Mark Burgess (aka ChameleonsVox) To Play 'What Does Anything Mean? Basically' and 'Strange Times' at Dec. '14 Shows in Manchester

Late last year, former Chameleons' bassist/vocalist released a four song EP under the name ChameleonsVox, which was Burgess' first new material in ten years. In a Facebook post, Burgess said: "The Ep constitutes my first release of fresh material in almost TEN YEARS. I nearly dropped cork leg when that was pointed out to me, because trust me it doesn't feel that long to me, but then it never does, does it?

The four tracks are 'Sycophants' (in the pants) - co-written with my regular guitarist Chris Oliver, 'Heaven' and 'Feel The Need', engineered and co-produced with a long time collaborator Yves Altana who some may remember from past projects 'Invincible' and 'Paradyning'. I'm also collaborating with Yves, along with one or two others, writing and recording a brand new album 'Eden And The End Of The World', which we hope to have completed to coincide with the next manned mission to Mars, or early 2014, whichever comes first. Oh by the way, the title is a coded message to someone but in no way should it be considered as a threat to International security or world peace. "



While I take some exception with Burgess calling his solo band "the latest incarnation of the Chameleons", it still sounds pretty cool that Burgess is playing What Does Anything Mean?, Basically and Strange Times in their entirety at shows at the Manchester Academy on Dec. 19th and 20th. Burgess and co. will be playing What Does Anything Mean? Basically on Friday, Dec. 19th and Strange Times on Saturday, Dec. 20th. Tickets are £18 for each night and £34 for both nights. Burgess said "Playing Script of the Bridge in it's entirety on the last tour was a massively enjoyable exercise for everyone, audience and band alike. So, when we were asked if we'd perform the next two albums...we agreed immediately. They differ from the debut album, though, in that they contain songs that have been rarely, if ever performed. It's going to be a challenge to present some of them but it's a challenge we look forward to and hopefully The Chameleons audience will too."

Links:
ChameleonsVox

Ryan Hobler (Americana Noir) Hosts Release Party for New Single "She Came Along" at the Slipper Room Tomorrow Night (May 29th)

STREAM: Ryan Hobler - "Got a Ways to Go"

Influenced by folk-rock heroes like Paul Simon, Elliott Smith, and Nick Drake,, eclectic folk-pop singer and genre-jumping songwriter Ryan Hobler has been playing music in and around his native New York for nearly two decades. Performing in various bands and working as a professional audio engineer, Hobler developed a refined, lyric-driven style with a sound that combines intertwining layers of natural acoustic tones, transporting vocal harmonies and surprising arrangements. Thematically, his songs range from intimate personal stories to surreal allegorical explorations that have been praised for revealing a "love, defeat, and resilience in each track” (examiner.com).

Ryan Hobler is playing a very special release party tomorrow night at the Slipper Room for his next single, "She Came Along", from his forthcoming album produced by Andrew Baldwin (Bjork, Saint Lucia, Wakey! Wakey!). The show will also feature the first ever live screening of Ryan's video for "See What You're Doing to Me". Tickets for this show are $10 are doors are at 7PM.



Links:
Ryan Hobler

Asia Plays B.B. King's (Times Square) on Sept. 20th / 'Gravitas' CD Review (Frontiers Records)

As much as I'm not a fan of going to Times Square for any reason, I might have to break down and go see Asia at B.B. King's Blue Club on September 20th. General admission tickets are $42.50 Advance / $47 Day of Show and VIP Reserved Floor Seating is $75.

I was a bit nervous when Steve Howe checked out of Asia and was replaced by guitar shredder Sam Coulson (holy shades of Astra, Batman). This concern was without merit though as Asia’s new disc, Gravitas, continues in the spirit of the last few reunion albums with all the tracks written by Wetton/Downes. In comparison to Astra, Gravitas is a better album as there are more stand-out tracks but there are similarities between these two discs as both have tracks that are just ‘ok’ and even a few that don’t stand up well to repeated listening. In comparison to the most recent reunion albums, Gravitas is much more textured and layered and seems like a noticeable attempt to capture past glories from the 80’s. The most relevant point of comparison to would be to compare Gravitas to Alpha.

The disc starts with "Valkyrie" and it is everything that you would expect from the 80’s lineup of Asia. The song is layered and atmospheric, with big vocals and harmonies, strings (from Sam Coulson) and a clean guitar solo. This track sets the tone for the rest of the disc as this is clearly the Wetton/Downes show.  Across the disc, Coulson's presence isn't always noticeable and Carl Palmer’s contributions are minimal.

