not be the newest release but are still worth a listen. If you would like a mixed CD of all these artist ask your boyfriend.
Check back for recent add ons to this current list...Too many wonderful female artists to list.
Grace Potter…Her albums are full of great songs, and her backing band the Nocturnals can rock out. Her first solo album I think is a better get then her most recent album with the Band, but her latest album is still a nice listen. Strong Vermont based College Band makes it
Tift Merrit …Country inspired hard hitting lyrics with a voice that will take you back to the early days of Loretta Lynn. Saw her on a little stage in Nashville, TN and was very impressed with her. (get her newest album Another Country)
Neko Case…With two albums out (one being a live show), this singer song writer is pushing the envelope with her personal style of funked up country with a mix of home grown rock. The vocals this women produces makes the songs what they are. While the Songs Make the vocals able to reach you like that of Joni Mitchell
Rilo Kiley (Jenny Lewis, two Solo Albums also)…Well where to start this lady has been putting out albums under all different names and styles for the past few years and my close friends have shared them all with me. After I hear one song I think God that was great, then the next song comes on and I think the same thing. So if you are to pick up any of Rilo/Jenny’s Albums you will not be upset. Good Mix of solid Female rock with modern Rock Steady Songs...Even the EMO kids like her!
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings… SOUL and lots of it. Not a new name to the music world but her most recently release “100 Days, 100 Night” has gained some national medias ears and allowed this Singer & Band to sell out shows across the nation. People ask me what ever happen to the classic R &B and Soul…well here she is. Also her band is the same backing band that Amy Winehouse tours with (when she is able to tour) Horns and More Horns!!
Amy Winehouse…Um if you haven’t heard she is a crack out UK singer who (used) to sing like no other and could rock your world, so if you don’t know her then you might be a lost cause.
Duffy…UK’s youngest sensation, with her break through dance hit Mercy. Her vocals (like those of Amy Winehouse) sound like they could have come straight from Motown. Some one broke this girl’s heart and her album is full of revenge and pure emotions, singing her heart out is what she does best. I will say I was looking for this album to be more upbeat after the single but I was pleased with what I heard
The Watson Twins…recently Toured with Jenny Lewis and these Twins have that classic in the woods free falling sounds that makes a drive in the truck all worth it.
Kate Nash…One of Many English Smack you in your face, pissed off, do what I want leading women. With a Voice and lyrics that will not only make you think hard, but also get your ass out of your seat and move
Instead of writing a review for each album or artist I will list a few with brief descriptions of why their music might be worth a listen to you. Now some of these wonderful performers have been around forever or their albums might not be the newest release but are still worth a listen. If you would like a mixed CD of all these artist ask your boyfriend.
Check back for recent add ons to this current list...Too many wonderful female artists to list.
Grace Potter…Her albums are full of great songs, and her backing band the Nocturnals can rock out. Her first solo album I think is a better get then her most recent album with the Band, but her latest album is still a nice listen. Strong Vermont based College Band makes it
Tift Merrit …Country inspired hard hitting lyrics with a voice that will take you back to the early days of Loretta Lynn. Saw her on a little stage in Nashville, TN and was very impressed with her. (get her newest album Another Country)
Neko Case…With two albums out (one being a live show), this singer song writer is pushing the envelope with her personal style of funked up country with a mix of home grown rock. The vocals this women produces makes the songs what they are. While the Songs Make the vocals able to reach you like that of Joni Mitchell
Rilo Kiley (Jenny Lewis, two Solo Albums also)…Well where to start this lady has been putting out albums under all different names and styles for the past few years and my close friends have shared them all with me. After I hear one song I think God that was great, then the next song comes on and I think the same thing. So if you are to pick up any of Rilo/Jenny’s Albums you will not be upset. Good Mix of solid Female rock with modern Rock Steady Songs...Even the EMO kids like her!
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings… SOUL and lots of it. Not a new name to the music world but her most recently release “100 Days, 100 Night” has gained some national medias ears and allowed this Singer & Band to sell out shows across the nation. People ask me what ever happen to the classic R &B and Soul…well here she is. Also her band is the same backing band that Amy Winehouse tours with (when she is able to tour) Horns and More Horns!!
