Robert Fripp Announces Three UK Shows with The Humans (Toyah Willcox) / Free Live Download

Robert Fripp & the Humans - "Is It Wrong", Live in Estonia, 5/1/09

Robert Fripp-King Crimson
Originally uploaded by jamesstamper

Later this month, Robert Fripp is playing three shows with The Humans. This is a somewhat rare series of shows as Fripp hasn't toured th UK as part of a band since King Crimson’s appearance at the Shepherds Bush Empire in 2000.

Here are the details on the upcoming shows:
22 Feb 2010 Assembly, Leamington Spa

23 Feb 2010 The Junction, Cambridge

24 Feb 2010 The Scala, London

Links:
The Humans
DGM Live

Joe Satriani Performs on Jimmy Fallon Tonight / Live in Paris CD/ DVD Set Released Last Week

Guitar hero Joe Satriani is performing on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight in support of his new 2CD/DVD set Live in Paris: I Just Wanna Rock (Epic Records).



The Paris show was recorded May 27, 2008 at The Grand Rex Theater and includes Satriani standards like "Surfing With The Alien” and “Flying In A Blue Dream” along with recent hits like “Super Colossal” and “I Just Wanna Rock.”

Links:
Joe Satriani

Nebula Releases Ltd. Edition 7" / Plays Piano's on March 27th (Tee Pee Records)

STREAM: Nebula - "The Perfect Rapture" (from upcoming split 7" with Quest of Fire)

Psychedelic rock band Nebula are staying out on the road after their current European tour and are kicking off a full US tour on March 16th in Houston. The band will be playing with Tee Pee Records labelmates Quest For Fire on the first leg of the tour and The Willowz and Lionize will support Nebula on the second leg of the tour.

The tour includes a stop at SXSW for a Tee Pee Records Showcase on Thursday, March 18th at Habana Calle 6. The first leg of the tour hits the East Coast in late March and stops at Piano's on March 27th. In conjunction with the tour, Tee Pee Records will release a limited ediiton split 7" featuring brand new tracks from Nebula and Quest For Fire with artwork by Andre Ethier (The Deadly Snakes). The 7" will be limited to 1000 copies on color vinyl.

Nebula's latest release Heavy Psych came out last summer as NME described the disc as "one of those records that makes you want to throw out every other record you've listened to, grow your hair to your elbows, and start all over again".

Here are the upcoming US tour dates:
03/16/10 - Channel/Meridian, Houston TX w/Torche
03/18/10 - Tee Pee Records SXSW Showcase @ Habana Calle 6 w/ Priestess and Iron Age
03/19/10 - SXSW TBA
03/20/10 - SXSW TBA
03/21/10 - SXSW TBA
03/22/10 - Saturn Bar, New Orleans LA w/ASG
03/23/10 - Lenny's, Atlanta GA w/Quest For Fire
03/24/10 - Rocket Club, Asheville NC w/Quest For Fire
03/25/10 - V Club, Huntington WV w/Quest For Fire
03/26/10 - Johnny Brendas, Philadelphia PA w/Quest For Fire
03/27/10 - Pianos, New York NY w/Quest For Fire
03/28/10 - Wreck Room, Toronto ON w/Quest For Fire
03/29/10 - Bug Jar, Rochester NY w/Quest For Fire
03/30/10 - Grog Shop, Cleveland OH w/Quest For Fire
03/31/10 - Summit, Columbus OH w/Quest For Fire
04/01/10 - Double Door, Chicago IL w/The Willowz, Quest For Fire, Lionize
04/02/10 - Firebird, St. Louis MO w/The Willowz, Lionize
04/03/10 - Hi Tone, Memphis TN w/The Willowz, Lionize
04/04/10 - The Conservatory, Oklahoma City OK w/Lionize
04/05/10 - Jackpot Saloon, Lawrence KS w/The Willowz, Lionize
04/06/10 - 3 Kings Tavern, Denver CO w/The Willowz, Lionize
04/07/10 - Club Vegas, Salt Lake City UT w/The Willowz, Lionize
04/09/10 - Studio Seven, Seattle WA w/The Willowz, Lionize
04/10/10 - Dante's, Portland OR w/The Willowz, Lionize
04/12/10 - Thee Parkside, San Francisco CA w/The Willowz, Lionize
04/15/10 - Spaceland, Los Angeles CA w/The Willowz, Lionize

Links:
Nebula

Aeternam - Disciples of the Unseen CD Review (Metal Blade)

Disciples of the Unseen is the debut release by Canadian epic death metal band Aeternam. The band signed with Metal Blade last year and this new release is coming out next Tuesday, Feb. 16th.

