Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Ettes

I became familiar with The Ettes last summer when I was going through a garage phase. At the time of my discovery, they were about a month or so away from releasing their second full-length record, Look At Life Again Soon which, after falling in love with their debut Shake The Dust, I was looking forward to. Well, Coco (vocals/guitar), Poni (drums/vocals) and Jem (bass/vocals) will be releasing a new effort, Danger Is EP, yay! The EP will be digitally released for the whole world to hear in early March with the CD to be released in the US about a month later. I can't wait!
http://www.myspace.com/theettes
http://www.theettes.com

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Dan Auerbach To Release Solo Debut

Singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach, is releasing his solo debut, Keep It Hid, on February 10. I'm looking forward to hearing the full record. For those in the New York area, you can catch Auerbach on March 2 at Music Hall of Williamsburg and on March 3 at Bowery Ballroom.

Have a listen to "My Last Mistake"

For more tour dates and info ... click on image.
Dan Auerbach

You can pre-order the album from Nonesuch Records.
Dan Auerbach - Keep It Hid

Auerbach's other gig is as one half of the Black Keys. They are playing a couple of sold out shows in February at Terminal 5 in New York as well as a show over in Montclair, NJ at the Wellmont Theatre on February 8.

http://www.myspace.com/theblackkeys
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
http://www.boweryballroom.com
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Tickets Go On Sale This Week For Upcoming Shows In The New York Area

On Sale Friday, January 30, 2009

April 9 -- Superdrag at The Bowery Ballroom
http://www
.boweryballroom.com
April 10 -
- Superdrag at Music Hall of Williamsburg
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
April 29 -- Pe
ter Bjorn & John at Webster Hall
http://www.websterhall.com
April 30 -- Bat For Lashes (pictured) at The Bowery Ballroom
http://www.boweryballroom.com
March 15 -- The Ting Tings at Music Hall of Williamsburg
http://www.m
usichallofwilliamsburg.com
March 21 -- Raph
ael Saadiq at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
http://www.irvingplaza.com
June 4 - 5 -- Phish at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
http://www.jonesbeach.com

On Sale Saturday, January 31, 2009

March 21 -- Bret
Michaels at Wellmont Theatre
http://www.wellmo
nttheatre.com
March 25 -- The Derek Trucks Band (pictured) at Wellmont
Theatre
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com
March 26 -- Ben Folds at Wellmont Theatre
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com

On Sale Sunday, February 1, 2009

February 13 - 14 -- Paul Simon at Beacon Theatre
http://www.beacontheatre.com

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Marissa Nadler To Release Little Hells In March

Fans of singer/songwriter Marissa Nadler will be happy to know that she'll be releasing a new record, Little Hells on March 3. She's also hitting the road. For those in the New York area she'll be at the Highline Ballroom on April 25.

Check out River Of Dirt from the upcoming Little Hells

For more tour dates and info ... click on image.
Marissa Nadler

http://www.marissanadler.com

Around New York ... January 26 - February 1, 2009

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

January 26 -- The Gay Blades / Kiss Kiss at Union Hall
http://www.unionhallny.com
January 26 -- Goodz / Frank Ramz / Ghetto King / 3rd Degry / Elus at The Annex
http://www.theannexnyc.com
January 26 -
- Duncan Sheik (pictured) at The Bell House
http://www.th
ebellhouseny.com
January 27 -- Sonny Landreth / The Cambell Brothers at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
http://www.bbkingblues.com
January 27 -- Black Swan Green / The Morning After Girls at Mercury Lounge
http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com
January 27 -- February 1 -- Francisco Mela at The Village Vanguard
http://www.villagevanguard.com
January 27 -- Mahogany / Cruel Black Dove / Soundscapes at Santos Party House
http://www.santospartyhouse.com
January 28 -- Annuals / Jessica Lea Mayfield / What Laura Says at Bowery Ballroom
http://www.boweryballroom.com
January 28 -- Benjamin Taylor Band at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com
January 28 --
Kaiser Cartel / Cymbols Eat Guitars / Bodega Girls at Fontana's
http://www.fontanasnyc.com
January 29 -- The Art of Shooting / Slow News Day / Ancient Sky / Baby Teardrops at Cake Shop
http://www.cake-shop.com
January 29 -- Kings Of Leon at Madison Square Garden
http://www.thegarden.com
January 29 -- Keith Jarrett at Carnegie Hall
http://www.carnegiehall.org
January 29 -- Jill Sobule & Julia Sweeney at City Winery
http://www.carnegiehall.org
January 30 -- Mats Gustafsson with Thurston Moore at Rehab
http://www.clubmidway.com
January 30 -- The Idyllists / The Ks / Kung-Fu Grip at The Annex
http://www.theannexnyc.com
January 30 -- Overnight / Higgens at Public Assembly
http://www.publicassemblynyc.com
January 30 -- Sallyhead / Sexpipe And The Fancies / Right On Dynamite at Pianos
http://www.pi
anosnyc.com
January 30 -- The Pretenders (pictured) at Roseland Ballroom
http://www.roseland
ballroom.com
January 31 -- Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Town Hall
http://www.the-townhall-nyc.org
January 31 -- Loney Dear / Arms at Union Hall
http://www.unionhallny.com
January 31 -- Semi Precious Weapons / Von Iva / Nico Vega at Highline Ballroom
http://www.highlineballroom.com
January 31 -- Heston at Blue Note
http://www.bluenote.net
February 1 -- Allen Toussaint at Joe's Pub
http://www.joespub.com

