Return To Mermaid Avenue?

Saw this posted on Hidden Track yesterday and it got me really excited.....

“The British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, and Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett of the American band Wilco added music to 30 of Mr. Guthrie’s lyrics and released them on the acclaimed Mermaid Avenue albums in 1998 and 2000. Mr. Bragg and Wilco will perform together for the first time in seven years on Oct. 17 at Webster Hall in New York, at a benefit show to combat Huntington’s disease, the illness that ended Mr. Guthrie’s career in the mid-1950s.” [New York Times]

After doing some investigating seems like Wilco is in Detroit that night, though Billy Bragg's site does have him playing Webster Hall that day. So either the author of the article spoke to soon or maybe the date is wrong - hopefully it's the latter, since I'd love to see this.

If you don't already own the two Mermaid Avenue albums go buy them right now. Seriously go, right now!

And for those of us who've been infatuated with those album since their release go and download this....

Billy Bragg & Wilco - Mermaid Avenue Demos (via Dimeadozen)

I Love Tuesdays

Here's the lone purchase for the week....

Okkervil River - The Stage Names

Music Video Mondays

Today marks the unofficial end of summer and thought this video was a fitting tribute - so here's Lavender Diamond with "Open Your Hart".....

Ben Harper Contest Winner

Thanks for all the great entries for the CD and poster. Lots of different songs and reasons to choose from, but here is your winner from Jihan Mandilawi....

My favorite Ben Harper cover is John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy." When I
first heard this cover (which was released quite recently), I was
overwhelmed with emotion. Ben's voice in the song is painstakingly
genuine and honest. There are times when you know he is smiling
because you can hear it in his voice: "Every day in every way it's
getting beter and better." But at the same time, there are moments in
the song where his voice is overwhelmed with emotion, creating a
melancholy tone: "Life is what happens to you when you're making other
plans."

Ben has a multifaceted, versatile voice that is whimsical and romantic
in some ballads such as "She's only Happy in the Sun," or "Happily
ever after in Your Eyes.", while powerful and demanding in more
political tunes such as "Black Rain" and "Like a King."

What I find so brilliant about the "Beautiful Boy" cover is the fresh
sound of the recording. It is as if Ben is sitting right in front of
a small, intimate audience playing the song live.

In addition, the work is a creation of John Lennon, one of the most
meaningful songwriters of all time. Finally, this cover is of special
significance because it was created and produced for such a needed
cause, the conflict in Darfur.

Country, Bluegrass & Blues

Meant to get a post up on this yesterday, but Hilly Kristal owner of the legendary CBGB's died yesterday after a long battle with cancer. Rock Daily has some great stuff up on his life and legacy - head here and here.

CBGB's was the epicenter of an amazing music scene in the 1970s and you have to hand it to Kristal for insisting that bands play original music if they wanted to play the club. Thought Sonic Youth's "Do You Believe In Rapture" would be a fitting tribute to the man and his club....

Last Chance To Win - Ben Harper CD & Poster Giveaway

I'll be selecting a winner later on this afternoon for the Ben Harper CD & Poster giveaway, so there is still time to email me at hitsfromthebloggiveaway@yahoo.com and tell me about your favorite Ben Harper cover song. Gotten some great responses so far, so keep them coming.




Also for more on Ben and his music Heather of I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has a fantastic post up on him - give it a read here.

I Love Tuesdays

Here's the lone purchase of the week....

Ben Harper - Lifeline

Only a couple more days left of my Ben Harper CD & Poster giveaway - head here for details.

Coachella Dates & First Rumor

The summer music festival season is almost over, but fear not if you're already looking forward to planning your 2008 well thanks to The Daily Swarm you can circle April 25 - 27 as the dates for the fest that usually kicks starts it all the Coachella Music Festival.

They are also reporting the first rumor about it too, claiming seminal shoe-gazers My Bloody Valentine will reunite to play for the first time in over a decade - read about it all here (Billboard also has a something on this as well - head here for that).

So to feed the frenzy here's MBV with "Only Shallow".....

Bloggy Goodness

Here's what some other people have going on....

nyctaper is offering a set from yesterday's Fiery Furnace show (damn that's a quick turnaround) at the Socrates Sculpture Park along the East River - download away here.

While it seems to be hip to hate the new Rilo Kiley album CSVMIAD thinks it's their best work yet - see what they have to say about it here.

Yeti Don't Dance interviewed up and comers Ra Ra Riot prior to their set at the After The Jump Festival - check that out here.

Looks like Partyin' Peeps is back to posting after a three week hiatus - find out what was going on between posts here.

music is music has a lengthy post with some great pictures about last month's Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Fest - head here.

