Talking To Walls: The Megan EP

Last year, I became familiar with Talking To Walls when I came across their album Naked, while shopping Amie Street. About a month ago, Brian Kelly (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Nathaniel Webb (guitars, bass, vocals, percussions) and Matt Krupa (drums, vocals) released a new body of nicely crafted work titled The Megan EP.

The five song EP kicks off with the infectious "Song For Megan." I'm not sure whether to call Talking To Walls brilliant or curse them for making a song so catchy I can't get it out of my head! Should I happen to hear this song live, I can envision myself flailing around frightening children, small animals and likely the band. This song alone was worth the price of the record and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it the moment I first heard it. It screams pub sing-a-long. The rest of the record is quite good too. My second favorite song on the record is the acoustic laced "Rollercoaster" which makes me feel like I'm sitting out on the back porch with friends singing songs on a Sunday afternoon.

"Song For Megan" and "Crossed My Mind" are both from the upcoming album We Were Not So Tall. If these two songs are any indication, I'm in for a treat with the rest of the record.

Track Listing

• Song For Megan
• Crossed My Mind
• Rollercoaster
• Animate Me
• Keeping The Pieces

And for those in the New York area in need of a Talking To Walls fix, they'll be at Desmond's Tavern on March 7.

www.talkingtowalls.com
www.myspace.com/talkingtowalls
www.desmondstavern.com

Hot Seconds: February 12, Club NME at The Annex

Well, it looks like I have some place to go on Thursday! The Voxys are playing too ... it should be a fun night.

http://www.hotseconds.net
http://www.myspace.com/hotseconds
http://www.myspace.com/thevoxys
http://www.thevoxys.co.uk
http://www.theannexnyc.com
http://www.myspace.com/clubnmenyc

Around New York ... February 9 - February 15, 2009

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

February 11 -- The Submarines / The Morning Benders at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com
February 11 - 12 -- Gil Scott Heron & Friends at SOB's
http://www.sobs.com
February 10 -- The Morning Benders / The Submarines at Mercury Lounge
http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com
February 10 -- Lily Allen at Bowery Ballroom
http://www.boweryballroom.com
February 10 -- Marlene VerPlanck at Iridium
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com
February 10 -- Razorlight at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
http://www.irvingplaza.com
February 12 -- Hot Seconds (pictured) / The Voxys at The Annex
http://www.theannexnyc.com
February 12 -- Tracy Bonham / The Loom / Smokey's Roundup at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com

February 12 -- Rascal Flatts at Madison Square Garden
http://www.thegarden.com
February 13 -- Rufus Wainwright / Lucy Wainwright Roche at Wellmont Theatre
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com
February 13 -- Sorceress / Grand Mal / Prince Rupert's Drops / Twilight Procession at Cake Shop
http://www.cake-shop.com
February 13 -- London Souls / Blood Street / New Madrid / The Relyx at Pianos
http://www.pianosnyc.com
February 13 -14 -- moe. at Terminal 5
http://www.terminal5nyc.com
February 13 -14 -- Paul Simon at The Beacon Theatre
http://www.beacontheatre.com
February 13 -14 -- Anita Baker at Radio City Music Hall
http://www.radiocity.com
February 13 -14 -- Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings (pictured) at Nokia Theatre Times Square
http://www.nokiatheatrenyc.com
February 14 -- Abby Dobson at Blue Note
http://www.bluenote.net

February 14 -- Japanther / Ninjasonik at BAMcafé
http://www.bam.org

Hell On Heels Tour, Part Three: Semi Precious Weapons

Semi Precious Weapons: January 31 @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY

The third and final act on the bill for the Hell On Heels Tour was New York's own Semi Precious Weapons. They of course were the reason I was there. It was a very loud and enthusiastic hometown crowd that greeted the band when they hit the stage. My ears are still recovering from the random, spontaneous, high-pitched screams emanating from the audience.

I don't think you can fully get the gist of Semi Precious Weapons until you're standing there in the mist of a crowd of screaming, energetic fans getting swept up in the excitement. From the moment they hit the stage, it felt like a party, not a concert. What a party it was too. The band, Justin Tranter (vocals), Stevy Pyne (guitar), Cole Whittle (bass) and Dan Crean (drums) were the perfect hosts.

