And On The Third Day … Jump Into The Gospel

Jump Into The Gospel: December 29 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

As the year comes to a close, I've realized that I’m ending my music year pretty much the same as it began … at Mercury Lounge, in front of the stage, with camera in hand.

I climbed mountains of snow, trudged through un-plowed streets and walked through slushy puddles. As I did so, I pondered a question. What does $5 and subway fare get you on a Wednesday night on the LES? The answer, it gets you some damn good music!

The damn good music on this particular night was New York band Jump Into The Gospel. Back in February, I had the pleasure of seeing the band perform. I had heard of them but hadn’t actually heard any of their music. That all changed when they hit the stage. One song in and I was smitten. I walked away that night totally digging their sound. Nearly a year later I’m at the same venue to see them again.

After missing several of their gigs this year, I made it a point to catch this Jump Into The Gospel show. I decided it was the perfect way to end the year, concert wise, that is. For those who haven’t joined the JITG congregation, they’re indie electro-pop. I do so hate trying to put labels on stuff. How about we just call it really good music?

They kicked things off with the infectious “Humvee Mansion.” From there, JITG rocked their way through a catchy nine song set of old and new. I’m partial to “Flagship” and “St. John.” They’ll be releasing a record in the upcoming months so that’s something to look forward to my fellow quirky people. Photography and catchy, danceable songs don’t mix by the way, but, you can get a taste of what you missed (if you weren’t there or want to re-live) below in video and photos.

The bands’ following has grown since I last saw them and deservingly so. They put on a great live set. At one point, I turned around for a moment to get a gander of my fellow audience members and saw a whole passel of folks smiling and dancing along to the music.

Keep an eye on these guys and definitely check them out live. Speaking of live, they’ll be at Pianos on January 15. It’ll cost you $10. Swing by and show 'em some love.

“Humvee Mansion”

Year End Review: Triple Cobra At Arlene's Grocery

Triple Cobra: August 14 @ Arlene's Grocery, New York, NY

In August, I ventured down to the LES to check out a band I dig at Arlene's Grocery. After that set was over, I was going to leave. Before doing that though, I'd ask someone standing near me if they'd heard the band that was going to play next. They said no. But, the place started filling up and I began to wonder about the band. Then, out walked a group of folks in white to set up. Okay, now I'm really curious. I look up and there's a man in glitter lipstick and eye make-up with flowing sleeves. Okay, I thought, I need to hear what these people sound like! But, I'll be honest, I thought I'd only stay for a song or two.

The band was Triple Cobra from San Francisco (though they're apparently relocating to New York now) and they set about putting on a no holds bar glam rock feast. The show was dark and sweaty. There was confetti and sparks. There were moody light hues. They came to put on a show and they succeeded; their fans loved every bit of it.

I walked in not knowing who this band was. I ended up staying the entire set and enjoying myself. If you haven't seen them live, they're well worth checking out. Triple Cobra are a tremendously fun live band to see.

(More photos HERE)

Season's Greetings!

U.S. Royalty To Release Mirrors In January + MP3

DC based U.S. Royality are gearing up for the release of their debut album MIRRORS. The record is scheduled for January 25. I've had a chance to check out the record and I'm diggin' it. "Hollywood Hollows" has been on repeat, lovin' this track to bits.

To get you in the spirit and whet your appetite for the album, we have for your listening pleasure we have "Equestrian" in the MP3 Grab below. Check it out and enjoy.

"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."

In March 2010, the band teamed up with engineer Gus Oberg (The Strokes, Albert Hammond Jr., Bloc Party) and Justin Long to begin recording the album. The band recently released the first single off the album, "Equestrian," and set a release date for the debut album, January 25th 2011.

Track List

• The Mirror
• Hollywood Hollows
• Monte Carlo
• Equestrian
• Vacation Vacation
• Old Flames
• Fool To Love (Like I Do)
• Give Up The Ghost
• The Desert Won't Save You
• Voice Memo

MP3 Grab: "Equestrian"

Duran Duran Tops Charts & Premiers New Video

British pop band Duran Duran released their 13th studio album All You Need Is Now today and it's already topping the pop download charts. The Mark Ronson produced record is #1 on the Pop Download Charts in the UK, US, Canada and Italy as well as currently holding the #2 position on the US iTunes Album Chart.

The video for the title song premiered on Yahoo! Music today as well. It was directed by Nick Egan (the man behind the bands "White Lines" and Ordinary World" videos) and features additional footage by Gavin Elder. Check it out below.

Year End Review: Paul McCartney & Wings - Band On The Run

November 2, we saw the re-mastered, re-release of Paul McCartney & Wings' classic hit album, Band on the Run. It's the first release from the Paul McCartney Archive Collection. The 2 CD/1 DVD special edition consists of the original album, a disc of bonus tracks plus a disc containing more than an hours worth of video footage all wrapped up in a tidy enhanced package.

Band on the Run, originally released in 1973, came after some hit and miss McCartney albums. There were some gems on those works but overall, they were just nice. Band on the Run however sparkled and shined with the well crafted pop goodies that McCartney was and is known for. It's a record that still holds up well.

I've been spinning this release. In listening to it, the first thing I noticed was, I needed better headphones! Once that was squared away, I plugged in and cranked the sound. The re-master is louder and more clean than previous releases of the record. I hear more little bits and bobs that I never noticed before.

I realized something while listening to the record. All of the songs that I as a child, first associated as being McCartney, came from this album. Yes, as a kid I knew The Beatles music. But that was The Beatles and Beatle Paul and Wings Paul may have been one and the same, but they were separate in my mind. Beatles Paul was in funny movies and was a cartoon, literally ... oh and he wrote some great songs. But, Wings Paul was a rock star that people could actually go and see. He wasn't the larger than life entity his earlier self had become. Hey, nobody ever said kids made sense! Anyway, two of my all time favorite Wings songs come from this record "Let Me Roll It" and "Bluebird." Even though I've heard the song many times over the years, "Mrs. Vandebilt" has jumped out at me. It just pops on this edition and has been getting repeated plays.