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Video: Hot Seconds - We Met Before/Rooftop (live)

A couple of weeks ago, I went 'round to catch Hot Seconds ... my thoughts on the show are down below somewhere in another post. Well, I'm feeling a Hot Seconds moment and decided to share some more of my "stellar" video work from that show. You know, it has occurred to me that perhaps I shouldn't dance(?) while holding a camera ... but what fun would that be?!

Hot Seconds - We Met Before/Rooftop (live)


http://www.hotseconds.net
http://www.myspace.com/hotseconds

Friday, January 23, 2009

Hell On Heels

I've made my plans for next Saturday! I'm off to catch Von Iva, Nico Vega and the reason I'm going to the show, one of my faves, the ever so delicious Semi Precious Weapons. This is all taking place down at the Highline Ballroom.

I might just be giddy ...


http://www.myspace.com/semipreciousweapons
http://www.myspace.com/voniva
http://www.myspace.com/nicovega

http://www.highlineballroom.com

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Tickets Go On Sale This Week For Upcoming Shows In The New York Area

On Sale Wednesday, January 21, 2009

February 16 -- The Duke Spirit (pictured) at Music Hall of Williamsburg
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com

On Sale Thursday, January 22, 2009

May 11 -- Etta James & The Roots Band at B.B. Kings Blues Club and Grill
http://www.bbkingblues.com

On Sale Friday, January 23, 2009

February 24 -- Tom Jones at Terminal 5
http://www.terminal5nyc.com
March 16 -- T
he Ting Tings at Webster Hall
http://www.websterhall.com
March 28 -- Glasvegas (pictured) at Music Hall of Williamsburg
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
April 1 -- Brian Jonestown Massacre at Terminal 5
http://www.terminal5nyc.com
April 5 -- Bishop Allen at Bowery Ballroom
http://www.boweryballroom.com
April 10 - 11 -- Lotus at Bowery Ballroom
http://www.boweryballroom.com
May 13 -- Animal Collective at Terminal 5
http://www.terminal5nyc.com

On Sale Saturday, January 24, 2009

April 3 -- Rick Springfield at Nokia Theatre
http://www.nokiatheatrenyc.com

On Sale Sunday, January 25, 2009

February 28 -- Van Morrison at WaMu Theater At Madison Square Garden
http://www.wamuatmsg.com

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A New Leader

As of 12:00 PM / Noon, January 20, 2009, we the people of the United States of America have a new leader. Welcome President Obama!

Now, with that said, I can go back to my normal political ambivalence.

Monday, January 19, 2009

The Rockaphones

I was browsing Amie Street about a week or so ago, something I do from time to time. Well, I happened upon a group called the Rockaphones. I'm a curious sort so, I had a listen. I was intrigued by "I Try." It's country and pop with a jazzy breakdown mid-song. They also have a bit of bluesy R&B'ish groove tossed in for good measure. I know that description sounds a little odd but, it actually works. I also checked out "Molly." There's prominent banjo in the song. They're Swedish? Are they really? Seriously? They have country music in Sweden? I need to get out more.

