Monday, January 31, 2011

New Single From The Kills + New Album In April


This morning, I tweeted that I picked up The Kills new single "Satellite." Then I opened up my email and see info on said single and the upcoming album it's from. So, lovely readers of mine, feast your eyes on the deets below.

Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart, better known as The Kills have released their new single "Satellite." Check out the stream below using the handy widget.

"Satellite" is the first song from the bands upcoming album Blood Pressures. Fans will be able to get their happy little hands on Blood Pressures, April 5. You can pre-order the album on the band's website.



Video Of The Day: JITG's "Humvee Mansion" + Gig Alert


For some unexplained reason, I have at this very moment, stuck in my head, "Humvee Mansion" by NY band Jump Into The Gospel. It's a deliciously catchy song and I seriously adore the video. So, for your viewing pleasure, I've conveniently embedded the video at the bottom of the post and declaring it my video of the day.

Gig alert! Should you be in the general vicinity of NYC, you can go love them live. They like when you love them. On February 12, they'll be at The Studio at Webster Hall (tickets HERE). Then, because you'll be so in love with them afterward, you'll go see them at Mercury Lounge on February 26 (tickets HERE). And, because you'll still be caught up in your hot and heavy romance with JITG, you'll go love them some more at Pianos on March 22.


Melissa Auf der Maur To Play Highline Ballroom


Rocker Melissa Auf der Maur will bring her multimedia Out Of Our Minds tour to a close here in New York. She'll be at Highline Ballroom on Thursday, March 3. The show marks the only US date on the official Out Of Our Minds tour. Get your tickets HERE.

Dynamic, multilayered and independently produced, OOOM, is a 21st century concept project. The album consists of 12 powerful tracks produced and mixed by top-flight creative collaborators including Jordon Zadorozny (Sam Roberts), and Alan Molder (Depeche Mode, Smashing Pumpkins). The 28-minute, HD film starring and conceived by MAdM under the direction of Tony Stone was first shown at the Sundance Film Festival last year, as well as at World Con's 67th Annual Sci-Fi Convention, garnering widespread critical praise. The limited edition comic book and matching Picture Disc Vinyl are also currently available via xmadmx.com. A 12 Page comic book and 7" vinyl illustrated by Jack Forbes from Brooklyn, NY.


Whitesnake To Release New Album In North America This March


Legendary rocker David Coverdale and his Whitesnake (guitarist Doug Aldrich, guitarist Reb Beach, bassist Michael Devin and drummer Brian Tichy) will release their new album Forevermore in North America on March 29. Forevermore will be Whitesnake's 11th studio album. It marks the band's first release with Italian based Frontiers Records.

It's said that Forevermore will find the band returning to their "bluesiest, sexiest rock n' roll roots" which works just fine for me. I'm a fan of the Coverdale voice at it's bluesiest.

You'll be able to get your happy rockin' little hands on "Love Will Set You Free," the first single from Forevermore, when it goes on sale digitally, February 15. For those of you who listen to radio, it'll hit the airwaves on February 8.

Also, keep an eye out for tour dates which will be announced soon. Whitesnake will travel the North American highways and byways in support of the record this May.

Track List
  • Steal Your Heart Away
  • All Out Of Luck
  • Love Will Set You Free
  • Easier Said Than Done
  • Tell Me How
  • I Need You (Shine A Light)
  • One Of These Days
  • Love And Treat Me Right
  • Dogs In The Street
  • Fare Thee Well
  • Whipping Boy Blues
  • My Evil Ways
  • Forevermore

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Lelia Broussard Releases New Video


Yesterday, AOL premiered the new Lelia Broussard video. The video is for her infectious song "Satellite" which is from her recently released album Masquerade. I really dig the album and recommend giving it a listen. Check out the video below.


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

U.S. Royalty Announces Tour + MP3


U.S. Royalty released their debut album, MIRRORS, yesterday. Check it out, it's on my list of recommended listens. Also yesterday, they announced they would be embarking on a tour. They'll be out on the road with Broken Records. That means good news for New York. We'll have two opportunities to catch the band. They will be on the LES at Mercury Lounge on February 22 and the following night, February 23, they'll be in Brooklyn at The Rock Shop.

In addition to a list of tour dates, we have for your listening pleasure, another MP3. Hop down to the bottom of the post for "Monte Carlo" in the MP3 Grab.

