Election Day

Here's a quick playlist to get you through this afternoon.

X - The New World

Eddie Vedder - Here's To The State Of Mississippi (Original Phil Ochs with updated lyrics)

Pete Seeger - We Shall Overcome

The National - Mr. November

The Pharcyde - If I Were President

The Replacements - Election Day

Woody Guthrie - This Land Is Your Land

This is just too damn awesome not to post

No comments necessary.

Happy Birthday/Anniversary to Scott Ford Radio

Congrats to Scott Ford on the one year anniversary of his little radio show. Tune in today at 1 pm PST for the live anniversary show. Hell, tune in anytime to the stream for good music.

http://fordradio.blogspot.com/

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New Todd Snider Out Now And It Is Free

Todd Snider celebrated his 42nd birthday last Friday by making his new album/EP, Peace Queer (due out October 14), available free as a digital download. Todd puts together a witty, but passionate, commentary of eight folk songs as few singer-songwriters of this day are capable. Guest artist like Patty Griffin (on a plaintive cover of CCR's "Fortunate Son"), Kevin Kinney, and Will Kimbrough all lend a hand. The following is Todd's description of the story told through the songs from a Cokie Roberts piece for NPR.

"It begins like the Iraq War began: by declaring victory and then plowing forward into the long night," Snider said. "We started our drive with an end-zone dance. Peace Queer is a six-song cycle, starting with a song called "Mission Accomplished." In six sentences, the record goes like this: Here's the kid being told everything's going to be great. Here's the reality of that. Here's that kid when he comes home a sad and banged-up and angry 'winner'." Here's the breakdown of why I think that's happening. Here's the guy in our culture that I think is causing that to happen, and it's not a president. And then here's what I think is going to happen to that guy. And then we roll credits."

Stuck On The Corner (Prelude To A Heart Attack) (mp3)

Peace Queer is available as a free download through October 31 at Todd Snider's Store.

My New Favorite Show & TV On The Radio

In case you missed it, MSNBC premiered The Rachel Maddow Show this past Monday (9 p.m. ET weekdays). I can think of no one that I would rather have a show. She is tough, intelligent, witty, and best of all, unashamed to be a liberal. Wonky and wonderful. The thing I absolutely love about Rachel is that she will stand up to anyone, and she has the intelligence and insight to more than hold her own.

I have been a fan since the inception of Air America Radio when she co-hosted Unfiltered along with comedian Liz Winstead, and Public Enemy's Chuck D. Every Friday, they would devote some time to the discussion of music. They would choose songs to play and discuss or host musicians and bands. Their show was my first introduction to TV On The Radio. I was familiar with the band only by name. Fast-forward to today. I am counting down the days until the latest TV On The Radio record, Dear Science, drops on September 23. TVOTR has been at the forefront of indie music since they burst onto the scene earlier this decade. They defy boundaries mixing elements of jazz, a cappella, and fuzz rock to name just a few. Most impressively, the are able to replicate their sounds live. Below are two tracks; the first, "Wolf Like Me," is one of the standout tracks from the bands second album, Return to Cookie Mountain and the second, "DLZ," is one my favorites from the upcoming album.

Wolf Like Me (mp3)

DLZ (mp3)

Website | MySpace

Okkervil River's "The Stand-Ins" Out Today

Okkervil River landed on a lot of year end lists last years with The Stage Names. Today, Will Sheff and crew release The Stand Ins, a record mean to append the The Stage Names. It is Sheff again at the top of his game as a singer-songwriter and another beautiul offering by one of today's best bands.

Bruce Wayne Campbell Interviewed on the Roof of the Chelsea Hotel, 1979 (mp3)

Website | MySpace

One of the really cool things the band did in the run up to the release was to solicit other musicians to perform the songs and submit videos which have been posted on the Okkervil River YouTube Channel. I hope you enjoy one of my favorites, "Blue Tulip" peformed by Bon Iver.

Catching Up

Funny how things go. I had been in a real funk as far as new music goes (and really busy) so I really haven't bothered posting anything in a long time. Then, a few weeks ago I noticed that more recent and new stuff was getting queued up quite regularly. So I figured it was about time to jump back into this. Here are a couple of tracks from recent releases that I've been digging.

Albert Hammond, Jr. released his sophomore record, ¿Cómo Te Llama? in July. It is every bit as good as The Strokes in my opinion.

GfC (mp3)

Website | MySpace


Muy Cansado! I'll be honest, I don't really know a lot about this Massachusetts trio. Their debut album, Stars & Garters, showed up in my mailbox a month or so ago, and I finally got around to giving it a spin. However, I can say that it is an exciting and impressive debut of driving rock filled with hook after hook. Personally, I hear a lot of different influences, but you really should judge for yourself.

Telemundo (mp3)

Website | MySpace

Soundgarden Reunites (with picture)

A reputable well-read news source posted an article last week on a chance reunion by the members of Soundgarden.

Soundgarden Inadvertently Reunites At Area Cinnabon

August 8, 2008 | Issue 44•32

SEATTLE—Members of the popular 1990s grunge band Soundgarden shocked critics and fans alike Tuesday, appearing together publicly for the first time in more than a decade after accidentally running into one another at the Northgate Mall Cinnabon.

The unplanned 15-minute reunion was the result of a number of unrelated events, including lead singer Chris Cornell stopping by the baked-goods franchise to buy a Caramel Pecanbon, drummer Matt Cameron taking a break from shopping at the nearby Banana Republic, bass player Ben Shepherd walking by and noticing his one-time bandmates in the food court, and former guitarist and Cinnabon daytime supervisor Kim Thayil working the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift.