Rockaphones (from Rockaphones MySpace)
Rockaphones

http://www.myspace.com/therockaphones

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Around New York ... January 19 - January 25, 2009

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

January 20 -- Danko Jones at Mercury Lounge
http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com
January 20 -- MV & EE / Carnivores / The Black Roses at Cake Shop
http://www.cake-shop.com
January 20 -- Locas In Love / LD Beghtol / The Leader at Union Hall
http://www.unionhallny.com
January 20
-- Reel Big Fish / Streetlight Manifesto / Tip The Van at Roseland Ballroom
http://www.roselandballroom.com
January 20 - 21 -- Joshua Redman Double Trio at Highline Ballroom
http://www.highlineballroom.com
January 20 - 25 -- U
ri Caine Trio at The Village Vanguard
http://www.vill
agevanguard.com
January 22 -- Action Painters (pictured) / The Orion Experience / Alexa Ray Joel at Mercury Lounge
http://www.mercury
loungenyc.com
January 22 -- Mike Doughty & Tony Scheer Trio at City Winery
http://www.citywinery.com
January 22 -- The Sugar Report / Harley and the Night / Yarmys Army / The Enablers / The Waking Eyes at Pianos
http://www.pianosnyc.com
January 22 -- Funeral For A Friend / The Sleeping at The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
http://www.irvingplaza.com
January 22 -- Michael Sackler-Berner at Caffe Vivaldi
http://www.cafevivaldi.com
January 22 -- Mumiy Troll / Ellina Graypel / Wrecking Crue at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com
January 22 --
Hockey at Santos Party House
http://www.santospartyhouse.com
January 22 - 25 -- Toshi Reagon & BIGLovely at Joe's Pub
http://www.joespub.com
January 23 -- Magic Christian / The Black Hollies / Five Dollar Priest / Laughing Sky at Rehab
http://www.clubmidway.com
January 23 -- Dar Williams / Joshua Radin at Webster Hall
http://www.websterhall.com
January 23 -- Vic Chesnutt / Elf Power at Bowery Ballroom
http://www.boweryballroom.com
January 23 -- Nappy Roots at Blender Theatre at Gramercy
http://www.blendertheater.com
January 23 -- The Freshmen / David Rogue at The Annex
http://www.theannexnyc.com
January 23 --
Ponytail / These Are Powers / Pattern Is Movement at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com
January 23 -- Alice Smith at Highline Ballroom (pictured)
http://www.highlineballroom.com
January 23 - 25 -- Mos Def at Blue Note
http://www.bluenote.net
January 24 -- The Blue Method at Blue Note
http://www.bluenote.net
January 24 -- The Honey Brothers / Xylos / The Prigs at Music Hall of Williamsburg
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
January 24 -- Natasha Alexandra at Caffe Vivaldi
http://www.cafevivaldi.com
January 25 -- The Killers at Madison Square Garden
http://www.thegarden.com

Friday, January 16, 2009

The Annuals Hit The Road

The Annuals are on the road and making a stop in New York. They'll be at The Bowery Ballroom on January 28.

Listen To The Annuals Confessor

Check out the Annuals performance on Spinner's Interface
(Click on image)
Annuals (photo credit Charles Harris)
(photo credit: Charles Harris)

www.annualsmusic.com
www.myspace.com/annuals
www.boweryballroom.com

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Tickets Go On Sale This Week For Upcoming Shows In The New York Area

On Sale Thursday, January 15, 2009

March 7 -- Lisa Hannigan / The Anthem at Highline Ballroom
http://www.highlineballroom.com

On Sale Friday, January 16, 2009

March 9-10, 12
-14, 16-17, 19-21 -- The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon Theatre
http://www.bea
contheatre.com
March 14 --
Butch Walker at Webster Hall
http://www.websterhall.com
March 28 -- Les Clay
pool at Terminal 5
http://www.terminal5ny
c.com
March 31 -- Lady GaGa (pictured) at Webster Hall

http://www.websterhall.com
April 5 -- Mate
s Of State / The Black Kids (pictured) at Music Hall of Williamsburg
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
April 6 -- Mates
Of State / The Black Kids (pictured) at Webster Hall
http://www.websterhall.com
April 24 -- Cinema Bizarre at Highline Ballroom
http://www.highlineballroom.com

On Sale Saturday, January 17, 2009

March 25 -- Bloc Party at Terminal 5
http://www.terminal5nyc.com
April 14 -- Dave Matthews Band at Madison Square Garden
http://www.thegarden.com

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announced its Inductees for 2009

As we all know, artists are eligible for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twenty-five years after their first recording is released. Now, normally, I don't really feel like an old broad. Then there are times like these when I do. Both Metallica and Run-D.M.C. are being inducted. Say wha? Has it really been that long? I still remember getting my first Metallica record. Next thing you know, I'll be yelling, 'get off my lawn you young whipper snappers!' to all the unruly kids who happen upon my property.

