And I try to harmonize with songs..

Jumping Jack Flash

2012-01-29T20:37:00.003-06:00

I don't have much to say today except, how cool were the Rolling Stones in 1968?!

Cover Song of the Day

2012-01-26T10:24:00.002-06:00

I'd always associated this song with The Beatles and assumed it was a Lennon/McCartney composition. This morning I heard this lovely version and come to find it's a another classic by Burt Bacharach. Man that guy could write a tune!

While I love The Beatles version, I may actually like this Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe take on it better. But honestly, it would be really hard to mess this tune up.....

Wilco-The Incredible Shrinking Tour of Chicago, December 2011

2012-01-25T21:39:00.004-06:00

The title of "Band of 2011" simply has to belong to Wilco. Not only did they release one of the best albums of the year, but they rocked the globe playing over 100 shows. But the band reserved the biggest treat of the year for their hometown fans in Chicago; playing 5 shows in one week, each at a venue smaller then the last. Beginning the week at the beautiful 3500 seat Civic Opera House and finishing up at the 500 seat Lincoln Center, the band not only sounded fantastic, but played almost 100 different songs from their catalog! Who does that?? And the highlights were certainly many. One of the many reasons I love Wilco is the way they craft a setlist so that each show conveys an ebb and flow of emotions where every show may feel different.

Opening night at the marvelous Civic Opera House featured the gorgeous and rarely played "Being There" nugget; "Far Far Away", with its "kiss and ride on the CTA" line wooing the Chicago fateful. The show also had the added treat of an classic encore performance of the Nick Lowe penned "Cruel to Be Kind" joined by the author himself. As if that wasn't enough, the band brought out the incomparable Mavis Staples, who ran through the Jeff Tweedy penned "You are Not Alone" and The Band classic "The Weight"! Luckily, this show was webcast and captured in perfect quality (featured below in its entirety).

Night Two at the grand Riviera nightclub belonged to my favorite Wilco album; 2004's "A Ghost is Born". Featuring 6 songs and a B-Side from said album, the band played a masterful show culminating with the epic set list trifecta of "Reservations">"Spiders">"I'm a Wheel"!

After a day off, Night Three was hosted at my favorite Chicago venue and site of many a classic Wilco show; the Vic Theater. Hands down, this show belonged to guitarist extraordinaire Nels Cline. Always a unique and great player, he simply owned the night song after song especially during the early one-two punch of "Muzzle of Bees" and "Hotel Arizona". Capping of a blistering show with the plaintive "Being There" lullaby "The Lonely 1", the band sent the fans home walking on air.

Just a spits distance from Wrigley Field, Night Four amazingly featured Wilco's first ever appearance at the claustrophobic and classic Chicago venue, The Metro. As the bands popularity has grown, Wilco have recently mastered the art of playing big festivals, so walking into the tiny Metro fans knew they were in for a treat. I assumed due to the size of the venue, the show would be a more low-key, mellow affair. Wrong! Playing as if they were at the freaking Glastonbury festival, the band ripped through an intense set which held nothing back. Closing the night with the rockous "Dreamer in My Dreams", Wilco sent the fans home with what I can only assume was some blissful ringing in their ears.

But the best was truly saved for last. After a night off, the band played the teeny 500 person seat Lincoln Hall; a benefit show for local charity Inspiration Corporation which raised over $63,000 for the poor and homeless. Playing an insanely nice setlist featuring many of the bands quietest compositions, the show felt special and much closer in emotional tone to those Jeff Tweedy solo gigs. Ending with the mournful 'Sky Blue Sky" closer "On and On and On", the band perfectly book-ended a very magical week in Chicago while leaving future possibilities endless.

The week was the perfect celebration for the band and their fans after a wonderful year in Wilco world. Thanks to the tireless dedication of the tapers, you can enjoy a mix (from the best available sources I could find) of each different song played over the course of the week. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I do!

Night One-Civic Opera House

Night Two-Riviera Theater

Night Three-Vic Theater

Night Four-Metro

Night Five-Lincoln Hall

The Democratic Circus

2012-01-18T19:25:00.005-06:00

Being an election year; 2012 in America is unfortunately going to be full of blind political rhetoric and hate speech, pitting one side against another. If you are like me, you are already sick and tired of it and its only January!

I long for a time when we can discuss our politics with intelligence and empathy for the people who disagree with us, if that time ever existed. I just fear that things will just continue to get worse and worse.

So in times of turmoil, I always resort to music to attempt to make sense of things. It is in the spirit of that, I bring you a mix i made to hopefully help you through this insane political climate of ours.

Turn it up and remember, what's so funny about peace, love, and understanding?

Some love for Bonnie Raitt.....

2012-01-11T09:39:00.004-06:00

There is no denying Bonnie Raitt has long been one of our musical treasures, yet she is one of those artists who always seems to fly under the radar. Good news is she has a new album coming out this year called "Slipstream"; her first in 6 years. It will feature 2 covers from Bob Dylan's masterpiece "Time Out of Mind" as well as Gerry Rafferty's "Right Down the Line". Can't wait!

Bonnie is not only one of the greatest blues guitarists ever, but no one can sing a love song like her. If this one doesn't move you, you simply have no soul.

Picture of the Day

2012-01-10T10:42:00.004-06:00

Remember those places called "Record Stores" that had all your music divided into bland, thoughtless catagories like "Country" and "Rock".

Well, I want to hang out with the people who run this store!! Brilliant.

Celluloid Heroes-"Crazy, Stupid, Love"

2012-01-05T19:54:00.005-06:00

Every once in a while a film comes alone that pleasantly surprises you, makes you smile, think, and reflect; none of which I thought would happen the other night when I popped in 2011's "Crazy, Stupid, Love". This is a classic case where the movie trailer pandered to the "Rom-Com" loving, lowest common denominator audience without giving a clear picture of the film (other example of this was Woody Allen's thoughtful "Midnight in Paris").

Look, the film isn't "Citizen Kane" or anything, but it's a rare film these days that intelligently and humorously touches on many of the day to day issues that impacts each of us in life (coming of age, dating, love, marriage, and divorce). I don't pretend that I have seen all the finer films of 2011, but I would wholeheartedly recommend "Crazy, Stupid, Love" and feel any list of best films of the year would suffer for not including it.

Oh, and it has Julianne Moore in it; 'nough said!

Happy New Year from Etta and Jerry.....

2012-01-03T17:31:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone had a safe and musical New Years as we hit 2012. There is some sad news in the world of music to address; singing legend Etta James is battling the final stages of terminal leukemia, but recent reports have her off a respirator and breathing on her own. Let's hope for the best for Etta! There is certainly no one like her.

Check out this 1982 clip of Etta celebrating (too much?) the New Year with some other legends. I just love how she tries to mix it up with Jerry towards the end. Great stuff right here!!

Merry Xmas from Bob Dylan

2011-12-22T09:00:00.003-06:00

In what is now a yearly ritual to get me in the spirit, listening to Bob Dylan's excellent Xmas show (from Season 1 of his sadly missed Theme Time Radio Hour) is a must. Besides playing everything from early Bob Seger to Celia Cruz; you must hear Dylan's 4 minute reading of Clement Moore's "The Night Before Christmas" (Track 25 on D1).

If this does not get you into the holiday spirit, then you are a true Grinch! Have a Happy Hanukkah/Merry Xmas/or a rockin' Kwanzaa but most of all; Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward all!

Disc One Songs:
Swinging for Christmas (Boppin’ for Santa) - Tom Archia
Christmas is a-comin’ - Leadbelly
A party ror Santa Claus - Lord Nelson
Sock it to me Santa - Bob Seger & The Last Heard
Who took the merry out of Christmas? - The Staple Singers
Please come home for Christmas - Charles Brown
Jingle Bells - Johnny Paycheck
It must be Christmas - Gerry Mulligan & Judy Holiday
Christmas morning - Titus Turner
Poor old Rudolph - The Bellrays
Blue Xmas - Bob Dorough & Miles Davis
Far away Christmas Blues - Little Esther & Johnny Otis Orchestra
Beatniks wish - Patsy Raye & The Beatniks
Don’t believe in Christmas - The Sonics
Christmas tree - King Stitt
Silent night - Huey “Piano” Smith and the Clowns

Disc Two Songs
Must be Santa - Brave Combo
Mambo Santa Mambo - The Enchanters
Fiesta de Navidad - Celia Cruz & La Senora Matancera
Merry Christmas Darling - Hop Wilson & His Buddies
Merry Merry Christmas - Alton Davis & The Lipsticks
The Merriest - June Christy
Truckin’ trees for Christmas - Red Simpson
Christmas in jail - The Youngsters
I want a casting couch for Christmas - Kay Martin & Her Body Guards
Santa Claus - Sonny Boy Williamson II
Hello Mr. New Year - Cool Breezers
Happy Christmas, Happy New Year - Mabel Mafuya
Christmas to New Year’s - The Larks
What are you doing New Year’s Eve - Nancy Wilson

Blue Christmas (To Whom it may Concern)

2011-12-20T19:29:00.002-06:00

On the first night of Chanukah, I give you a wonderful Christmas song featuring Miles Davis and written by Bob Dorough (a good Jew). This is simply a must this time of year.

Mazel Tov!

My 20 Favorite Albums of 2011

2011-12-17T09:08:00.019-06:00

WARNING: This is not some end of the year list where I pretend to have heard every album released in every genre for the year and I tell you what the best ones are. This list is merely what I was listening to this year. I fully admit that there is ton of music that I just don't listen too (electronica, pop, country, most rap) so while the new Toby Keith CD might blow me away, it ain't here. These are simply the discs that I was blessed to have come into my world and be my companions through the year. Hopefully these turned you on as much as me!

20. Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi-"Rome"

An album from producer extraordinaire Danger Mouse (Black Keys, Beck) and Italian musician Daniele Luppi inspired by the music from spaghetti westerns featuring vocals from Jack White and Norah Jones?! Sounds like a mess, right? Think again. Flowing like the perfect movie soundtrack only needing a movie, "Rome" contains some of the most interesting sounds that came out of my speakers all year.
Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi - Two Against One (Ft. Jack White) by MMMusic

19. Jay-Z and Kayne West-"Watch the Throne"
In no way do I pretend to be any kind of rap aficionado, but when the two most talented artists in that genre come together to record an album, one must listen. The result of one of most enjoyable listening experiences I had all year. This is two amazing rap lyricists at the top of their game working together to try to out do each other. Even if you don't like rap, its simply a joy to enter their world for an hour and hear what they came up with.