"With this record we wanted to present a body of work, a complete thought," says singer John Thornley. To achieve this, the band wrote and rewrote songs for a year, demoing and dissecting while on the road and at home. John continues, "Because we traveled for about a year and a half before we recorded the album, there is definitely a travel vibe to the record."
Tour Dates
  • 02.20.11 - Black Cat Backstage - Washington, D.C.
  • 02.21.11 - North Star Bar - Philadelphia, PA
  • 02.22.11 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
  • 02.23.11 - The Rock Shop - Brooklyn, NY
  • 02.24.11 - Brighton Music Hall - Boston, MA
  • 02.26.11 - Schubas - Chicago, IL
  • 02.27.11 - Triple Rock Social Club - Minneapolis, MN
  • 03.02.11 - Tractor Tavern - Seattle, WA
  • 03.03.11 - Mississippi Studios - Portland, OR
  • 03.05.11 - Rickshaw Shop - San Francisco, CA
  • 03.06.11 - The Satellite - Los Angeles, CA

MP3 Grab: "Monte Carlo" (right click)

Video: Elbow - "Lippy Kids"


Because I like them and because I have a music blog to post what I like, we bring to you today, Elbow! They have a new record coming out March 7 in the UK ... not sure if we have the same release date over here on this side of the pond. The album is called build a rocket boys! and was produced and mixed by keyboardist Craig Potter. Check out the video below for "Lippy Kids" live at Blueprint Studios.

For those of us in the US, they'll be playing Coachella on April 16.


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

ResidentBand Episode 030: The Deadlies -Calm Down


Our friends at ResidentBand have released Episode 030. This episode features The Deadlies performing an acoustic version of their song "Calm Down." This shows a little bit of a different side of the band. The clip was shot during one of their rehearsals and is raw and uncut. Check it out below.

For a free download of The Deadlies "Lesson In Futility" sign up for the ResidentBand mailing list (they're super cool and don't spam) for the password.


The Dig's "For All Your Sins" Featured On Gossip Girl + MP3


"For All Your Sins" by New York band The Dig was featured on the hit tel
evision show Gossip Girl last night. In honor of that, we have the song in our MP3 Grab today. Grab it, they're a good band!

MP3 Grab: "For All Your Sins"
(right click)

The Joy Formidable Announce Spring Tour Dates


Welsh band The Joy Formidable have announced US tour dates. New York is one of the cities they'll be playing. They're scheduled to be at Webster Hall on Friday, April 29 so mark your calendars. Complete list of dates are at the bottom of the post.

The band will be releasing their self-produced album The Big Roar on March 15 in the US via Canvasback/Atlantic Records. The album was released in the UK on January 24. Check out the video for "Austere" below. The single that is out now.

The Joy Formidable are on the verge of releasing their new album, The Big Roar, on March 15 via Canvasback/Atlantic Records. In the UK, the album will be released on January 24. The Big Roar comes two years after The Joy Formidable released their debut album in February of 2009, the indie-rock explosion of A Balloon Called Moaning, which SPIN magazine named one of the 10 Best Records You Might Have Missed in 2010. The band has since tightened their focus and loosened their sound, allowing for the choruses to be more anthemic and the colossal rush of guitars and melodic hooks to stand out in their jaw-dropping splendor. NME praised the band and album, calling lead-singer Ritzy Bryan "rock's new heroine," and proclaiming The Big Roar "an LP that ultimately delivers on every count on the four years of promise leading up to it-primarily in its gutsy, chest-swelling brilliance."



Tour Dates
  • 3/22 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
  • 3/24 Durham, NC @ Coffeehouse @ Duke Univ.
  • 3/25 Washington DC @ Black Cat
  • 3/26 Albany, NY @ Valentines
  • 3/28 Providence, RI @ The Met
  • 3/29 Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
  • 3/30 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's
  • 3/31 Princton, NJ @ Terrace Club @ Princeton Univ.
  • 4/1 Harrisburg, PA @ The Abbey
  • 4/2 Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
  • 4/4 Columbus, OH @ The Basement
  • 4/5 Chicago , IL @ Lincoln Hall
  • 4/6 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
  • 4/8 Denver, CO @ Larimier Lounge
  • 4/9 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
  • 4/11 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studio
  • 4/12 Seattle, WA @ Crocodile
  • 4/14 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
  • 4/16 Indio, CA @ Coachella
  • 4/19 Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room
  • 4/20 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
  • 4/22 St Louis, MO @ Luminary Arts Center
  • 4/23 Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room
  • 4/26 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
  • 4/27 Pittsburgh, PA @ The Smiling Moose
  • 4/29 New York, NY @ Webster Hall

The Whigs Release New Video


The Whigs have released their self-directed video for "So Lonely." The song is from their current album In The Dark. Check out the video below.