I want to know why "Fujiyama Mama" Wanda Jackson is the only early influence inductee. Surely they could have tossed in a couple more.

The performer inductees are:
  • Jeff Beck
  • Little Anthony & the Imperials
  • Metallica
  • Run-D.M.C.
  • Bobby Womack
Early Influence Category Inductee:
  • Wanda Jackson
Sidemen Category Inductees:
  • Bill Black
  • DJ Fontana
  • Spooner Oldham
The Induction Ceremony will air Live on Fuse TV, April 4, 2009

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Hot Seconds Live

Hot Seconds: January 9 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY


I experienced and enjoyed my first concert outing in the new year. I braved the cold weather and went down to Mercury Lounge to catch Hot Seconds this past Friday. Who better to warm up a cold night? When I last saw them perform back in October, I noted that they were a tight unit. They still are. This time, they were even tighter!

They started their ten song, 45 minute set with "Pieces Of You" and just didn't let up. All of the favorites were played. Plus, we were treated to some new songs ... huzzah! Can you tell I'm excited about the new songs? No? Well, I am! If all of their new stuff sounds like the ones played at this show, then I'm going to have a new favorite album when they release these songs. The first new song of the night was "Born Again," a surging mid-tempo rocker. And, I got to hear "Gone To Ground" again ... yep, I'm a happy camper.

Now, I'm going to hang my head in shame for a moment. I'm embarrassed to admit this but, I tend to neglect drummers. It's nothing personal, I'm just more of a guitar fan. Sorry drummers of the world! However, I can't be neglectful this time. I have to show some love to drummer Ian Hudgins who was back there playing like he was put in charge of a Hot Seconds plot to take over the world. All I can say is, damn! Toss bassist Bob Toria into the brutal rhythm assault, add in Marcel Simoneau with his various implements (keyboards, tambourine & megaphone) and a couple of guitars courtesy of Eran Westwood (lead) and James Love (rhythm) and voilà, the world and me conquered, or did I just surrender? Either way, the proverbial Hot Seconds flag was planted declaring this land, or at least the Mercury Lounge stage, theirs.

Their defining conquer the world moment of the night happened when they ripped into "When I Go" which came complete with a harmonica solo. Simply put, they rocked the hell out of the song. They rocked it like unrepentant rock stars on a mission to corrupt the masses, turning us into rock 'n' roll heathens. Oh yeah, it was that good. It's a dance yourself into a frenzied, hot, sweaty mess song and was my favorite of the night.

It was fun show. Someone lit their fire and they burned the place up. I only wished they could have done a few more songs. I had a blast and look forward to seeing them again ... they were hot, and I could use seconds. Yeah, that last line was pretty cheesy, wasn't it?

Set List
  • Pieces Of You
  • Can't Stop
  • Born Again
  • We Met Before
  • Rooftop
  • Clam Man
  • Holy Moly
  • When I Go
  • Went To India
  • Gone To Ground
The dark and grainy video ...
(We'll pretend I was being artistically adventurous ... yeah, let's go with that!)
Hot Seconds - Born Again (live)

Hot Seconds - Holy Moly (live)


http://www.hotseconds.net
http://www.myspace.com/hotseconds

All Photos: © L.R. Adams

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Around New York ... January 12 - January 18, 2009

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

January 12 -- Wabaki / Soldier On Dear Friend / Stushido / Chief Mullet Hawk / Pompeii at The Annex
http://www.theannexnyc.com
January 12 -- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
http://www.bbkingblues.com
January 13 -- Moving Mountains / Pompeii / Aviation Orange / Prawn at Public Assembly
http://www.publicassemblynyc.com
January 13 - 18 -- Delfeayo Marsalis: A Tribute to Elvin Jones at The Blue Note
http://www.bluenote.net
January 14 -- Illinois / Drink Up Buttercup / Oceanographer at Fontana's
http://www.fonta
nasnyc.com
January 14 -- T
wo Dark Birds / The Caledonia Mission / Luke Winslow-King at Union Hall
http://ww
w.unionhallny.com
January 15 -- Blood Street / The London Souls (pictured) at Mercury Lounge
http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com