18. My Morning Jacket-"Circuital"
After recording their worst album in 2008 (Evil Urges), My Morning Jacket stormed back in 2011 with one of their best. While I certainly miss the "The Band meets Zeppelin" sound of their earlier albums, at least they dropped the cheesy "Hall and Oats" 70's pop homages this time out. Sounding both classic-rock and progressive at the same time, My Morning Jacket may have finally found the sound they have been searching for all these years.

Circuital by My MORNING JACKET

17. Gillian Welch-"The Harrow and the Harvest"
After 8 long years for fans, folkies Gillian Welch and long time partner David Rawlings finally released a new studio album. And a stellar one at that! While 2008's "Soul Journey" clumsily toyed with the addition of some bass and drums, "The Harrow and the Harvest" focuses on what these they do best; two acoustic guitars and two perfectly blended voices singing deceptively simple, beautiful songs that sound like they could have been written 100 years ago. Welcome back Gillian. Don't wait so long next time please!

16. Radiohead-"The Kind of Limbs"
A don't think I have ever liked a new Radiohead album on first listen, and their 2011 release was no exception. At first spin, it sounded like an electronic mess devoid of any melody (similar to what I first thought of their groundbreaking masterpiece "Kid A"). But after further listening, the songs start to unfold themselves and wrap themselves around your brain until you can't get them out. The band hasn't seemed to mess with their formula much, but as someone still trying to come to terms with what that formula actually is, I'm thrilled they keep doing it. There is simply no one like Radiohead and "The Kind of Limbs" is another brilliant example why.

15. Feist-"Metals"
Make no bones about it, I'm in love with Canadian indie songstress Leslie Feist. There is just no one out there even remotely like her. Sort of like a modern day Laura Nyro, Feist writes complex music and lyrics while making the compositions sound deceptively subtle. Then there's her amazingly unique vocal quality which can sing torch, folk, rock, and most likely the phone book, all while never sounding anything short of exhilarating. "Metal" is not only a great new addition to Feist's catalog, but such a huge leap forward that it leaves in wondrous anticipation to hear what she can come up with next.

14. Eleventh Dream Day-"Riot Now"
Founded in 1987, just the fact that Chicago punk rock natives Eleventh Dream Day have a new album is cause for celebration. The fact that it is so balls out, rock and rolling awesome is icing on the cake. This is one of those bands who should be much bigger then they are. Everyone knows The Pixies for example, but these guys have been doing it longer and dare I say better then most other rock bands. "Riot Act" was recorded all in one day and it sounds like it, and I mean that in the best way. This is an "in-your- face", no frills, rock and roll blast of loud solos and choruses that is sadly missing from the radio these days. Turn it up loud and rejoice that these guys are still out there doing their thing. We need them!

Eleventh Dream Day, 'Satellite' by Slicing Up Eyeballs

13. The Black Keys-"El Camino"
Perhaps my favorite album of last year was The Keys- "Brothers". It showed a giant leap forward for these guys who I had originally (and mistakenly) pegged as a short lived, blues/garage rock hybrid. The fact that in just over a year, they could release something as good and progressively better then "Brothers" is mind-boggling. This is one of the rare albums that feels instantly recognizable and goes by far too fast that you want to jump up and hit play the minute its over. Just released in early December and deservedly destined to be on most critics lists this year, this is the "crank it up", winter gift album for all the folks luckily enough to be in on the party.

The Black Keys: El Camino by -gaga

12. P.J. Harvey-"Let England Shake"
This 2011 winner of England's Mercury Price for best album is a beautiful stunner of a record. In a nearly 20 year career, P.J. Harvey has never come close to making the same album twice. And that is what I love so much about her. You just never know what she's up to and sometimes after many listens to one of her albums, you still may not know. I've been listening to the majestic "Let England Shake" for the better part of the year, and I'm still digesting it. It sounds like a different album every time I play it. Singing in strange falsetto style on many of the tracks, this song cycle about the trials of England's wars will certainly not be for everyone. But if you let it sink in and get under your skin, you will be in for a major treat that you can't shake.

PJ Harvey - Let England Shake by 140dB Management

11. Ryan Adams-"Ashes and Fire"
The easy knock on Ryan Adams is that he is TOO prolific, releasing too much material too quickly resulting in spotty quality work. Personally, I say the more songs the better, and let me choose which ones I like. That argument aside, there is no denying that Ryan's first proper album of new material in three years is his best since his 2005 trifecta of greatness ("Cold Roses", "Jacksonville City Lights", "29"). "Ashes and Fire" is a stripped down affair that is in no way depressing. I find the lyrics in these songs of lost loves and failed chances surprisingly hopeful and more importantly, instantly likeable. Because he is so varied an artist, Ryan is one of those guys who will never please all his fans no matter what he puts out. Some will say this is just Ryan playing it safe, but I'll take safe and quality over varied and adrift. Welcome back Ryan!

Ashes and Fire by ryanadams

10. The Roots-"undun"
The hardest working band in showiness took a break from their nightly gig as Jimmy Fallon's house band to record this killer song-cycle about growing up in the 'hood. While not as immediately likeable as their 2010 masterpiece "How I Got Over", "undun" carries a major lyrical weight that opens itself up after multiple listens. Oh, and then there is the fantastic musicianship that is not so secretly making The Roots the most versicle band in the land. This is an important release that needs to be paid attention to.

The Roots feat Phonte & Dice Raw – One Time by TheWellVersed

9. "Wild Flag"
Taking two-thirds Sleater-Kinney (Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss), one part Helium (Mary Timony), add killer hooks, pounding drums, blissful harmonies, dual guitar jams, and you have one of the best rock and roll records ever made. Sleater-Kinney being maybe the best band of the 90's, this makes for a tall shadow to get around, but "Wild Flag" is one of those rare albums that sounds instantly likeable and effortless. Oh, and if you can make it past the first 2 minutes of "Romance" without cranking it up to 10 and banging your head in rabid euphoria, you have no rock and roll soul!

Wild Flag - Romance by MergeRecords

8. The Decemberists-"The King is Dead"
I will admit to never liking The Decemberists before. I tried, I really did, but I simply found them too "difficult" to really fall in love with them. When I read that on their sixth album, they were bringing in R.E.M.'s Peter Buck for guitar inspiration, Gillian Welch for harmonies, and a title nod to one of my favorite bands of all time, I was sold. But it was the tightly written, masterful songs that finally got me. Every song sounds like an old friend and radiates with a joy that one doesn't hear enough in modern music. I've been converted, and so was everyone that listened.

The Decemberists -- Down By The Water by buzzlegoose

7. "Bon Iver"
After making a huge splash with his brilliant 2007 debut "For Emma, Forever Ago, Eau Claire, Wisconsin native Justin Vernon (and friends) returned with the ever important sophomore release. The good new is while it lacked the "breakup record recorded in the woods" drama that surrounded "For Emma", "Bon Iver" perfectly expands on the sounds and moodiness that made that album so great. While I admit to never really having any idea what Vernon is signing about, the majesty in his music is that it conjures such a special mood and feeling, that it makes you understand. And it's a wonderful thing to feel if you let it.....

Bon Iver, Bon Iver by boniver

6. Paul Simon-"So Beautiful or So What"
At this point in his career, no one needs another reason for believing Paul Simon is one of our greatest songwriters. And that's what made 2011's "So Beautiful, So What" such a revelation. Crackling with an energy and soul that astounds, these are songs of craft and wit that only Mr. Simon can provide. Using a killer band that sounds thrilled to be playing these tunes about God, Love, and Hope; Paul Simon has made one of the greatest albums in his collection. And that is really saying something!

So Beautiful Or So What by Paul Simon

5. REM-"Collapse Into Now"
After 31 years together, 2011 saw R.E.M. release their best album in 15 years, but sadly their last. R.E.M.'s first five albums are one of the best artistic strings in rock and roll history, but that magic had long passed. Coming after years of disappointing album after album, "Collapse Into Now" was simply a miracle for their long time fans and absolutely deserves to be mentioned as one of their best. It's an album that reminded you of why you loved them in the first place, yet sounded like a whole new journey was to come. Unfortunately, it will have to stand and a perfect swan song to one the most important bands in my life.

4. Fleet Foxes-"Helplessness Blues"
For those who fell in love with the Fleet Foxes upon hearing their stunning 2008 debut, one would have thought topping that release impossible. Wrong! On their sophomore release, the band wisely doesn't mess with the formula that make them sound like no other. The lush harmonies and timeless sounding acoustic instruments shimmer and paint a musical landscape that you want to come back to again and again. (PS-Listening to this beauty released on gorgeous 180-gram vinyl should be required for anyone with a turntable!)

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by MMMusic

3. Wilco-"The Whole Love"
With eight masterful and varied albums under their belts, every Wilco studio release is an event these days. Fans putting the needle on a new Wilco record for the first time wonder what they will hear, and finding out is a huge part of the fun of liking this band. The great news with "The Whole Love" is we simply hear a Wilco that is 100% on top of their game. While their last release; "Wilco-The Album", sounded almost like a great mix tape of different styles, "The Whole Love" is a confident and flawless stream if ideas like only Jeff Tweedy and Co. can create. Book-ending with two of their best songs that happen to sound like they were made by different bands, Wilco have crafted their most varied and enjoyable album to date. For longtime fans of the band, "The Whole Love" sounds like a beautiful reward. For new fans, it's only the beginning of a wonderful journey. I envy you....

The Whole Love - Wilco by Brian Friesen

2. Tom Waits-"Bad as Me"
What can you say about Tom Waits these days that hasn't been said? He is simply a world all his own and one of music's treasures and each album is a gift. He has aptly described his songwriting as making "grant weepers and grim weepers" and his first studio album in seven years is the perfect blend of each. From the opening aggressive howl about going to Chicago to the final brilliant weeper "New Years Eve", this is one wild ride through the mind of Waits. It's simply one of his best albums in a career chalk full of them. Thanks for the gift Tom!