Cover song time - this time i guess i'm floating has the Foo Fighters, Ben Folds and Arctic Monkeys covering Arcade Fire, The Postal Service and The Strokes respectively - listen here.

Come Pick Me Up has a new favorite band and they're from up north and they're called Attack In Black - find out why here.

And as always head on over to Hidden Track for their daily distractions.

Also there is still time to enter my Ben Harper album and poster giveaway - details here.

Music Video Mondays

This seemed like the perfect video as the summer is winding to a quick end and families are hitting the road, I'm sure we all remember the feeling. Here's the Black Crowes with "Blackberry".....



The Crowes are in the midst of a monster tour that keeps them on the road till November and a new album due next spring.

Revenge of the Book Eaters - Update

As if the line-up for this Sunday's Revenge of the Book Eaters at the Beacon isn't cool enough - you've already got Jim James, Feist, A.C. Newman and Britt Daniels on the bill. Well they dialed up their indie-rock cred just a bit more with it's latest addition - Kevin Drew with his band mates Broken Social Scene. I know what you must be thinking, this has got to be sold out, well you're in luck tickets are still available - get them here, so seriously what are you waiting for?

Real People Do Win - Ben Harper CD & Poster Giveaway

I'm very excited to present to you my first contest here at HFTB and it really doesn't get much cooler then to start with with an artist like Ben Harper. So here's the deal I've been asked to give away 1 copy of Ben's new album Lifelines - which hits stores next Tuesday - as well as this very cool limited edition poster, check it out....

I know what you're saying to yourself - "What do I need to do here, because I really want to win." So here's the deal simply email me at hitsfromthebloggiveaway@yahoo.com and tell me what your favorite cover tune that Ben does and why you dig it (I have a feeling a lot of you will be going with "Let's Get It On" - so surprise me). One winner will be chosen a week from today and his/her response will be posted, so start thinking.

For more info on Ben and his new album - head here.

Albums In The Stream

Can't wait till next Tuesday to hear Ben Harper's new album Lifeline? Well you're in luck as it's streaming exclusively all week over at MSN - head here and give it a listen. While I usually reserve music videos for Mondays, I'll buck the system a little and offer up the first single off the album "In The Colors", enjoy.....



Ben along with the fantastic Innocent Criminals hit the road next month a lengthy North American tour with Piers Faccini and Donovan Frankenreiter splitting opening duties throughout. To find out when he's hitting your town check out the dates here.

I'm Not There Trailer

Finally a trailer has surfaced for the Dylan biopic I'm Not There, check it out....



If that doesn't get you excited then we're not friends anymore.

In other Zimmy news his never-ending tour rolls on with a new set of dates. Elvis Costello (who will be doing solo sets) and Amos Lee opening - check out the dates here.

I Love Tuesdays

Here are the purchases for the week.....

Rilo Kiley - Under The Blacklight

New Pornographers - Challengers

LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver

Ben Kweller - Live & Solo At The Artist Den

Music Video Mondays

Here's Spoon with the catchy as hell, hand clapping, single camera Scorsese-inspired video for "The Underdog".....



Is it me or doesn't that remind you a early '70s Neil Diamond? Their latest album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is in stores now.

30 Years Ago Today

A little late on getting this up, but today marks the 30th anniversary of the passing Elvis Presley. I don't really get a chance to put up posts on people like Elvis, but he was and still is The King and responsible for much of what music is today. Check out this great clip from his '68 Comeback Special - this was Unplugged way before MTV ever existed....



They actually turned this whole performance into a stellar live album that I highly recommend called Tiger Man - pick it up.

All Hallow's Eve

Halloween has often been the neglected holiday here in New York for great shows, but this year it very well may best Thanksgiving weekend and New Year's Eve as the night to go see music. Here are your options so far.....

The Black Crowes - United Palace Theater - Get Tickets

Phil Lesh & Friends - Nokia Theater - Get Tickets

The Police - Madison Square Garden - Get Tickets

Ryan Adams - Hammerstein Ballroom - Get Tickets

The Rapture / The B-52's - Roseland Ballroom

Zappa Plays Zappa - Beacon Theater - Get Tickets

I've already got my P&F tickets. Should be quite the night for music, so get your best Flight of the Conchords costume ready, or whatever you plan on dressing up as October 31st is right around the corner.

R.I.P. Scooter

Taking a brief detour for some sad news from the world of baseball with the passing of Phil Rizzuto who died at the age of 89. Growing up and watching him on WPIX he was the voice of the Yankees for me and a few generations of fans who didn't get to see him play and we all were fans of his quirky, but endearing broadcasting style.



Read the New York Times obit here.