January 15 -- Suzanne Vega & Lenny Kaye at City Winery
http://www.citywinery.com
January 15 -- Low Vs. Diamond / The Subjects at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com
January 15 -- Heloise & The Savior Faire at The Bowery Ballroom
http://www.boweryballroom.com
January 15 -- Jackson Knife / Sean Walsh / Recluse at Cake Shop
http://www.cake-shop.com
January 15 -- Crooked Looks / Cynic Guru / Western Dresses at Reheb
http://www.clubmidway.com
January 15 -- Lauren Mulderrig at Caffe Vivaldi
http://www.cafevivaldi.com
January 16 -- Jenny Owen Youngs / Greg Laswell / Anya Marina at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com
January 16 -- Si*Sé / The Pimps Of Joytime / DJ Nickodemus at Highline Ballroom
http://www.highlineballroom.com
Janua
ry 16 -- Left Me Bashful / Luke Elliott / Measure at Pianos
http://www.pianosnyc.com
January 16 -- Wheatus at Blender Theater At Gramercy
http://www.blendertheater.com
January 16 -- The Raveonettes
(pictured) / Nickel Eye / Zaza at Webster Hall
http://www.websterhall.com
January 16 - 18 -- The Fabulous Thunderbirds at Iridium
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com

January 17 -- The Smithereens at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
http://www.bbkingblues.com
January 17 -- The Soft Pack / The Browns / Those Darlins at Union Pool
http://www.myspace.com/unionpool
January 18 -- Gil Scott Heron / Black Ice at SOB's
http://www.sobs.com
January 18 -- Nightmare Of You / Young Lords / US Royalty / Bottle Up & Go at Music Hall of Williamsburg
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
January 18 -- Honor By August at Pianos
http://www.pianosnyc.com

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Honor By August Live

Honor By August: January 9, 2009 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Arena rock on a small stage. That's how I'd describe Washington, DC's Honor By Honest. Here are some photos and the set list from their show.
Set List
  • Found
  • Half A Day Away
  • Photographs
  • There You Were
  • Love Lies Awake
  • Unbreakable
  • Into The Light
  • Good Enough
  • Quiet Sky
http://www.honorbyaugust.com
http://www.myspace.com/honorbyaugust

All Photos: © L.R. Adams

Friday, January 9, 2009

Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul

I'm not an Oasis fan. That's probably not the best way to start off something, then again, maybe it's the best way. I'll admit, there have been some Oasis songs over the years that I have enjoyed. But, a fan, no. So, it comes as a surprise, mostly to myself, that I bought the latest Oasis record, Dig Out Your Soul.

What made me decide to buy Dig Out Your Soul? The Internet. What? That doesn't make sense? I was browsing around the Internet when I came upon the album being streamed in its entirety prior to release. I liked what I heard and I finally got around to making the purchase.

Dig Out Your Soul kicks off strong. However, somewhere along the line, I start thinking that maybe things are going on for a little too long and kind of plods to a mildly unsatisfying stop after the last two songs drag in to wrap things up. I think that some of my thoughts on this might have more to do with me not really being an Oasis fan rather than it being an issue with the record itself. I have to listen to the record in two sittings. Apparently, my Oasis intake has to be done in smaller doses instead of one grand dose. "Bag It Up" kicks things off and was the song that obviously caught my ear enough to continue listening when the album was being streamed. The music for "(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady" sounds like a combination of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" and The Allman Brothers Band's "Midnight Rider." Maybe it's just me who thinks that. "Waiting For The Rapture" is the song that, to me, hands down gets the 'Beatles' label attached to it. My picks on the record, the already mentioned "Bag It Up," "The Shock Of Lightning" and my favorite of the bunch, "To Be Where There's Life" which had me wiggling around the room a bit.

I have no idea what Oasis fans think of this record. I haven't asked any. To be honest, I'm not sure I personally know anyone that could be considered an actual fan. I know some casual listeners and they seem to like Dig Out Your Soul. I can only answer for myself though. And, this non-Oasis fan likes it ... just not all in one sitting!