Tom Waits - Bad As Me by ronnierocket

1. TV on the Radio-"Nine Types of Light"
No album this year rocked my world as much as this one. A slow-burning masterpiece of styles and moods, "Nine Types of Light" is the kind of album that stops you dead in your tracks and demands you to listen. While sounding like Prince jamming with David Bowie in a Brian Eno managed opium den, the Brooklyn, New York based TV on the Radio somehow get better with each release, all while pushing boundaries and sounding like no other. This is music that is simply invigorating to listen to and proves that TV on the Radio are a band leading the pack of creativity. I suggest you pay attention. You will thank me later.....

TV On The Radio - "Will Do" by Interscope Records

2011 Honorable Mentions:
The Jayhawks-"Mockingbird Time"
Peter Gabriel-"New Blood"
Drive-By Truckers-"Go-Go Boots"
Lindsey Buckingham-"Seeds We Sow"
Robbie Robertson-"How to Become Clairvoyant"
Thurston Moore-"Demolished Thoughts"

R.I.P. Hubert Sumlin

2011-12-04T22:21:00.003-06:00

UPDATE: Keith Richards and Mick Jagger to pay for Hubert's funeral. Very nice move boys!

The music world lost another great today; Hubert Sumlin, the great blues guitarist for Howlin' Wolf passed away at the age of 80. Influencing everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton. His influence on music simply can't be measured. I smell a big jam session tonight up there!

Shuggie Otis Made My Day

2011-11-30T20:55:00.004-06:00

One of the greatest things about being a music freak is there will always be someone new to discover. Just when you think you've heard it all, someone turns you on to something that makes you wonder how you possibly missed it!

Well, today I'm driving home listening to the "Deep Tracks" channel on Sirius, when the kids and I find ourselves bobbing our heads up and down to the smoothest soul sound I've heard in ages. I look down to see the artist and it says "Shuggie Otis". I say to myself, "Self; who the hell is Shuggie Otis"?! Thanks to the wonder that is Google, I find that Shuggie was a reclusive singer/guitarist/arranger who made only three (long out of print) albums from 1969-1974 that hugely influenced the likes of Prince and Ben Harper.

From what I've heard already, his stuff amazingly and effortlessly merges the smoothness of the Chicago Chess Records blues sound, the "free jazz" era of Miles Davis, with the psychedelic soul nature of Sly Stone. And the guy can play the shit out of the guitar! Now the fun part will be seeking these re-issued albums out and adding them to my collection. Just another great day to be a music geek! Thanks Shuggie!!

Great Cover Songs #387

2011-11-20T13:15:00.000-06:00

Just awesome! Everything a good cover song should be.....

Sonic Youth's Last Waltz?

2011-11-16T22:35:00.003-06:00

Sonic Youth just wrapped up a few dates playing festivals in South America. With the recent depressing announcement of Kim and Thurston's divorce and no more scheduled studio time or concert dates, the future of the band is a mystery. While certainly not their best night; if this rainy Sao Paulo, Brazil show was to be their last, these videos of the complete gig show the band played with an energy and edginess that even by Sonic Youth standards, is staggering.

Sonic Youth's music has meant so much to me in the past 20+ years. I truly hope this is just a new chapter for them but sadly, my gut tells me the end has come....

Somthing in the Way

2011-11-16T11:23:00.002-06:00

I miss Nirvana. As an old-foggy 41 year old dude now, I can honestly say Kurt Cobain was the last music artist that made me obsessed. Remember when you were a kid and poured over your favorite band's lyrics? Studied their album covers? Made sure you were home to watch any TV appearances? Well, Nirvana was the last band that did that for me. That could be just me getting older and having different priorities, or it could be that they truly WERE the last important band. A strong case can be for the latter.

This year's re-release of Nirvana's "Nevermind" was a treasure trove for fans. Not only did we get the album sounding the best it ever has, but it included the original "raw" mixes and live versions of the tracks. The highlight for me is the live BBC version of "Something in the Way". The studio version is a plaintive, almost tender meditation which seems to contradict the content of the lyrics. The BCC version is a full-on guttural assault that shines a completely new light on the song for me. Crank it up and let the catharsis ring!!

Paul Simon-November 13, 2011 Chicago, IL

2011-11-15T20:36:00.005-06:00

Last week, I had the privilege of seeing Paul Simon live for the first time. While I put him in the highest regard as a songwriter, admittedly I was not expecting much out of his live performance. Let's just say I was wrong. His show was not just one of the best concerts of the year, but one of the best shows I have seen by anyone. With a band that would rival any on the road at any time, the show was a musical feast from start to finish.

There is something special about seeing a performance from an artist who has been at this for decades. Paul Simon was totally commanding and unafraid the other night to challenge himself and his audience. To hear the melting pot of musical styles merged with the lyrics that only Paul Simon can create was a indescribable joy. At 70 years old, Simon has nothing to prove to anyone, but you wouldn't know it from watching the sheer craftsmanship and joy that was on display in Milwaukee that night. Seeing him play "The Sound of Silence" alone on acoustic guitar was something I will cherish the rest of my days. Thanks Paul!

Luckily for everyone, the next show on his tour from Chicago was broadcast live on WXRT (the best commercial radio in the land). You can stream my recording and/or download it below.....enjoy!

SETLIST
The Boy in the Bubble
Dazzling Blue
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
The Afterlife
Mother and Child Reunion
That Was Your Mother
Hearts & Bones>
Mystery Train> (Junior Parker cover)
Wheels (Chet Atkins cover)
Slip Slidin' Away
Rewrite
Peace Like a River
The Obvious Child
The Only Living Boy in New York
Love Is Eternal Sacred Light
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
Gumboots

Encore 1:
The Sound of Silence
Kodachrome>
Gone at Last
Here Comes the Sun
Crazy Love, Vol. II
Late in the Evening

Encore 2:
Graceland>
Pretty Thing (Bo Diddley cover)
Still Crazy After All These Years

Click to download show

Wilco with Nick Lowe

2011-11-14T10:46:00.002-06:00

Wilco seemed to musically own the latter part of 2011, celebrating the release of their new masterpiece by spending time on the road with their opening act (and musical hero) Nick Lowe. Each night featured the two playing at least one song together, giving fans a killer opportunity to see two amazing artists in great form having a blast together.

Now here's hoping for a Wilco/Nick Lowe studio album in the future!

Occupy!!

2011-11-08T14:51:00.003-06:00

So the ever-interesting Ry Cooder is back and getting rave reviews for his new concept album about among other things, corporate greed. Well isn't that timely?! A soundtrack for the Occupy Wall Street movement perhaps? Fight the power Ry!

I'm sure loving the two tracks I've heard and can't wait to check out the rest.

The Boss Rocks Pittsburgh, PA

2011-11-07T09:43:00.003-06:00

After over a year of no shows, fans wondering how Bruce Springsteen would manage in a post-Clarence Clemons world got their answer last week. On Thursday and Friday Bruce treated fans to two epic 3 1/2 hour shows with his longtime friend Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers serving as house band. The shows featured tons of rarely played tunes and without the safety net of the E-Street band, one can assume these shows featured a Bruce fans rarely get to see.

Looking at the setlists, the performance that made my mouth water is the stunning, first ever acoustic performance of the classic "Incident on 57'th Street" (see it below). For the die hard Bruce freaks, it truly is a performance for the ages.

While I would certainly miss the powerhouse that is Bruce and the E-Street band, one has to wonder if Bruce will continue that without his longtime partner Clarence Clemons. If he chooses not to, at least these performances gave fans the confirmation that while Bruce may have lost his "big man", he has not lost his passion for the power and glory that is rock and roll!

November 4, 2011
Dancing in the Dark

solo acoustic
Your Own Worst Enemy
Incident on 57th Street
I'll Work For Your Love

with Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Never Be Enough Time
Another Thin Line
Because the Night
Radio Nowhere
I'm Not Sleeping
Two Hearts
A Good Life
Code of Silence
Waitin' on a Sunny Day
Johnny 99
Save My Love
Talking to the King
Adam Raised a Cain
Pumping Iron
Light of Day
* * *
Hungry Heart
The Promised Land
Glory Days
Down the Road Apiece
Brown Eyed Girl
Pink Cadillac
Twist and Shout (with La Bamba intro)
No Surrender (solo acoustic)
Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street (solo acoustic)
Surprise, Surprise (solo acoustic)
Thunder Road (acoustic with Joe Grushecky)

November 3, 2011
Dancing in the Dark

solo acoustic ("opening for Joe")
For You
Land of Hope and Dreams
I'll Work For Your Love

with Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers
Atlantic City
Never Be Enough Time
Another Thin Line
Because the Night
I'm Not Sleeping
Two Hearts
Save My Love
Code of Silence
Johnny 99
Talking to the King
Waitin' on a Sunny Day
Homestead
Murder Incorporated
Fire
Pumping Iron
Light of Day
* * *
The Promised Land
Glory Days
Down the Road Apiece / Wipeout
Thunder Road (solo acoustic)

Cowboy Junkies-The Trinity Sessions Revisited

2011-11-01T20:34:00.003-05:00

Like many, I got into the Cowboy Junkies classic "Trinity Sessions" when it was released back in 1988 due to their amazing deconstruction of the Velvet Underground's "Sweet Jane". But it didn't take more then 20 seconds into the opening track before I was completely transfixed with this strange beauty of an album. It did not leave my turntable for the rest of the year.

In 1988, I was listening to nothing at all that sounded like the Cowboy Junkies. No one was. 1988 was the year of Public Enemy's "It Takes a Nation....", Jane's Addiction's "Nothing's Shocking", Metallica's "And Justice for All", and Sonic Youth's "Daydream Nation". It seemed to be the year for crashing down musical boundaries and making as loud a noise as possible. And in a way, with it's minimalist instrumentation and hauntingly beautiful vocals by Margo Timmins, the Junkies broke as many boundaries as anyone else that year.

Blending the traditional music of Hank Williams, the alternative poetry of Lou Reed, with original songs that could match either of those artists, the 12 songs on "Trinity" simply seemed like they fell down from heaven. I pulled out the album tonight for the first time in almost 15 years and it still has as much of a memorizing quality as it did back then. Not just one of the best albums of the 80's, but truly one of the best albums of all time. If you loved it then, pull it out and loose yourself again in it's spell. If you've never heard it, go now. You'll thank me later.