Lelia Broussard Chosen For Russell Simmons Hip-Pop Challenge


Singer/songwriter Lelia Broussard was picked by Russell Simmons to be a part of his Hip-Pop Challenge. Beginning today and going through January 27, Simmons has "hijacked" Myspace and is searching for the best musicians in pop and hip-hop. Go HERE to vote. Since we live in a democracy, I can't tell you who to vote for, but, if you were asking my opinion, I'd say vote for Broussard. She has my vote. The lady seriously rocks and puts on a good live show.

Also, keep an eye out. Broussard's video for "Satellite" will premiere on AOL tomorrow.

If you're out in Cali, you can catch her live. Check out the dates below. And if that wasn't enough, she'll play the Hotel Café Showcase at SXSW in March.

Tour Dates
  • 2/3 Los Angeles, CA-Hotel Café
  • 2/4 San Diego, CA-Lestats
  • 2/10 Los Angeles, CA-Hotel Café
  • 2/16 Stage It Online.Show (at http://www.stageit.com/ )
  • 2/17 Los Angeles, CA-Hotel Café
  • 2/24 Los Angeles, CA-Hotel Cafe
What are you waiting for, go vote!

U.S. Royalty's MIRRORS Out TODAY!


MIRRORS, the debut album from U.S. Royalty, is out now! For those who haven't wrapped their happy little hands around the record, it's a rootsy, bluesy, burning and emotional romp that rocks from beginning to end. I've been enjoying this record a lot. I'm totally in lust with "Hollywood Hollows," seriously in lust. "Monte Carlo" is something that reminds me of the well crafted 70's classic rock of Fleetwood Mac while "Equestrian" mixes modern alternative with a bit of early Santana flavor. Maybe that's just me though. I put MIRRORS on my list of recommended listens.

MP3 Grab: "Equestrian"

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Lelia Broussard Effervescent At Rockwood Music Hall


Lelia Broussard: January 20 @ Rockwood Music
Hall, New York, NY


Thursday night had me paying a visit to the LES. I went down to the Rockwood Music Hall to catch singer/songwriter Lelia Broussard.

Broussard came onto my radar with her latest album Masquerade. The record is a great collection of catchy pop/rock tunes. The thing that caught my ear when I first heard the record was her voice. When Broussard launched into her set at Rockwood Thursday night, it was immediately clear that she was the real deal. There was no hocus pocus, bibbidi bobbidi trickery going on to try and fool the audience. This is a woman who can sing. While Masquerade leans more towards the poppier side of rock, her show, those songs leaned more on the rocker chick side of things.

Broussard is an infectious performer. You couldn't help but smile while she rocked out. She and her band were crammed onto Rockwood's tiny stage and became even more crowded when Broussard invited fellow musicians/friends up throughout the set to help her sing songs. I enjoy her recorded works but it's live where she shines. You would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't check out her live show or her record for that matter.

(More photos HERE)

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Adam Taylor Launches Kickstarter Project


One of QNYC's favorites, Adam Taylor, has launched a Kickstarter pro
ject. Taylor has been hard at work on a new record (yay!) but could use a little help. There are a ton of things that go into getting a record into our happy little hands and this project will, if his goal is met, make that happen quicker. Check out the video below and visit Taylor's Kickstarter project page HERE for details and pledge options.




Wednesday, January 19, 2011

The Blue Pages To Release New EP In February


Rock band The Blue Pages have announced that they will release their new EP, Anthropology, February 1. The album will be available exclusively online through Bandcamp.

For a little taste of things to come, The Blue Pages are offering up the first single "Run Back Home" for free. Check out the handy widget at the bottom of the post for that.

The Blue Pages have partnered up with the nonprofit organization Education Through Music (www.etmonline.org), which provides quality music instruction to disadvantaged schools throughout New York City. The mission of enhancing students’ academic performance and general development through music is something all members of the band strongly advocate, and as such The Blue Pages will be donating 50% of all album proceeds from Anthropology to Education Through Music.