I'm Not There Track List Revealed

October 30th is shaping up to be the most anticipated day of the fall at least if your a Bob Dylan fan as it's the release date of the double disc soundtrack for I'm Not There (which has been getting a lot of attention over Rock & Roll Daily). Check out the track list that was announced yesterday.....

"All Along the Watchtower" - Eddie Vedder and the Million Dollar Bashers
"As I Went Out One Morning" - Mira Billotte
"Ballad of a Thin Man" - Stephen Malkmus and the Million Dollar Bashers
"Billy" - Los Lobos
"Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window" - The Hold Steady
"Can't Leave Her Behind" - Stephen Malkmus and Lee Ranaldo
"Cold Irons Bound" - Tom Verlaine and the Million Dollar Bashers
"Dark Eyes" - Iron & Wine and Calexico
"Fourth Time Around" - Yo La Tengo
"Goin' To Acapulco" - Jim James and Calexico
"Highway 61 Revisited" - Karen O and the Million Dollar Bashers
"I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine" - John Doe
"I Wanna Be Your Lover" - Yo La Tengo
"I'm Not There" - Bob Dylan
"I'm Not There" - Sonic Youth
"Just Like a Woman" - Charlotte Gainsbourg and Calexico
"Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" - Ramblin' Jack Elliot
"Knockin' on Heaven's Door" - Antony & the Johnsons
"The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll" - Mason Jennings
"Maggie's Farm" - Stephen Malkmus and the Million Dollar Bashers
"Mama You've Been on My Mind" - Jack Johnson
"The Man in the Long Black Coat" - Mark Lanegan
"Moonshiner" - Bob Forrest
"One More Cup of Coffee" - Roger McGuinn and Calexico
"Pressing On" - John Doe
"Ring Them Bells" - Sufjan Stevens
"Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)" - Willie Nelson and Calexico
"Simple Twist of Fate" - Jeff Tweedy
"Stuck Inside of Mobile With Memphis Blues Again" - Cat Power
"The Times They Are a Changin'" - Mason Jennings
"Tombstone Blues" - Richie Havens
"When The Ship Comes In" - Marcus Carl Franklin
"Wicked Messenger" - The Black Keys
"You Ain't Goin 'Nowhere" - Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova

They're covering a lot of ground, from rarities to songs from his first album all the way up to Time Out Of Mind. Read about it here.

Also head on over to The Playlist for more on the soundtrack - head here.

I Love Tuesdays

Here are the purchases for the week....

Donavon Frankenreiter - Recycled Recipes (EP)

Various Artists - The Hottest State Soundtrack

Elton John Tribute

Remember back in April when everyone seemed to be raving about the Bruce Springsteen tribute that happened at Carnegie Hall - the guy did show up and perform at his own tribute. Well on October 10th Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin are set to get the similar treatment at the famed venue. Here's who on the bill so far....

Shawn Colvin
Aimee Mann
Edie Brickell
Phoebe Snow
Page McConnell
Ryan Shaw
Jill Sobule & Lloyd Cole
Brendan Benson
David Broza
Joshua Radin
Nikki Yanofsky

Read about it here.

Tickets are on-sale now.

Music Video Mondays

The music of Leslie Feist seems to be unavoidable this summer (and for good reason) - commercials, promos for TV shows and even in the Gap. I'll avoid the ubiquitous "1,2,3,4" and go with the equally as infectious "Mushaboom".....



Feist will playing McCarren Pool on August 29th with Broken Social Scene who will be performing Kevin Drew's Spirit If album and Grizzly Bear - get your tickets here.

12 Years Ago

Grateful Dead - 1984-04-30 - Nassau Coliseum - Uniondale, NY - "He's Gone"

Farm Aid Full Line Up

It's been too damn hot to post the last couple of days, though I did manage brave the sweltering heat and humidity to go see the Beasties last night in Central Park (read Ace's review here). Anyway while I was basking in my AC yesterday the line-up for the first ever New York edition of Farm Aid was fleshed out with the addition of a bunch of acts, here's the whole bill.....

Full Sets:

Willie Nelson
Neil Young
John Mellencamp
Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
The Allman Brothers Band

Partial Sets:

Counting Crows
Matisyahu
Guster
The Derek Trucks Band
Warren Haynes
Supersuckers
The Ditty Bops
Montgomery Gentry

Pretty damn solid, and a great cause. Tickets are on-sale now.

Here's Neil Young backed by the Phish from the '98 version of Farm Aid with a monster 19 minute version of "Down By The River"....

I Love Tuesdays

Here are the purchases for the week.....

Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - This Is Somewhere

Vampire Weeekend - Vampire Weekend

Music Video Mondays

How about a little Polyphonic Spree this morning? Here's all 23 members of the choral-pop group with "Running Away".....