In 2008 to mark the 20'th anniversary of the album, the band invited guests such as Vic Chestnut, Ryan Adams, and Natalie Merchant to join them at the same church the original was recorded to play it again. If you're a fan of the original, the DVD of the session is well worth seeking out.

Halloween Mix

2011-10-29T18:33:00.000-05:00

Well, it's my favorite time of the year again. I posted this mix last year but I like it so much there is no reason not to offer it up again for you all. I hope you like the tunes....

Ah...Halloween. It's always been my favorite holiday. Dress up in scary costumes and people give you candy?! Sure blows away Hanukkah. So crank up the tunes and don't hand out those horrible Tootsie Rolls on Halloween night! You're just asking to get tricked.....

Side A

Side B

Side A Tracklist:
1. Intro-The Haunted Mansion
2. Every Day is Halloween-Ministry
3. Hells Bells-AC/DC
4. This is Halloween-The Nightmare Before Xmas Soundtrack
5. Bella Lugosi's Dead-Bauhaus
6. The Ghost in You-Psychedelic Furs
7. Killing Moon-Echo and the Bunnymen
8. Thriller-Michael Jackson
9. Bloodletting-Concrete Blond
10. Halloween Theme-John Carpenter
11. Dead Souls-Nine Inch Nails
12. It's Halloween-The Shaggs
13. Black Celebration-Depeche Mode
14. Scary Monsters-David Bowie
15. Monster Mash-Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt Kickers
16. Black Sabbath-Black Sabbath

Side B Tracklist:
1. Halloween-The Misfits
2. Lullaby-The Cure
3. Highway to Hell-AC/DC
4. The Shining Theme
5. The Story of a Ghost-Phish
6. Psycho-Shower Scene
7. Don't Fear the Reaper-Blue Oyster Cult
8. Dead Man's Party-Oingo Boingo
9. The Exorsist-Theme
10. The Purple People Eater-Sheb Wooley
11. I Put a Spell on You-Marilyn Manson
12. Ghostbusters-Ray Parker Jr.
13. Dead Souls-Joy Division
14. Frankenstein-Edgar Winter Group
15. For Whom the Bell Tolls-Metallica
16. We Only Come Out At Night-Smashing Pumpkins
17. A Forest-The Cure
18. Little Ghost-The White Stripes
19. Halloween-Siouxsie and The Banshees

A Gorgeous New R.E.M. Track

2011-10-28T09:30:00.002-05:00

A sweet new R.E.M. song and a video featuring nothing but Kirsten Dunst's face? A win/win all around! Happy Friday.....

Tom Waits is BACK!!

2011-10-26T11:31:00.005-05:00

A new Tom Waits studio album is always cause for a celebration (at least in this house) and especially when it's been 7 years since the last one. This week finds me obsessively listening to the ragged beauty that is "Bad as Me". Waits is one of those polarizing artists that you either love or hate....there is no in between. But this new album may accomplish a feat that is almost impossible for an artist who's been in the business 40 years; this thing is so good that Waits may just find himself with a whole new generation of fans.

It's all here; the gruff howls, low bellows, high squeals, and the soft lamenting as only Tom Waits can pull off. And the fact that none of it sounds dated or regurgitated is amazing considering how long he's been at this. In fact, this album sounds as fresh and new as anything my ears heard in this fantastic year in music.

Helped by a stellar cast of characters featuring Waits' longtime guitarist extraordinaire Marc Ribot, Los Lobos's David Hidalgo, and the immortal Keith Richards, the music sounds like a strange postcard from a rockabilly, Tin Pan Alley fueled, lowdown house party from beyond. And the lyrics...oh those lyrics. This is what we Waits freaks keep coming back, and our hero certainly doesn't disappoint here.

Will this rank up with Waits classics like "Small Change", "Rain Dogs", or "Mule Variations"? It's too early to tell and I don't care. I feel like a kid with a strange new toy, and I'm gonna keep playing with it until I get bored or it breaks down.

Thanks Tom!!!

This Day in Rock and Roll History

2011-10-20T08:46:00.003-05:00

A Great Ode to Lynyrd....and rock and roll in general

Say it Isn't So!!

2011-10-14T23:11:00.004-05:00

Imagine how hard it is to keep a rock and roll band together for 30 years. Now imagine how hard it is to do when two of the lead members are married for 27 of them. Now picture what will happen to the band when those two members decide to separate. Unfortunately, that is the fate us fans of Sonic Youth have to ponder this evening. The coolest rock couple of all time (sorry Lou and Laurie); Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore have decided to separate, obviously leaving the fate of the band hanging by a thread. I feel very deeply for what Kim and Thurston are having to go through and assume the band is not foremost on their minds at this time.

Sonic Youth's music simply changed my life. Hearing "Teenage Riot" in 1988 completely altered what music was and could be for me. It changed the way I would hear and feel music forever. They opened my eyes to the fact that music could be chaos and beautiful at the same time. Having seen them on every tour since 1988, they have been such a huge part of my life that I hope they can somehow find a way to continue to create their art together. While my thoughts are with their family tonight, my ears are buzzing with their blissful noise.

Freak Out with "American Horror Story"!

2011-10-12T21:06:00.008-05:00

Watching the pilot episode of the new TV mindfuck "American Horror Story" I was immediately transported back to 1990 when I first saw the pilot for the Godfather of all TV mindfucks; "Twin Peaks". Which is to say that is the ultimate compliment I can heap on a TV show. Like "Peaks", "American Horror Story" transports us into a sexy, wild world where we are never quite sure what's real or imagined. Where the unseen is more frightening then what is obvious and on the surface. Both shows push boundaries and make you scratch your head and say, "did I really just see that on my television"?!

Without giving too much away....troubled family moves into scary, freaky house with a murderous history, with Jessica Lange as the weirdest neighbor you wish you never had. And that's just where the sexy, frightening fun begins. The show is scary, but not in the traditional sense of "boo"! It is unnerving to the point where I had to pause it and check email just to get some sense of reality for a minute. Did I mention it's also sexy as hell? Not to give anything away, but if what went on in the first 70 minutes of the pilot continues for the series, this show may help troubled sex lives all across the country.

As someone who has never been a huge fan of weekly network TV shows, I can honestly say that now because of the abundance of cable channels and the loosening of allowable content, television seems to have surpassed film as far as creative, smart, boundary pushing quality programming. "American Horror Story" has me more excited for any TV show since HBO's masterpiece "The Wire".

BOO!!!

An Evening with Wilco in Captial City

2011-10-06T14:14:00.008-05:00

So last night I had the distinct pleasure to see my favorite band in maybe my favorite city.....Wilco in Madison, WI. The setting couldn't have been better; a sunny, warm early fall day, Wilco's fantastic new album being a week old, 10'th row center seats (thanks Bruce), all while playing in the acoustically perfect venue of Overture Hall. I have seen Wilco countless times since around 1996 and with all sincerity, I can say they have never sounded better then they did last night. With the band's core members solidified for for 3 albums now, they are simply a well oiled machine that even on their "off" nights, would certainly blow most acts off the stage

Appropriately opening with the new "Capital City" segueing into the album's gorgeously epic closer "One Sunday Morning", the band quickly threw down that this was a night to celebrate the new. In fact, a whopping 9 songs were played from the new album, yet each one fit perfectly into the set aside the familiar tunes, as if we've known them for years

I realize I am still buzzing from the show, but I can honestly say that the first 12 songs of the set had me completely transfixed and in awe. I have seen epic Wilco gigs in the past, but this was like Wilco on steroids. It's just amazing to see a band you truly love playing better than ever and continuing to evolve in front of your eyes. I suspect most in the audience would love any Wilco show at this point, but the band is no way content to stay the same and that was obvious in their intensity and boundrey pushing last night. See them soon if you can and remember what they were like. I suspect it won't stay that way for long.....

Wilco: Madison, WI October 6, 2011
Capitol City>
One Sunday Morning
Poor Places>
Art Of Almost
IATTBYH>
I Might
Black Moon
Bull Black Nova
Impossible Germany
Born Alone
Jesus, etc.
Handshake Drugs
War On War
Box Full Of Letters
Standing O
Via Chicago
Dawned On Me
A Shot in the Arm
-----------------------------
Whole Love
36 Inches High [Jim Ford] (w/Nick Lowe on lead vocals and electric guitar)>
I Love My Label [Nick Lowe] (w/Nick Lowe on vocals and electric guitar)
I'm The Man Who Loves You
Monday>
Outtasite (Outta Mind)

July Flame

2011-10-03T08:37:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while you hear a song that just simply gets under your skin. You may not be able to explain why, but once you fall under its spell it stays with you, nagging at you to play it again. Its these rare songs that make me so happy to be a music freak!

One of those for me is Laura Veirs wonderful "July Flame", the title track from her underrated album of 2010. There is just something about the song that kills me. Maybe it's the innocence in her voice plainly and futilely asking "can I call you mine".

"July Flame
I'm seeing fireworks
They're so beautiful
Tell me why it hurts"

It's such a deceptively simple song but one that has buried itself in my head. And I love it!!

Fleet Foxes in the Morning

2011-09-28T21:03:00.003-05:00

In a year full of amazing albums, I think my favorite may still be the Fleet Foxes "Helplessness Blues". These guys blew me away on their debut a few years ago and certainly did not disappoint with their sophomore effort. Theirs is the kind of sound that wouldn't have sounded out of place in 1969 or 1970, yet it doesn't feel dated or derivative in any way. And those harmonies are truly something of beauty to hear. Name one other band that comes close to this sound today....nope you can't.

And while I liked their first album when I first heard it, their songs did not sync in with me until I heard them live on an NPR broadcast. They simply blew me away with how they were able to translate those rich textures and vocals into a live setting. Today the band stopped by KCRW to do a gorgeous 40 minute Morning Becomes Eclectic set. Brew some of your favorite tea, crank the volume, and enjoy it for yourself below:

Fleet Foxes-KCRW Studios: September 28, 2011
The Plains/ Bitter Dancer"
"Mykonos"
"Battery Kinzie"
"Sim Sala Bim"
"The Shrine/An Argument"
"Grown Ocean"
"Helplessness Blues"

Bridge School 25'th Anniversary Set

2011-09-27T23:11:00.005-05:00

Put this in the must have DVD collection! Every summer for the past 25 years, I have read about the amazing Bridge School concerts that Neil Young puts on in California. Every legendary artist under the sun has done it (Bruce Springsteen, Wilco, Tom Waits, David Bowie, The Who, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, etc) and the gigs are all acoustic in nature. This leads to some really unique and special performances that you don't get anywhere else (Metallica acoustic??).