Fans will be able to download the full album by naming their price through Bandcamp (http://thebluepagesmusic.bandcamp.com). Select tracks from Anthropology will be streaming on the band’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/thebluepages) and Myspace (www.myspace.com/thebluepagesmusic) pages.


About The Blue Pages:

The Blue Pages are an Alternative Rock band based in Brooklyn, New York, progressing their catchy rock sound with electronic influences. In 2010, the band completed two U.S. tours with Cash Cash in May, and another with Down With Webster and Let's Get It in July; and have performed in the past with Panic at the Disco, A Rocket to the Moon, and members of Passion Pit. The band has been featured in Alternative Press and AMP magazines, as well as highlighted on Clear Channel Radio’s NEW! Artist to Watch. In December 2010, they were featured as Hot Topic’s Unsigned Band of the Month.





Alcoholic Faith Mission Announce New EP


Alcoholic Faith Mission have announced the release of their upcoming record. Running with Insanity EP will be released March 29 via Paper Garden Records. For those of you who want to check them out live here in our little spot of land in the world called New York, they'll be playing a couple of shows before they head down to SXSW. March 13 they'll be at Littlefield and March 15 they'll be at the Knitting Factory.

For those who like visuals, check out their latest video, "My Eyes To See" below.

Though they hail from Denmark, Alcoholic Faith Mission was actually formed in Brooklyn in 2006 by high school friends Thorben and Sune. When the pals stumbled upon Brooklyn's Apostolic Faith Mission Church, they reasoned that alcohol was as necessary an elixir as religion is for the pious. Thus, their own Alcoholic Faith Mission came to be. Brooklyn resonated deeply with the guys, so much that they returned to live there 18 months later. Named after their address, their sophomore album 421 Wythe Avenue was released through PonyRec in April 2009, and received critical acclaim.
Track List
  • Running With Insanity
  • Legacy
  • When They Bleed
  • Drowning (In Myself)
  • Dancing Fools

Kaki King Announces Acoustic Tour


Kaki King will be doing a solo acoustic tour beginning in February. Gig alert! New York, she'll be making three stops in our lovely city. February 23 at the Museum of Modern Art's Celeste Bartos Theatre. Then April 7 and April 8 she'll take the stage at City Winery.

Kaki King will return to her acoustic roots this winter for a national tour that will make stops at renowned venues such as the Moma in New York City, Yoshi's in San Francisco and World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. Kings career has been enthralling, as it has evolved from its virtuosic acoustic busker beginnings in the subways of New York to creating cerebral soundscapes with Tortoise's John McIntyre to being included on Rolling Stone magazine's short list of "Guitar Gods" to collaborations with Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder. In her 10-year career, King has released five full lengths and two EPs. She has scored for television and film, most notably alongside Vedder and Michael Brook as composers for Sean Penn's Into the Wild for which she received a Best Original Score Golden Globe nomination. King also contributed to the Grammy-nominated August Rush soundtrack, and in 2009, Ovation launched their Kaki King signature guitar model, which is now for sale worldwide.

Tour Dates
  • February 23 - Museum of Modern Art: Celeste Bartos Theatre, New York, NY
  • February 26 - Salon Vive Cuervo, Mexico City, Mexico
  • February 28 - The Loft - UC San Diego, San Diego, CA
  • March 2 - Largo at the Coronet, West Hollywood, CA
  • March 3 - College of the Sequoias Theatre, Visalia, CA
  • March 5 - Ashkenaz, Berkeley, CA
  • March 6 - Harlow's Night Club, Sacramento, CA
  • March 8 - Jambalaya, Arcata, CA
  • March 9 - WOW Hall, Eugene, OR
  • March 10 - Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR
  • March 11 - The Triple Door, Seattle, WA
  • March 12 - Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • March 24 - Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis, MN
  • March 25 - Space, Evanston, IL
  • March 26 - The Old Rock House, St. Louis, MO
  • March 28 - Southgate House, Newport, KY
  • March 29 - The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
  • March 30 - World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA
  • April 1 - Center for the Arts, Natick, MA
  • April 2 - Iron Horse, Northampton, MA
  • April 3 - Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
  • April 7 - City Winery, New York, NY
  • April 8 - City Winery, New York, NY
  • April 9 - Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY

Alison Krauss and Union Station Announce New Record


Alison Krauss and Union Station have announced that they will release their new album, Paper Airplane, April 12 via Rounder Records. The 11 song record is Krauss' 14th and Krauss' first release since her acclaimed collaboration in 2007 with Robert Plant. This is great news for bluegrass fans. Krauss and Union Station are special talents.
Alison Krauss and Union Station features the talents of Krauss (fiddle and lead vocals), Dan Tyminski (guitar, mandolin and lead vocals), Barry Bales (bass and harmony vocals), Ron Block(banjo, guitar and harmony vocals), and Jerry Douglas (Dobro and harmony vocals). Paper Airplane was produced by the band and recorded in Nashville with engineer Mike Shipley (Maroon 5, The Cars, Def Leppard, Joni Mitchell). As bluegrass virtuosos the members of Union Station are beyond compare, and the music they create together transcends all genres. Their work on films such as Cold Mountain and O Brother, Where Art Thou? has contributed immeasurably to a renaissance of American roots music.

Track List
  • Paper Airplane
  • Dustbowl Children
  • Lie Awake
  • Lay My Burden Down
  • My Love Follows You Where You Go
  • Dimming Of The Day
  • On The Outside Looking In
  • Miles To Go
  • Sinking Stone
  • Bonita and Bill Butler
  • Opening Farewell

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Voxhaul Broadcast To Release New Record 3/22 + MP3


March 22, Voxhaul Broadcast will release their debut full-length record, Timing Is Everything. The record was produced by Tom Biller. Add this to the list of records to look forward to.

For your listening pleasure, we have the lead track from the upcoming record, "Leaving On The 5th." Check out the MP3 Grab at the bottom of the post.

Produced by Grammy Award winning producer Tom Biller (Silver Sun Pickups, Seawolf, Liars) with additional production from Chris Thorne (Blind Melon), Timing Is Everything captures the power of the quartet’s live performances while still holding true to their trademark blend of r&b, rock and soul.

The still unreleased album was #4 on KCRW’S “Top 50 Most Played Albums” in the final weeks of 2010 and came in at #67 on KCRW’s “Most Played Records of 2010.” Staple stations KEXP, KROQ & WXPN have been previewing tracks from the full length as well.

Licensing has also jumped on board with VB, as they’ll be featured in an upcoming Michelob Ultra commercial with Lance Armstrong set to air during the Superbowl on Feb 6. Expanding their musical reach to every medium, Voxhaul's music can now be heard in movie trailers (Life As We Know It), commercials (Toms Shoes), TV shows (CSI) & promotional videos (Marc Jacobs).

MP3 Grab: "Leaving On The 5th"

The Caulfield Sisters Two Songs From Mohawk" Out Today


Brooklyn based trio The Caulfield Sisters, Cindy Wheeler (vocals/guitar), Mary Guidera (bass/backing vocals) and Kristin Mueller (drums) released their new digital single Two Songs From Mohawk via American Laundromat Records today. They are the first new original tracks from the group since their EP Say It With Fire several years ago. The tracks were produced by The Caulfield Sisters at Wheeler's home in the Catskills.

Gig Alert! The Caulfield Sisters will be at The Gutter in Williamsburg on Friday, February 18. They're on at 10PM. To get you in the spirit of things, we have music for you! We have for you, all shiny and new, a track in our MP3 Grab below. Check it out, buy the single and tell some friends.

MP3 Grab: "Caterwauling"

Lelia Broussard To Play Rockwood Music Hall, Thursday, 1/20


This Thursday, January 20, Lelia Broussard will play the third and last of her residency shows at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 1. She goes on at 8PM and it'll cost ya zip. Yep, that's right, it's FREE. Swing by, have a beverage or three and hear some good music.

Broussard released her new record, Masquerade, this past November. I'm digging it. Perhaps you should check it out. That's what I would do if I were you. That being said, my song of the day, "Hipster Bitch" from the record. Give it a listen using the handy dandy widget below.

Only Son's Searchlight Out Today + Plays Webster Hall Thursday, 1/20


Only Son, New York based songwriter Jack Dishel, formerly of The Moldy Peaches, releases his new album today. Searchlight, Only Son's sophomore record, features appearances by Regina Spektor and members of The Strokes, Of Montreal and Robbers On High Street.

Gig alert! Only Son will be having a little record release party at the Studio at Webster Hall this Thursday, January 20. It'll cost ya $10, doors at 8PM. To get you all primed and ready for the record and show, we have for you a nice shiny song in the MP3 Grab at the bottom of the post.

