U.S. Royalty: Loud and Deliciously Decadent

U.S. Royalty: February 22, 2011 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY


Holy hell!

On my way home from Mercury Lounge after DC based U.S. Royalty rocked and rolled, I asked myself what I was going to write about the show. All that came to mind was, holy hell.

There have been a few occasions upon seeing a band perform for the first time that I'm left trying to put thought to word. I get that tingly feeling in my stomach, that shivering chill that goes up your spine. You know, the way classic rock 'n' roll is supposed to make you feel. U.S. Royalty gave me that feeling Tuesday night. I got butterfly stomach. I stood there, okay, I wiggled about oddly trying to take some photos while happily remembering why I love loud guitars and decadent frontmen (think young Mick Jagger or Rod Stewart), why I still plant myself up front at shows and why nearly getting whacked with a wayward mic stand is just part of the adventure.

They kicked things off with "Monte Carlo" a song reminiscent of Rumors era Fleetwood Mac. A part of me halfway expected to see Stevie Nicks come twirling out. While she didn't, they did cover her "Wild Heart" later in the show. Three songs in, they played blues rock stomper "Hollywood Hollows," my favorite song from their delicious, recently released Mirrors record. At that point, I fell in lust; they could have performed the contents of a takeout menu and I might not have complained. They ended the set with the grandiose "Equestrian" leaving the stage to the rather loud applause of the crowd.

I like being entertained and U.S. Royalty entertained me. And, in the end, that's all that matters.

More photos HERE.

Set List

• Monte Carlo
• Fool To Love (Like I Do)
• Hollywood Hollows
• The Desert Won't Save You
• Wild Heart
• Equestrian

The Romany Rye Offer Free Download + NY Show

The Romany Rye are offering up a new song. "I Hate Myself (For Loving You)," (no, the Joan Jett song) can be downloaded using the handy widget below. They'll be releasing a new record this summer so this is sort of a sneak peak.

Gig Alert! The band will be here in New York (Brooklyn) on March 13 at Public Assembly so head over and check them out. They'll also be heading down to SXSW next month.

I'm sure everyone knows about the big Rolling Stone contest. If not, check it out HERE. The Romany Rye are one of the artists that were chosen to be a part of the contest.

(click the down arrow to the right)

The Romany Rye - I Hate Myself (For Loving You) by Big Hassle Media

Luke Rathborne At Home In The Living Room

Luke Rathborne: February 18, 2011 @ The Living Room, New York, NY

Luke Rathborne recently came onto my radar. He has a double EP I Can Be One / Dog Years scheduled for release on March 8. Having heard some tracks, I really wanted to check him out live.

Rathborne, a wisp of a man who sings with his eyes closed the majority of the time, took the stage at The Living Room kicking things off solo and accompanying himself on the piano. Being a newbie to his work, I don't know the name of the song but it was understated, beautiful, soulful and just simply stunning. A few songs in he was joined by drummer John Eatherly. I'm typically not a fan of the drums but Eatherly was a total wild man back there; he was totally insane. The pair launched into a series of upbeat songs that were reminiscent of jangly Brit pop. Bassist Darren Hayes Will arrived late, towards the end of the set, and kicked the jangly sound up a notch though they tuned it down for the wistful "Dog Years." Rathborne ended the show as he began it, solo at the piano.

I don't know if it had to do with where I was sitting or if it was the sound system, but the music seemed a bit too loud and from my vantage point Rathborne appeared to have to over sing (for lack of a better description) to be heard over the music. He's young. He has the songs and he has the chops. I'm partial to the soulful piano tunes personally. But, there's something special about Rathborne though and I look forward to watching him grow.

More photos HERE.


Songs Played (may not be in order)

• Suntan
• When I Need You
• Don't Wait
• Last Forgiven
• You Let Me In
• Northern Shore
• Why
• Wanna Be You
• Dog Years

Rocky Business Tomorrow, 2/23 @ Mercury Lounge

Rocky Business will be headlining a show at Mercury Lounge tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 23. Doors are at 9:30PM and it will cost you $10. They're celebrating the release of their mixtape White People Are Drug Dealers Too which was released yesterday. During their set, they'll premier their music video for "Rocky's Theme."