The video actually consists of 70,000 pictures taken of the band while they were on the road over a ten day span - pretty cool. Their new album The Fragile Army is in stores now.

Lollapalooza Webcast

For those of us that are not fortunate enough to be in Chicago this weekend for Lollapalooza fear not. As has become the custom with big music festival of late the fine folks over at AT&T's Blue Room will be webcasting the festivities all weekend long - beginning at 12:30 CST each day, starting tomorrow.


(Photo: Justin Ward)

Here's a tentative list of the acts you'll be able to see......

Amy Winehouse
Interpol
LCD Soundsystem
Blue October
Jack's Mannequin
Satellite Party
G. Love and Special Sauce
The Black Keys
M.I.A.
Motion City Soundtrack
Pete Yorn
Lupe Fiasco
Kings of Leon
Paolo Nutini
Ben Harper
And many more!

Watch it all here.

Happy Birthday Jerry!

The fat man would have be 65 today, so let's take a few minutes to take a look at him in action. I always loved when the Dead played acoustic, so here they are with "Deep Elm Blues".....



And here's one more for good measure, Jerry sitting in with Carlos Santana (watch him dance starting around 2:12 - it's fantastic)

Dylan Remix

A few weeks back it was announced that Mark Ronson would be remixing "Most Likely You'll Go Your Way (I'll Go Mine)" for the new Dylan biopic I'm Not There. Well it officially hits radio tomorrow, but you can get your first taste of it over at Dylan07 - so give it a listen. This is something that could have been a complete disaster, but it's actually surprisingly tastefully done and pretty enjoyable. Thoughts?

I'll Take A Venti Iced Coffee -> China -> Rider

Who knew that the folks over at Hear Music were so heady? As I walked into Starbucks this morning to get my daily dose of caffeine I was caught off guard as the familiar mugs Jerry & Co. were staring back at me from the cover of their latest impulse buy compilation CD - Grateful Dead: Eternally Grateful - check it out....


Here's the track listing from the two disc set....

Disc One: In The Studio

1. Friend of the Devil 2. Box Of Rain 3. Althea 4. Eyes of the World 5. Truckin' 6. Shakedown Street 7. Cream Puff War 8. Scarlet Begonias 9. Touch of Grey 10. Sugar Magnolia 11. Cold Rain And Snow 12. China Cat Sunflower 13. Uncle John's Band 14. Casey Jones 15. Ripple

Disc Two: In Concert

1. Jack Straw 2. Bertha 3. My And My Uncle 4. Cumberland Blues 5. Me And Bobby McGee 6. Brown-Eyed Woman 7. Morning Dew 8. Johnny B. Goode 9. Not Fade Away

As much as people have been up in arms over Paul McCartney signing to Starbucks label and now Joni Mitchell, you really have to hand to them for putting out some quality releases and thinking outside the box about how people buy music these days. Among the other exclusive CDs their promoting this month is a Trojan Records reggae compilation, and a Dave Matthews Band Live Trax compilation, as well as selling the new Common album.

Here's a full list of what's Now Playing in their stores.

I Love Tuesdays

Here's the lone purchases for the week....

Josh Rouse - Country Mouse, City House

Music Video Mondays

This one's got a bit of a Christmas in July feel, but some killer harmonies. Here's the Rilo Kiley off-shoot The Elected with "Not Going Home".....



If you're looking for some great beach music, go out and pick up their album Sun, Sun, Sun (title pretty much says it all).

Crazy Jerry's

Remember last year when Jerry Garcia's toilet was up for sale? Well the remaining items from Jer's former home will be auctioned off on Ebay starting from August 12-19. So what can you expect this time around? Well the items include a jacuzzi, stereo speakers and kitchen sink. All the proceeds will benefit Sophia Foundation - an organization that aids children and families during martial separations and divorce. Read about it here.

Summer Of The Nerd: Update

Awhile back I declared 2007 The Year Of The Nerd with so many comic book and cartoon movies making their way to the big screen, and a ton more in production - Iron Man, The Dark Knight, The Incredible Hulk, etc. Well as I was checking out new movies trailers this one caught my eye - The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, check out the trailer.....



After watching that, I think you may have to agree with my declaration. The King of Kong hits theaters on August 17th.

Free (Or Mostly Free) Music This Weekend

It's going to be another great weekend to be outside to see some music, here's what's happening in the tri-state area....