For your viewing pleasure, below we have the the second video from Searchlight, "It's A Boy." The video was directed by Peter Sand and stars Aleksa Palladino of Boardwalk Empire.
Only Son’s latest album, Searchlight is an expansive, diverse collection of songs; much like a late Beatles album, each song occupies its own space on the record and fleshes out a different side of his musical sensibilities.




MP3 Grab:
"Magic"

Friday, January 14, 2011

Sick Of Sarah Premier New Video On mtvU


Sick Of Sarah have released a new video for their song "Overexposure." The video which premiered today on mtvU was directed by Shane Nelson. The song is the first single for the band's upcoming album 2205 which is scheduled for release on February 1. Check out the video below.

This newest chapter for the band, 2205, was recorded in May at The Sonic Ranch in El Paso, TX, a studio made famous for its indie-rock clientele such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Conor Oberst, Portugal The Man, Taking Back Sunday, Trail of The Dead and its extensive amp and guitar collection including guitars from the Stevie Ray Vaughan estate. "We were able to just live, breath and sleep this album 24/7, a luxury we didn't have our first time recording," says bassist Jamie Holm. "Most of the songs had been demoed before we recorded, but we had to arrange the songs and write lyrics on spot." Some of those lyrics were inspired by the rumors of ghosts haunting the studios and housing, pet raccoons, and mementos discarded by previous artists. According to Uhl, "Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) left behind a piece of paper with the number of a therapist and masseuse in a dresser in our bedroom."

The band's house and rehearsal space, 2205 Grand Ave has served both as a rotating home for each member of the band over the last few years and as a central creative hub. This location has become such an important symbol to the band's identity that every member has a tattoo "2205" on their inner wrist. The address now lends its name to the new LP, 2205. With this simple gesture, the band has taken an important part of their own lives in order to present it to old and new fans alike in the form of a wild, raucous, catchy new album. The excited Minneapolis fans at the 7th Street Entry may have given Sick of Sarah a welcome homecoming, but with 2205 the band are welcoming fans into their own home.

Soundgarden To Release Live Album In March


Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd and Matt Cameron, collectively known as Soundgarden will be releasing their first collection of live tracks on March 22 via UMe. The record, Live on I5 is compiled of live tracks from 1996, the period where the band was at the peak of their career. The record has some well loved favorites as well as covers of The Beatles "Helter Skelter" and The Stooges "Search and Destroy."

The band had intended to release a live record after the tour from which these tracks were culled from. But, they split up. Now after a much celebrated reunion last year as well as a Grammy nomination, fans are getting the opportunity to relive the glory that was Soundgarden live in its 90's heyday. I suppose this is a bit of a treat for those of you whom didn't get to see them back then. Those of us who did ... flashback!

Titled Live on I5 – a reference to the Interstate 5 which runs up and down the West Coast- the new collection compiles live tracks from a 1996 run by the band and captures the band at the height of their recording and touring career. This carefully selected compilation includes fan favorites like “Spoonman”, “Rusty Cage”, “Burden In My Hand,” and “Black Hole Sun” (performed by Chris Cornell solo), as well what insiders are calling the definitive live performance of “Jesus Christ Pose.” As a bonus, the disc includes two brilliantly inspired covers: The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” and The Stooges’ anarchic proto-punk classic, “Search & Destroy.” The band took out recording engineer, Adam Kasper with them on the West Coast leg of this tour- the first time they ever recorded any live shows. They rented a mobile 24 track machine/truck and recorded the gigs on 2" tape. Soundgarden had always intended to release it as a live record soon after the tour, but alas, they disbanded and the tapes were left in the closet of Studio X in Seattle (now called Bad Animals) to gather dust until now.


Live on I5 is the follow-up to Soundgarden’s celebrated 2010 reunion, with the band re-staking their well deserved place, earning a Grammy nomination for previously unreleased track “Black Rain” for Best Hard Rock Performance, gracing the covers of music magazines SPIN and Guitar World, performing on the second night of Conan and topping critics’ lists with their fall 2010 release, Telephantasm. The multi-label, career-spanning collection, also available in collector’s editions with the band’s first-ever DVD and booklet, was a comprehensive retrospective of the enormously influential band whose music put Seattle and a young label called Sub Pop on the map. As befits a group whose sound redefined a musical generation, they also proved themselves to be innovators with their partnership with Guitar Hero, with 1 million copies of Telephantasm sold, bundled within the launch of Guitar Hero®: Warriors of Rock. The album went platinum before even hitting stores- a first time certification for the RIAA.