Amy Winehouse…Um if you haven’t heard she is a crack out UK singer who (used) to sing like no other and could rock your world, so if you don’t know her then you might be a lost cause.
Duffy…UK’s youngest sensation, with her break through dance hit Mercy. Her vocals (like those of Amy Winehouse) sound like they could have come straight from Motown. Some one broke this girl’s heart and her album is full of revenge and pure emotions, singing her heart out is what she does best. I will say I was looking for this album to be more upbeat after the single but I was pleased with what I heard
The Watson Twins…recently Toured with Jenny Lewis and these Twins have that classic in the woods free falling sounds that makes a drive in the truck all worth it.
Kate Nash…One of Many English Smack you in your face, pissed off, do what I want leading women. With a Voice and lyrics that will not only make you think hard, but also get your ass out of your seat and move
Friday, October 17, 2008
New Ray LaMontagne Album
Ray LaMontagne Released his Third Studio Album this week, and what a breath of fresh air! The album starts with what will be its two main singles, “You Are the Best Thing’ & “Let It Be Me”. These two songs sell the album to me with the first being an upbeat Soulful Horn induced track that would get a deaf mans foot tapping, and “Let It Be Me” reaches deep into the emotions that Ray has been so powerful at expressing. Much like his show a few weeks ago, the Slide and Electric guitar playing of Eric Heywood adds a whole new element to his basic style.
I am a huge fan of a basic guitar solo with a few perfect notes, over the rip roaring 20 notes a second that seems to over bare so much music right now. The right note at the right moment in a song can do more then anything else to a song. (Examples would be solos on The Beatles “Let It Be”, Marley’s “No Women No Cry”… and any thing done by George Harrison)
His Acoustic Guitar playing that seems so simple is yet so intertwined with the harmonies of his voice and other stings instruments to produce some beautiful melodies. One distinct feature of his music has always been his voice, and while it might seem impossible to out do himself it seems he really spent the effort to branch out and extend his vocal range to a higher level then his previous albums.
Almost all the tracks have their place on the album, with some upbeat and even off the cuff songs such as “Meg White” & “Hey Me, Hey Mama”, really give a divers view of this wonderful Musicians talent and love for his passion.
I am a huge fan of a basic guitar solo with a few perfect notes, over the rip roaring 20 notes a second that seems to over bare so much music right now. The right note at the right moment in a song can do more then anything else to a song. (Examples would be solos on The Beatles “Let It Be”, Marley’s “No Women No Cry”… and any thing done by George Harrison)
His Acoustic Guitar playing that seems so simple is yet so intertwined with the harmonies of his voice and other stings instruments to produce some beautiful melodies. One distinct feature of his music has always been his voice, and while it might seem impossible to out do himself it seems he really spent the effort to branch out and extend his vocal range to a higher level then his previous albums.
Almost all the tracks have their place on the album, with some upbeat and even off the cuff songs such as “Meg White” & “Hey Me, Hey Mama”, really give a divers view of this wonderful Musicians talent and love for his passion.
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Cardinals, Featuring Ryan Adams…Murat Theater Indianapolis (10/2/08)
With the release of Cardinology coming out on Oct 24th I had the pleasure of hearing some of the new album last night when the Cardinals came to town. This is my 3rd Ryan Adams show and each has been very different and each thrilling.
After a little less then an hour of playing they took a break blaming his ear piece as sounding like Darth Vader and said they would return with a hell of a set list, and they did. Bringing out hits that I have never heard live and rocking them the only way they know how. His band has always been “on” and plays well with each other. So props to the whole band for rounding out an amazing night!
I enjoy some good jamming, as you know, and that is one thing that I love about a Ryan Adams show. It has a great Dead feeling with a good smack of Hard Rock & Roll. Personally I still want to see an acoustic show (or some acoustic songs in his), but hey I will take what Ryan will give me.
Now he is known for his on stage antics, but I have to say he was on his best behavior…I guess being sober will do that!