 The next track, “Gravitas”, clearly highlights the difference between these songs and those from Asia’s first album. This eight minute track starts with a huge synth build before the song kicks into full speed. The pulsing back-beat sets the expectation of the exploding choruses and urgency of the first disc but Wetton and Downes are never able to turn this corner. The songs “Nyctophobia” and “Heaven Help Me” are the highlights of the disc and both of these songs come the closest to capturing the sonic force of the first album. “Nyctophobia” is a mid-tempo rocker with a multi-layered sound and big backing vocals. “Heaven Help Me Now” is a solid rocker with a driving beat and huge Queen-like backing vocals. This later song is also one of the few times that Coulson’s guitar work surfaces.

“The Closer I Get”, “Russian Dolls” and “Joe DiMaggio’s Glove” are the mellow and introspective numbers on the disc and these tracks are in 'soft middle' in what could have been an extremely solid outing. All three songs are tales of lost love and broken hearts but, unfortunately, Wetton’s schmaltzy lyrics get annoying fairly quickly. “The Closer I Get” is a piano ballad that is carried by Wetton’s vocals, “Russian Dolls” is a mellow and melancholy number that meanders a bit before finally picking up the pace and “Joe DiMaggio’s Glove” sounds a bit too much like Bon Jovi in the beginning for me to be comfortable (and lyrics like ”how did my heart become so soft as Joe DiMaggio’s glove” make me queasy).

In an interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Carl Palmer said the following about Gravitas: “We wanted some younger blood in there and we wanted to sound a little bit heavier. It is classic rock and it is more in that Van Halen sort of area, or whatever you want to call it. We have been softer in the recent past, so we wanted to rock it up a bit. “ Check out the video below and see what you think.



Links:
Asia

'Jimmy Page' by Jimmy Page (book) Will Be Re-Printed for Oct. '14 Release (Genesis Publications)

I like the concept of these Genesis Publications releases but I've never been able to afford one. These are obviously beautifully done objets d'art but the general price point for these books starts at £199.00 and the previous edition of "Jimmy Page" by Jimmy Page recently sold for more than $2,000 on eBay.

Jimmy Page is one of music’s greatest guitarists, innovators and legends. JIMMY PAGE is his official autobiography, a photographic essay he personally created to tell his story for the first time. Jimmy's own words, combined with his handpicked selection of over 600 photographs, make this book the definitive visual and historical record of a remarkable life. JIMMY PAGE will be available in all major bookstores from October 2014.

I’ve been asked on a number of occasions to do a written book and I thought of the other side of the coin. I thought it would be unique to have an autobiography in photographs, charting my whole musical journey. – JIMMY PAGE

The chronicle of a life in music, by one of the world’s most iconic guitar players, JIMMY PAGE is testament to the author’s vision – a work he describes as a photographic autobiography. Jimmy has chosen every one of the 650 photographs, written the accompanying text, arranged the content into its narrative order and overseen the design of his book.

It was important to include every milestone along the way, so people who were fans of the music have got a real testament of the times. – JIMMY PAGE

In the form of captions, the intensely private Jimmy has narrated the story of his legendary career for the first time.  Delving into his personal archives, Jimmy has revealed unseen photographs, memorabilia and every one of his passports, saved throughout his life. Jimmy’s passport stamps were used to verify all tour dates, making JIMMY PAGE an authoritative historical account.

The tour schedules, passport stamps, working visas and memorabilia really make up a complete picture, which just keeps unfolding as you turn each page of the book. – JIMMY PAGE

In addition to Jimmy’s own photos, and those chosen from various sources including fans and magazines, his book showcases a collection of iconic portraits and rare images by over 70 of the greatest names in rock photography, including: Ross Halfin, Kate Simon, Gered Mankowitz, Dominique Tarlé, Pennie Smith and Jim Marshall. Jimmy chose one of his favourite portrait shots for the book cover: a 1977 passport photo, shot by Neal Preston on board Led Zeppelin’s private tour plane.  There are many rare finds throughout, such as Led Zeppelin playing an impromptu gig in a nightclub in Jersey, or double-exposure shots of Jimmy and Brian Jones by Ian Stewart.