Tune into East Village Radio TODAY at 5PM Eastern time. They'll be on Andrew Andrew which airs Tuesdays 4PM - 6PM Eastern.

Katie Costello's Lamplight Out Today + MP3

Singer/songwriter Katie Costello released her second full-length release, Lamplight, today via Tiny Tiny Records. Lamplight takes listeners though a piano laced, melodic romp that will likely have you singing along and tapping your foot. Costello has one of those voices that can leave you entranced and off in your own world. It's also a voice that's sweetly soulful and romantic; perfect for those quiet Sunday mornings. Lamplight is one of those records you will find yourself returning to again and again.

We have in our MP3 Grab at the bottom of the post, the beautiful "Out Of Our Minds" from Lamplight.

Track List

• Cassette Tape
• Ashes Ashes
• After Dark
• No Shelter
• Despite Times
• Out Of Our Minds
• Fading Lately
• Dig A Hole
• Old Owl
• People: A Theory
• The Weirds
• Stranger

MP3 Grab: "Out Of Our Minds" (right click, save)

Revolver To Tour North America & Release EP + MP3

French trio Revolver have a busy spring coming up. The group will be touring North America, their debut US tour, with stops at SXSW and our own lovely city. They'll take the stage here in New York at Mercury Lounge on Saturday, February 26. Click HERE for tickets to their upcoming shows.

Revolver have an EP, Parallel Lives, coming out next Tuesday, February 22. The trio has harmonies that reminds one of Simon & Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills & Nash. They particularly remind me of the latter on "Losing You" from the EP. If you like your music with a folk vibe and enchanting harmonies, they're a band to check out. For a taste of the upcoming record, scroll down to the bottom of the post and get "Parallel Lives" in our MP3 Grab.

Revolver know who they are. Ambroise Willaume (vocals, guitar, piano), Christophe Musset (vocals, guitar) and Jérémie Arcache (cello, vocals) are three early twenty-something Parisians. Frenchmen with an abiding love and understanding of some of classical music's greatest ever Englishmen. They are classically trained too, but also a French band who sings in English, and named after a Beatles album. They've earned a reputation for creating beguiling, beautiful, hypnotic slices of chamber-pop.

The band recently paid a visit to MTV Iggy for a live session that can be found HERE. Check out "Luke, Mike & John" from the session below.

MTV Iggy Live: Revolver -- "Luke, Mike & John"
Revolver

Tour Dates

• Feb-24 -- Washington, DC -- Red Palace
• Feb-25 -- Philadelphia, PA -- Johnny Brenda's
• Feb-26 -- NYC -- Mercury Lounge
• Feb-27 -- Boston, MA -- TT The Bears
• March-01 -- Quebec, QC -- Scanner
• March-02 -- Montreal, QC -- Casa Del Popolo
• March-03 -- Toronto, ON -- Drake
• March-04 -- Cleveland, OH -- Grog Shop
• March-05 -- Chicago, IL -- Schubas Tavern
• March-08 -- Portland, OR -- Doug Fir Lounge
• March-09 -- Seattle, WA -- Chop Suey
• March-11 -- San Francisco, CA -- Rickshaw Stop
• March-12 -- Los Angeles, CA -- Satellite
• March-15-20 -- Austin, TX -- SXSW

MP3 Grab: "Parallel Lives" (right click, save)

Jump Into The Gospel Release EP

If you've been keeping up with my little corner of the blog world, then you'll be familiar with the fact that I like Jump Into The Gospel. Well, great news, they've released a four song self-titled EP! The EP can be downloaded HERE.

The insanely catchy "Humvee Mansion" kicks things off setting things up for a fun but much too quick musical romp. "Photovoltaic," the EP's second track takes me back to the days when I wore fingerless lace gloves and neon colored spandex. While I don't wish to re-live the fashion faux pas' of my youth, I relish the synth pop sound that made and still makes me bop around with my head phones on, music blaring.