Aeternam's new release stands out from a number of the bands in the death metal genre as they effortlessly combine brutal riffs and growling vocals with Middle Eastern and tribal rhythms and sweeping guitar solos. Nile is a close point of comparison but Aeternam's music is more diverse and more melodic.

The disc starts with an almost Gregorian instrumental ("Ars Almadel") which then leads into the pounding blast beats of "Angel Horned" (live video below). On songs like "Goddess of Masr", the band combines the aggressive with the sublime. This song starts with some epic guitar solos before heading into a breakdown and then coming out of this mid-way through the song for some melodic and restrained guitar work, finally ending the song with some church-like chanting. Other songs include the acoustic "Interu" which features clean vocal harmonies from the band combined with intricate Middle Eastern bass and drum rhythms. Vocalist Achraf Loudiy also uses clean vocals on "The Coronation of Seth" and this track could easily find its way into heavy rotation on metal radio stations. While Aeternam is based in Quebec, the overall tone of this disc is closer to some of the metal that has been coming out of Europe as of late rather than some of Aeternam's North American contemporaries.

Disciples of the Unseen was produced by mastermind JeF Fortin (Neuraxis, The Last Felony) and he brings out the subtle complexities of the music which makes for great headphone listening. It sounds like every note on this disc was chosen with care and the band never stoops to raw brutality just for the sake of it. This a great debut and the diversity of the disc should attract fans from across a variety of metal sub-genres.

Aeternam is planning on spending most of the next year out on the road so I'm looking forward to catching the band live whenever they get to NYC.



Links:
Aeternam

Glint is Playing a Free Show at Brooklyn Bowl on Feb. 18th (Electro-Rock)

DOWNLOAD: Glint - "Freak" (Radio Edit)

Local electro-rock band Glint is playing a free show at Brooklyn Bowl on Thursday, Feb. 18th as part of the Hank and Cupcakes Video Release Party. Glint got a lot of buzz with their 2009 release Sound in Sight which had songs featured on iTunes and Melrose Place and the band also made two live appearances on Fearless Music (video from the first appearance is below).

Glint's music has been described as "emulative of early David Bowie and Eno-esque atmosphere" and, last year, the UK Metro stated “Muse's Matt Bellamy is a clear influence on Glint singer Jase Blankfort, but the New York outfit are arguably even more epic than the British band, full of glistening synths, massive hooks and orchestral swatches [...] This may be your only chance to catch them in relatively intimate surrounds before the inevitable arenas".



Glint is currently in the studio working on a new disc so this show is essentially a warm-up show for the band's upcoming US tour in March.

Links:
Glint

Ingrid Michelson Announces a US Co-Headlining Tour with Mat Kearney

Ingrid Michaelson has announced a US co-headlining tour with Mat Kearney that kicks off on March 9th.

Ingrid is continuing to tour behind her well-received 2009 release Everybody and she has also been performing live on a number of the network talk shows. Her most recent appearance was on the Ellen Degeneres show last month where she performed "Maybe", the first single off Everybody.



As last fall's tour sold out quickly, anyone interested in seeing the tour should sign up on Ingrid Michaelson's website to be able to purchase pre-sale tickets.

Here are the upcoming tour dates:

March 09, Lancaster, PA, Chameleon
March 11, Athens, OH, Templeton Blackburn Memorial
March 12, Allentown, PA, Crocodile Rock
March 13, Montclair, NJ, Wellmont Theatre
March 14, New Haven, CT, Toad's Place
March 16, Clifton Park, NY, Northern Lights
March 17, Providence, RI, Lupo's
March 18, Philadelphia, PA, Electric Factory
March 20, Baltimore, MD, Rams Head Live
March 21, Norfolk, VA, The Norva
March 23, Charlotte, NC, Amos' Southend
March 24, Jacksonville, FL, Florida Theatre
March 25, Tampa, FL, Ruth Eckerd Hall
March 26, Orlando, FL, House of Blues
March 27, Gulf Shores, AL, The Hangout
March 29, Charleston, SC, Music Farm
March 30, Knoxville, TN, Bijou Theatre
March 31, Greenville, SC, The Handlebar
April 1, Bloomington, IN, The Bluebird
April 2, Chicago, IL, Riviera Theatre
April 3, Des Moines, IA, People's Court

Links:
Ingrid Michaelson's MySpace Profile

The Secret Machines Release New Single "Like I Can" (TSM Recordings)

DOWNLOAD: The Secret Machines - "Like I Can"

Earlier this week, The Secret Machines released a new two-song single "Like I Can / Terrible Light". (Click the cover to go to iTunes) The single is out on the band's own label, TSM Recordings, and both tracks were recorded at The Magic Shop and mixed at Electric Lady in NYC.