According to those in attendance at the packed fast-food venue, the highlight of the incidental Soundgarden reunion came when the rockers reconciled their differences and teamed up for the first time in years to finish off an order of Cinnabon Stix.

"At first it was pretty awkward and none of them seemed like they were really into it," said Al Helbling, 30, a Northgate Mall Sam Goody employee and Soundgarden fan. "But then the drummer comes in and right after that the bass player comes in, and it was like, 'Yes, Soundgarden is back.' It was so intense."

The former members of Soundgarden, who have not released an album together since 1996's Down On The Upside, reported that it was initially difficult to find common ground, but once they began exchanging ideas and riffing on which sugar-filled dessert they were going to order, the chemistry felt "as strong as ever."

While Shepherd told reporters he enjoyed seeing his old bandmates, he admitted to experiencing some last-minute doubts about going through with the encounter.

"I got all the way there, but then I just didn't know if I could do it," Shepherd said. "I had a huge lunch that day. And Cinnabon, that's some really sugary stuff, even if you have a sweet tooth like me."

Thayil, who joined the band shortly after it was formed in 1984, said some tension arose between himself and former front man Chris Cornell early on in the reunion, after Thayil scolded Cornell for entering the cinnamon-bun snack purveyor without a shirt.

"Honestly, I didn't even recognize Chris at first," Thayil said. "All I saw was this bare-chested guy entering the store, and that's unacceptable in the food-service industry. I hate to be the enforcer, but just because we were in a band together doesn't mean I can allow him to create an unhygienic environment."

The heated situation was quickly settled, however, when Thayil offered Cornell a complimentary 12-oz. CarmeLatta Chill. In turn, the 44-year-old lead singer responded by serenading Thayil with a version of the group's hit song "Black Hole Sun" in which he replaced the titular phrase with the word "Cinnabon." Cornell, former singer for the now-defunct group Audioslave, then stuffed his pockets with napkins, saying he needed them for a later solo project.

The two soon moved to a back table, where they joined Shepherd and drummer Matt Cameron, the latter of whom said he was overjoyed to see his old bandmates, since he had to "kill some time" before Pearl Jam practice.

Although Tuesday marked the first time the group has fully reunited, the members of Soundgarden have had a few near-misses in the past 10 years. In August 2000, all four members were seen entering Seattle-area Arby's restaurants, but the reunion never materialized: Cornell and Cameron visited the Meridian Avenue location, while Thayil and Shepherd decided to visit the Michigan Street franchise. The afternoon did, however, mark the largest Temple of the Dog reunion to date, when Cornell and Cameron ran into the rest of the supergroup's members in the restroom.

After the success of the Cinnabon reunion, Soundgarden is reportedly planning a tour of the Sunglass Hut and Piercing Pagoda.

Here is a classic form the band's 1989 major label debut, Louder Than Love, to mark this historic event.

Hands All Over

Mudhoney Baby

In case you missed it, Mudhoney, pioneers of lo-fi rock; as synonymous with Seattle as coffee, Sub-Pop, and rain; the Alpha and Omega of the grunge rock scene, blessed us with two releases in May. Here's what you get with The Lucky Ones, the 8th full length record in the band's scant 20 years: 36+ minutes of pure rock goodness split into 11 different sordid segments, songs if you will; though it has not been medically or scientifically proven, I am of the belief that tracks like "I'm Now" and "Tales of Terror" may enable the blind to hear and the deaf to walk; if nothing else it will make you want to get off your ass and move. Here's what you don't get: extended jazz-inspired instrumental noodling; If you are sexually active, condoms, not Mudhoney, (used consistently and properly) provide the most effective method of birth control available without a prescription.

In addition to a new collection of music, they re-released their seminal classic, Superfuzz/Bigmuff, as a Deluxe edition with a host of live and rare tracks. Anyone that loves rock music, lo-fi or not, should own this record period.

Mudhoney - Tales of Terror
Mudhoney - In 'n' Out of Grace
Mudhoney - Touch Me I'm Sick (Live)

If I May Interupt the Crickets' Chirping

Damn the last 6 months have been crazy. I'll summarize: I made a new friend named Bill; I experienced the U.S. recession firsthand ; I got to see Radiohead live for the first time, and it was absolutely incredible. So enough of my bullshit, I'm going to highlight a few things that I didn't get to comment on over the next several posts. In the meantime. Here are two songs that I have been listening to incessantly.

Radiohead - All I Need
Josh Ritter - Girl in the War

Scott Ford Radio Returns

Scott Ford, on leave from his latest tour of duty playing with The Gutter Twins, is back hosting his radio show each weekday from 12 pm PST to 2 pm PST (the show streams 24/7). The boys christened a new larger server with today's show. Tune in and call in to request a song, chat, or get some life advice.

Scott Ford Radio

The Shoutcast page URL: http://208.53.147.183:8912/index.html

The Stream URL: 208.53.147.183:8912



The Gutter Twins - Front Street (mp3)

Saturday Night Music

Above: The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville.
Below: A handful of songs that have been ringing in my ears. As always, support the artists. If you hear something you like, buy the record, CD, song, or whatever.