I wanted to make it as thorough as possible, so that meant trawling through all the thousands of files that photographers had taken, and pulling from my personal collection as well. There’s a photo of me playing the guitar by the fire at Bron-Yr-Aur cottage. It’s the most complete document that there’s ever going to be because of the amount of time that I’ve put into every aspect. – JIMMY PAGE

Over two years in the making, this 512-page volume documents Page’s musical journey, from 13-year-old choirboy to Sixties session musician, through The Yardbirds to Led Zeppelin and beyond.

You see this young man growing, from when I’m a choirboy – and took my guitar along to see if I could tune it up from the organ – right through to almost yesterday. – JIMMY PAGE

Today, Led Zeppelin remain arguably one of the biggest rock bands of all time, with the demand for tickets to their recent 2007 reunion breaking world records and the hugely anticipated re-issues of their entire catalogue coming on Rhino Records later this year.  Jimmy Page continues to make history. He has performed at events including ARMS, Live Aid and the Beijing Olympics closing ceremony; collaborated with artists including The Black Crowes, Leona Lewis, Shirley Bassey and the Foo Fighters; and received awards including an OBE, a Kennedy Center Honor and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On 10th May 2014 he will receive an honorary doctorate from the prestigious university of Berklee, joining previous honourees The Eagles, B.B. King, Steve Winwood, Dizzy Gillespie, George Martin and David Bowie.


Originally conceived as a limited edition of only 2,500 copies worldwide, the first printing of JIMMY PAGE by Jimmy Page sold out within weeks of release. In the spring of 2010, it became the fastest-selling book in Genesis Publications’ 40-year history. Now Jimmy Page and Genesis Publications announce a more accessible and affordable printing of the book, to be released this October 2014.

I always like to do something different – if you’re inspired by an idea, really make something of that inspiration. That goes for music, as well as anything else – even putting a book together! To have a photographic autobiography is a totally different way of looking at things, but it does the job very well and I think it will bring a lot of pleasure to people. – JIMMY PAGE

ABOUT GENESIS PUBLICATIONS

As someone who’s always been interested in having a library themselves, I appreciate fine bookbinding and their whole ethic of what they do. – Jimmy Page

Founded in 1974, Genesis Publications is a family-owned independent publishing house true to the arts of printing and bookbinding. Genesis creates signed limited edition books and prints for collectors in over 50 countries. Recent authors include musicians such as Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and David Bowie; visual artists such as Shepard Fairey, Storm Thorgerson and Sir Peter Blake; and contributing writers such as Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

Links:
Jimmy Page By Jimmy Page

Don Jamieson - 'Hell Bent for Laughter' CD Review (Metal Blade)

STREAM: Don Jamieson - "That Metal Show, Wedding Songs and Guns N' F@ckin' Roses"

Sometime in the early 90’s, I remember being in a bar and hearing a guy trying to impress his date by quoting Andrew “Dice” Clay lines. My guess is that this guy went home alone that night…

Don Jamieson’s comedy styling falls in the same vein as Andrew “Dice” Clay and Sam Kinison – it is a series of one-liners that aren’t for the politically correct or the faint at heart. There are moments that are really funny but Jamieson’s routine is mostly comprised of sophomoric “d*ck jokes”.

That Metal Show host Don Jamieson released his second album of live stand-up, Hell Bent for Laughter, in March (Metal Blade) and this show was recorded at raucous BYOB comedy club Uncle Vinnie’s comedy club in Pleasant Beach, NJ. The title is a parity of Judas Priest’s Hell Bent for Leather (Jamieson’s previous album title was a takeoff on Thin Lizzy’s Live and Dangerous) and this leads into the unfortunate but inevitable Rob Halford gay jokes: (i.e.) the original versions of some Priest songs were “Rock Hard, Ride Me”, “Heading Out to the Hershey Highway” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming - Don’t Get It In My Eyes”. Other topics include menstruation, giving up a body part for sex (insert Def Leppard joke here) and rock stars with d*cks so big that they can s*ck themselves off.

The audio clip above is the first track on the CD and it will give you a good indication of what Jamieson’s live show is like. Here is the track list for the rest of the disc:

01. That Metal Show, Wedding Songs and Guns n’ F@ckin’ Roses
02. Diapers, Tattoos and a Missing Thumb
03. Halford, Ozzy & Kiss
04. Motley Crue, AC/DC and My Awful Sideburns
05. A Mexican, Edward Scissorhands and a Missing Arm
06. Lubrication, Menstruation and Masturbation
07. Bad Dates, Dead Cats and Terrorist Ants
08. Guns n’ F@ckin’ Politics, Money Shots and Abortion
09. Things You’ll Never Hear Anyone Say
10. Thank You Louis CK, Trendy Stoners
11. The Liquor Store Bar, Balls and Magical Vaginas

In an interview, Jamieson described his comedy style by saying “I’m like AC/DC; I know three chords and play them over and over again".