You can watch the trailer for the set below, which talks about what the Bridge School is and does. 100% of the profits from the set go to the school so if you only buy one piece of music this year, make it this one!

Ryan Adams Covers Maiden

2011-09-26T10:57:00.004-05:00

Since I'm a sucker for great cover versions, here's one for your Monday. While doing press for his insanely good new album, Ryan Adams stopped by the BBC to wow them with his take on the Iron Maiden classic. What I love is how he completely turns this into his own!
Ryan Adams - "Wasted Years" (Iron Maiden Cover) by TwentyFourBit.com

And now crank up the hand-bangingly awesome original. Devil horns to you all....

Eddie Vedder's R.E.M. Tribute

2011-09-23T12:10:00.003-05:00

As if I needed another reason to love Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam....

While performing in Calgary, Alberta the night the news hit that R.E.M. broke up, Eddie choose to play a stunning version of "It Happened Today" from R.E.M.'s latest (and apparently last) album. With R.E.M.'s music playing non-stop all week on my Ipod, this couldn't have been a more fitting tribute. Thanks Eddie!!

Pearl Jam-"It Happened Today", September 21, 2011

Wilco Rock Letterman

2011-09-22T17:02:00.003-05:00

Unless you've been living under a rock of late, you already know that Wilco are back next week with a fantastic new album titled "The Whole Love". For a band that for the first time has no major label support, they seem to be everywhere. I can't hit a music blog or entertainment site without seeing an interview with them or an article on the new record. This is great news for the band I have known and loved for almost 16 years now. While it's getting much harder to get tickets to their shows, I am thrilled that a band of their quality is getting the recognition they deserve.

Last night, the band played an explosive hour long set for the David Letterman audience highlighted by some of the newer material. Check it out below....and make sure you're speakers are LOUD!!

Wilco: NYC-September 22,2011
Art of Almost
I Might
I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
One Wing
Born Alone
Whole Love
Handshake Drugs
Jesus, etc...
Impossible Germany
Dawned on Me
War on War
Shot in the Arm

It's the End of the World As We Know It

2011-09-21T12:53:00.004-05:00

After an amazing 31 years, R.E.M. has decided to call it quits today. A short statement on their website reads:

"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening." R.E.M.

As a longtime fan this saddens me. There are some bands you wish would actually break up because their newer material will never live up to the past. I would have put R.E.M. in that category just a year ago, but this year they released the shockingly good "Collapse Into Now", which I contend is as good as anything they ever put out. But keeping in mind The Beatles were only together for 7 years, getting 31 mostly quality years out of of any rock and roll band is amazing.

R.E.M. were one of the first bands I fell in love which I felt were really MINE. In the early days before "The One I Love" catapulted them into stadiums, listening to them you felt like you were invited to a party at some underground place that only you and your closest friends were allowed into. R.E.M. brilliantly fused the music of The Byrds with the sound of New Wave and featured one of the most enigmatic and gifted vocalists of all time. It shouldn't have worked at all, but their sound was so unique and frankly strange, that you couldn't help but listen over and over again trying to put it all together.

So today bust out your cassette deck, crank up your warn-out copy of "Life's Rich Pageant", and enjoy the sounds of one of the greatest American rock and roll bands of all time.

October 2, 1985: Germany

The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams

2011-09-18T10:27:00.003-05:00

A Bob Dylan-produced project of modern artists recording lost songs by the late great Hank Williams featuring Dylan, Norah Jones, and Jack White? Bring it on!

Growing up, I never appreciated country music at all. But thanks to my love of Dylan, The Grateful Dead, The Byrds (with Gram Parsons), and eventually bands like Uncle Tupelo and The Jayhawks, country music seemed to seep into my brain to the point where it feels like it's been there all my life. And maybe it's some of the life changes that happen to many a 40 year old dude, but the lyrics of Hank Williams have simply rocked my world over the past few years. I can't think of another artist who wrote with such simplicity, yet perfectly was able to capture the various emotions that all of us go through at some point in our lives. Hank was country music that even a city kid could fall in love with and when I hear him sing, I feel like I have some sort of musical guardian angel playing me songs. Thanks Hank!!

Check out a short documentary about the project below:

The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams EPK from Columbia Records on Vimeo.

"I Walk On Guilded Splinters"-A Trip to the Doctor

2011-09-15T15:30:00.002-05:00

As a 40-something dude finally falling in love with the music of New Orleans, of course one of the touchstones to explore is Dr. John (a.k.a. "Mac" Rebennack). The guy has been recording and playing New Orleans-style piano awesomeness since the late 50's; most famously the 1970's megahit "Right Place, Wrong Time".

While listening to some of his earlier works today; this freaky, funky, piece of late-60's weirdness slithered into my earphones and hypnotised me for a joyful seven minutes. Dim the lights, light some candles and incense, and prepare for a nice ride.

And to bring you back to reality, below it is the good Dr's standout moment from the film "The Last Waltz" with The Band. Always one of my favorites.

Return and Reflection

2011-09-14T15:29:00.005-05:00

Greetings friends! After over a one year absence, I have decided to return to this hollowed space. At the time I stopped posting, I just no longer felt the need for it nor the motivation. I realized there were a million sites that filter and discuss music content and this one seemed like a grain of sand in the desert. But what I am finding recently is the more options we have to find content, the harder it is to find and share the stuff that REALLY moves us. As the Internet continues to grew, it seems we are getting ever more disconnected from our true passions. A year ago, I unfortunately had lost my passion for music. While I always continued to listen to it, I didn't feel that emotional connection I always had with it. Well, for many wonderful reasons, I am again feeling the joy and passion that music had always provided me. Anyway, that's a long winded introduction to say that I continue to, in the beautiful words of Dylan, "try to harmonize with songs" and share those songs with whomever would like to come along for the ride here.

This week I, like many others, have been reflecting on that horrible and fateful day of 9/11/01. Specifically, I have been thinking about what that day meant to New York and how New Yorkers must still hold on to it, but somehow had to carry on.

Today I came across this recent short interview and performance from the great Ryan Adams discussing his song "New York, New York" and how even though it was released just before the tragedy, many heard it and took it as a tribute to the city post-9/11. Make sure to listen past the interview for a hauntingly beautiful version of the song which sounds radically different from it's original, celebratory upbeat tone.

Ryan Adams-Interview and "New York, New York" (Piano)

Wilco-"Let's Fight"

2010-06-06T13:26:00.002-05:00

While touring for the (criminally underrated) "Sky Blue Sky" album back in 2006, Wilco played this gem called "Let's Fight" a only a few times. This as yet unreleased track is just too good to go unnoticed. I found this buried on my hard drive and thought I'd throw it up today. Enjoy!

Bettye LaVette: 'Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook'

2010-05-22T17:55:00.004-05:00

Every once in a while you hear some music you weren't really planning to care too much about, and get blown away. Today that happened to me while listening to soul legend Bettye LaVette's new disc; "Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook".

Anticipating her singing songs from Led Zeppelin, Moody Blues, and The Rolling Stones I wasn't expecting much. Cover versions usually leave me cold, but these are something else entirely. She OWNS these songs. Think of Johnny Cash's "American Recordings" series and you get an idea of what an artist can do with other people's material. Bettye takes these 60's and 70's rock and roll tunes and makes them sound like soul classics.

My favorites are her takes on Zeppelin's "All of my Love" and The Stones "Salt of the Earth". And "Nights in White Satin" may be my favorite new cover of all time.

Run don't walk to your local record store to pick this up. You will not be sorry!

Tracklist:

1. The Word (John Lennon/Paul McCartney)
2. No Time To Live (James Capaldi/Stephen Winwood)
3. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood (Bennie Benjamin/Gloria Caldwell/Sol Marcus)
4. All My Love (John Baldwin/Robert Plant)
5. Isn’t It A Pity (George Harrison)
6. Wish You Were Here (David Gilmour/Roger Waters)
7. It Don’t Come Easy (Richard Starkey)
8. Maybe I’m Amazed (Paul McCartney)
9. Salt Of The Earth (Michael Jagger/Keith Richards)
10. Nights In White Satin (David Hayward)
11.Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad (Eric Clapton/Bobby Whitlock)
12. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Elton John/Bernard Taupin)
13. Love Reign O’er Me (Peter Townshend) (BONUS TRACK)

New Tom Petty!!

2010-05-14T15:38:00.002-05:00

The always reliable Tom Petty is back with a new album with his Heartbreakers called "Mojo". Set for release in June, the band will be hitting the summer tour circuit with opening bands as diverse as CSN, Drive-By Truckers, Buddy Guy, Z.Z. Top, My Morning Jacket, and Joe Cocker.

Based on this fiery first single, I'd say the band hasn't lost a step. And based on the lyrical content, the wounds from Petty's divorce a few years ago haven't quite healed. Rave on Tom!!

30 years with The Church: Live at the Park West, Chicago, IL

2010-05-13T21:44:00.005-05:00

This spring, the legendarily underrated band The Church toured tiny venues in the U.S. for their (amazingly) 30'th Anniversary tour titled "An Intimate Space". The tour was a must-see for their small but die-hard fanbase. Each night, the band played one song from each of their 23 studio albums in reverse chronological order, all while humorously telling tales from the long road and their recording history. Oh yeah, they also gave each ticket holder a immaculately put together program and CD with 4 unreleased tracks. Name another band that would do something remotely close to that, let alone one that has lasted 30 years!?

Best known for the now classic "Under the Milky Way", The Church is one of those bands that should be huge, but bad timing and artistic integrity got in their way. While Coldplay, The Killers, and Muse sell millions of discs (files?) and pack stadiums, The Church consistently create studio masterpiece after masterpiece and tour in relative obscurity. That is a shame for the masses who deserve to hear them, and a blessing for the lucky few whose lives have been changed by their music. Let's hope they keep going for decades to come.