My Morning Jacket - I Will Sing You Songs (Live)
Jeff Klein - All I Want
Tunng - Pioneers (Bloc Party Cover)
M. Ward - Post-War
Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood
Josh Ritter - Girl In The War
Shawn Smith - Wrapped In Your Memory (Live)
The Black Angels - You On The Run
The Twilight Singers - I Wish I Was (Instrumental)

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Announce U.S. Tour Dates

The boys are coming to the states.

Via NCATBS MySpace Blog: Hot on the heels of the US release of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds' fourteenth studio album, DIG, LAZARUS, DIG!!! the band announce a return to North America for their first live dates in five and a half years. The tour, featuring their first appearances at the famed Hollywood Bowl and New York's WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, is brief, eagerly awaited and expected to sell out quickly.

Look for most shows to go on sale this week.

Tue 16th Sept - San Diego, CA - 4th & B
Wed 17th Sept - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
Sat 20th Sept - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre
Mon 22nd Sept - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
Tue 23rd Sept - Seattle, Wa -Showbox SoDo
Fri 26th Sept - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
Mon 29th Sept - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
Wed 1st Oct - Toronto, ON - Kool Haus
Thu 2nd Oct - Montreal, QC - Metropolis
Sat 4th Oct - New York, NY - WaMu Theatre at MSG
Sun 5th Oct - Washington, DC - 9.30 Club

Radiohead's All I Need Video

The video, which premiered today, is a collaborative effort between the band and the MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) Campaign. Read more about the cause that brought these two entities together and about the video itself here.

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

think.mtv.com

Zune Arts

If you haven't already done so, do yourself a favor and check out the Zune Arts site. I own and love my iPod, and Apple has historically done a much better job on the marketing end. That ain't the case here. Zune Arts brings together artists of various media to create short films. Previous films include the animation studio of PandaPanther set the score of The Black Angels' "Masks," and What Made Milwaukee Famous' "Hopelist" against the vision of the Chicago collection Vitamin. The latest pairing features Chromeo's "Fancy Footwork," puppet maker Adam Parker Smith, and the design studio of Three Legged Legs. The site has also launched a behind-the-scenes podcast series showing the creativity and collaboration required to bring the films to life.

TGIF

We had an unexpected wakeup call around 4:30 this morning.


















Uncle Tupelo - New Madrid (mp3)

A Couple Of New Ones

These two couldn't be more different. First, some sugary pop goodness courtesy of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, followed by the return the psychedelic rock of The Black Angels.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Think I Wanna Die (mp3)

Website | MySpace

The Black Angels - Doves (mp3)

Website | MySpace

Celebrate Record Store Day Saturday April 19th

Record stores across the nation will be joined by artists and fans to celebrate a dying phenomenon, the record store. There is just something so bland and uninspiring about perusing the racks of Wal-Mart/Target/Best Buy to find new or loved music. Growing up, I spent countless hours browsing my local record store collections, talking to other music fans, and picking the brains of the clerks. The argument used to be indie vs corporate stores. Now it is just keeping any record store alive. This weekend, take a visit to you local store. Enjoy some live music and support these stores. Visit the Record Store Day site for more information and to see what your favorite artists have to say in support. Find a store near you.

My local store, Grimey's, will be hosting a full day of music, giveaways, and special prices. The festivities will be held rain or shine; performance schedule as follows:

12:00 - Tim O'Brien
1:00 - Wild Sweet Orange
2:00 - Drakkar Sauna
3:00 - Ben Sollee
4:00 - Mike Farris & Roseland Rhythm Revue
5:00 - Dan Wilson
6:00 - Old Ceremony
7:00 - Space Capone

DJs will be spinning between sets. Plus they will be giving away stuff all day including music, tickets to see Lou Reed at the Ryman, and a Baby Taylor Guitar.

Wild Sweet Orange - Wrestle With God
Dan Wilson - Easy Silence

Exciting Jane's Addiction News

It is official, Eric Avery is finally ready to make Jane's Addiction whole again (if only for one night). The band has reunited on several occasions, including the recording of 2003's Strays, with different artists filling in on bass. Avery has declined to take part until now. The occasion is the upcoming NME Music Awards (the first to take place in the U.S.) during which the band will be presented the NME Godlike Genius award for their lifetime contributions (not sure if Navarro's stint hosting Rock Star will be included -though I offer no apologies for loving the show). The relationships of the four groundbreaking band mates have been on-and-0ff throughout the years, with each working collaboratively, solo, as well as in other capacities with other bands. You would seriously need a complicated organizational chart or ven diagram to explain it all. Avery had this to say of his decision.

"I have always considered reunions to be a way to make a quick buck, and it sells short my own experience of it the first time around," Avery said in a statement. "The reason I started to even consider this is because it's honoring the past instead of trying to recreate it."

Reuters

The ceremony will be held on April 23 at the Goldenvoice El Rey Theater in L.A. (very appropriate indeed). NME will be offering a live stream of the awards via MySpace.

NME | NME Awards | NME MySpace

Now if I may interject my own commentary. Jane's is a truly special band in so many ways. Personally, they marked a significant transition in my music tastes. In the mid 80's I was something of a Metalneck. I had made the gradual progression from the Bon Jovi's and Cinderella's to the Metallica's and Megadeth's over the previous few years. I played in a band that consisted of bad metal covers and even worse original metal songs.