Friday - 7/27

Steve Miller Band / Doobie Brothers - PNC Band Arts Center - 7:30 PM - $25 - 65.25

Raq - Rocks Off Boat Cruise - Boarding 9 PM - $30

Old 97's - Rockin' The River Cruise - 7 & 9:30 PM Shows - $50

Reckoning - Jones Beach Field 4 Broadwalk Stage - 7 PM - FREE

Saturday - 7/28

The Neville Brothers / Ryan Shaw - Veteran's Park - Norwalk, CT - FREE

Peter Yorn / 16 Frames / Ben Jelen - The Stone Pony - Asbury Park, NJ - 6 PM - $29

Poison /Ratt - PNC Bank Arts Center - 7 PM - $20.50 - 40.25

Blues Traveler - Festival of Ballooning - Readington, NJ - - 8 PM - $25

Sonic Youth / The Slits - McCarren Park Pool - 7:30 PM - $34

Rock The Bells - Rage Against The Machine, The Wu-Tang Clan, Cypress Hill, The Roots, Mos Def, etc. - Randall's Island - 12 PM - $83

Sunday - 7/29

The Samples - Baley Beach - Rowayton, CT - 6 PM - FREE

Meatloaf - PNC Bank Arts Center - 8 PM - $25.25 - 65.25

TV on the Radio / Celebration - McCarren Park Pool - 2 PM - FREE

Wild Style 25th Anniversary Reunion - Central Park Summerstage - 7 PM - FREE

Doh! Blender's Top 14 Band Cameos

Today is finally the day all us Simpsons fans have been waiting for as the movie hits the big screen - here's hoping it lives up to expectations. But before you head off to the local megaplex to plunk down your hard earned cash the folks over at Blender have complied a list of the Best Band Cameos Ever from the show - check it out here. Ever is a strong word, and maybe I'm a little biased about this, but didn't you guys forget a little band from Vermont's appearance?

Despite the snub, here's a soundboard show with some Simpsons secret language signals......

Phish - 1992-12-11 - The Michigan Theater - Ann Arbor, MI

Bloggy Goodness

Here's what some other people are writing about....

The Greenhaus Effect lays down some ground rules for the latest Phish reunion rumor that's floating around - read them here.

Missed the White Stripes making their MSG debut earlier this week? Fear not nyctaper was their to capture the duo rockin' The World's Most Famous Arena - download away here.

If you're going to Lollapalooza you might want to head on over to CYSTSFTS for their MP3 preview of the festival - part 8 was posted this week, featuring the likes of dios (malos), !!! & The Roots (be sure to check out the other 7 parts as well).

Rewriteable Content new "go-to" band is the White Rabbits - head here to find out why and to give them a listen.

In an ode to Philly's fantastic radio station XPN's 885 Most Memorable Music Moments list, The Late Greats has assembled a list of bands with brother in their name (get it?) - check it out here.

San Diego Serenade says goodbye to Lou Reed's 8th best solo album along with a lot of other burned CDs read his ruminations here.

How about some summery-pop - Everybody Cares, Everyone Understands has the latest from the Kite Flying Society - head here.

If you're a fan of "post-jam" (didn't we give up on using this term yet?) then I Guess I'm Floating is the place for you. Click over there for a selection of tracks from a recent Animal Collective show in London - here.

And as always head on over to Hidden Track for their fine daily distractions.

Jam_ON Goes Dead

A few months back Sirius announced that it would be adding an exclusive channel dedicated to all things Grateful Dead to launch this summer. Well while the actual launch will be later this summer, they will be offering a "sneak-peak" of sorts on their Jam_ON channel starting on August 1st and running through the 9th (the period covering Jerry's birthday and anniversary of his passing).

Head here for some more info.

Vegoose Artist Additions

On the heels of the initial (and slightly lackluster?) Vegoose artist announcement, comes the first round of additions. Here's what's been added....

Mastodon
moe.
M.I.A.
Robert Randolph & The Family Band

moe. will also be playing a late night show at The Pearl on the 26th.

Tickets go on-sale this weekend.

Hey Ho, Let's Go........Get Some Sneakers

Converse has just released a new Ramones version of their classic Chuck Taylor's as part of their Project (Red) charity initiative - with 10% of the total sales going to The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Check it out....



While making a pre-distressed, Converse sneaker and slapping a Ramones patch on the side may stand for everything that is not punk, you can't argue with a good cause - so go buy yourself a pair I'm sure Joey would approve.

Here's The Ramones in all their early glory with "Rockaway Beach" from CB's.....

Vegoose Lineup Announced

The initial lineup for the third annual Vegoose Music Festival has been announced, check it out....