Track List
  • Spoonman
  • Searching With My Good Eye Closed
  • Let Me Drown
  • Head Down
  • Outshined
  • Rusty Cage
  • Burden In My Hand
  • Helter Skelter
  • Boot Camp
  • Nothing To Say
  • Slaves And Bulldozers
  • Dusty
  • Fell On Black Days
  • Search And Destroy
  • Ty Cobb
  • Black Hole Sun
  • Jesus Christ Pose

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Shilpa Ray And Her Happy Hookers Unveil Video


Shilpa Ray And Her Happy Hookers have released a video for their song "Heaven In Stereo." The video was directed by Will Joines. The work has a old slasher film vibe to it. Check it out below.

"Heaven In Stereo" is from the their upcoming release Teenage And Torture. The record is scheduled for release on January 18 via Knitting Factory Records.

Gig alert, Shilpa Ray And Her Happy Hookers will be at Brooklyn Bowl on January 21. It's the record release show so swing by and help them celebrate the record. For those of you in the rest of the country, they'll be on the road this spring with Acid Mothers Temple ... dates below.

Tour Dates:
* w/ Acid Mothers Temple

JANUARY
  • 21 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl (Record Release Show)
  • 22 - Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
MARCH
  • 23 - Los Angeles, CA - Spaceland*
  • 24 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill*
  • 26 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge*
  • 27 - Bellingham, WA - The Wild Buffalo*
  • 28 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey*
  • 29 - Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Cabaret*
  • 31 - Calgary, AB - Broken City*
APRIL
  • 01 - Missoula, MT - The Badlander*
  • 02 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge*
  • 03 - Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge*
  • 04 - Lincoln, NE - Bourbon Theatre*
  • 05 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry*
  • 06 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle*
  • 07 - Kalamazoo, MI - The Strutt*
  • 08 - Toronto, ON - El Mocambo*
  • 09 - Montreal, QC - Il Motore*
  • 10 - Allston, MA - Great Scott*
  • 11 - Milford, CT - Daniel Street*
  • 13 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brendas*
  • 14 - Washington, DC - Red Palace*
  • 15 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar*
  • 16 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506*
  • 17 - Knoxville, TN - Pilot Light*
  • 18 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl*
  • 19 - New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks*
  • 20 - Houston, TX - Fitzgeralds*
  • 21 - Dallas, TX - The Loft*
  • 22 - Austin, TX - Red 7*

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival Dates Announced


Dates for the Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival have been announced. The festival will take place May 9 - 15, 2011.

The Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage and Jazzmobile have joined forces to celebrate the legacy of music in Harlem. This is great news for music lovers. Not only do we get more music to enjoy, the shows and other events are being offered at the affordable price of $10!

Highlights of the Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival include:
  • Wycliffe Gordon’s Jazz à la Carte – The Apollo’s variety shows of the 1930’s make a comeback under the direction of Wycliffe Gordon with the Temple University Big Band, featuring vocalists Carla Cook and Nikki Yanofsky, tap savant Savion Glover, sax wunderkind Grace Kelly, Director/Choreographer Ken Roberson, and trombone prodigy Corey Wilcox, among others.
  • Fats Waller Dance Party: Small’s Paradise Tribute with Jason Moran & Meshell Ndegeocello – Harlem Stage presents two nights of Waller’s music taken to new heights in a social mixing dance party featuring 2010 MacArthur Genius pianist Jason Moran & dynamic singer/bassist Meshell Ndegeocello.
  • Late Night Jam Sessions & Conversations with Legends at Minton’s Playhouse – Jazzmobile re-creates Minton’s legendary “cutting contests” with emerging jazz talents and an all-star house band curated by T.S. Monk with Robert O’Meally leading provocative discussions.
  • Geri Allen Quartet Jam Session – During the 1940’s and ‘50’s, the Harlem jazz scene was famous for its after-hours “jam sessions.” Jazz pianist and producer Geri Allen "jams" with her quartet and special guests at the Apollo Music Cafe.
  • Blazing Tongues: The Singers & Writers of Lenox Lounge – Harlem Stage, in partnership with Columbia University’s Center for Jazz Studies and Institute for Research in African American Studies, curates two evenings of music and literature.
  • Battle of the Big Bands – Jazzmobile produces two nights of big bands featuring the Jimmy Heath Big Band and the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra at the Alhambra Ballroom.
Celebrating the unique legacy of jazz in the uptown community, the Festival will bring both established and emerging artists to some of the famed venues where jazz flourished in Harlem: Lenox Lounge, Showman’s Café, the Apollo Theater, Alhambra Ballroom, and Minton’s Playhouse. Other festival events will take place at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, Columbia University and a variety of locations throughout the Harlem area. High-quality artistic performances and other events will all be offered at the affordable price of $10. Events are designed to draw a diverse audience of neighborhood residents, New Yorkers, and tourists with a mix of programming appealing to both jazz novices and aficionados. To generate attendance to multiple events and venues, Festival programming is arranged so that people have the option of attending several events each day. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Festival will provide a shuttle bus to transport audience members to area venues.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Alexander Ebert To Release Debut Solo Album


