A Fine Frenzy have passed a million followers on Twitter and in celebration? of that, they're giving away a song. Hey, I'm all for any excuse to celebrate, especially when there's free stuff to be had. Visit their website HERE to get "Blow Away" which was recorded live at WKRQ in Cincinnati. "Blow Away" is the new single from their upcoming record A Bomb In A Bird Cage which is scheduled to drop on September 8.
www.afinefrenzy.com
New York based Sean Bones released Rings today, July 21. For those unfamiliar with Sean Bones, they play reggae based indie pop. I'm not normally into anything reggae aside from a few old school things so, it may come as a shock to anyone who knows me that I would like this band. But, I saw them perform at the end of May and they put on a hell of a show and thus the reason I decided to check out the record. Rings is full of laid back summertime listening. The highlights for me are "Dancehall" and "Sugar In My Spoon" the latter of which is a must see live. Live the song is one of those combo "say wha ... well damn" things. That aside, the studio version is just as enjoyable. I'd say if you like your indie pop firmly ensconced in reggae beats, you'll like this record. It'll be the record you throw on late into the barbecue and dance with your friends, drink firmly in hand.If you're in NY, then you have a few chances to catch the band. They're having a record release party at Glasslands in Brooklyn tomorrow, July 22. If you can't make that, they'll be tearing up the LES at Pianos on July 30 and at Mercury Lounge on August 7. So, go check them out. The initiated already know they'll get a good show. Those not in the know, go, you just might find yourself like me, wowed by a killer show.
Track Listing
- Easy Street
- Cry Cry Cry
- Coco
- Act So Casual
- Sugar In My Spoon
- Instigator
- Smoke Rings
- Visions
- Dancehall
- Captain Tying Knots
- Turn Them
www.seanbones.com
www.myspace.com/seanbones
www.tinyurl.com/seanbonesfacebook
The schedule blocks for George Wein's Folk Festival 50 have been announced. Now you can find out when your favorite artists will be performing and on what stage. The iconic granddaddy of festivals takes place on Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2 in Newport, RI.
www.folkfestival50.com/music-cubes.html
Broken Side Of Time, the album from rock band Alberta Cross is due out September 22. But, you can get a taste of the upcoming record now. Check out/stream "Leave Us And Forgive Us" HERE. Nice guys that they are, they're giving it away for FREE too. You can download it from their website or by using the handy little widget below that they so kindly set up.
www.albertacross.net
www.myspace.com/albertacross
Funny People - The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is due to be released on July 28. The movie, Funny People, stars Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann in the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience and what happens when the other side isn’t at all what you expect. Eric Bana, Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman co-star. The movie will be in theaters July 31.The soundtrack features a stellar line-up of classic pop artists. That being said, I'm not sure why they felt the need to toss in not one, but two songs from the film's star Adam Sandler. To make matters worse, one of the songs he's allowed to "sing" is John Lennon's "Real Love." Granted, the song sounds better than I expected it to but still, it didn't really need to be here. He is definitely the weak link among the tracks. On the other hand co-star Jason Schwartzman's band Coconut Records, whose work I actually like, fairs much better with their two songs especially the catchy "Wires."There's Beatles presence other than that Sandler misstep. Paul McCartney's "Great Day" from my favorite modern day McCartney album Flaming Pie, is the opening track. And in the end ... the album closes out with back to back Beatles. Ringo Starr's "Photograph" a song he co-wrote with George Harrison for his 1973 record Ringo which is followed by an acoustic demo version of John Lennon's "Watching The Wheels."The soundtrack also boast two new live tracks. The first, James Taylor's live on-camera performance of "Carolina In My Mind" in the film and "Jesus, Etc." by Wilco featuring Andrew Bird on violin.Listen to "Jesus, Etc." by Wilco featuring Andrew Bird Here.Listen to "Watching The Wheels" by John Lennon Here.Watch the official Funny People Trailer Here.