I was able to catch them on the tour in Madison, WI (see pic above) but this show is from the next night in Chicago, IL. Enjoy and huge thanks to the taper; Alien Rendel!!

The Church
April 15, 2010
Park West-Chicago, IL

set 1
1) Pangea
2) Space Needle
3) Reptile
4) Ionian Blues
5) The Unguarded Moment
6) Appalatia
7) Invisible
8) Louisiana
9) Comedown
10) My Little Problem

set 2
11) Mistress
12) Metropolis
13) Under the Milky-Way
14) Already Yesterday
15) 10,000 Miles
16) Fly
17) Almost With You
18) Tear It All Away

encores
19) Disarm
20) Space Saviour
21) Grind

Bob and Willie!

2010-04-29T21:57:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the ever amazing You Tube, I stumbled across this gem of Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan performing the Townes Van Zandt classic "Poncho and Lefty". This was from the Willie Nelson 60'th B-Day TV special that aired in 1993.

Great stuff from two treasures.

What a Beautiful Buzz!

2010-04-28T20:54:00.002-05:00

Proof that the 3D movie craze has gone much too far, here is a clip from the new Phish 3D concert film. Yes you read that right....Phish in 3D. And as much as I love their music, I don't think I'd want to see any of those guys coming at me on a huge screen in 3D. Now if they can figure out how to give the movie audience the contact buzz that the fans at the concert had, we'll talk!

With that said, this clip from the film makes me so glad Phish are back and sounding better then ever. If ever a band was greater then the sum of its parts, it's Phish! I hope they can stay healthy and creative for years to come. As the kids today say, this clip is "sick"!

2010-04-24T21:14:00.007-05:00

Before Billy Corgan shaved his head and started played football stadiums, the Smashing Pumpkins were one the most original and creative bands to come out in the early 90's. I'll go on a limb and say they WERE the best from 1990-1995. I'll never forget seeing them in a tiny, ridiculously oversold club in Chicago the week "Siamese Dream" was released. After the first song it was clear they were already too big for the room. Money, fame, egos, and infighting eventually killed The Pumpkins for good which is a shame. I still hope that Billy Corgan has more great work ahead of him, and time will tell if the just begun 44 song project "Teargarden for Kaleidyscope" will have some of the magic of the old stuff.

Surfing the net, I found this amazing acoustic gig from 1993 that really shows how great their songs were even when totally stripped down. I may even like these versions as much as their loud and bombastic originals.

Listen to this if your a Pumpkins fan, or if you need a reminder of why you should be....

London, England-Raymond Revue Bar
July 4, 1993

01. Intro - 2:58
02. Rocket - 4:41
03. Cherub Rock - 5:18
04. Rhinoceros - 5:04
05. Today - 3:47
06. Spaceboy - 4:02
07. Siva - 6:32
08. Dancin' in the Moonlight [Thin Lizzy] - 4:09
09. Disarm - 4:36
10. Starla - 6:17
11. Outshined [Soundgarden] (tease) - 1:05
12. Suffer - 7:12
13. Hummer - 7:42
14. Drown - 4:35
15. banter - 1:27
16. Kooks [Bowie] - 3:18
17. Smiley - 4:10
18. Bye June - 1:17
19. banter - 4:00
20. Crush - 5:16

New Roky Erickson

2010-04-21T21:33:00.003-05:00

After 14 long years, the brilliantly off the wall Austin, TX artist Roky Erickson is back with a fantastic album recorded with critic darlings, Okkervil River. It's very early yet, but I don't see how this won't be on my best of 2010 list. I just can't stop playing it. It's hard to even describe the sound, but if you think you know the "Roky" sound, the music and lyrics will blow you away. If you have no expectations or don't know Roky, prepare to have a new favorite record and artist.

Below is a taste, and you can listen to the whole thing here until April 26.

Mark Olson and Gary Louris-Live

2010-04-10T16:35:00.002-05:00

When I first heard The Jayhawks masterpiece "Hollywood Town Hall" in the early 90's I wasn't sure what to think. I was deep into Sonic Youth at the time and the Jayhawks blend of Neil Young, The Byrds, and Gram Parsons was just not my thing. But after a few listens I began to fall in love with the record the same way I did Bob Dylan and The Beatles classics growing up. The writing, the harmonies, and the great guitar playing became exactly what I was looking for, even though I didn't know it. It's impossible to count how many times I've played that album, as well as the band's subsequent releases. It now feels like I've been with this band all my life.

When Mark Olsen left the group after only 2 major releases, I was sure they were finished. But Gary Louris carried on the band name and made altogether different sounding albums, that were just as good in their own right. But nothing can compare to the way these two guys sound together. When the two finally got back together last year to make the low-key "Ready for the Flood", I assumed a full scale Jayhawks reunion was eminent. While that still hasn't happened, we have that album and this great document of their acoustic tour. Enjoy!

Watch Mark Olson & Gary Louris and other great gigs on Moshcam.

New Hold Steady!!

2010-03-23T08:48:00.003-05:00

With the new Hold Steady album called "Heaven is Whenever" on the way for May 4 release, here is the first single to tide us fans over. After a few listens, I'm hooked!

Phish-Watcher of the Skies

2010-03-20T22:43:00.003-05:00

Break out your smoking utensil of choice....

The other night Phish helped induct Genesis into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame not by playing "Land of Confusion" or "I Can't Dance", but by nailing the 1972 Gabriel-era classic "Watcher of the Skies". They also completely massacred "No Reply at All" (which while watching I had to suspect Trey was back on the drugs), but this more then made up for it. You can certainly hear the roots of Phish's sound in this one.

R.I.P. Alex Chilton

2010-03-17T22:28:00.003-05:00

Very sad...

Elvis Costello and Friends Play Dead

2010-02-20T09:14:00.003-06:00

In what has to be the greatest television show in history, Elvis Costello's "Spectacle" featured an episode with guests Allen Toussaint, Levon Helm, Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson, and Larry Campbell. That would be cool enough, but imagine my surprise when they busted into the Grateful Dead classic "Tennessee Jed"!

A fantastic version of this kicks off Levon's excellent "Electric Dirt" release from last year, but this is a kick just to hear Costello sing it and to relish in Toussaint and Thompson's great musical flourishes. Jerry Garcia would be very proud.

After years of trying to explain to people that The Dead were far richer then just stoned, noodling jam musicians, you have no idea how happy I am that folks are finally noticing how great their songwriting was. This may just be one of my favorite covers of all time!

Wilco Cover Neil Young

2010-02-13T12:00:00.003-06:00

One week from tonight I will be seeing Wilco in Madison, WI and I sincerely hope they play this one!!

The band learned the Neil Young/Buffalo Springfield classic "Broken Arrow" for a Music Cares benefit show that took place a couple of weeks ago in which all the artists played Neil tunes. By all accounts, their performance of this bizarre, challenging track was the evening's highlight. It seems the band liked it enough that it showed up in the encore of their tour opener the other night.

Check it out for yourself and see why Wilco continues to be one of my favorite working bands....

And the Best Anti-Drug Song of All Time is......

2010-02-05T15:21:00.001-06:00

Don't, Don't, Don't Do it!!!!!!

Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard-One Fast Move and I'm Gone

2010-01-31T21:18:00.007-06:00

"'One fast move or I'm gone,' I realize, gone the way of the last three years of drunken hopelessness... that feeling when you wake up with the delirium tremens with the fear of early death dripping from your ears like those special heavy cobwebs spiders weave in the hot countries, the feeling of being a bentback mudmad monster groaning underground in hot steaming mud pulling a long hot burden nowhere, the feeling of standing...."

The most pleasant surprise of 2009 had to be the paring of Son Volt's Jay Farrar and Death Cab for Cutie's Benjamin Gibbard for the album "One Fast Move and I'm Gone". The album was inspired from Jack Kerouac's classic novel "Big Sur" about Jack attempting (and failing) to come to terms with his life after "On the Road".

Taking quotes from the novel and merging it with original lyrics, Jay Farrar (teaming with Ben Gibbard) created a project that could have been a complete mess and turned it into my favorite album of the year. That fact that on paper Ben and Jay seem worlds apart musically only adds to the joy of the project. If you don't already have this, it is a must hear.

Last night at the funky Turner Ballroom in Milwaukee, WI, I had the pleasure of seeing Ben and Jay perform the project live. Never the most dynamic performers, Jay and Ben simply let the songs and Kerouac's masterful words do the talking. Thanks to You Tube, I found video of the entire show they performed at the El Ray Theater back in October. Here are some highlights.

Raise a Toast to Saint Joe Strummer!!

2010-01-30T10:16:00.008-06:00

After a ridiculously long absence from this blog, I return to give you a great one. This is a benefit show from the great Joe Strummer & his Mescaleros from 2002 supporting the cause of local firefighters. Not only does the show kick total ass, Joe was joined for the first and last time by former Clash-mate Mick Jones for the encores.

Truly a special show and a great sounding one from one of the most important artists of all time.

Enjoy!
Download

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
Acton Town Hall, West London, UK
15th November 2002

"A benefit for striking firefighters"

01. Shaktar Donetsk
02. Bhindi Bhagee
03. Rudie Can’t Fail
04. Tony Adams
05. White Man
06. Mega Bottle Ride
07. Get Down Moses
08. Police & Thieves
09. Cool ‘n’ Out
10. Police on My Back
11. Johnny Appleseed
12. Coma Girl
13. I Fought the Law
14. Bankrobber*
15. White Riot*
16. London’s Burning*

* With Mick Jones

And the Song of 2009 Is?

2010-01-05T23:13:00.002-06:00

Well Happy New Year all. Sorry for the lack of "end of the year" best lists here. I am working on one, I promise. 2009 really was a great year for new music.

At the very least, my favorite song I heard all year is by far Califone's "Funeral Singers". I just can't stop listening to it and the album is amazing to boot.

Eddie Vedder Honors The Boss

2009-12-30T10:23:00.002-06:00

Last night CBS aired this year's Kennedy Honors ceremony which featured Bruce Springsteen. While it was very awkward to watch Bruce Springsteen watching others sing his songs (while sitting next the President no less), this version of "My City in Ruins" by Eddie Vedder was certainly a keeper.