I credit Jane's Addiction with opening a new awareness and curiosity in me. I will never forget watching MTV and seeing the video for "Mountain Song" one night in the fall of 1988 as I was in my freshman year of high school. It completely blew me away. It was heavy, but it also had this "alternative" vibe, and the video was artsy (for the time). The following weekend I approached a wall of cassettes, my eyes darting back and forth between the "Heavy Metal" and "Alternative" sections in my local Camelot, trying to decide where this band would be found (it was in the "Alternative" section). I stood there for a while trying to decide whether I wanted to jump; this was no easy decision since I would not be able to buy another tape until the following weekend. I probably even put it back and picked it back up several times before finally deciding to plunk down my weekly allowance on Nothing's Shocking.

The album's opening track, "Up the Beach," starts with a repeated bass line as it builds into a soaring track with minimal lyrics. "Here we go... Home" sings Perry Ferrell. I had no idea at the time how true those words would resonate with me. But here I sit some 20 years later (Christ that's a long time) writing about it. I could write a thesis about the rest of the record, the duality of their follow-up, Ritual de lo Habitual, and the ultimate demise of the band as well as the creation and contributions of Lollapalooza until its sad decline and welcomed euthanasia. Instead, I'll leave it at this, Jane's Addiction beautifully combined the anger of punk, the aggression of metal, the technical prowess of art/prog rock and the sensitivity of the day's alternative acts. They also wrote great songs and managed to open at least one mind, though I suspect there are many more.

1% (Jane's Addiction)
I Would For You (Jane's Addiction)
Ocean Size (Nothing's Shocking)
Mountain Song (Nothing's Shocking)
Three Days (Ritual de lo Habitual)
Then She Did (Nothing's Shocking)

This is Music At Its Finest

The Breeders Triumphant Return

The Breeders released two terrific albums and a womnderful EP in the early 90's. What had started as a side project between Kim Deal and Throwing Muses' Tanya Donelly, soon became a critically acclaimed and commercially successful sister act between twins Kim & Kelley Deal. It was disappointing then that we would go almost 10 years before a new album would surface, one that was much more reminiscent of the group's raw 1990 debut Pod, than it's more polished sibling, Last Splash. Fans alike should be grateful that we have only had to wait a mere six years for the latest offering, Mountain Battles (slated for release on April 8). The overall feel of the album is still on the raw coarser side. Still, perhaps it could just as well be described as an unrefined and unpolished reflection of Last Splash. A new track from the album, "Bang On" has been pulsating around the blogosphere for a few weeks now, but the album's opener "Overglazed" is a soaring and spectacular welcome back. Far be it from me to shut the door on the past and future.

Hellbound (1990)
Safari (1991)
Bang On (2008)
It's The Love (2008)

Website | MySpace | 4AD

Bon Iver '(pronounced: bohn eevair; French for "good winter" and spelled wrong on purpose)'

While I am in no way on the cutting edge here, I would be remiss if I did not talk about the incredible debut record, For Emma, Forever Ago, from Justin Vernon (under the pseudonym of Bon Iver). I've seen the name around for a while now, and the record came highly recommended by a friend. It is very seldom that my jaw drops for a debut album, but this is an exception. The album is like an affecting personal diary; sparsely recorded and arranged, it is both stunningly muted and at times gently raging. Do yourself a favor and take a listen if you haven't yet.

Skinny Love
The Wolves (Act I and II)

The vivid and moving video for The Wolves (Act I and II) directed by Matthew Amato

Website | MySpace | Jagjaguwar

Guilty!!!

I have been charged with dereliction of duties with regard to my blogging, and my penance is your reward, or punishment depending on whether you no likee. Prevailing wisdom would seem to suggest that getting shit-canned would free up time for my little hobby, and indeed it has. I have just been too damn lazy. I will try to do better. There are a few records on the horizon that I am mildly excited to tepid about including a Ministry covers record (see track below), a new Breeders record, the new NIN Ghosts I-II-III-IV, a new Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan record, and more that I hope to get around to listening to and gabbing about. Until now, here's a few covers to keep you occupied.

Noun 1. cover song - a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else; "they made a cover of a Beatles' song"

The Afghan Whigs - If There's A Hell Below (We're All Going To Go) (Curtis Mayfield)
Kate Nash - Men's Needs (The Cribs)
Seu Jorge - Rebel Rebel (David Bowie)
The Band - Atlantic City (Bruce Springsteen)
Ministry - Roadhouse Blues (The Doors)
Mudhoney - You Stupid Asshole (Angry Samoans)
Tift Merritt - Who Loves The Sun (The Velvet Underground)
Bonnie 'Prince" Billy - Am I Demon (Danzig)
Allison Moorer - Dancing Barefoot (Patti Smith)
Flyin' Shoes - Lyle Lovett (Townes Van Zandt)
Where Is My Mind - Yoav (Pixies)
Streets Of Baltimore - Evan Dando (Tompall Glaser)
Dead Flowers - Caitlen Rose (The Rolling Stones)
Computer Age - Sonic Youth (Neil Young)
Say It Right - Bloc Party (Nelly Furtado)
Sea Of Love - Cat Power (Phil Phillips with The Twilights)
Xanadu - Lightspeed Champion (Olivia Newton John)

My Review Of The Gutter Twins - Saturnalia

The Gutter Twin officially unleash their epic, Saturnalia, on the public today. Personally, I was intrigued as each new song was posted to their MySpace page, and instantly hooked by the album at first listen, though I still like to give something a couple of weeks before talking much about it. I did not initially care for what have become some of my favorite records, and the opposite can also be said. This falls into neither of those categories. As I said, I was hooked on my initial listen, and had the thing on constant repeat for the first few days. I even forced myself to step away for a few days to clear my mind. Coming back, I only found more to love. This really is one of the strongest releases of Dulli and Lanegan's respective careers.