For anyone who is into this brand of comedy, Jamieson is back at Uncle Vinnie's this month for five nights: 05/21/14 - 05/25/14.



Links:
Don Jamieson

Below (Swedish Epic Doom) - 'Across the Dark River' CD Review (Metal Blade)

STREAM: Below - "Mare of the Night" (from Across the Dark River)

Swedish three-piece epic doom band Below released its debut full-length, Across the Dark River, last month month on Metal Blade and the band has a sound that will be immediate recognizable to fans of Dio and the Tony Martin era of Black Sabbath. There are also hints of King Diamond in the mix and this shouldn’t come as a surprise as the band recorded this album at Andy LaRocque's Sonic Train Studios. Below offered the following comment on recording with LaRocque:"To have the opportunity to work with Andy LaRocque and Olof in Sonic Train Studios is amazing. It will be a truly epic album that will leave its mark in the history of doom."

Below play slow-brooding doom that isn’t as bottom-heavy as the early Sabbath material as these songs add clean NWOBHM-style guitar lines, keyboards/organ and occasional chanted backing vocals to the band’s foundational heavy riffs. Andy LaRocque's production gives the band a clean sound so there is an even balance between the vocals and the instrumentation. Similar to King Diamond, the lyrics of the songs tell tales of ghouls and demons , murder, being buried alive along, etc. Most of the songs clock in over five minutes so vocalist Zeb has both the space and sonic backdrop to use his emotive and operatic vocals to set the song’s mood.

“Mare of the Night” (streaming above) is a good indication of the sound of the disc as most of the songs are stylistically similar. The only exceptions to this are: “Ghost of a Shepherd”, where the band noticeably picks up the tempo of the song, and “Dream of the Night”, which is a short intro (35 seconds) which leads directly into “Mare of the Night”. One of the disc’s strongest tracks is the melancholy title track (which runs eight minute long) that tells a tale of crossing of the river Styx.




Links:
Below

Emily Danger (Dark Cabaret) Plays Rockwood Music Hall on Nov. 23rd / New Album (2014 Release) Available for Pre-Sale

Substituting lead guitar for lead violin using electronic pedals, looping, and computerized drums, Emily Danger is known for their modern and accessible sound. Described as “Radiohead meets Jeff Buckley and Heart”, Emily's voice packs a punch with her over four-octave range and incredible versatility. Emily Danger is playing an early show at Rockwood Music Hall this Saturday, Nov. 23rd - the band takes the stage at 8PM and cover is the usual "one drink minimum per set".

The band just released, "Easy Remix" (streaming above), which is the first single off the upcoming Emily Danger full-length album Peace Arch (to be released in early 2014). Breaking out of their former folk rock shell, the NYC-based indie band Emily Danger dives deeper into their dark cabaret sound by remixing their catchy folk ballad “Easy” into a magnificent new rendition featuring the distinct operatic vocals of Emily Nicholas over shivering strings and minimalist percussion. The accompanying music video is a true work of art that abstractly explores the very dynamic between hunter and prey and what it means to be human. Shot in the San Bernardino Mountains, the video tells the suspenseful story of a man and his son who fall prey to an unexpected hunter. The band regularly address social, political, and feminist issues in their songs and desire to connect to their audience as well as inspire change with their words. The recording and music video for “Easy Remix” are the very embodiment of that change.



Emily Danger was formed in 2011 in New York after a sold-out cabaret show of oddball covers and original music written by lead vocalist Emily Nicholas and drummer Ryan Nearhoff. The entire band is classically trained and joined forces to shed their former conservatory backgrounds and create orchestral, dark rock ‘n’ roll. Emily's powerful vocals compliment Cameron's violin virtuosity while Ryan's theatrical arrangements create the band's unique sound.