They launched into a short and to the point set with "Semi Precious Weapons" setting off a night of audience sing-a-long. The band was raw, sometimes sloppy, vigorous and thoroughly delightful. Tranter (who wears heels and tights better than I ever could) vamped around the stage larger than life feeding off the audience, soaking up the energy and returning it tenfold. You couldn't help but have fun. I'd wager a random person plucked off the street unfamiliar with them could have walked in and had just as much fun as those of us who were there intentionally for the experience. My favorite song is "Magnetic Baby" so of course that was the highlight for me.

While I'm happy to see the band in a venue such as the Highline Ballroom, it just didn't feel sleazy enough for me. My only real complaint was that the set was too short! I would have liked a bit more than the thirty minute, seven song set we got.

Semi Precious Weapons are entertainers. They're fun and give a good party. Like with any good party, you walk away with a smile on your face, singing their songs as you walk down the street to the train station ... and that's just what I did.

Set List

• Semi Precious Weapons
• Her Hair Is On Fire
• Put A Diamond In It And Bite Down
• That's Kunt
• ?
• Magnetic Baby
• Rock 'N' Roll Never Looked So Beautiful

Another one of my "artistic" moments ...
Semi Precious Weapons - Magnetic Baby (live)


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

All Photos: © L. R. Adams

Chester French Release Video For "She Loves Everybody"

So, this past Monday, Chester French released a music video for their infectious song "She Loves Everybody." It world premiered on MTV. I don't normally watch music videos these days but, I happen to like the song a lot. Anyway, what's really exciting for me is, they've set a release date for their album! Love The Future is scheduled to be released March 31.

The Video ...
Chester French - She Loves Everybody

http://www.chesterfrench.com
http://www.myspace.com/chesterfrench

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

On Sale Thursday, February 5, 2009

March 15 -- Modest Mouse at Terminal 5
http://www.terminal5nyc.com
March 26 -- Prodigy at Roseland Ballroom
http://www.roselandballroom.com
April 13 -- The Cliks (pictured) at Mercury Lounge
http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com

On Sale Friday, February 6, 2009

March 23 - 24, 26 -- The Allman Brothers Band at Beacon Theatre
http://www.beacontheatre.com
April 2 -- Ray LaMontagne (pictured) at The Wellmont Theatre
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com
April 4 -- Lily Allen at Roseland Ballroom
http://www.roselandballroom.com
April 25 -- Travis at Webster Hall
http://www.websterhall.com
May 2 -- The Kills at Webster Hall
http://www.websterhall.com
May 5 -- The Kills at Music Hall of Williamsburg
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com

On Sale Saturday, February 7, 2009

May 7 -- Franz Ferdinand at Roseland Ballroom
http://www.roselandballroom.com

Hell On Heels Tour, Part Two: Nico Vega

Nico Vega: January 31 @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY

The second act on the bill for The Hell On Heels Tour was California band Nico Vega. Walking in, I was clueless to who or what a Nico Vega was and what it would sound like. Yeah, I know, I need to get out more or at the very least stop being lazy and check music out online prior to attending a show. I'm actually glad I didn't do any pre-show research. It would have taken away from the pleasantly odd magical euphoric feeling I got the minute they started playing.

A part of me felt as if I'd been transported back in time and into the future all in one show, sometimes all in one song. Guitarist Rich Koehler at times sounded and looked like he was channeling Jimi Hendrix with a bit of Black Sabbath tossed in for good measure. There were a few make your brain ooze from your ears guitar moments when he went all fuzzy feedback'ish and slightly trippy. He and drummer Dan Epand provided a colossal amount of sound for two instruments.

Vocalist Aja Volkman was a bundle of intense energy who at times seemed to be a cross between Janis Joplin and Grace Slick with a pinch of Linda Perry and Johnette Napolitano tossed in. Her oft times primal vocals and raw energy had me envisioning her singing on top of some large natural rock formation in the desert, in the black of night, with just a camp fire as her stage lighting. Anyone else have that vision? No?

The highlights of their set for me were the catchy "Gravity," sing-a-long crowd pleaser "Fe Fi Fo Fum," "Wooden Dolls" and my two favorites of the night "Blood Machine" and "Beast." I am clueless no longer when it comes to Nico Vega. I enjoyed their set. I was left somewhat dazed and definitely smiling.

Set List

• Protest
• Million Years
• Blood Machine
• Living Underground
• Fe Fi Fo Fum
• Gravity
• Wooden Dolls
• Burn Burn
• Jesus Baby
• Beast

Today also happens to be the day Nico Vega releases their new self-titled record to the masses. I picked up a copy of it on Saturday after the show. The same songs that caught my ear live still have my ear. I'm having a bit of a Nico Vega love fest over here enjoying their recorded effort.