Rage Against the Machine
Daft Punk
Iggy and the Stooges - performing Fun House in its entirety
Muse
Cypress Hill
Queens of the Stone Age
Public Enemy
The Shins
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Umphrey's McGee
Thievery Corporation
STS9
Ghostface Killah & The Rhythm Roots Allstars
Blonde Redhead
Gogol Bordello
U.N.K.L.E.
Ghostland Observatory
Pharoah Monch
Battles

Two day tickets go on-sale this Saturday at 1 PM (EST), while late night tickets will be available starting August 11th at 1 PM (EST).

And you're late night shows look like this so far....

Friday, October 26th

Thievery Corporation - House of Blues

Saturday, October 27th

Umphrey's McGee - House of Blues

Michael Franti & Spearhead - The Joint - Hard Rock

Sunday, October 28th

STS9 - House of Blues

The Shins - The Joint - Hard Rock

Head here for torrents from last year's festivities.

Hipster Event Of The Fall

Just how big are the Arcade Fire? Well come this fall they are set to play amphitheaters - including Red Rocks and the Hollywood Bowl - around the country, with LCD Soundsystem tagging along in support on most dates. They will also make their way back to New York City (where they had a much buzzed about three night stand a few months back) to play a huge crowd of music loving hipsters on Randall's Island. I don't know about the rest of the country, but I'm expecting this show to sell out quite quickly with that one-two punch of a bill.

Pre-sale for a bunch of dates starts tomorrow. You can also check out the rest of the dates so far here (via Brooklyn Vegan). Start searching the thrift stores for your ironic t-shirt now.

Here's a couple of videos for you viewing pleasure. First up Arcade Fire with "Go Cars Go"....



And here's LCD Soundsystem with "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House"....



Also here's their much talked about sets from this year's Coachella (via Dimeadozen)...

Arcade Fire - 2007-04-28 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival - Empire Polo Field - Indio, CA

LCD Soundsystem - 2007-04-28 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival - Sahara Tent - Indio, CA

Five Albums In Ten Nights

Covering albums in their entirety seems to be the hot thing to do these days - Sonic Youth, Slint, Ben Kweller. Well not to be left out of the trend alt.country songstress Lucinda Williams will be performing five of her eight studio albums over the course of ten nights in two cities, here's some info (via Rock & Roll Daily).....

Williams will take over Los Angeles’ El Rey Theater September 5-6 and 8-10, then head to New York to play September 29-30 at the Fillmore at Irving Plaza and October 2-4 at Town Hall. On the first night of each run, Williams will perform the entirety of her 2003 record World Without Tears. Each subsequent night will feature one of the following albums: 1998’s Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, 2001’s Essence, 1990’s Sweet Old World and 1988’s Lucinda Williams. The singer-songwriter plans to follow each full-album performance with a separate, more free-form set.

Tickets are on-sale now.

Music Video Mondays

Was just at a friends wedding and thought this would one be a great one to start off the week with, so here's Josh Rouse with "Love Vibration".....



Josh's new album Country Mouse, City House is available on iTunes right now, and hits stores next Tuesday.

Nine Times

After a couple of weeks of speculation it turns out that everyone's favorite former Grateful Dead bass player will in fact be hitting the road this phall for an extensive tour - culminating with a monster 9 night stand at New York's Nokia Theater beginning on Halloween (so take that Vegoose). Phil has also announced that his band will also consist of Larry Campbell, Steve Moltiz, John Molo and a newcomer to the P&F family Jackie Greene. Here are the tour dates....

9/22/07: Santa Barbara County Bowl Santa Barbara, CA
9/23/07: The Greek Theater Berkeley, CA
9/28/07: The Phillmore Denver, CO
9/29/07: Red Rocks Amphitheater Denver, CO
9/30/07 Paolo Soleri Santa Fe, NM
10/02/07: The Pageant St. Louis, MO
10/03/07: Uptown Theater Kansas City, MO
10/05/07: The Riviera Theater Chicago, IL (18+ only)
10/06/07: The Riviera Theater Chicago, IL (18+ only)
10/07/07: The Riviera Theater Chicago, IL (18+ only)
10/09/07: The Orpheum Theater Boston, MA
10/10/07: The Orpheum Theater Boston, MA
10/12/07: Tweeter Waterfront Camden, NJ
10/13/07: Charlottesville Pavilion Charlottesville, VA
10/14/07: The Echo Project Atlanta, GA
10/16/07: Lyric Opera House Baltimore, MD
10/18/07: Shea’s Performing Arts Center Buffalo, NY
10/19/07: Mohegan Sun Arena Uncasville, CT
10/20/07: Glens Falls Civic Center Glens Falls, NY
10/21/07: War Memorial at Oncenter Syracuse, NY
10/31/07: Nokia Theater Times Square New York, NY
11/01/07: Nokia Theater Times Square New York, NY
11/02/07: Nokia Theater Times Square New York, NY
11/03/07: Nokia Theater Times Square New York, NY
11/05/07: Nokia Theater Times Square New York, NY
11/06/07: Nokia Theater Times Square New York, NY
11/08/07: Nokia Theater Times Square New York, NY
11/09/07: Nokia Theater Times Square New York, NY
11/10/07: Nokia Theater Times Square New York, NY

Mail order and on-line ticketing date have not been announced yet.