Links:
Emily Danger Band

The Flamin' Groovies - Interview with Cyril Jordan, Nov. '13 / Show at Warsaw in Brooklyn on Nov. 15th

Having just completed a successful tour of Japan and Australia this year, and then dates in June and July in London, NYC, San Francisco and LA, The Flamin' Groovies have returned in full force. The Cyril Jordan, Chris Wilson, George Alexander line-up that rocked the UK, Europe and the US from 1971 - 1980 are back in action. With the addition of Victor Penalosa on drums, they continue to present their own unique and infectious style of rock n roll with such cult classics as "Slow Death," "Shake Some Action" and "You Tore Me Down."

Mike from BrooklynRocks talked with Groovies founding member Cyril Jordan earlier this week about the band's new single ("End of the World"), forthcoming disc and the impetus behind the reunion of the Shake Some Action lineup. They also went back into the Groovies' history as Cyril talked about his encounters and friendships with rockers Jimi Hendrix and Cream and how the Groovies were the house band for the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Cyril is documenting his memoirs in a column in Ugly Things magazine.

This Friday night, the Groovies are playing the Norton Records Bash at Warsaw in Brooklyn on Nov. 15th. Tickets are $35 and the other bands on the bill are old-school garage rockers The Sonics and Daddy Long Legs.

Links:
The Flamin' Groovies

Cold Blood Club: Brooklyn Indie Dance Band Premiers New Track - "Down" / Show at Bowery Electric on Tues., Nov. 19th

Cold Blood Club are going tear up Bowery Electric next week with their brand of infectiously catchy dance rock. CMJ described the band's music as a "fist pumping ode to a party at the end of the world" and Bowery Electric's stage almost seems too small to hold the energy of this eight member band. Cold Blood Club has a full length, Tear Down the Maps, coming out soon and the advance singles have been trickling out over the last few months. The sing-along party anthem "Goodbye to All That" (streaming above) was released in July and the band has now followed that with a brand-new cut, "Down". This new song features guitarist/vocalist Tom Stuart trading off vocals with Kendra Jones over top of a driving bass and drum rhythm and sweeping keys.

Brooklyn-based Cold Blood Club is a gang of musicians who have been conquering the New York Indie dance scene one packed venue at a time since they debuted their edgy blend of soul, rock, and pop in the summer of 2011. Now, Cold Blood Club offers a taste of their forthcoming LP with new single/video, "Goodbye to All That."



Four piece rock n' roll band Aloud will be opening for Cold Blood Club. Helmed by longtime songwriting partners and husband-and-wife team Henry Beguiristain (lead vocals/guitars) and Jen de la Osa (lead vocals/guitars), the band has recorded three studio albums — with a fourth in the oven — and has crisscrossed the country on several independent tours.



The show at Bowery Electric is on Tues., Nov. 19th and doors are at 6:30PM. Cover is $8 and Cristina Taddonio and Owen Cohen are also on the bill.

Links:
Cold Blood Club
Aloud

Jimmy Somerville (x-Bronski Beat) Sings Impromptu Version of "Smalltown Boy" with Berlin Street Busker

Wow...I'm starting to feel really old as I had a brief stint as a dance-radio DJ in the 80's and Bronski Beat and The Communards were staples on the playlist. Aside for having a vague memory of Somerville playing a show at Tracks in Washington, DC sometime in the mid/late 90's, I completely lost track of Somerville after The Communards.

Last weekend I saw this video posted of a Berlin street busker playing "Smalltown Boy" who is joined mid-song by Somerville, who appears to have been walking his dog. There is no mistaking Somerville's falsetto but the busker turns to him at the end and asks "Is it you?".



Links:
Jimmy Somerville

The Canon Logic Play Brooklyn Night Bazaar on Nov. 22nd Along with Bear Hands and Dead Stars

In a recent CMJ edition of Deli Magazine, the magazine described The Canon Logic's sound as "punchy choruses, prettily constructed melodies [and] rich vocals". The band has a new disc, WYLD, coming out soon and just released a video for the song "Crocodiles", which was filmed two days after Hurricane Sandy, in a blacked out lower Manhattan and on the shut-down subway tracks.

The Canon Logic are playing a free show at Brooklyn Night Bazaar on Friday, Nov. 22nd along with Bear Hands, Brooklyn shoegazers Dead Stars, Desert Sharks and DJ Who Am I. The new Brooklyn Night Bazaar location is at 165 Banker Street in Brooklyn and the show runs from 6PM - Midnight.