I was excited about the One Hand Clapping video footage. But, I have to say, I'm just a wee bit disappointed. Yes, I'm happy to have it but it doesn't look like it has had any work done to it at all. I realize the footage is old but I expected it to be cleaner. As it stands, it feels a bit like watching a second (maybe third) generation bootleg VHS recording.

In a way, you can consider Band on the Run a best of record. It's some of McCartney's best post Fab Four work to date. I can't imagine a McCartney fan who doesn't own the album. But, if you're one of those who has the album in its original release and never got around to buying it on CD or digitally, now's a good time to pick it up (vinyl lovers need not fear, it's available in that format as well), it's a good little package. Listening to this re-master reminded me just how much I like this record.

Since there are plans to release other records as part of the Paul McCartney Archive Collection, I'm hoping the next one will be Wings Over America with a bonus DVD of Rockshow in its entirety. That would make me one seriously happy chick.

Band on the Run (Special Edition)

Remastered Album

• Band on the Run
• Jet
• Bluebird
• Mrs Vandebilt
• Let Me Roll It
• Mamunia
• No Words
• Picasso’s Last Words (Drink to Me)
• Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five

Bonus Audio Tracks

• Helen Wheels
• Country Dreamer
• Bluebird [from One Hand Clapping]
• Jet [from One Hand Clapping]
• Let Me Roll It [from One Hand Clapping]
• Band on the Run [from One Hand Clapping]
• Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five [from One Hand Clapping]
• Country Dreamer [from One Hand Clapping]
• Zoo Gang

DVD

• Band on the Run Music Video
• Mamunia Music Video
• Album Promo Featuring Band on the Run, Mrs Vandebilt, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five, Bluebird
• Helen Wheels Music Video
• Wings In Lagos
• Osterley Park
• One Hand Clapping

Savoir Adore To Play Union Pool, 12/18 + MP3

Brooklyn duo Savoir Adore will be hitting the stage at Union Pool, Saturday, December 18. Doors are at 8PM and it'll cost you $10. Head on over and get your holiday party on. All of the important deets are below.

Savoir Adore are the giving sort. The duo will be holding a coat drive for New York Cares so bring a coat or jacket to donate. And, if that wasn't enough, they've even offered up a free download for all of you lovelies. Check out the MP3 Grab below and download "Loveliest Creature."

Saturday, December 18
Union Pool (484 Union Ave at Meeker)
Doors 8pm. 21+ $10
W/ Ravens and Chimes and Emil & Friends
DJ Sets by French Horn Rebellion and Yes Giantess

MP3 Grab: "Loveliest Creature"

My Song Of The Day: Keeley - "In My Dreams"

UK pop singer Keeley released her debut single "In My Dreams" on November 1. Her upcoming record is expected next year. In the meantime, give the single a listen. If your music tastes tilt towards the pop side of the R&B/club sound, check her out via the handy widget below.

'In My Dreams' is a catchy, clubby R&B tune about distant love and fantasy. It is universal, and easy to identify with, whatever your age – though surprisingly enough, according to Keeley herself it is a song about unfulfilled love between an earthling and an alien, one on earth, the other in space. Such love needs dreams in order to exist, as dreams are the only setting where it would be possible for it to grow. This is Keeley's first attempt at recording an original number, that is after years of performing cover songs in an impressive range of styles. From Alicia Keys & Beyonce to Queen, Keeley delivers great vocals, constantly adapting to different atmospheres and energy levels, marking her versatility as an awe-inspiring asset.

Keeley - in My Dreams by Downtown Artists

The Glass Live This Sunday, 12/19

The Glass will be live this Sunday, December 19. They will be at Le Bain (The Standard), 444 W 13th Street. There's a DJ set at 9pm AND a live show at 11pm. RSVP & info page is HERE. For a taste of The Glass, check out the handy widget below.

The Glass - At Swim Two Birds -album out now by theglass

Laurie Anderson Nominated For Grammy + MP3

Legendary, experimental, multimedia artist Laurie Anderson was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Pop Instrumental Performance for "Flow." The song is the closing track of her newest record Homeland, which was released in June. The album is her first studio recording in nearly ten years. In celebration of Anderson's Grammy nomination, we have for you a download of the song. Check out the handy widget below. Click the downward pointing arrow and enjoy!

Homeland is produced by Anderson with Lou Reed and Roma Baran, and engineered by Anderson, Pat Dillett, Mario McNulty and Marc Urselli. The music is instantly recognizable as Anderson’s, though it draws on a broad scope of styles: She sings throughout and plays newly developed sounds on violin, as well as contributing keyboards and percussion. Her vocals are often mediated by the vocal filter she long ago invented to perform her signature “audio drag,” this time voicing Fenway Bergamot, the male alter‐ego who appears on the album’s cover and narrates the song “Another Day in America.”

On Homeland, Anderson is joined by a diversity of collaborators, from the Tuvan throat singers and igil players of Chirgilchin to New York experimental jazz and rock players including Rob Burger (keyboards), Omar Hakim (drums), Kieran Hebden of Four Tet (keyboards), Shahzad Ismaily (percussion) Eyvind Kang (viola), Peter Scherer (keyboards), Skuli Sverrisson (bass), Ben Witman (percussion and drums) and John Zorn (saxophone). Antony Hegarty contributes additional vocals.

Laurie Anderson - "Flow" by Nonesuch Records