Track Listing
- Great Day - Paul McCartney
- Wires - Coconut Records
- All The King's Horses - Robert Plant And The Strange Sensation
- Carolina In My Mind - James Taylor
- Keep Me In Your Heart - Warren Zevon
- Real Love - Adam Sandler
- We - Neil Diamond
- Jesus, Etc. - Wilco featuring Andrew Bird
- George Simmons Soon Will Be Gone - Adam Sandler
- I Am Young - Coconut Records
- Memory - Larry Goldings featuring Maude Apatow
- Numb As A Statue - Warren Zevon
- Photograph - Ringo Starr
- Watching The Wheels - John Lennon
Good news, those CT lads known as Talking To Walls are going on the road again! They've even got a tour name and everything. The Half & Half Tour, snazzy. There's a reason for that particular title though. This tour isn't going to be the full on Talking To Walls assault. These shows will feature half of the band, singer/guitarist Brian Kelly and guitarist Nat Webb, the bands two primary songwriters. The duo are going it alone this time to give fans a stripped down acoustic show. I like acoustic stuff! Does this mean I'll be hearing a rousing acoustic version of "Song For Megan" when I see them? Y'all know I like that song ... a lot! And as luck would have it, or as booking would have it, they're going to swing through NY again! They'll be at Desmond's Tavern on August 15. Here's a list of their dates. Go check them out if they're playing near you. I have it on good authority you'll enjoy yourselves.
Talking to Walls "Half & Half Tour: 2009"
Thursday, July 23
SoNo Caffeine
133 Washington Avenue, Norwalk, CT
203-857-4224
Free, All ages
8pm
Saturday, July 25
33 A Chester Center
Chester, CT
All Ages
9pm
Thursday, July 30
Cafe Nine
250 State Street, New Haven, CT
203-789-8281
9pm
21+
Friday, July 31
Midway Cafe
3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
617-524-9038
9pm
21+
Saturday, August 1
TBA
Thursday, August 13
Seaside Tavern
891 Cove Road, Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 964-9225
21+
9:30
Saturday, August 15
Desmond's Tavern
433 Park Avenue South, Manhattan, NY
212-725-9864
21+
9pm
Sunday, August 16
TBA
Monday, August 17
Fire
Philadelphia, PA
267-671-9298
Tuesday, August 18
Asylum
2471 18th Street NW, Washington, DC
202.319.9353
9:30
Wednesday, August 19
Cafe Arabica
164 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07960
201-880-1080
Thursday, August 20
TBA
www.talkingtowalls.com
www.facebook.com/talkingtowalls
twitter.com/talkingtowalls
www.desmondstavern.com
So, I was catching up on my email today and came across one recommending a band to me. That's not an unusual thing. Well, I opened up one sent to me by a street team member about a New York based band called The Ropes. See folks, street teams really do spread the word.
www.theropesonline.com
www.myspace.com/theropes
Hot Seconds: July 14 @ Southpaw, Brooklyn, NY
I decided it was time to relax a little. What better way to go about it then by taking in the fine m
usical stylings of the deliciously fun Hot Seconds? So, I hopped on the train and headed over to Park Slope (that's in Brooklyn for the non-New Yorker's and neighborhood challenged New Yorker's) to visit the rather spacious Southpaw.The band James Love (vocals/guitar/tambourine), Eran Westwood (guitar/vocals), Marcel Simoneau (keyboards/guitar/megaphone), Bob Toria (bass), Ian Hudgins (drums/vocals) were once again in the zone. They did an eleven song, fifty minute set kicking it off with "Can't Stop" and took it home with "When I Go." In between these two songs, the favorites were played as well as some filming for a Brazilian television program. Brush up on your Portuguese boys, y'all are truly international now!As you know, or you would if you've been reading previous postings or were at the shows, they've been rolling out new songs here and there. Last month they rolled out "Push To Pound," which they played again at this show. If I'm not mistaken, and I could be, it's been known to happen; it seems Simoneau has added more keyboards into the mix. I do believe I like that. Actually, I seemed to hear a lo
t more of Simoneau in general at this show than I have at previous shows. Either the sound system was showing mad love for him or he was making his mark, perhaps both. At any rate, the boys over on stage left have stepped up their already on point game.I've mentioned in other posts about this mystical thing taking place over there on stage right in Westwood World. Not only has he unapologetically channeled his inner guitar god, he has now, it seems, completely embraced it. He's over there smiling and moving around in ways that previously weren't seen. All of this relaxing, channeling, embracing, smiling and moving has made me notice something. While his playing has always been solid, I've noticed over these last few shows, that it seems to be tighter, a bit more daring, dirtier and a little heavier. Whatever comfort zone he has fallen into translates well in his playing.Meanwhile, over on stage left and back some, henceforth known as Toria Territory, there was an emergence. Birthday boy Toria broke out of his 