Jump Into The Gospel are a fun treat. The band, Ben Vescovi (guitar), Chris Stein (drums) and Erik Tonnesen (keyboards) lay down a precise foundation full of ear pleasing melodies and rhythms to get you up and wiggling your ass. Super skinny, wild haired frontman Louis Epstein rounds things out with hypnotic vocals that are one minute reserved and sometimes mysterious, while the next minute he's a wailing falsetto.

Four tracks isn't nearly enough but, it'll do ... for now.

Gig Alert! They'll be at Mercury Lounge on Saturday, February 26. Doors open at 7:30PM and it'll cost you $10. Swing by and show them some love.

Israel's Hadag Nahash Returns To US For Spring Tour

Israel's Hadag Nahash will return to the States for a tour in March. If you haven't heard them, they're seriously funky. Check out the video below for their song "I Believe." I'm totally diggin' this one. Their most recent album, 6, has gone gold in Israel and will be released in the US later this year.

The band will be at SXSW and they'll make a stop in our lovely city. They'll be at City Winery on March 19. A list of confirmed dates are below.

With six gold albums in their homeland, the band has been making headway in the U.S. of late including their music’s major inclusion (4 Songs) in the Adam Sandler motion picture You Don’t Mess With The Zohan. Hadag Nahash’s music has also appeared on the prime time TV show NCIS and most recently they have licensed their hit "Lo Maspik" on the world-famous game The Sims 3.

While the music is uplifting and dance ready, the band works in messages of social and political issue into their songs. Early in their career, Hadag Nahash managed to walk the fine line between popularity and social agenda. Known for their feverish agenda, they’ve become moral critics of Israeli society. Their songs promote equality and civil rights, and create a soundtrack to the local struggle against racism and corruption. This unique perspective made them the center of attention, both locally and internationally. An example of this is on the band’s 2004 hit "Shirat Ha’ Sticker (The Sticker Song)" which was actually a song containing lyrics entirely pulled from the slogans of 54 bumper stickers that Israeli author David Grossman observed on cars in Israel. The song was a HUGE hit almost reaching platinum status is Israel and came to the attention of international media including The NY Times who wrote a feature on the phenomenon titled “Honk If You Love Bumper Stickers” that said of the song “Imagine the dazzling unlikeliness of Russell Banks having collaborated with Mos Def or Chuck D on a chart topper.”

Tour Dates

• March 10 - UC San Diego, CA (Porter's Pub)
• March 12 - Redwood City, CA (San Francisco area) (Carrington Hall @Sequoia High School)
• March 13- Houston, Texas
• March 14-19 - Austin (South by Southwest)
• March 19 - New York (City Winery)

U.S. Royalty Releases New Video + MP3

U.S. Royalty have released a new video for their song "Equestrian." The song is from their recently released album, Mirrors. Check out the video below. And, if that wasn't enough, scroll down to the bottom of the post and grab the Flosstradamus remix of "Equestrian."

Gig Alert! The band will be on the LES at Mercury Lounge on Tuesday, February 22. Doors are at 7PM and it'll cost you $10 in advance/$12 at the door. Head on down and check them out.

MP3 Grab: "Equestrian (Flosstradamus remix)" (right click, save as)

Lelia Broussard Selected For Rolling Stone Contest

Singer/songwriter Lelia Broussard has been selected by Rolling Stone for their Do You Wanna Be A Rock & Roll Star contest. It was announced last night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon that sixteen unsigned artists have been chosen by Rolling Stone editors to be a part of the contest. To vote and find out more info click HERE. In the final round two artists will compete on stage at Bonnaroo with the winner being the first unsigned act ever to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone and receive a recording contract from Atlantic Records.

We know my opinion, Broussard is a QNYC fave. But what with the whole democracy thing, I can't tell people how to vote. Head on over, check out the artists and show your support.

Broussard has been supporting her fourth independently released record, Masquerade (released digitally November 2010), with recent shows in NYC and LA. She's a heck of a performer ... effervescent, infectious and irresistible. A deluxe CD version of Masquerade with bonus tracks will be available April 5 via indie record shops and online retailers in the US. Head down to the bottom of the post to our MP3 Grab for "Alone On A Train," a previously unreleased song that Broussard is offering as a free download.

MP3 Grab: "Alone On A Train" (right click, save as)