The dichotomy of Dulli's ethereal highs and Lanegan's deep growl intertwine beautifully on tracks like, "Who Will Lead Us Now" and "Bête Noire." Most of the record is very much band driven, though Dulli still uses sequenced tracks to establish songs like "The Body" and "Each To Each." Clashing egos, and conversely attempts to not step on each others toes, could easily destroy an album like this, but the talent of both men as well as their tendency to lend a hand and collaborate as shown throughout their careers seem to effortlessly bind each song into a seamless, yet diverse piece of art. From the machine gun opening of the bridge in "God's Children" to the delicate "The Body," the driving back beat of "All Misery/Flowers" played over by a soft piano as guitars and effects build the song to a thundering crescendo; the album evolves throughout it's twelve songs without ever dropping off. The lyrics are classic Dulli and Lanegan, placing all of man's vices and egos on display, climaxing with the alluring calamity of the gorgeous "Front Street."

Idle Hands (mp3)
Full Album Stream

The boys are touring the U.S. now through the beginning of April before heading back to Europe of a string of dates to close out the month. Full tour dates are available on the band's website and MySpace.

Website | MySpace

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! Out Today!!! -In Europe

Today marks the European release of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds' latest effort, Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!. The album is the 14th studio release of a band whose career has been anything but static. While this hasn't always pleased longtime fans, it has, if nothing else, kept the man refreshing and relevant. I wanted to give the record a couple of weeks and plenty of listens before reviewing it, so I decided today was as fitting a day as any.

The album was expected to be, at least somewhat, tinted by Grinderman. While tracks like "Today's Lesson" and "Albert Goes West" sound like a more refined Grinderman, there are the familiar narrative tracks like "Night Of The Lotus Eaters" that hearken back the early days of the Bad Seeds, though in a more muted form. Conway Savage's familiar piano and rapturous organ as well as the searing violin of Warren Ellis are as present as at any time over the past decade. While the album seems to lack the complete cohesiveness of many of the past Bad Seeds' records for me, the record is still quite solid. Whereas many longtime fans find the band's Nocturama record as a definite low point, they will be glad to know that this is no Nocturama.

For American fans that don't want to shell out the extra cash to order the import, the entire album is currently steaming over at MySpace.

Tracks to check out:
Today's Lesson
Albert Goes West
Hold On To Yourself
Jesus Of The Moon

Website | MySpace

Dawn Landes, A New Brand Of Folk & Country

Following in the footsteps of traditional folk/country artists and walking along side her contemporaries, Dawn Landes walks a line connecting Patty Griffin, Cat Power and Feist. She has honed her craft in bands like Hem and The Earlies, and also while working as a sound engineer for, among others, Ryan Adams. Her talent, born among the Kentucky bluegrass and nurtured in the concrete and steel of New York and on the road supporting the likes of Juliana Hatfield, Suzanne Vega, Jose Gonzalez, & Feist is ready to shine. Her new album, Fireproof, out now in Europe and due March 4th in the U.S., follows two E.P. releases and a her debut album, dawn's music, all three of which are now through various outlets, including iTunes.

Dawn is winding down her current gig opening for former Drive-By-Trucker, Jason Isbell, and Nashville blues rocker, Will Hoge. The tour rolls through Louisville, Kentucky tonight, February 29, and ends tomorrow night here in Nashville, Tennessee at The Cannery Ballroom. She opens a two week stint through Holland and the U.K. opening for Josh Ritter on March 21.

Dawn Landes - Bodyguard (mp3)

Website | MySpace | Amazon| iTunes

Queen Legislation

In election years, I often find myself thinking along the following lines: Should I ever get elected to office, I plan to introduce legislation that would ban any artist from performing anything by Queen/Freddie Mercury. I have just simply never heard anyone do the songs or the man justice. That includes the Paul Rodgers fronted Queen; not that they are bad. I even enjoyed the Foo Fighter's live takes on "Tie Your Mother Down." However, nobody can match the combination of charisma, energy, power and emotion that Freddie Mercury brought to the stage.

I approve this message.

Of course, this is but one reason why I am likely never to be elected to any office.

Here's a couple of my favorites.

Queen - Who Wants To Live Forever (mp3)
Queen - Under Pressure (mp3)

Having A Bad Day?

That's What Friends Are For.

New Velvet Underground Bootleg (1967) Surfaces

The Velvet Underground: Live at The Gymnasium, NYC

This originated over on The Libertines Forum. Thanks to FuriousWank for this gem.

I'm not into VU bootlegs really, but apparently this is a big deal. It's the ONLY available live stuff from 1967 and has only become available in literally the last two days. Recorded just after the release of The Velvet Underground And Nico and featuring the debut performance of Sister Ray (19 mins long) and the *previously unheard* song I'm Not A Young Man Any More. That's right, A NEW VELVET UNDERGROUND SONG. And it's fucking good too. This version of Sister Ray absolutely shreds and is what the Velvet Underground are all about.

DOWNLOAD IT NOW

http://www.mediafire.com/?9zcetzynbvo

1. I'm Not A Young Man Anymore (previously unheard VU song)
2. Guess I'm Falling In Love
3. I'm Waiting For The Man
4. Run Run Run
5. Sister Ray (debut live performance)

(feel free to pass this link around all you like - i think a lot of people are gonna be excited to hear this)

Now, there may or may not be more boots from '67, and I believe that this is the same live "Guess I'm Falling In Love" that was included on the Peel Slowly and See Box Set. Just enjoy this incredible set.