Set List:
Cobwebs
Wonderwall
Mockingbird
Peaceful Valley
Off Broadway
Natural Ghost
Please Do Not Let Me Go
Icy Monsters
Let It Ride
Desire
Sun Also Sets
What Sin Replaces Love
Afraid Not Scared
Games
Everybody Knows
Sink Ships
Come Pick Me Up
Stars Go Blue
OMG Whatever Etc..
Beautiful Sorta
Evergreen
Bartering Lines
Rescue Blues
La Cienega
Two
Easy Plateau
After a little less then an hour of playing they took a break blaming his ear piece as sounding like Darth Vader and said they would return with a hell of a set list, and they did. Bringing out hits that I have never heard live and rocking them the only way they know how. His band has always been “on” and plays well with each other. So props to the whole band for rounding out an amazing night!
I enjoy some good jamming, as you know, and that is one thing that I love about a Ryan Adams show. It has a great Dead feeling with a good smack of Hard Rock & Roll. Personally I still want to see an acoustic show (or some acoustic songs in his), but hey I will take what Ryan will give me.
Now he is known for his on stage antics, but I have to say he was on his best behavior…I guess being sober will do that!
Set List:
Cobwebs
Wonderwall
Mockingbird
Peaceful Valley
Off Broadway
Natural Ghost
Please Do Not Let Me Go
Icy Monsters
Let It Ride
Desire
Sun Also Sets
What Sin Replaces Love
Afraid Not Scared
Games
Everybody Knows
Sink Ships
Come Pick Me Up
Stars Go Blue
OMG Whatever Etc..
Beautiful Sorta
Evergreen
Bartering Lines
Rescue Blues
La Cienega
Two
Easy Plateau
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
PHISH is Back
Just announced Phish will be holding a 3 day gig in Hampton VA next March with more tour dates to Follow!!
My summers have been so lonely with out them, i am ready to get back to some Phishing. Lets hope this isn't for money but for the true love of damn good music!
My summers have been so lonely with out them, i am ready to get back to some Phishing. Lets hope this isn't for money but for the true love of damn good music!
Ray LaMontage Live at the Murat Theater in Indianapolis (9/30/08)
Last night was opening night for Ray and his band and as always his voice shakes me to my core. You could tell the full band (bass, drums, piano, second guitarist) with Ray were still getting their grounding and polishing their newer songs. He played almost the full new album and it is going to be a good one. “Henry Nearly Killed Me” & “Hey Me Hey Mama” seemed to get this mostly sitting crowed up on their feet. Many have express the melancholies of his first two albums, and I think his newest one will surprise people with his wide range of vocal and musicale talent. But don’t be fooled this album will have its basic Ray that we have come to love.
The use of a slide guitar player (and also just a basic blues guitar) for more of the solos was a wonderful pairing to his basic acoustic style. His classic songs came across as great as ever and ended with 2 encores (the second being him and his guitar). Having the whole audience sing “Shelter” & Trouble” for him was a stunning show of how far this man has come, and you could tell by how gracious he seems to be on Stage.
While Ray, I think would be better seen in a smoke filled bar or smaller venue it is a test of his growth that lead to a packed theater on a fall night.
Partial Set List: You Are the Best Thing, Empty, Three More Days, You Can Bring Me Flowers, Let It Be Me, I Still Care For You, Meg White, Roses & Cigarettes, Winter Birds, Sarah Gossip On the Grain, Wild Horses, Trouble, Jolene, Shelter, Hold You In My Arms…
The use of a slide guitar player (and also just a basic blues guitar) for more of the solos was a wonderful pairing to his basic acoustic style. His classic songs came across as great as ever and ended with 2 encores (the second being him and his guitar). Having the whole audience sing “Shelter” & Trouble” for him was a stunning show of how far this man has come, and you could tell by how gracious he seems to be on Stage.
While Ray, I think would be better seen in a smoke filled bar or smaller venue it is a test of his growth that lead to a packed theater on a fall night.
