Alexander Ebert To Release Debut Solo Album

Alexander Ebert lead singer of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is scheduled to release 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

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.

A Million Years At The Bowery Poetry Club

A Million Years: January 6 @ Bowery Poetry Club, New York, NY

A few nights ago, I headed down to the LES to catch a burlesque show at Bowery Poetry Club. Great fun was had by all. As I was putting on my coat, a guy was moving the chairs off to the side. I ask who would be playing. He couldn't remember the bands name. Just as he said that, I looked up and saw familiar faces! I said, "A Million Years!" perhaps a little on the giddy side cause he looked at me oddly. He replied while continuing to look at me oddly, "yeah, that's it." So, I decided to stay.

I had no idea the band was playing but it was a nice surprise. The show was a going away party for a young lady named Tara. I don't know you Tara, but best wishes!

I became familiar with the Brooklyn based A Million Years several months ago. It was a month or two after the release of their album Mischief Maker was released. If you haven't already, check it out. "Suspicious," from the release, is addictive and my favorite track. (Update: check out video of the track from the show below.)

Anyway, though I had met the band before, due to conflicting schedules for a couple and being horribly ill for another, this was the first chance I had to see a show since getting into their music. A Million Years put on an effortless set. They’re a tight band who played with well practiced ease. I can easily see these guys headlining arena stages. There’s just something about ‘em.

If they happen to be playing near you, check them out. If you’re in New York, you’ll get your chance on February 11. They’ll be at Mercury Lounge and it’ll cost you $10. See you there?

(More photos HERE)

GRVRBBRS Prove Me Wrong

GRVRBBRS: December 29 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Last week I made my way to the LES to partake in a little music intoxication. I'd gone to see Jump Into The Gospel but decided to head down to Mercury Lounge early to check out a couple of the bands that were also performing. The duo that took the stage right before them was GRVRBBRS.

When the guys from GRVRBBRS started setting up, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like them. They had on Marine type outfits and my first thought was, this is going to be some cheesy ass shit. They had computers, keyboard/synth things and lots of wires. But, I held out some hope because there were actual guitars and basses being set up as well. Besides, I'm a reasonably open minded person and learned a very long time ago that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

The pair kicked off their set and I have to say, GRVRBBRS, I apologize for thinking you would be cheesy! Forgive me? I'm woman enough to admit my initial prediction was wrong. It was seriously wrong! They busted out a set of dance mixes that had everyone dancing up in there. They turned the joint into a party. Outfits aside, I ended up digging them. I do so love those moments when I discover I like something I didn't think I would.

Check them out if see them on a line-up. But, you'd better bring your dancing shoes. I guarantee you will dance.

(More photos HERE)

Year End Review: The Black Crowes – Croweology

In August, The Black Crowes released their latest effort, Croweology. The Paul Stacey produced, double disc, acoustic work was released on the band’s own Silver Arrow label. Croweology commemorates the 20th anniversary of the band’s debut classic Shake Your Moneymaker reworking hits, fan favorites and other songs from their career.

When I first sat down to listen to the record, my first thought was, this is what the Crowes brief appearance on Unplugged back in the day should have sounded like. Then I listened again and thought, perhaps not. The Black Crowes that did that were wild, raw and hungry. There was a loose cannon edge to them. I wouldn’t trade that period in Crowes history for the world. Croweology is what years of seasoning and maturity sounds like. Does it make me feel like the guitar and vocals are going to take me over the edge into some unknown territory? No, it doesn’t. Twenty years ago, they made me feel as if they were saying “take my hand, the ride could get intense and scary but it’ll always be alright.” Twenty years later they make me feel like they’re saying “come by for Sunday dinner, we’ll eat and shoot the breeze.” That’s not saying it’s boring. That’s saying we’re grown up; we’re all twenty years older. This is us with lines around our eyes and twenty years of rock ‘n’ roll coursing through our veins. There’s a certain level of visiting an old friend type of comfort in listening to this record.

A friend of mine wasn’t so keen on getting this record because she’s a purist, and why mess with something that wasn’t broken. I think if it were any other band I’d probably feel the same way. But, one of the things I always loved about the Crowes was their desire and ability to change things up a bit live and that’s what this record feels like to me, an acoustic, structured, jam session. Yeah, I know, structured and jam session don’t belong in the same sentence!

Croweology brings back a lot of memories and I’ve enjoyed listening to it. Would I trade in the original versions of the songs for the versions on this collection? No. I might trade in a few of my well worn bootleg versions for these renditions … maybe. And, I have to say, I much prefer this type of “best of” instead of the traditional re-packaging of tracks that are nothing more than exactly what you already have only in a new package. I can do that myself on my music player, it’s called a playlist. So, kudos to the band on taking the mildly alternative route with their “best of” release.

As I played the disc, someone who had to endure endless plays of their albums and probably groaned every time I came back from the mailbox with an envelope of cassettes (they knew that envelope would contain several hours of live Crowes), came into the room. Their favorite Crowes song is “She Talks To Angels” so I skipped to that track. I asked what she thought and she replied “Chris sounds sane.” Huh? I was informed that there was a period where she thought he sounded substance aided lost and crazy. Okay. Vocally, Robinson sounds great on Croweology. To be honest, it might well be the best I’ve heard him, certainly in a good long time. He sounds less nasally, more controlled and there’s a maturity in his voice that’s comforting and warm. The Black Crowes have always been a top notch band. The rest of the band does some excellent work on this record and I’m not slighting them but Robinson’s vocals are the highlight here. The band has perfectly created a stage for Robinson to sparkle and shine.

While some may disagree, I think this is a fitting record to celebrate twenty years. Since the band is going on hiatus for an unspecified amount of time, I think it’s also a fitting way to say, “thanks and see you around” to their fans. Twenty years ago, I saw The Black Crowes, Chris, Rich, Steve, Johnny & Jeff for the first time and began my journey that while altered, has never ended. I’ve come full-circle now. Chris, Rich & Steve thank you for twenty years. To those who have come and gone and those of the current incarnation, thanks as well, you've helped make the journey a memorable one.

Croweology is a tidy package that brings things full-circle. And that my friends, is just what the quirky chick needed.

Track List

Disc 1

• Jealous Again
• Share The Ride
• Remedy
• Non-Fiction
• Hotel Illness
• Soul Singin'
• Ballad In Urgency
• Wiser Time
• Cold Boy Smile
• Under A Mountain

Disc 2

• She Talks To Angels
• Morning Song
• Downtown Money Waster
• Good Friday
• Thorn In My Pride
• Welcome To The Good Times
• Girl From A Pawnshop
• Sister Luck
• She
• Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye

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.