I'm Not A Young Man Anymore (mp3)

Cat Power vs. The Sisters Of Mercy

Let me preface this post by saying that I really like Cat Power's reworking of her own "Metal Heart" on Jukebox. That said, it sounds a lot like The Sisters Of Mercy's "1959." Decide for yourself.

The Sisters Of Mercy - 1959
Cat Power - Metal Heart (2008)

Mike Doughty Returns

Mike Doughty returns with another solid solo effort, Golden Delicious, on Tuesday, February 19. Like 2005's Haughty Melodic, the new album builds on Doughty's previous life fronting, the now-defunct, Soul Coughing. His delivery remains similar, if not a little softened, and the sound is more organic than that of his Soul Coughing days. One track, in particular, that stands out to me is the album's opener, "Fort Hood," a thoughtful song about war and it's toll, named for the Texas base and which also gives a nod to the musical Hair.

Fort Hood

Website | MySpace

Pink Floyd - The Wall Demos

Speaking of The Gutter Twins, bassist Scott Ford was kind enough to post a batch of Pink Floyd demos from The Wall sessions. It is incredibly interesting, for me at least, to hear the evolution of songs, both musically and lyrically. It is even more fascinating when they are songs I love and from an album that I consider an absolute masterpiece on so many levels.

I was surprised by something as I listened to this set. I was shocked that "When the Tigers Broke Free," was not included in the demos. I have always assumed that it had once been part of The Wall sessions since it bears a copyright date of 1979 and is featured in the movie, released in 1982. I just assumed that it had not made the final cut of (no pun intended given that the song was included on the 2004 reissue of; the oft-criticized, though unfairly in my opinion) The Final Cut. This is purported to be the 2nd demo, so there is a chance that it was tracked with the first set of demos, but cut by the Waters prior to recording this set.

Comfortably Numb
When the Tigers Broke Free

Download the zip file featuring the entire album over at Scott Ford's little radio show.

http://fordradio.blogspot.com/2008/02/pink-floyd-wall-demos.html

The Gutter Twins Saturnalia Now Streaming

Still a couple of weeks away from the March 4th official release, but you can listen to the entire album NOW.

http://3voor12.vpro.nl/speler/luisterpaal/39261992

Plus, the tour kicked off last night at the Bowery Ballroom last night in NYC. Take a gander at the setlist (courtesy of Caryn Rose).




Website | MySpace

Listen Up! New And Recent Tracks I've Been Enjoying... And An Older One

The Whigs - Right Hand On My Heart
Bob Mould - Stupid Now
Reverand & The Makers - Heavyweight Champion Of The World
Allison Moorer - Ring of Fire
Sun Kil Moon - Moorestown (Live)
Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
British Sea Power - Waving Flags

Amplive's Rainydayz Remixes Sees The Light Of Day

After some time and some legal wrangling, Amplive has been granted permission to freely distribute the 8-track Rainydayz Remixes collection. The songs are based on source material from Radiohead's 7th album, In Rainbows, with contributions from Too $hort, MC Zumbi of Zion I, Chali2na of Jurassic 5, and Del the Funky Homosapien. If you've already worn the original record out, try a fresh spin on the tracks. Download the comp including front and back cover art at

Website | MySpace | Download Comp (zip file) | Artwork

Tracklist
01 Rainydayz
02 Video Tapez (ft. Del The Funky Homosapien)
03 Nudez (ft. Too $hort & MC Zumbi
of Zion I)
04 Weird Fishez (mp3)
05 All I Need
06 15 Stepz (ft. Codany Holiday)
07 Reckonerz (ft. Chali2na)
08 Faustz

The Replacements Must Have Boot

Great sound quality along with hilarious "rapport" with the audience between songs during stint opening for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers make this a 'Mats necessity.

Tracks 1-12 recorded at Lake Compounce, Bristol, Connecticut August 31, 1989 Opening for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Tracks 13-17 Inconcerated Live - Promo EP that coincided with the release of Don't Tell A Soul - recorded at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin June 1989
Tracks 18-23 recorded at Great Woods, Mansfield, Massachusetts August 29, 1989 Opening for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

1. Talent Show
2. 'Round And 'Round
3. The Ledge
4. Can't Hardly Wait
5. September Gurls
6. Another Girl, Another Planet
7. Within Your Reach
8. Left Of The Dial
9. Alex Chilton
10. Nightclub Jitters
11. I'll Be You
12. Bastards Of Young
13. Talent Show
14. Answering Machine
15. Anywhere's Better Than Here
16. Another Girl, Another Planet
17. Here Comes A Regular
18. Achin' To Be
19. Waitress In The Sky
20. Don't Ask Why
21. Unsatisfied
22. I'll Be You
23. I Will Dare

Get it before it is gone!
http://www.sendspace.com/file/503in0

Goodtimes Goodtimes

Franc Cinelli is the Italian singer-songwriter behind the moniker Goodtimes Goodtimes, a folk troubadour with equal parts traditional and contemporary country. The songs are simple and honest reflections of love and life that just happen to be pretty damn enjoyable. His debut album, Glue (from which the two songs below were taken), was released in 2007. Additional, you can download two more tracks for free at the Goodtimes Goodtimes website. You can also catch Goodtimes Goodtimes at a handful of dates through the first of March around the U.K. and also in New York. More will surely follow.