Partial Set List: You Are the Best Thing, Empty, Three More Days, You Can Bring Me Flowers, Let It Be Me, I Still Care For You, Meg White, Roses & Cigarettes, Winter Birds, Sarah Gossip On the Grain, Wild Horses, Trouble, Jolene, Shelter, Hold You In My Arms…
Monday, September 29, 2008
Going Mainstream...if they like it or not
A great friend gave me the new Kings of Leon Album for the weekend “Only By The Night”, and I cant stop playing it. I am not a huge Kings of Leon fan but this album has converted me in a hard way. It might seem to some as more mainstream then their past recordings; well I don’t know if they were trying for that but what ever juice they were drinking gave them one hell of an Album. Each track is great; it might be the best album I have heard this year. (i know bold statement)
So this is short but sweet…BUY THIS ALBUM NOW
Track 4, Use Somebody travels perfectly into Track 5 Manhattan. The placing of songs can be very important when making an album and they seem to have gotten it right.
Also if you are in the Chicago area for Halloween they have a gig that night!
So this is short but sweet…BUY THIS ALBUM NOW
Track 4, Use Somebody travels perfectly into Track 5 Manhattan. The placing of songs can be very important when making an album and they seem to have gotten it right.
Also if you are in the Chicago area for Halloween they have a gig that night!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tickle Me Pink & pray for the people inside your head
Johnny Flynn and his band The Sussex Wit attempt to bring music back to the basics of English Folk, he reaches a modern spin on a classic form. The young lad from South London has put a great backing band to reach this musicale goal. Horns & stings through out the album complement the voice and the use of other instruments that are not in use as often today…
His first album has the basic recording quality that so many second, third and so on albums loose. It is one reason so many debut albums have this raw blood to them.
This music is what one would want to hear in a pub over some good pints, a steady constant beat from the drums, and good old plucking guitar…with a voice that has an eerie Nick Drake quality (his upbeat songs at least I think Nick had a couple). He has a maturity behind his voice that doesn’t seem to stream from a 25 year old but from an older countryside gentleman who plays music because that’s what one does, not for any fame or money.
Key Tracks: The Box, Tickle Me Pink, and The Wrote & the Writ….however the whole album is worth a listen.
His first album has the basic recording quality that so many second, third and so on albums loose. It is one reason so many debut albums have this raw blood to them.
This music is what one would want to hear in a pub over some good pints, a steady constant beat from the drums, and good old plucking guitar…with a voice that has an eerie Nick Drake quality (his upbeat songs at least I think Nick had a couple). He has a maturity behind his voice that doesn’t seem to stream from a 25 year old but from an older countryside gentleman who plays music because that’s what one does, not for any fame or money.
Key Tracks: The Box, Tickle Me Pink, and The Wrote & the Writ….however the whole album is worth a listen.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Dancing at Work
With the ability to have music on at work, it is common for a random dance party at your desk. (Which I highly encourage) Music moves the soul in ways only it can; so feel free to crank up what ever your playing & dance dance dance! I think it makes the day go by faster, and if your boss does not allow music while you work, then its time for a new job.
I am currently dancing to Some old school Blond on Blond, by Mr. Dylan
I am currently dancing to Some old school Blond on Blond, by Mr. Dylan
Monday, September 15, 2008
Buying a Shitty CD
I have recently started buying actual CD’s from a record store and not getting everything online. There are many advantages to this at this point in my life, none of which really matter to you.
However, I have been thinking about their return policy (or lack there of) with any Media Purchase. What if I buy a cd I am not sure will be good…
SIDE NOTE: I like to buy or obtain Albums with out really knowing what it might be. I take suggestions from people, or go off one song I have heard. Most times this has turned out to be a very positive method of buying
…and the album turns out to not be any good, I mean just awful! Then I would like to return it to the Record Shop, itunes, etc and get not even a full refund but maybe a partial or a credit towards a new one.
I understand that I could buy a cd upload to my itunes it asap and take it back saying it sucks. But hey I am an honest guy and don’t steal.