Phil hasn't played much lately, but here's his set from this year's Mountain Jam....

Phil & Friends - 2007-06-03 - Mountain Jam - Hunter Mountain Ski Area - Hunter, NY

Revenge of the Book Eaters

News about this has been making it's way around the last day or so, wanted to post it here too since it's for a great cause and has a fantastic line-up......


Brooklyn, NY July 20, 2007— 826NYC and The Bowery Presents present REVENGE OF THE BOOK EATERS, a one-night-only event that brings together celebrated comedians, writers, and indie-rock songwriters for a rare evening of intimate performances, including FEIST, A.C. NEWMAN (of The New Pornographers), JIM JAMES (of My Morning Jacket), GRIZZLY BEAR, SARAH VOWELL (best-selling author and This American Life contributor), and DEMETRI MARTIN (Daily Show regular, comedy superstar), that promises once and for all to try to settle the debate: words or music — which is better? The evening will benefit 826NYC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. This event, which is named after a story by an 826NYC student, is a follow-up to last year’s much-heralded event and six-city tour by the same name. Last year, the New York show sold out the Beacon Theatre in less than one day. At that show, Jon Stewart told jokes about his baby, David Byrne performed a country music set, Sufjan Stevens joined him for a duet, Sarah Vowell and Eric Bogosian acted out diary entries of a real-life explorer of the American West, John Hodgman hosted, and Dave Eggers doled out hugs. The deluge of local and national press coverage all agreed on one thing—that Revenge of the Book Eaters was a unique and awe-inspiring synthesis of the literary, comedy, and music communities in support of 826NYC's similarly innovative programming for kids. This year’s show promises to pick up where last year’s left off, focusing on unique, memorable performances, all raising money for charity.

The Beacon Theatre Sunday, August 26, 7:00 PM 2124 Broadway (between 74th and 75th Streets), New York Tickets: Balcony $35, Loge $45 Orchestra $50 Tickets available through Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.com, www.bowerypresents.com, www.beacontheatrenyc.com, or (212) 307-4111 . On sale Friday, July 20 at 10AM All proceeds go toward 826NYC’s free programming for children

Free (Or Mostly Free) Music This Weekend

While I'm off to a wedding this weekend there is a ton of great outdoor shows going on this weekend. Here's what's going on....

Friday - 7/19

John Mayer - Bryant Park - GMA Concert Series - 7 AM - FREE

Neko Case - Central Park Summerstage - 7 PM - FREE

Bishop Allen / Rock Plaza Central - South Street Seaport - 7 PM - FREE

Jounce - Rocks Off Boat Cruise - 11:30 PM (Boarding) - $20/25 (DOS)

Saturday - 7/20

Siren Music Festival - New York Dolls, M.I.A., Cursive, We Are Scientists, Voxtrot, Black Lips, DR. DOG, Noisettes, Lavender Diamond, The Detroit Cobras, Elvis Perkins In Dearland, The Twilight Sad, White Rabbits - Coney Island - FREE

Jerry Joseph & The Jack Mormons - Rocks Off Boat Cruise - 2 PM (Boarding) - $25 / 30 (DOS)

Sunday - 7/21

Band of Horses / Annuals / The Oxford Collapse - McCarren Park Pool - 2 PM - FREE

Brazilian Girls / Cat Empire - Central Park Summerstage - 3 PM - FREE

ZZ Top / The Pretenders / Stray Cats - Nikon Jones Beach - 7 PM - $26 - 69

Back To Your Regularly Scheduled Programming

Been doing some maintenance around here the last couple of days so sorry for no posts, upgraded the blog to the newer version of Blogger - though you probably don't need to know about that. Anyway I'll get some stuff up later today, in the meantime check out this leaked scene from the upcoming Dylan biopic I'm Not There that has been making it's way around the last few days with David Cross playing Alan Ginsberg....

I Love Tuesdays

Here are the purchases for the week....

Magic Numbers - Those The Brokes

Stephen Stills - Just Roll Tape: April 26th, 1968

Rilo Kiley - Take Offs And Landings

Music Video Mondays

It's my birthday today so this one is all for me, here's Phish with "Down With Disease".....