Track Listing

• Burn Burn
• Million Years
• So So Fresh
• Living Underground
• Wooden Dolls
• Gravity
• Be Giving
• Iron Man
• Family Train
• Blood Machine
• Medicine Man
• Rabbit In The Bag
• Coal Miner's Song
• Beast

And if that's not enough Nico Vega for a music loving soul, they're back in New York on February 16 at Mercury Lounge with the Von Bondies.

http://www.myspace.com/nicovega

All Photos: © L. R. Adams

Heartless Bastards - The Mountain

I picked up The Mountain, the new record from Heartless Bastards today. I'm still on the fence on how to feel about it. It's a very rootsy effort. I think it's going to take me a few listens to fully get into it. The standout tracks for me are "Early In The Morning," "Nothing Seems The Same" and my favorite of the bunch, "Had To Go."

Have a listen to the title track "The Mountain"

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


Track Listing

• The Mountain
• Be So Happy
• Early in the Morning
• Hold Your Head High
• Out At Sea
• Nothing Seems the Same
• Wide Awake
• So Quiet
• Had To Go
• Witchy Poo
• Sway

Heartless Bastard are here in New York doing a pair of sold out shows with The Black Keys at Terminal 5. While they're in the city, they'll be making their national television debut next Tuesday, February 10, on David Letterman's show.

Hell On Heels Tour, Part One: Von Iva

Von Iva: January 31 @ Highline Ballroom, New York, NY

I went to the Highline Ballroom to catch the Hell On Heels Tour this past Saturday. For those who haven't been there, it's a nice space. They have a full dinner menu should you opt for and get there early enough to get one of the tables. I however chose to, of course, stand right up front ... where else would I be?

The first act of the night was San Francisco's Von Iva. I'd listened to a bit of their music before and thought they were all right but were a little too electronic, I suppose is the word I'm looking for, for my general tastes. Well, it turns out, I was very pleasantly surprised by their live show. I'm going to be honest. I went in thinking that while they might not be my cup of tea, I'd have a pleasant enough time listening to them. I just thought I would likely be keeping an eye on my watch wondering when their set was going to end. That didn't happen. I found myself enjoying them very much.

They put on an energetic show that kept you dancing and entertained. Jillian Iva (vocals) was full of fierce attitude, making the stage and the audience her bitch. She really was hell on heels. That folks, is a compliment! Becky Kupersmith (keyboards) and Kelly Harris (drums) provided a funky, rockin', beat filled foundation for Iva to do her thing. Von Iva covered all of the bases, blending flawlessly rock, pop, soul, punk, disco and electro music into a fun filled mix of ear candy.

There were two standouts of the set for me. The first was "Do It!" which you couldn't help but dance and clap along to. And the highlight of the night was "No Man" where Iva definitely showed off her vocal chops. She tossed out all kinds of gritty soul with that one.

It was a good set. These ladies came to bring it and bring it they did. Von Iva got New York pumpin' and set the bar pretty high for their fellow tour mates to follow.

Set List

• Birds Of Prey
• Living For It
• Do It!
• Not Hot To Trot
• Emerald Eyes
• No Resistance
• LALA
• No Man

The video ... random loss of focus is the new black ... or something!
Von Iva - Do It! (live)


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

All Photos: © L. R. Adams

Around New York ... February 2 - February 8, 2009

Upcoming shows in the New York area ...

February 3 -- Jewel / Jedd Hughes at Wellmont Theatre
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com
February 4 -- The Prigs / Jennifer Hirsh / Julian Peterson / Emily Green at Public Assembly
http://www.publicassemblynyc.com
February 5 -- Big Head Todd & The Monsters (pictured) at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
http://www.irvingplaza.com
February 5 -- Drink Up Buttercup / The Beatards at The Annex
http://www.theannexnyc.com
February 5 -- John Legend at Radio City Music Hall
http://www.radiocity.com
February 6 -- Japanther at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com
February 6 -- Taylor McFerrin & Friends at BAM
http://www.bam.org
February 7 -- Gene Ween Band / Stumblebum at Music Hall Of Williamsburg
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com
February 7 -- Levon Helm at Wellmont Theatre
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com
February 7 -- Soulive at The Bell House
http://www.thebellhouseny.com
February 8 -- The Black Keys (pictured) / Doug Gillard at Wellmont Theatre
http://www.wellmonttheatre.com
February 8 -- Maxi Priest at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
http://www.bbkingblues.com
February 8 -- Mirror Mirror / Macaque at Cake Shop
http://www.cake-shop.com