Kids

Sea Shanty


Website | MySpace | News/Blog

Easing Into The Weekend

Shawn Smith - Suffering (Live)
Isobel Campbel and Mark Lanegan - The False Husband
Concrete Blonde - Little Conversations
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - God Is In The House
The Replacements - Answering Machine (Live)
Dirty Three - Long way to Go With No Punch
The Twilight Singers - The Lure Would Prove Too Much

New Gutter Twins Update

They Gutter Twins have posted a new tracked on their MySpace page. "Circle the Fringes" is the third track the boys have decided to give a sneak peak at from their upcoming Saturnalia record. They have also announced that the touring band will consist of:

Mark Lanegan- Vocals
Greg Dulli- Vocals/Guitar/Keys
Dave Rosser- Guitar/Vocals
Scott Ford- Bass/Vocals
Jeff Klein- Guitar/Keys/Vocals
Cully Symington- Drums

Also, Great Northern will join the tour in support

The Gutter Twins
Website | MySpace

Great Northern
Website | MySpace

Scott Ford Radio
Website | MySpace

Bonnaroo Lineup Announced, More To Come

The initial Bonnaroo lineup has officially been released via the festival's website. Now in it's 7th year the collection of musicians continues to evolve, though I have to seriously question the selection of Metallica. Don't get me wrong, I still count their performance on the Monsters of Rock tour (L.A. Coliseum) along with the ... And Justice For All Tour (Biloxi, MS) as two of my all time favorites. However, I also consider their "Black Album" tour (Mobile, AL) as one of the lamest shows I have ever seen. And how quickly we have forgotten that Metallica signaled the death knell for the traveling Lollapalooza festival (which has since been successfully resurrected as an annual three day festival in Chicago). That said, I am still pretty excited about a lot of the remaining lineup, especially since it is just an hour down the road from mi casa.

Website | Myspace

Bonaroo 2008
June 12-15, 2008
Manchester, Tennessee

• Pearl Jam
• Metallica
• Jack Johnson
• Kanye West
• Robert Plant and Alison Krauss featuring T-Bone Burnett
• Phil Lesh & Friends
• My Morning Jacket
• The Allman Brothers Band
• The Raconteurs
• Willie Nelson
• Death Cab for Cutie
• B.B. King
• Sigur Ros
• Levon Helm and the Ramble on the Road
• Ben Folds
• O.A.R.
• The Bluegrass Allstars Featuring Luke Bulla, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Bela fleck, Edgar Meyer & Brya
• M.I.A.
• Umphrey's McGee
• Iron & Wine
• Yonder Mountain String Band
• The Swell Season
• Talib Kweli
• Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Soul Stew Revival
• Gogol Bordello
• Broken Social Scene
• Rilo Kiley
• Mastodon
• Lupe Fiasco
• Against Me!
• Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
• Pat Green
• Ozomatli
• Tegan & Sara
• Solomon Burke
• Drive-By Truckers
• !!!
• The Avett Brothers
• Israel Vibration
• Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck
• Robert Randolph's Revival
• Aimee Mann
• Ladytron
• The Fiery Furnaces
• Orchestra Baobab
• Ghostland Observatory
• Jose Gonzalez
• Dark Star Orchestra
• Minus the Bear
• Donavon Frankenreiter
• Lez Zeppelin
• State Radio
• Battles
• Jakob Dylan
• Two Gallants
• The Sword
• Vampire Weekend
• Little Feat
• Nicole Atkins
• The Felice Brothers
• Mason Jennings
• MGMT
• The Lee Boys
• Black Kids
• Serena Ryder
• Steel Train
• Grupo Fantasma
• Back Door Slam
• Bonnaroo Late Night Chat About with David Cross
• Janeane Garofalo
• Zach Galifianakis
• Jim Norton
• Brian Posehn
• Mike Birbiglia
• John Mulaney
• Michelle Buteau

Another Super Tuesday Song

I wasn't planning on posting another Super Tuesday song until I came across this gem on Analog Giant. Personally, I was already convinced, but maybe this will swing some votes Obama's way.

FMB - "Obama"

In Honor Of Super Tuesday

I give you this X classic.

The New World (More Fun In The Real World)

Website | Myspace

Duffy, The Next Great Export From The UK?

You've undoubtedly been seeing the name Duffy popping up a lot lately. She is the latest in a long and successful line of female singers from the UK. Comparable to Amy Winehouse in style, the Motown/Stax influences are unmistakable, though not a carbon copy by any means. The BBC ranked her second on their Sound of 2008: The Top 10 list and she also earned a coveted spot Spin's 2008 Who's Next list. Her debut album, Rockferry, is due out March 3 in the UK and two months later on May 6 in the US.

Stream her first single, "Mercy."

Website | Myspace

Joe Jackson Then And Now

In the almost 30 years since the release of his debut album, Look Sharp!, Joe Jackson has ranged from new wave and pop to classical to jazz and salsa. His songs have been covered by the likes of Anthrax and Tori Amos. His latest offering, Rain, was released earlier this year and features his original band lineup. One listen and it is easy to see that he is still in top form all around.

Is She Really Going out With Him (Look Sharp!)
20-0-3 (satirical song written in opposition to US & UK smoking bans)
Wasted Time (Rain)

Website | Myspace

The Jones Street Boys: Brooklyn Bluegrass

That is The Jones Street Boys. They are five guys from Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and New Jersey. They are also a fresh face on the Americana music scene, mixing elements of traditional country and bluegrass with rock and pop. These boys have it all, terrific harmonies backed by traditional country and bluegrass instruments with an edge. Check out their debut album, Overcome, out now on Smith Street Records.