Track Listing
  • Bag It Up
  • The Turning
  • Waiting For The Rapture
  • The Shock Of The Lightning
  • I'm Outta Time
  • (Get Off Your) High Horse Lady
  • Falling Down
  • To Be Where There's Life
  • Ain't Got Nothin'
  • The Nature Of Reality
  • Soldier On
http://www.myspace.com/oasis
http://www.oasisinet.com

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Tickets Go On Sale This Week For Upcoming Shows In The New York Area


On Sale Wednesday, January 7, 2009

February 3 -- Lykk
e Li at Music Hall of Williamsburg (pictured) http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com

February 17 -- The Bad Plus at Bowery Ballroom http://www.boweryballroom.com

On Sale Thursday, January 8, 2009
February 7 -- Gene Ween Band at Music Hall of Williamsburg
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com

On Sale Friday, January 9, 2009

February 26 -- Thievery Corporation at Terminal 5
http://www.terminal5nyc.com

Morrissey
(pictured)
There is a lot of opportunity to see Morrissey ... if you've never seen him, now's the chance.
March 16 -- at Wellmont Theatre
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com
March 21 -- at Bowery Ballroom

http://www.boweryballroom.com
March 25 -- at Webster Hall

http://www.websterhall.com
March 26 -- at Carnegie Hall

http://www.carnegiehall.org

On Sale Saturday, January 10, 2009

March 1 -- Dan Zanes & Friends at Wellmont Theatre
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com

March 5 - 6 -- Levon Helm Band at The Beacon Theatre
http://www.beacontheatre.com

On Sale Monday, January 12, 2009
February 28 -- David Byrne at Radio City Music Hall
http://www.radiocity.com

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Around New York ... January 5 - January 11, 2009

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

January 6 -- Arms / The Loom / Marnie Minch at Pianos
http://www.pianosnyc.com
January 7 --
SisterMonk Harem at Cafe Vivaldi
http://www.cafevivaldi.com
January 8 --
Gregg Allman (pictured) / Honeytribe at Wellmont Theatre
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com
January 8 -- Femi Kuti at Webster Hall
http://www.websterhall.com
January 8 --
Steve Earle & Allison Moorer at City Winery
http://www.ci
tywinery.com
January 9 -- Murder Mystery / The Kiss Off / Medium Cool / Honor By August / Hot Seconds at Mercury Lounge
http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com
January 9 -- Vonda Shepard at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
http://www.bbkingblues.com
January 9 -- Raul Midón & Sonya Kitchell at City Winery
http://www.citywinery.com
January 9 -- Mos Def at Highline Ballroom
http://www.highlineballroom.com
January 9 -- Great Lake Swimmers / Haley Bonar / Daniel Martin Moore at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com
January 9 - 10 -- Camper Van Beethoven at Bowery Ballroom
http://www.boweryballroom.com
January 10 -- Pyeng Threadgill at The Blue Note
http://www.bluen
ote.net
January 10 -- F
ree Era Band (pictured) / Dr. Snagreili and the Evil Sex Scientist at Rehab
http://www.clubmidway.com
January 10 -- John Doe and Exene at Music Hall of Williamsburg
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
January 10 -- Project Jenny Project Jan / Andrew Thompson at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com
January 11 -- Bettye LaVette & John Hammond at Blender Theater at Gramercy
http://www.livenation.com/venue/blender-theater-at-gramercy-tickets

Friday, January 2, 2009

Adam Taylor's Play the Piano Drunk

Last month, I saw singer/songwriter Adam Taylor perform. At the time, I was unfamiliar with this talented young man. I enjoyed his set and made note to check out his music. Sometime last month, I believe, Taylor released an EP, Play the Piano Drunk, an album title that leaves me curious. A few days ago, I got the download of this folk pop gem.

Taylor's oft times quirky (by today's pop music standards) music is mixed with folk sensibilities. There are moments when you get a blend of upbeat rockabilly and jazz. This is particularly evident in the opening track "Painting Leprosy (Untitled)" which also happens to be my favorite song from the EP. Lyrically, Taylor takes a poke at television pop culture with "The Box," an enjoyable three part song. My second favorite is "Elvis," a song with danceable rhythms that takes aim at today's society. He also does a cover of The Strokes "12:51" which is nice (and I prefer it to the original) but, I'm partial to his own efforts.

Taylor's style is a nice change of pace from the vast amount of throw away pop music we're inundated with these days. There's not a throw away song on Play the Piano Drunk. He's young. If this is what he's capable of now, I can't wait to hear what he does after some years of seasoning. In the meantime, I look forward to a full length release.

Track Listing
  • Painting Leprosy (Untitled)
  • 12:51
  • Elvis
  • The Box Pt. I
  • The Box Pt. II
  • The Box Pt. III
  • Story of the Sea-green Sky
http://www.adamtaylormusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/adamtaylormusic