Links:
The Canon Logic

Paul McCartney - 'New' CD Review (Hear Music)

STREAM: Paul McCartney - "New"

Paul McCartney’s sixteen solo disc outside of Wings, New (Hear Music), was released on Oct. 15th and this is his first album of new material since 2007’s Memory Almost Full. After 2012’s reflective covers album, Kisses on the Bottom, New is a welcome return to McCartney’s rock roots as the disc’s 13 tracks touch upon the sounds of later-period Beatles and McCartney’s work with Wings. There is also little of the sentimental schmaltz that weighted down some of McCartney’s solo work in the 80’s.

The key facet of the new disc which immediately jumps out of the speakers is that McCartney seems revitalized and the songs have a new sense of urgency. There is also a nod to Macca’s past as many songs contain multi-layered loops and effects which bring to mind the effects on The Beatles’ Revolver and/or early Pink Floyd albums. McCartney embraces a variety of styles across this disc and the strongest tracks are the rockers (which were also the first singles from the disc). Producer Paul Epworth gives the disc opener “Save Us” and “Queenie Eye” a post-punk edge that more than justifies anyone who questioned Macca’s work with the surviving members of Nirvana. The final Epworth track, “Road”, has a completely different sound as this is full-sounding, hazy number that bears more than a passing resemblance to the ‘urban cool’ of the early 90’s trip-hop bands.



Producer Mark Ronson produced the tracks that sound the most like classic McCartney – “New” and “Alligator”. “New” sounds somewhat ‘Beatle-ish’ with its multi-tracked array of sounds, bouncy rhythms and big hooky vocals and this song proves Macca still has the chops to turn out those perfect AM Radio hits. “Alligator” is a uptempo rocker which combines some great bluesy guitar lines with harpsichord and other instrumentation over which Paul expresses his need for “someone who can save me”.



McCartney seems to lose steam on some of the slower numbers, two of which were produced by Ethan Johns. While “Early Days” seems to be about Paul and John’s pre-Beatles friendship, it seems to be a schmaltzy walk through a bygone era and the only reason that the song doesn’t go completely off the rails is the painful and raw emotion in Paul’s falsetto vocals. “Hosanna” is measurably more interesting and, outside of the song’s hazy veneer, this tale of romantic brittleness is very similar to songs on almost all of Paul’s previous albums.

The remainder of the disc was produced by Beatles’ producer George Martin’s son Giles. Some of the more interesting of these tracks include “On My Way to Work”, a commuter’s tale of the daily grind of riding the bus to work but waiting/hoping for dreams to come true and this number sounds like it could have come out of The Beatles’ back catalog. “Appreciate” is a dance club number with an industrial beat which is the most adventurous that I’ve heard Macca in years. The disc ends with the hidden track “Scared”, which is a stripped-down piano ballad where Paul seems to be afraid of telling his new love how much she means to him: “Afraid to let you see/ That the simplest of words won’t come out of my mouth, though I’m dying to set them free/ Trying to let you see/ How much you mean to me.”



Links:
Paul McCartney

The Flamin' Groovies Premiere "End of the World" (first new Cyril Jordan/Chris Wilson cut in 32 years) / Show on Nov. 15th at Warsaw in Brooklyn

STREAM: The Flamin' Groovies - "End of the World" (hosted on RollingStone.com)

Having just completed a successful tour of Japan and Australia this year, and then dates in June and July in London, NYC, San Francisco and LA, The Flamin' Groovies have returned in full force. The Cyril Jordan, Chris Wilson, George Alexander line-up that rocked the UK, Europe and the US from 1971 - 1980 are back in action. With the addition of Victor Penalosa on drums, they continue to present their own unique and infectious style of rock n roll with such cult classics as "Slow Death," "Shake Some Action" and "You Tore Me Down."

This incarnation of the Groovies played their first US show this past May at The Elbo Room in San Fransisco and the show sold out in less than 24 hours. The Flamin' Groovies came through town in July for a show at Bowery Ballroom which was followed by a sold-out show at Maxwell's.

This time around, the Groovies are playing the Norton Records Bash at Warsaw in Brooklyn on Nov. 15th. Tickets are $35 and the other bands on the bill are old-school garage rockers The Sonics and Daddy Long Legs.