Last Time
Tall Buildings

Website | Myspace

A Great Iron & Wine Primer

photo credit: Stephen Dowling

Some time ago, I came across an Iron & Wine compilation that someone had put together and posted. Despite owning the records I have kept the compilation together because it is a great pre-Sheperd's Dog sampler. Even if you have all the records, the demo version of "Jezebel" is a must have.

A Tired Symphony: The Best of Iron & Wine

1. Woman King
2. Free Until They Cut Me Down
3. Freedom Hangs Like Heaven
4. Naked As We Came
5. Lion's Mane
6. Passing Afternoon
7. Minor Piano Keys
8. Her Tea Leaves
9. Waitin' For A Superman
10. Love And Some Verses
11. The Trapeze Swinger
12. Sunset Soon Forgotten
13. Jezebel (Demo Version)
14. Blue Leaves
15. Such Great Heights

Website | Myspace

Wild Sweet Orange

So I was flipping through an issue of Entertainment Weekly a couple of months ago dying to see which celebrity was pregnant, entering rehab, divorcing, etc. when I came across a small write-up on a folk-rock band out of Birmingham, AL called Wild Sweet Orange. Thank you EW, because I have been enjoying their music ever since. I am far from being on the forefront of this band's wave, but I am certainly enjoying the ride now. The intensity and emotion pours out of each song regardless of the tempo. It would be easy to classify them as another southern folk/roots/rock band, but you might miss out on some of the other elements. I can hear strains of bands like The Cure and The Waterboys at the same time as I hear The Old 97's. If you, like me, don't watch Grey's Anatomy and you haven't heard them yet, then I HIGHLY suggest you take a listen and keep a watch out for their debut which looks like a Spring release on Canvasback Music. If you like what you hear, get out and see them on their current tour (dates below).

Wrestle With God
I'm Coming Home

Wrestle With God Video

Canvasback Music | Myspace

Fri 02/01/08 Greensboro, NC Greene Street
Mon 02/04/08 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern
Tue 02/05/08 Toronto, ON The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern*
Wed 02/06/08 Montreal, QC Petit Campus
Thu 02/07/08 New York, NY Mercury Lounge
Fri 02/08/08 Philadelphia, PA North Star Bar
Sat 02/09/08 State College, PA Pennsylvania State University
Mon 02/11/08 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern**
Tue 02/12/08 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theatre*
Wed 02/13/08 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre*
Thu 02/14/08 Urbana, IL Canopy Club***
Fri 02/15/08 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig
Sat 02/16/08 Pontiac, MI The Crofoot
Mon 02/18/08 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern
Tue 02/19/08 Indianapolis, IN Birdy's
Wed 02/20/08 Nashville, TN The Basement
Thu 02/21/08 Atlanta, GA Smith's Olde Bar
Fri 02/22/08 Athens, GA 40 Watt Club
Sat 02/23/08 Orlando, FL The Social

*with The Whigs
**with Tom Schrader & His Ego
***with Dusty Rhodes & The River Band

The New Pornographers and Okkervil River Spring Tour

The New Pornographers and Okkervil River have announced a 13 show Spring tour beginning April 9 in Toronto, ON and closing April 22 in Cleveland, OH (full listing of dates below). A limited number of pre-sale ticket will go on sale Saturday February 2 at 12 pm local time at http://thenewpornographers.ducatking.com/

The New Pornographers
Myriad Harbour (mp3)
All The Things That Go To Make Heaven And Earth (mp3)

Website | Myspace

Okkervil River
Savannah Smiles (Demo) (mp3)
(Shannon Wilsey On The) Starry Stairs (mp3)

Golden Opportunities Mixtape, Recorded live on tour, 2006-2007
(ZIP file, MP3 format, 192 kbps)
Printable Artwork and Liner Notes
Printable Artwork and Liner Notes (Alternative Version)
Printable Artwork and Liner Notes (Black and White)

Website | Myspace

Tour Dates:
Apr 9: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
Apr 10: Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot Ballroom
Apr 11: Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
Apr 12: Munhall, PA @ Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead
Apr 13: Ithaca, NY @ The State Theater of Ithaca
Apr 14: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Apr 16: Richmond, VA @ Toad’s Place
Apr 17: Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
Apr 18: Nashville, TN @ The Cannery
Apr 19: St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
Apr 20: Chicago, IL @ Riviera
Apr 21: Madison, WI @ Orpheum
Apr 22: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom

New Sun Kil Moon Due April 1

Here's another reason to circle April 1 on your calendar. Former Red House Painter, Mark Kozelek, will release his first Sun Kil Moon album of original songs, April, since 2003's Ghosts of the Great Highway. His tribute to indie favorites Modest Mouse, Tiny Cities, was released in 2005. You can pre-order April now at Caldo Verde Records. Exactly 2,008 copies of the album have been hand numbered and signed by Kozelek and will also include a 4 song bonus disc which will not be available for download. If the first song made public, "Moorestown," is any indication, fans will not be disappointed.

Click to stream the incredibly beautiful "Moorestown."

Sun Kil Moon - Carry Me Ohio (Ghosts of the Great Highway)

Sun Kil Moon - Space Travel Is Boring (Tiny Cities)

Website | Myspace