Alexander Ebert
lead singer of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is scheduled to re
lease his first solo album, Alexander, on March 1 via Community Music. The record consists of ten Ebert compositions which is a bit of a departure for him. Previously, the music he worked on were collaborative efforts with the Magnetic Zeros. Anyone who has experienced his work with the Magnetic Zeros knows he's a special talent. So, Alexander will be something to look forward to.

During breaks from touring with the Zeroes over the past year, Alexander began building and recording the pieces that would become the songs for this album alone in his bedroom. Before this album, all of the music he worked on had been collaborative, especially with the 10-person Magnetic Zeroes. "I wanted to be able to build an album basically with my hands, like building a house by myself," Alexander remarked of his inspiration for making this album without outside help.

There isn't a single sound on the ten-song album that Alexander didn't perform himself. Alone in his room, he had his guitar, a Lowery organ he picked up at a St. Vincent's thrift store in Los Angeles for seventy bucks, a clarinet he used for the bridge on the record's first single, "Truth," and a violin he'd found somewhere in Tucson on tour. He had his own voice, his breath, his knees to slap, his fingers to snap and his toes to tap. When he knew that he wanted to use a violin on the bridge of "Glimpses," he had an urge to call a friend to come play it for him, but then questioned why he wouldn't try it himself. Says Alexander, "To me, it's a very humble album with sky's-the-limit sort of qualities, and so I didn't really shy away from doing whatever I felt like doing."

As for the music itself, Alexander explains that some of the inspirations for the "mouth sounds" that you can hear throughout the record were from all-time-favorites of his like the 1970 chart-topping ditty "In The Summertime" by British band Mungo Jerry. He also notes that children's clapping games like Patty Cake and infectious and optimistic Disney tunes like "Zip A Dee Do Da" served as loose inspirations for him.

Track List
  • Let's Win!
  • Awake My Body
  • Truth
  • In The Twilight
  • Bad Bad Love
  • Old Friend
  • A Million Years
  • Remember Our Heart
  • Glimpses
  • Let's Make A Deal To Not Make A Deal

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Prophecy Brings Smiles


At the end of December, I was on my way to a show. At some point during my subway ride, a group of young people got on. Three young men stood in the center of the car and a young lady stood off to the side by one of the doors. It was obvious that the young men were going to perform. I assumed the young lady was moral support.


One of the young men introduced them and they began singing "Ain't No Sunshine." They sounded really good. Then, the young lady, the one I thought was moral support, belted out her part. HELLO! I suddenly found myself glad I got on that train car. They're a talented group. They caught my ear so much that I'm telling you about them. Anyway, they were all polite, thanking the passengers and gave out their web address. I asked one of the young men if they had a card (I'm old and senile; I knew I'd forget if I didn't have a reminder) and he pulled out a business card and they went about their evening. As I was getting off the train, another passenger exclaimed how good they were and having missed their name asked me who they were. Here I am a few weeks later. I see the card sitting on my desk and type in the website. The group is Prophecy and consists of Kenyatta Blakely (Yatta), William Ferdinand (Will), Joseph Barret (Joey) and Titeanna Wright (Titea). Check out a video from their website below.



I have to mention that I'm not normally a fan of people performing on the train. I'm cool with people performing on the platform, but the trains, not so much. I don't like dodging tumbling hip-hop dancers, pole swinging, the guy with the keyboards or the mariachi guys. So, I thought to myself when I saw them, why did I have to get on this car? By the end of their song, I was not only pleasantly surprised but rather happy I got on that car.