However, I have been thinking about their return policy (or lack there of) with any Media Purchase. What if I buy a cd I am not sure will be good…
SIDE NOTE: I like to buy or obtain Albums with out really knowing what it might be. I take suggestions from people, or go off one song I have heard. Most times this has turned out to be a very positive method of buying
…and the album turns out to not be any good, I mean just awful! Then I would like to return it to the Record Shop, itunes, etc and get not even a full refund but maybe a partial or a credit towards a new one.
I understand that I could buy a cd upload to my itunes it asap and take it back saying it sucks. But hey I am an honest guy and don’t steal.
Friday, September 5, 2008
NEW RAY (lamontagne)
Last week the new single to Ray Lamontagne album “Gossip in the Grain” was released on his web-site & Itunes. The album isn’t coming out until Oct 14th, and Ray will be hitting the road starting off his Fall Tour here in Indy on Sept 30th (already have my ticket!)
Ray captured my ear with his first every single Trouble in 2004, every since then his voice, and emotionally filled songs have moved me. His songs are full of soul, while staying true to his folk roots. While his first album got me off more then his second…he is an artiest not afraid to expand and look out side his personal experience and I am expecting that with his new album.
With more of a band backing then his previous albums I feel this album could really capture audiences that haven’t paid much respect to this wonderful singer song writer. His first single You Are The Best Thing could have came out of Motown in its peak…the horns are a perfect match for his soaring voice.
Recommendation: Full Album “Trouble”…each track will move you in a different direction bringing you right back home where we all feel safe!
Ray captured my ear with his first every single Trouble in 2004, every since then his voice, and emotionally filled songs have moved me. His songs are full of soul, while staying true to his folk roots. While his first album got me off more then his second…he is an artiest not afraid to expand and look out side his personal experience and I am expecting that with his new album.
With more of a band backing then his previous albums I feel this album could really capture audiences that haven’t paid much respect to this wonderful singer song writer. His first single You Are The Best Thing could have came out of Motown in its peak…the horns are a perfect match for his soaring voice.
Recommendation: Full Album “Trouble”…each track will move you in a different direction bringing you right back home where we all feel safe!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Down With Some Oliver
I recently picked up two Oliver Nelson Albums. I first picked up “Screamin’ The Blues” (1960) based solely on the title of the album. I love the Blues, and Love a good Sax player so I thought lets see what this has to offer. I was not disappointed at all. In fact the next day I needed more of this Oliver Nelson, so on the recommendation of my local record shop guy I bought “The Blues and The Abstract Truth” (1961)..which has an all star Jazz Line up on it.For any Jazz Lover these albums are must haves…the way the songs wind around the notes and turn a basic melody into an in depth movement of music. I always felt Jazz was perfect music for an ADD mind, might be all the dope smoked, because each instrument is working together while creating its own groove.
Key Tracks:
Screaming The Blues…this song is like making love, from the seduction to the climax, with a smoke afterwards
Butch And Butch… The horns grab you in and take you on a ride.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Who I am & what this blog will do for you...
So as this blog progress you will learn a lot about me and more important, music that makes the world (or at least mine) go round.
So top three music acts in my eyes
So top three music acts in my eyes
- The Beatles…Duh, they were geniuses who created not only breath taking music, but turned the recording studio & world upside down. They made it possible for later musicians to do what they can. Let’s face it The Beatles are just amazing…
- Robert (BOB) Marley…Not only can you not sit still while his music is playing, the message of love, freedom, and unity is conveyed in a way that no one else has ever been able to tackle…Dylan could be argued hear but that will be a later post I am sure
- The Grateful Dead…I like jam bands, but this band is the cream of the crop when it comes to Jam Bands and just great songs. While their live shows can take you places you might never think of going, like The Beatles they reinvented the recording studios to make the sounds they wanted. Plus I love Jerry’s Guitar playing.
So those are my top three bands, not just because their music, but what they all did for the world with their music. In this blog I will be sharing with you new albums (some might be 40 years old though) I pick up that I think you might like. Concerts I go to that make me smile or make me frown. So stay tuned for this Magical Musicale Tour….
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