traditional quite guy in the background mold. We got ourselves a rather carefree bassist this show. Sure, he's still the unwavering and flawlessly consistent bottom line we all know and dig but, he too did a little more moving than I've previously seen. Perhaps this is a once a year event or maybe just the excitement of finally being of legal drinking age ... yeah, moving on. At any rate, I like this carefree thing he's doing. Hear the drummer get wicked! Did I just quote Public Enemy? Wow, that's so unlike me. Anyway, it seemed like a good lead in to say I'm still feeling mad love for Hudgins' drumming. Yep, it's officially official; I'm just a Hudgins fan. The mad love doesn't seem to carry over to other drummers and it seems it's not just a phase. Speaking of said drummer, he was a lot less vocal this show.Rock Star, 
or for this show, almost birthday boy; that would be Love in case you're wondering, was glowing. I can't really explain it. He just had this happy glow about him. Then again, perhaps he was feeling the excitement of being within hours of legal drinking age ... yeah, moving on, again. I digressed. Love is still letting his rock star wings flutter proudly. They grow a little bigger with each show. It won't be long before they're completely developed and he takes full flight. I can't wait to see him fly. I have been pondering this since it happened. They did a song, "I'm Good, I'm Gone." It involves clapping together. Or, at least I think they were supposed to be clapping together. What I want to know is, how a group of men, who play so well together, manage to clap so brilliantly out of sync? Oh they started out together but somewhere along the line it all went awry. Let's for the heck of it say, they were only supposed to clap in sync at the beginning and at the end 
it was freestyle! Yeah, let's go with that. Judging by the smiles they themselves gave, they too may have been pondering The Great Clapping Incident of '09.They really have found themselves. Of course, they weren't lost. They've just found what makes them shine best and have become more comfortable putting it on display. Hot Seconds have come into their own and with each show it gets better. I'm misting up with pride as only a sister can. Oh yeah ... I've adopted them whether they know it, like it or want it. They just may not wanna stop by for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, Easter or any other holiday that involves me cooking ... pickin's are slim in these parts boys. But seriously, I am proud. I'm proud to witness a group of nice guys start to take flight and shine.
Set List
- Can't Stop
- Pieces Of You
- We Met Before
- Holy Moly
- Clam Man
- Push To Pound
- Pink Caesar
- Gone To Ground
- I'm Good, I'm Gone
- Went To India
- When I Go
Be social ...
www.hotseconds.net
www.twitter.com/hotseconds
www.myspace.com/hotseconds
www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Seconds/6225253266
Chaka Khan with the George Duke Trio will kick off George Wein’s CareFusion Jazz Festival 55 on Friday, August 7 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. Etta James had been scheduled for the date but unfortunately had to cancel due to illness. Get well soon Ms. James!While many only know Khan for her soul and R&B hits, she is no stranger to jazz. In fact, she and Duke have recently made a string of critically-acclaimed appearances on the European jazz festival circuit. Now, the pair are teaming up once again for an evening of jazz. Also on the bill, Israeli clarinetist Anat Cohen with guitarist Howard Alden in a salute to Benny Goodman. The evening will be hosted by radio announcer Ron Della Chiesa.
www.jazzfestival55.com
A Fine Frenzy have passed a million followers on Twitter and in celebration? of that, they're giving away a song. Hey, I'm all for any excuse to celebrate, especially when there's free stuff to be had. Visit their website HERE to get "Blow Away" which was recorded live at WKRQ in Cincinnati. "Blow Away" is the new single from their upcoming record A Bomb In A Bird Cage which is scheduled to drop on September 8.