Here is the set list for the show at Maxwell's - I can't imagine the band will switch things up too much this time around:
 - Yeah My Baby
- Tallahassee Lassie
- You Tore Me Down
- I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better (The Byrds cover)
- Yes I Am
- I Want You Bad (NRBQ cover)
- I Can't Hide
- First Plane Home
- Please Please Girl
- Don't You Lie to Me (Tampa Red cover)
- Married Woman
- Between The Lines
- Slow Death
- Shake Some Action

Encore:
Teenage Head



The Flamin' Groovies story goes all the way back to 1965 when the band began as the Chosen Few in their hometown of San Francisco, California. After a name change and a self-released 10 inch album called Sneakers, which sold amazingly well, the band caught the attention of Columbia who signed them up and sent them into the studio with a big budget to record their first real album, Supersnazz, on the Epic label. Their next two albums were on Kama Sutra (home of their heroes, The Lovin' Spoonful): Flamingo and the now revered classic Teenage Head.

Lead singer Roy Loney left the band right after that and lead guitarist Cyril Jordan moved the group to England with Chris Wilson (formerly of Loose Gravel) taking over as front man. They continued their style of straight ahead guitar driven rock n' roll but this time with a more 60's rather than 50's influence. A few singles on United Artists, recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales with Dave Edmunds producing, followed in the early '70s. In '76 they signed to Sire Records, who released three true gems of power pop: Shake Some Action, Flamin' Groovies Now and Jumpin' In The Night.

Another lineup change ensued in the next decade with Wilson moving to England and joining the Barracudas. The Groovies continued on thru the 80's and into the early '90s touring Australia and Europe, putting out a fine but overlooked album called Rock Juice and then finally calling it quits. Jordan formed a new band called Magic Christian while Wilson released solo albums in Europe.

Now in 2013, Jordan, Wilson and original founding member and bass player George Alexander, have reunited for the first time since 1981. They're joined by drummer Victor Penalosa, a fine musician in his own right who faithfully recreates the style heard on the classic recordings while at the same time adding his own flavor. The foursome has gone back into the studio to finish up long lost recordings as well as cutting brand new material. They recently toured Japan and Australia, returning home to San Francisco to do a show that sold out in less than 24 hours. Fans have been delighted with what is being called "a dream set list", including original songs the band has never performed before onstage. Newcomers are asking, "Why haven't I ever heard of this group?" It's hard to say just why the group hasn't gotten the attention they deserve (at least in the USA) but they're back to give everyone another chance at hearing and seeing just why those in the know consider them one of the greatest rock n' roll bands ever.

Links:
The Flamin' Groovies

Yamantaka // Sonic Titan - Live Photos from M is for Montreal @ CMJ, Arlene's Grocery, NYC 10-18-13

I've seen some shows over the years that were so completely "out there" that I probably spent most of the show staring at what was unfolding on stage and I couldn't tell you after the show whether the band was good or bad. These shows come immediately to mind and include Butthole Surfers at Hammerjacks in 1991, Marilyn Manson at the 9:30 Club in 1994 and now Yamantaka // Sonic Titan's performance at the M is for Montreal CMJ show will be added to the list.  These guys are pretty far out there, both musically and visually, so I don't know how to describe them - the best that I can come up with is "noh wave" Suicide channeled through Bjork.

Here is how Wikipedia describes the band: "The group was originally conceived while [vocalists] Kato Attwood and Alaska B were art students at Concordia University, as an art project based around exploring and subverting the cultural signifiers of their shared Asian Canadian heritage; both are of mixed Asian-European heritage, and were previously members of the defunct Montreal noise rock band Lesbian Fight Club. They developed a music and performance style that incorporated aspects of Asian C-pop and J-pop, progressive rock, heavy metal and industrial music, as well as Buddhist philosophy, anime and manga, Chinese opera and Kabuki and Nôh theatre."

Yamantaka // Sonic Titan's sophomore disc, UZU, which roughly translates as "spirals" or "swirls" in Japanese, came out October 29 on Suicide Squeeze/Paper Bag.



This video isn't from the show at Arlene's but was filmed at a CMJ show earlier the same day:


Links:
Yamantaka // Sonic Titan

Kandle (Osborne) - Live Photos from M is for Montreal @ CMJ, Arlene's Grocery, NYC 10-18-13

Of the 8 - 10 performances that I attending at last month's CMJ Music Marathon, Kandle (Osborne)'s set was clearly one of the highlights (though having her go on right before Yamantaka // Sonic Titan was certainly a style, if not culture, clash). Kandle plays fuzzed-out delta blues that falls somewhere between Cowboy Junkies and Mazzy Star and her compelling vocals are matched by shimmering tremolo provided by long time musical partner and co-producer Sam Goldberg (Broken Social Scene).