Jeff Tweedy/Leslie Feist-"Broken Heart"

2009-12-29T07:41:00.002-06:00

The Beck with Friends cover project of Skip Spence's "Oar" album continues today with this gorgeous version of "Broken Heart". I've only listened to it 25 times today so far....

Beck, Nils, Glenn, and Feist!

2009-12-17T21:24:00.005-06:00

Tracks from the recent Beck & Friends cover of Skip Spence's 1969 opus "Oar" keep coming out, and this version of the song "Weighted Down" featuring Leslie Feist (lead vocals), Nels Cline (Wilco), and Glenn Kotche (Wilco) is particularly great. Check out Nils rocking that tiny guitar! And it only helps to further my believe that Feist and I should be good friends.....

Happy Chanukkah from The Daily Show

2009-12-16T09:21:00.002-06:00

As a lapsed Jew.....I find this totally hilarious.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Eight Is Enough

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Clip of the Day

2009-12-06T13:32:00.000-06:00

Easily, the best 10 minutes you will spend today.

Maybe So , Maybe Not......

2009-12-02T15:13:00.001-06:00

Music Collaboration of the Year?

2009-11-23T23:01:00.003-06:00

OK, so there is some music project out there called N.A.S.A and while I don't know a ton about it, I found this video featuring Tom Waits and Kool Keith together. It may be the coolest thing I've seen and heard all year. The project also has M.I.A. and Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeah's contributing. Anyway, this is a little of what I pulled from the MySpace page:

N.A.S.A., and their worldwide debut The Spirit of Apollo, is an ongoing creative collaboration between two lifelong music aficionados, Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon, and their friends, friends of friends and musical heroes.

While N.A.S.A. stands for North America/South America and contains a number of superstar artists from both coasts of the U.S., it is about as far from a tension-building geographical showdown as a record can get. Rather, The Spirit of Apollo was born with the righteous goal of bringing people together through music and art, and that is exactly what masterminds Sam Spiegel (Squeak E. Clean) and Ze Gonzales (DJ Zegon) have done.

I Wish That I Knew What I know Now......

2009-11-22T10:47:00.000-06:00

Well today indicates that I have been on this earth for 40 years. It really is staggering if I analyze it too much.

My birthday. Yes We're Going to a party party. Yey.

As with most things in my life, it is easier for me to let music describe how I'm feeling more than I can express it. So Happy Birthday to me and I leave you with this perfect song for today....

Oh, I Am SO Qualified for this!!

2009-11-21T12:26:00.000-06:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Want Ads - Grateful Dead Archivist

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Gram Parsons Tribute

2009-11-20T18:41:00.004-06:00

Tribute albums can be a tricky thing to pull off, but my all time favorite is Return of the Grievous Angel: A Tribute to Gram Parsons. Gram was one of the brightest bulbs to burn out the fastest in music history. I'm sure he would hate this, but the guy basically invented the genre of music that has become known as Alternative Country. That basically means the music is rooted in traditional country music, but has a modern spin on it. Now it sounds commonplace, but back in 1968-1970 when the guy was recording this stuff, he must have seemed like an alien life form.

Anyway, the album is a must and features great versions of Gram songs by the likes of Beck, Wilco, The Pretenders, Cowboy Junkies, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, David Crosby, Steve Earle, Chris Hillman. What I wasn't aware of is a 1999 PBS special that aired for the record which featured live performances by most of the artists. I have posted all the clips I could find of this great special. As a bonus, I found a great version of Elvis Costello and Emmylou Harris doing Gram's classic "Love Hurts" on the Letterman show.

Enjoy and have a Gram weekend!

Streaming Springsteen

2009-11-19T20:37:00.007-06:00

OK, just to prove that my post from the other day wasn't just hyperbole I offer up Bruce Springsteen's magnificent show from Sunday night in Milwaukee for listen. This thing sounds great considering it was in a huge basketball stadium and a big thanks to the taper (Ademotte)!

I hope you enjoy this half as much as I did hearing it in person. If the one-two punch finale of "Rosalita" and "Higher and Higher" doesn't get you, you have no soul!

If you would like to download the individual tracks, you can do so here.

Merry Early Xmas from Bob Dylan

2009-11-18T21:18:00.003-06:00

Okay, I don't what the hell goes on at Bob Dylan's Christmas parties, but based on this new video from his bizarre Xmas album I really want to be invited!!

The Mighty Mighty E-Street Band!

2009-11-17T11:19:00.004-06:00

So Sunday night I saw Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street band blow the roof off of the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI. It is almost a cliche at this point to say Bruce and the band are the best live act on the planet, but fact is it's true. On Bruce's best nights, there is nothing that can match the shear power and celebration that exists between him and the audience. I am not a religious person, but the only thing I can compare it to is being in rock and roll church. For at least 3 full hours, Bruce made me forget all my troubles (there are many) and I truly celebrated life, love, sorrow, and joy all with 30,000 of my temporary best friends.

I am not a huge fan of arena rock shows anymore, but Bruce Springsteen is the only artist I can think of who can make you literally forget where you are while he is onstage. His shows are that transforming. We may as well have been in a 150 seat bar instead of a huge arena. Bruce is able to connect to the guy in the last row of the venue the same as he connects to the lucky folks in the front row.

Bruce is also the only artist I can think of who somehow bridges the gap between Woody Guthrie, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, Motown, and the psychedelic "Nuggets"-era garage rock of the 60's. For this alone, he is truly special and an artist I don't think we will ever see the likes of again. He is my Elvis. My Beatles. I will be showing my grandchildren videos of him and telling tails of his amazing concerts, whether they like it or not!

I have seen him 7 times now, ranging all the way back to the mid-80's, and Sunday's night's show is maybe the best one. Sometimes it is hard to tell with Bruce because even his "bad" nights are transforming experiences, but this one was jaw-droopingly good. One of THOSE nights for sure.

You know it is a great night when he plays his best album "Born to Run" in it's entirety, and it isn't even the highlight of the show!! My personal favorite moment was Bruce pulling a sign from a new father in the crowd that said "Two weeks Ago I found Living Proof". A picture of the newborn's onesie said "Future Bruce Fan". So what does Bruce do? He totally stumps himself and the band and plays the song "Living Proof..." for the first time since 2003.

The song is a father's poignant meditation of the emotions that come with having his first child. Serious stuff for rock and roll and one of the many reasons Bruce is so special. I am still buzzing about this show two days later, even with the flu. Such is the power and the glory of (to quote Bruce himself); "THE heart-stoppin’, pants-droppin’, hard rockin’, booty shakin’, earth-quakin’, love makin’, Viagra-takin’, history makin’, legendary E STREET BAND!!!"

November 15, 2009 : Milwaukee, WI

Setlist:
Cadillac Ranch
Badlands
Hungry Heart
Working on a Dream
Thunder Road
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out (with Curt Ramm)
Night
Backstreets
Born to Run
She's the One
Meeting Across the River (with Curt Ramm)
Jungleland
Darlington County
Waitin' on a Sunny Day
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
Loose Ends
Jole Blon
Growin' Up
Into the Fire
The Rising
No Surrender
* * *
Living Proof
Kitty's Back (with Curt Ramm)
American Land (with Curt Ramm)
Dancing in the Dark
Rosalita (with Curt Ramm)
Higher and Higher (with Curt Ramm)

Beck and Wilco Cover Skip Spence

2009-11-14T14:33:00.003-06:00

In one of the coolest musical endeavors of the year, Beck has been covering entire albums with his musician friends and making them available song by song on his website. So far, he's covered "The Velvet Underground and Nico" and "The Songs of Leonard Cohen" with a wide mix of artists including members of MGMT and Devendra Banhart.

Well, now Beck has tackled former Moby Grape member (and famous acid casualty) Skip Spence's 1969 underground masterpiece "Oar". And this one features members of Wilco and Leslie Feist, which means my interest is officially peaked! Enjoy the first track and cool video below.

Happy 40'th to the Best TV Show Ever

2009-11-10T10:17:00.002-06:00

Ah...where would we be without Sesame Street? I certainly wouldn't know any Spanish words at all. To celebrate their 40'th year on the air teaching our kids, I started looking at all the great musical artists that have been on the show. Here are just some of the cool ones I found.

Please Please Please......

2009-11-09T21:50:00.002-06:00

Just watched the excellent film "500 Days of Summer" last night which uses this song to great effect. One of the best sad songs ever from a band that wrote a few of them....

Smile

2009-11-06T18:52:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour, I was exposed to this song today which I now consider to be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Call me corney.

Fact: the melody was written by Charlie Chaplin for his film "Modern Times". Thanks Bob!!

Rickie Lee Jones-Balm in Gilead

2009-11-03T21:54:00.003-06:00

One of the most underrated singer/songwriters of all time has to be Rickie Lee Jones. Ask 20 people off the street to name one song she does and you might get one to mention 1979's FM radio hit "Chuck E's in Love". Meanwhile, since her stellar debut 30 years ago (wow) Rickie Lee has released masterpiece after masterpiece all while flying criminally under the radar. And with each release, she has always tried new directions that challenged both herself and her audience; like any great artist should. Her softmore release "Pirates" in simple one of the best albums of all time and belongs in any serious record collection.

Today thankfully finds Rickie Lee back with her 12'th studio album entitled "Balm in Gilead". This one should absolutely please not just long time fans but the old ones who had given up on her artistic diversions years ago. Keeping in the more straightforward pop tradition, the disc is instantly likable and features such great guests as Ben Harper and Alison Krauss. I truly hope this one gives Rickie Lee the audience she deserves, but we all know how the industry works these days. This one will most likely fall under the radar unless somehow Satellite Radio miraculously picks up on it.

You can listen to the entire album streaming here for one week only. Enjoy!

Yes I'm Lonely!

2009-11-02T15:56:00.003-06:00

Dig this classic grouping of John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Mitch Mitchell doing one of the best songs ever.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T13:35:00.002-05:00

A Night With The Jersey Devil

Bruce Springsteen | MySpace Music Videos

The Art of Jazz

2009-10-26T20:38:00.009-05:00

One of the many great things lost with the demise of vinyl records as a format is the loss of album art. There was always something magical listening to the music while holding a great piece of art in your hands known as the album cover. As great as some covers might be, staring at a tiny representation on a CD cover just doesn't come close to holding an album.