New York based Sean Bones released Rings today, July 21. For those unfamiliar with Sean Bones, they play reggae based indie pop. I'm not normally into anything reggae aside from a few old school things so, it may come as a shock to anyone who knows me that I would like this band. But, I saw them perform at the end of May and they put on a hell of a show and thus the reason I decided to check out the record. 
The schedule blocks for George Wein's Folk Festival 50 have been announced. Now you can find out when your favorite artists will be performing and on what stage. The iconic granddaddy of festivals takes place on Saturday, August 1 & Sunday, August 2 in Newport, RI.
Broken Side Of Time, the album from rock band Alberta Cross is due out September 22. But, you can get a taste of the upcoming record now. Check out/stream "Leave Us And Forgive Us" HERE. Nice guys that they are, they're giving it away for FREE too. You can download it from their website or by using the handy little widget below that they so kindly set up.
Funny People - The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is due to be released on July 28. The movie, Funny People, stars Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann in the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience and what happens when the other side isn’t at all what you expect. Eric Bana, Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman co-star. The movie will be in theaters July 31.
www.myspace.com/thevoxys
Good news, those CT lads known as Talking To Walls are going on the road again! They've even got a tour name and everything. The Half & Half Tour, snazzy. There's a reason for that particular title though. This tour isn't going to be the full on Talking To Walls assault. These shows will feature half of the band, singer/guitarist Brian Kelly and guitarist Nat Webb, the bands two primary songwriters. The duo are going it alone this time to give fans a stripped down acoustic show. I like acoustic stuff! Does this mean I'll be hearing a rousing acoustic version of "Song For Megan" when I see them? Y'all know I like that song ... a lot! And as luck would have it, or as booking would have it, they're going to swing through NY again! They'll be at Desmond's Tavern on August 15. 
So, I was catching up on my email today and came across one recommending a band to me. That's not an unusual thing. Well, I opened up one sent to me by a street team member about a New York based band called The Ropes. See folks, street teams really do spread the word. 
usical stylings of the deliciously fun Hot Seconds? So, I hopped on the train and headed over to Park Slope (that's in Brooklyn for the non-New Yorker's and neighborhood challenged New Yorker's) to visit the rather spacious Southpaw.
t more of Simoneau in general at this show than I have at previous shows. Either the sound system was showing mad love for him or he was making his mark, perhaps both. At any rate, the boys over on stage left have stepped up their already on point game.
traditional quite guy in the background mold. We got ourselves a rather carefree bassist this show. Sure, he's still the unwavering and flawlessly consistent bottom line we all know and dig but, he too did a little more moving than I've previously seen. Perhaps this is a once a year event or maybe just the excitement of finally being of legal drinking age ... yeah, moving on. At any rate, I like this carefree thing he's doing.
or for this show, almost birthday boy; that would be Love in case you're wondering, was glowing. I can't really explain it. He just had this happy glow about him. Then again, perhaps he was feeling the excitement of being within hours of legal drinking age ... yeah, moving on, again. I digressed. Love is still letting his rock star wings flutter proudly. They grow a little bigger with each show. It won't be long before they're completely developed and he takes full flight. I can't wait to see him fly.
it was freestyle! Yeah, let's go with that. Judging by the smiles they themselves gave, they too may have been pondering The Great Clapping Incident of '09.
Chaka Khan with the George Duke Trio will kick off George Wein’s CareFusion Jazz Festival 55 on Friday, August 7 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. Etta James had been scheduled for the date but unfortunately had to cancel due to illness. Get well soon Ms. James!