When talking about "Like I Can", Brandon Curtis said "This song was conceived as a conversation. You know, some of my best conversations have been held between me and myself. Not that I feel particularly anti-social or anything. It's just that when operating as both parties, one tends to have more patience for revision. Editing for content and language. Balancing intensity of emotion with just the right amount of logic. Anyway, as you might have guessed this practice has resulted in many missed opportunities. So, this is it. Spilled out like a cracked wine glass. Me at my most persuasive? Perhaps not, but it's a start."

Links:
The Secret Machines

The Organ Beats Play Glasslands Tomorrow Night (Feb. 5th)

DOWNLOAD: The Organ Beats - "Happy Birthday Come On Home" (from Sleep When We Are Dead)

Last weekend, I played Damone's debut CD, From the Attic, for the first time in years and I had forgotten what a great power pop disc this was. The band played a lot of high profile shows around town (opening for Joan Jett at North Six, Ramps & Amps Festival on Randall's Island, etc.) in 2005 - 06 but then seemed to fade from view.

After taking some time off from music, Damone guitarist/front-woman Noelle LeBlanc is back with her newest project The Organ Beats. The three piece band was formed in 2008 and consists of Noelle LeBlanc, her brother Danny and long-time friend Mikey C. The new 9-track album Sleep When We Are Dead was recorded in the summer 2009 in their friends' small studio outside of Houston,TX over the course of 3 weeks.

The band is off on a short tour which stops at Glasslands tomorrow night. The band is playing with Red Wire Black Wire and Beat Radio. Cover is $8.00 and doors are at 7PM.

Here is the band's upcoming tour dates:

02.05.10 - Glasslands New York, NY
02.09.10 - Tammany Hall Worcester, MA
02.11.10 - KC's Tap Pawtucket, RI
02.26.10 - TT the Bear's Place Cambridge, MA
03.06.10 - Ralph's Worcester, MA

The Organ Beats - "Time To Go"


Damone - "What We Came For"


Links:
The Organ Beats

We Are Wolves Play The Studio at Webster Hall on Friday (5th/Feb) and Brooklyn Bowl on Saturday (6th/Feb)

DOWNLOAD: We Are Wolves - "Blue" (from Invisible Violence)

Montreal dance-rock band We Are Wolves are in town this weekend for two shows. The band is touring behind their third CD Invisible Violence which came out just a few days ago on Dare To Care Records.

The band doesn't slow down on the dance floor grooves on this new disc but there is a bit of a "cooler core" to the overall sound. In a recent interview with Exclaim.ca, Alexander Ortiz "volunteers a recent group obsession with David Bowie's Low that subliminally seeped into their sound, even to the point where producer Moumneh mentioned it during recording."

We Are Wolves are playing The Studio at Webster Hall on Friday, Feb. 5th. Tickets are $10 and the band is playing at 11PM.

On Saturday night, We are Wolves are playing Brooklyn Bowl as part of the Hot Chip Official After-Party and DJ Set. Tickets are $10 and doors are at 11PM.

Links:
We Are Wolves' MySpace Profile

Hurricane Bells (Ashen & Steve) Sing to Fans In India (Vagrant Records)

While on tour in India, Ashen and Steve from Hurricane Bells came across this group of young Indian girls at a temple near a beach. The girls recognized them from posters promoting shows in their area and asked Steve and Ashen to sing for them.



Hurricane Bells are back in the States later this month and are playing a show at Union Hall with Falcon and Scout on February 17th. Tickets are $10 and doors are at 7:30PM.

Links:
Hurricane Bells' MySpace Profile

Weedeater Starts "Nine Toe" Tour in Savannah in March (Southern Lord)

After an unfortunate accident with a shotgun (see previous post) delayed the previous round of tour dates, Weedeater heads out on the road for a cross-country March/April tour. The tour kicks off a week before this year's SXSW Festival where Weedeater will be headlining the Tone Deaf Touring showcase on March 20th. Support bands for the tour include Black Cobra, ASG, Black Tusk, The Gates of Slumber, US Christmas, and Struck by Lightning.

There is only one local tour stop, which is at The Studio at Webster Hall on April 10th. Right after this run of tour dates, the band will be going into Electrical Audio Studios to record their new release entitled Jason... The Dragon (Southern Lord) with Steve Albini.