One of the best genres for album art was the Jazz covers from the 50's and 60's. The Blue Note, Impulse, Atlantic, Dial, and Savoy labels took great care in producing covers of these classic albums. Thanks to the fantastic Swedish website Birka Jazz, I have downloaded and created a file of over 400 of these priceless covers. These are a must for any fan of Jazz or album art in general. This contains classic covers from every 50's and 60's Jazz musician you can imagine (Coltrane, Miles, Charlie Parker, Django Reinhardt, Mingus, Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, and so many others).

You can even make these your screen saver if you have a Windows operating system (I assume you can with Mac but don't know how). For Windows, you just have to extract the files to your My Pictures folder located in My Documents, set your screen saver to point to the folder, configure to stretch the images, and you have hours of great eye candy on your computer.

I hope you like these as much as I do. The .Zip file of the covers can be found here.

The Greatest Song of All Time?

2009-10-25T12:02:00.000-05:00

This very well might be it....

Bon Iver-Live in Milwaukee, WI

2009-10-18T20:45:00.003-05:00

So one of my greatest musical discoveries of last year was Wisconsin native Justin Vernon, better known as Bon Iver. His single album to date "For Emma, Forever Ago" is one of the best break-up albums of all time and one I keep coming back to with many rewards.

Bon Iver played an amazing gig the other night in Milwaukee, WI and thanks to the great 88.9, RadioMilwaukee we can listen to it below. Make sure to listen all the way to the end for a stirring cover of The Outfield's 80's classic, "Your Love". Yes, I mean it.

Enjoy the show and make sure to add the album to your collection if you don't have it. It's truly one of those special ones....

Sonic Gossip

2009-10-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Um....so one of my favorite bands of all time were featured on a TV show the other night. This should have been great news, right? Except that the band is Sonic Youth and the show was the totally cheesy "Gossip Girl".

Ok, no the world did not come to an end but I still have very mixed feelings about this. I would like to say it was worth it to see Kim Gorden preside over a TV wedding or to see them play an acoustic version "Starpower" as the wedding band. But it wasn't and it's just one more example that even the best things in this world don't stay the same. So Sonic Youth have now been featured on a horrible TV show. Oh well.

Wait, what's that you say? They were on "Gilmore Girls" a few years ago? Damn it....

The Flaming Lips Stone The Tonight Show

2009-10-14T20:51:00.003-05:00

The ever weird Flaming Lips are back with a new disc this week. I go back and forth on these guys. I admire their ambition and abstract approach to music, but at a certain point the music has to at least have some emotional impact on me. Their stuff tends to leave me just....detached.

With that said, this live clip of the album closer from The Tonight Show gets my blood stirring. It's like Pink Floyd's Live at Pompeii video on acid. Oh wait.....

Glitter and Doom-Tom Waits

2009-10-13T17:59:00.003-05:00

The forever awesome Tom Waits will release a live album on November 24 and you can download a 8 track preview by registering below. The album called "Glitter and Doom" is culled from his triumphant 2008 tour and features 17 tracks spanning his entire career. It also comes with a 35 minute bonus CD featuring Tom's in-between song banter. Always a great part of Tom' shows, the bonus disc proves to be as entertaining as the songs!

With only hearing less than half of it, it may already be my favorite album of the year.

Wilco Rock Coney Island

2009-10-12T18:46:00.003-05:00

In my blogger absence on July 13'th, Wilco played a show to their largest headlining audience ever(10,000+) in Brooklyn's Keyspan Park in Coney Island. The show was by all accounts a monster, featuring amazing onstage guests Leslie Feist, Ed Droste, and Yo La Tengo.

Here are the best clips I could find of this great show. If you were there, I'm jealous! Oh, and if anyone happens to know Leslie Feist's cell number, please email :-))

"The Fixer"-Pearl Jam

2009-10-04T12:34:00.003-05:00

I know it may not be "cool" to like Pearl Jam anymore and I certainly had written off their studio recordings a while ago, but the new disc "Backspacer" is honestly as good as anything in their catalog. Even if you gave up on Pearl Jam 10 years ago when you retired your flannel shirts, you owe it to yourselves to check out the new one.

As proof, check out this great live version of "The Fixer"; one of the best sing-along rock songs I've heard in a long time.

Hilary Duff Ruined my Night!

2009-10-02T21:40:00.004-05:00

So I'm sitting on the couch with my kids trying to have a fun, mindless night watching some "Funniest Home Videos" when all of a sudden thanks to Hilary Duff, I find myself having the most awkward conversation you can have with 9 and 6 year old children.

Thanks a lot Hilary! I always wondered what your stance on gay rights was.....NOT. See for yourself what sparked the whole thing.

Wrecking Ball

2009-10-01T23:20:00.005-05:00

You would think with the lack of posts on here in the last couple of months that there hasn't been anything good to talk about. That is dead wrong. It's just that personal stuff going on in my life has made certain things I love seem slightly insignificant lately. I am turning over a new leaf and reclaiming my love for the things that bring me joy in life, chief among them being music.

So in the spirit of that, I am back to bring you a new Bruce Springsteen song that is about the very thing I mentioned; moving on and finding new joys and new adventures. The catalyst for this new tune (called Wrecking Ball) is the fact that Bruce is playing his final concerts ever at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The stadium is being demolished next year. As corny as this song sounds in theory, I am going to go out on a limb and say it's one of the strongest tracks Bruce has come up with in years. Judge for yourself and stay tuned please!

Jim James Covers Harrison

2009-07-01T09:07:00.003-05:00

***Edit***
Listen to all tracks here!

Back in 2001, My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James recorded an EP of George Harrison songs which he will finally release on July 7'th to help benefit the Woodstock Farm Animal Sancuary.

One track (not included on the EP) is available at his site for streaming and a free download. It's a perfect version of the "All Things Must Pass" classic "Behind That Locked Door". Go here to check it out.

Oh and did I mention the website and project is all under the name "Yim Yames"? But anyway....

Unlikely Japan

2009-06-30T22:41:00.004-05:00

Yes I know. Two Wilco posts in a row. Deal with it.

I came across this great previously unreleased Wilco track (featured as a B Side on the 7 inch single for "You Never Know) called "Unlikely Japan". I would call it an early version of "Impossible Germany" but really, this is a totally different song. Recorded in 2003, it is sort of the missing link between "A Ghost is Born" and "Sky Blue Sky". Enjoy.

Please support the band and buy it if you dig it!

Wilco at the Wiltern

2009-06-27T08:21:00.003-05:00

It's no secret to folks who read this page that I'm a huge Wilco fan. Well the band is currently touring on the heels of their ridiculously good new album, "Wilco (The Album).

Here are some recent live clips of all the new songs I could find. The bonus being a guest appearance from Leslie Feist on the simply lovely track "You and I".

Enjoy and BUY the new album!

R.I.P.

2009-06-25T19:17:00.002-05:00

Obama Rethinks Plan for America

2009-06-09T09:14:00.001-05:00

I usually try to stay clear of politics on this site, but this is too important to ignore!

Obama Drastically Scales Back Goals For America After Visiting Denny's

Karma

2009-06-08T14:57:00.003-05:00

Remember trying to be a happy music fan in the late 80's when that horrible "Talk Dirty to Me" song by Poison overtook the world? Remember when VH1 used to show good programming until that shitty "Date With Bret Michaels" (the guy from Poison) show took over? Well, karma is a bitch Bret!!

This clip is from the Tony Awards last night which for some reason, Poison was asked to perform at. Classic stuff!!!

He's Gone......

2009-06-06T12:16:00.003-05:00

Fare thee well Marley.

Love and Rockets

2009-06-04T16:09:00.003-05:00

When defending the cause that the 80's did indeed produce some great music, I always cite Love and Rockets as an example. And it isn't just that fact that they had the perfect mix of Goth and Pop, it's that their songs are fantastic.

There is no greater proof of this than the soon to be released Love and Rockets tribute cd. The disc will contain tracks by Frank Black, Flaming Lips, The Dandy Warhols, and a host of others. You can listen to a bunch of great tracks at this My Space page. The amazing thing is that although I havent't heard of most of these bands, it doesn't matter because the original songs are so great. Put on some black eyeliner and give it a listen!

You Can't Always Get What You Want

2009-06-02T11:36:00.004-05:00

Too much product, not enough money.

Remember the simple old days when your only music decisions were 8-track, cassette, or vinyl? Not anymore! This is a truly amazing (and expensive) time to be a music fan. Not only do we have a wealth of great new CD releases this year, but now we have the newly released Neil Young Archives Vol.1 (list price for Blu-Ray version=$349.99), the upcoming Beatles CD remasters, and the looks freaking awesome Beatles Rock Band game.

All of these are must haves for me, except for the fact that I don't have a spare $1000.00 laying around. Either way, all of these items look simply amazing. Check them out below. My pennies are saving now.

Pearl Jam Rock Conan

2009-06-02T08:30:00.004-05:00

If you're like me and missed the first Tonight Show with Conon O'Brien last night (past my bed time), you missed Pearl Jam kicking all kinds of ass. They played a killer new song from their forthcoming album "Backspacer". I'm not sure exactly what the song title is, but I'm just happy it's so good!

Farewell to Jay Bennett

2009-05-25T11:25:00.008-05:00

A very sad day for Wilco fans; former Wilco multi-instrumentalist and singer Jay Bennett was found dead in his sleep in Urbana, IL. As a member of Wilco from 1994-2001, Jay was partner to creating some of my favorite music of all time. We can debate all day if Wilco was better with or without Jay Bennett, but not today.

Wilco founder Jeff Tweedy released a statment today that reads:
"We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we remember him -- as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band's songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time."

I'll be spending the day listening to the fantastic music Jay helped create. Rest in peace my rock and roll friend.

Happy Birthday Bob!!

2009-05-24T20:38:00.003-05:00

Dylan Cover of the Day

2009-05-09T18:06:00.001-05:00

Sonic Youth on Later With Jools Holland

2009-05-06T20:43:00.003-05:00

One of my most anticipated releases of 2009 is Sonic Youth's upcoming "The Eternal". From what I've heard so far, this will be one of their best. Here are some great videos of them performing some new tracks and a classic on BBC's Later With Jools Holland. Make sure to watch for my favorite moment; about 3 minutes into "Teenage Riot" the quick shot of the show's bandleader leader looking very confused is priceless.