And since this ranks up there as one my all time favorite Phish tunes, here's a live version of Suzy Greenberg from 2/25/93....

This Is The End, Or So We Thought

Looks like Elvis may not have been the only rock star to die on a toilet. A new book called The End: Jim Morrison by Sam Bernett is claiming that Jim Morrison didn't die in his apartment as had previously been the story, but instead he died of a heroin overdose in the bathroom of his nightclub and then carried up to his apartment - which had been a long standing rumor. Read the whole story here.

Never really been much of a fan of The Doors, but always dug The WASP. Here's a totally different version, then from L.A. Woman.....

RatDog & Keller Williams Summerstage Review

Did some moonlighting for my friends over at Hidden Track. Check out my review of the RatDog / Keller Williams show from the other night, enjoy....

RatDog & Keller Gonna Make You Sweat

I'm Not There Trailer

So there's finally a trailer for I'm Not There the Bob Dylan movie that is hitting theaters this fall - you know the one where Dylan is portrayed by a bunch of different people including Cate Blanchett. Check it out....



Just like the Dylan the trailer is a bit of a mystery that doesn't give away much about the movie, but does make you want to go out and see it. The movie hits theaters on September 21st.

I Love Tuesdays

Here are the purchases for the week....

Chris & Rich Robinson - Brothers Of A Feather

Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Music Video Mondays

Feeling like a little freak-folk this morning and why not it's the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love we should all let are freak flags fly. Here's Devendra Banhart with "I Feel Just Like A Child"....



Devendra hits the road mid-August for a bunch of European dates and is back in the U.S. starting in September.

Happy 4th!!!!

Enjoy....

The New Pornographers & Midlake - Battery Park - 7/4/07

Midlake

The New Pornographers

Buzz Cola

Saw this story the other day and headed over to the 7-11 on 23rd Street to pick up a few - they're already selling for $5/can on Ebay. Now if they only made some Duff Beer - I'd buy it by the case. Here's a list of the Simpsons inspired products they are offering.

The Simpsons movie opens nationwide on July 27th - check out the latest trailer here.

Oh Me Oh My

Some great news for all you Dr. Dog fans out there, we've got some new free tunes coming our way each week for the rest of the summer. Here's some info from their MySpace page....

Just wanted to remind you that today begins the onslaught of free songs!! You can go now to Weallbelong.net for the first song, called Oh Me Oh My. We don't even know what the songs will be yet beyond the one that is up right now. We've got a lot of stuff that's been recorded over the past 5 years or so and we may draw entirely from the vault but there's always the possibility that we'll post some newer stuff too. These are all songs that we really love and we're happy that people will have the chance to hear them.


If you still haven't bought your copy of We All Belong what are you waiting for, it's the perfect summer album.

Shake Your Moneymaker

Somehow this managed to pass me by, but there is a new Rilo Kiley video out that's a must watch (thanks to Dave The Butcher on this one). I'll give you two options for this first is the long version - which I highly suggest checking out, because who doesn't love interviews with porn stars....

The Moneymaker (Long Version)

But if you just want to cut to the chase and hear the song, you can watch this one....

The Moneymaker (Short Version)

Oh Jenny Lewis how I love you.

Rilo Kiley's new album Under The Blacklight hits store on August 12th.

If You Were A Hot Dog

It's always nice to put up something about music and baseball in the same post. On July 15th John Bell will be following in the tradition of are pal Ernie by throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field prior to the Cubs/Astros game - Panic are in town performing at the Chicago Theater the very same night.

Check out this show from their recent stop at Red Rocks.....

Widespread Panic - 2007-06-23 - Red Rocks - Morrison, CO

In other WSP tomorrow will see the release of Choice Cuts: The Capricorn Years 1991-1999 a sort of greatest hits CD if you will. Here's the track listing.....

Travlin' Light
Chilly Water
Love Tractor
Weight of the World
Papa's Home
Ain't Life Grand
Blackout Blues
Rebirtha
Aunt Avis
Blue Indian
Climb To Safety
Surprise Valley
Pickin' Up The Pieces (Live)
Pigeons (Live)

Surprised there was no promotion about this cd, but then again it is a jamband album. Go buy it if you're looking to get into the band.

And speaking of the Cubs had to leave you with this great Will Ferrel bit, as referenced in the title of the post.....

Music Video Mondays

Going to continue with some more summery (well at least in my mind) tunes. Here's indie-pop favorites The New Pornographers with "The Laws Have Changed".....



The New Porns play a free show with Midlake this Wednesday down at Battery Park. Except some new tunes as they have a new album called Challengers that hits stores on August 21st.

Here's a taste of something off the new album - "My Rights, Versus Yours"(MP3)