Weedeater 2010 "Nine Toe" Tour
3/12/2010 The Jinx - Savannah, GA
3/13/2010 The Back Booth - Orlando, FL
3/14/2010 Crazy Marlins - Panama City Beach, FL
3/15/2010 Lenny's - Atlanta, GA
3/16/2010 Bottletree - Birmingham, AL
3/17/2010 Hi Tone - Memphis, TN
3/18/2010 The Channel @ Meridian - Houston, TX
3/19/2010 Skillman Street Bar - Dallas, TX
3/20/2010 Encore - Austin, TX @ Tone Deaf SXSW Showcase
3/21/2010 Zombie's - San Antonio, TX
3/23/2010 Launchpad - Albuquerque, NM
3/24/2010 Chasers - Scottsdale, AZ
3/26/2010 Ultra Violet - Los Angeles, CA
3/27/2010 Elbo Room - San Francisco, CA
3/28/2010 Rotture - Portland, OR
3/29/2010 Funhouse - Seattle, WA
3/31/2010 Club Vegas - Salt Lake City, UT
4/01/2010 Larimer Lounge - Denver, CO
4/02/2010 The Record Bar - Kansas City, MO
4/03/2010 Triple Rock - Minneapolis, MN
4/04/2010 Reggie's - Chicago, IL
4/05/2010 Mac's - Lansing, MI
4/06/2010 The Southgate House - Newport, KY
4/07/2010 The Grog Shop - Cleveland, OH
4/08/2010 Wreck Room - Toronto, ON
4/09/2010 Bug Jar - Rochester, NY
4/10/2010 Webster Hall (Studio) - New York, NY
4/11/2010 Khyber - Philadelphia, PA
4/12/2010 DC9 - Washington, DC
4/13/2010 Krug's - Frederick, MD
4/14/2010 The Triple - Richmond, VA

Links:
Weedeater

White Wizzard Releases 'Over The Top' on March 9th / Show at Santos Party House on March 10th

Los Angeles traditional metal band White Wizzard are releasing their first full-length, Over the Top (Earache), on March 9th and are playing an early show at Santos Party House on March 10th.

The new disc was produced by Ralph Patlan (Megadeth, UFO, Michael Schenker) and Earache is taking pre-orders for limited edition colored vinyl and 2-CD versions of the disc. For anyone who wants an advance listen on how the new material sounds live, there are two White Wizzard videos from a recent performance at Reggie's in Chicago streaming on Chicago's UVTV site.

Here is an interview that I did with the band when they were in town last year for a show at Club Europa.



Links:
White Wizzard

Kites With Lights - The Weight of Your Heart CD EP Review

DOWNLOAD: Kites with Lights - "The Weight of Your Heart"

Kites With Lights' debut five-track EP, The Weight of Your Heart, was released last August but its sound fits perfectly with the techno-pop bands from the early to mid 80's.

Kites With Lights is the brainchild of one-man band Jonah Cordy who gives each song a full sound that would fit perfectly alongside bands like New Order, OMD and Dream Academy. Jonah has a cool and subdued voice, which is complemented by shimmering, dreamy keyboards and a pulsing dance beat that pulls you into the melody of each of the songs. This is late-night dance music that will have you swaying on the dance floor in a euphoric haze.

The Weight of Your Heart is an impressive debut and Jonah Cordy has certainly been keeping busy since its release. Check out the Kites with Lights remix of Pocket featuring Mark Burgess (from the Chameleons) or the band's cover of "Dream Attack" from the forthcoming CD Ceremony - A New Order Tribute.

Links:
Kites With Lights

The Brian Jonestown Massacre Release First Single "Let's Go Fucking Mental" from Forthcoming CD (Free Download)

DOWNLOAD: The Brian Jonestown Massacre - "Let's Go Fucking Mental" (from Who Killed Sgt. Pepper?)

"Who Killed Sgt. Pepper was recorded in early and late 2009 in Iceland and Berlin. Set for release in February 2010. This album features musicans of the likes of Unnur Andrea Einarsdottir (who recorded vocals on the last BJM album) and Felix from the Russian band “Amazing Electronic Talking Cave” as well as other musicians from France, Germany and Iceland. Will Cruthers and Matt Hollywood also return to the line-up on this album." --Wikipedia

The Brian Jonestown Massacre are back with their 10th album Who Killed Sgt. Pepper which is due out on February 23rd. The band is kicking off a U.S. tour on May 28th in Minneapolis which stops at Webster Hall on June 6th.

Here are the complete tour dates:

5/28: Cabooze, Minneapolis
5/29: Turner Hall, Milwaukee
5/30: Metro, Chicago
5/31: Grog Shop, Cleveland
6/02: Phoenix Concert Hall, Toronto
6/03: La Tulipe, Montreal
6/04: Paradise Rock Club, Boston
6/06: Webster Hall, New York
6/08: TLA, Philadelphia
6/09: 9:30 Club, DC
6/10: Mad Hatter, Cincinnati
6/11: Off Broadway, St Louis
6/13: Bluebird Theater, Denver
6/14: Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City
6/15: Knitting Factory, Boise
6/17: Crystal Ballroom, Portland
6/18: Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver
6/19: Neumos. Seattle
6/21: Fillmore, San Francisco
6/22: Henry Fonda Theater, Los Angeles

Links:
The Brian Jonestown Massacre's MySpace Profile