Kandle released her debut EP last year which Sputnik Music rated excellent and they described the disc as: "With some stomping drums, twanging guitar and fuzzed-out vocals, "Kandle" in many ways sounds straight-up like outlaw blues music; the perfect stuff for driving alone through the desert in if you know what I mean." More recently, Kandle signed with Dare to Care Records and her full-length disc is coming out early next year. The video for first single, "Demon", follows the photo set from Kandle's performance at Arlene's Grocery.

Kandle was in town earlier this summer for two shows at Stage 48 with Coeur de Pirate and, in an interview with TimesSquare.com, she was asked about her forthcoming disc:

TS: Musically, how will this be different from the other material you've released?

KO: I find that it's a lot stronger. When I did the EP, it was an experiment. I wasn't very confident with what I was doing and I didn't know if I could sing! I made it, and I got comfortable. I started experimenting more, my voice really developed, and I went crazy with writing. I think this shows more of what I can do and what the band can do with me.





Links:
Kandle

Emptry Chairs: Brooklyn Dream Pop Band Play Record Release Show at Pianos Tomorrow Night (11/1)

"This is the music dreamscapes are made of in outer space. For people who don’t like drugs this might be a good way to explain what tripping is like." (Review Stalker)

Colorado native Peter Spear started Empty Chairs as a solo project when he moved to Brooklyn in 2011. While playing live shows at venues around New York City and recording a self-titled EP, Spear picked up band mates Whitney Broadstreet (keys/vocals) and Matthew O’Koren (drums/vocals). Now the fully formed trio is set to unleash their “swirling, kaleidoscopic foray into prismatic, psychedelic pop” (Unholy Rhythms) on their debut full-length album, Caveat Emptor.

Empty Chairs is holding their record release show at Pianos tomorrow night (Nov. 1st) -- advance tickets are $10 and the band's set time is10PM.  There are a number of good bands sharing the bill which include: Boston, MA's Spirit Kid, local experimental pop act Pink Drink  and Night Panther. (Small Plates Records' owner Conner McGlynn describes Night Panther as "sex pop...[t]he vocals scream velvet and black lights, the bass lines are assless leather chaps, etc. That sounds utterly ridiculous and it would be if these guys didn't have the quality and musicianship to back it up".)



Links:
Empty Chairs

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Post Teen Daze Remix of "Life Is Hard" and Video of Live Performance on NYC's WVUF

Original Version:

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros just posted an all new video for the single "Life Is Hard". The video features an acoustic version of the song, recorded live at WVUF in New York, set to the World Press Photo Contest winners of 2013, held yearly to showcase the highest standards in photojournalism and share them with millions.

Lead singer Alex Ebert said of the collaboration, "On some sleepless and homeless night, towards the end of my first trip to Amsterdam, I stumbled into what perhaps was a cathedral. It must have been midnight or thereabouts, but it was aglow and bustling. I entered and never forgot the experience not the name of the experience - it was an exhibit of World Press Photo winners. Years later, I am honored to have been given permission to put some of the photography from this year's winners to an acoustic recording of a song that means a lot to me called 'Life Is Hard'."



Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros have always been passionate about the community. From their earliest days in 2007, the band has consistently created music that uplifts and brings people together from all over the world. Individually and collectively, they've actively supported a variety of charitable endeavors, including: Charity Water, VH1 Save The Music Foundation, The American Red Cross, and many more. It is in this spirit that Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros have formed the Big Sun Foundation - a non-profit organization that believes in the power of a unified world community. "We will identify causes and social issues that are important to all of us and work together to create opportunities to make a difference in the world one beautiful human at a time," said the members of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. "In joining together, we will bring awareness and support to causes that are fighting for the rights and basic needs of all beings."

The band just successfully wrapped up Big Top, a SOLD OUT self-curated festival featuring an outdoor bazaar with local vendors and a performance stage, as well as music happening all day under a traditional big top tent in Los Angeles.

Links:
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

King Crimson: Robert Fripp Unveils New Line Up and Plans for Autumn 2014 Shows

DOWNLOAD: King Crimson - "Snowflake", 3/21/01 (Free Download - Requires Signup on DGMLive.Com)
(From DGMLive: This previously unreleased little gem dates from the writing rehearsals of what would be The Power To Believe. That descending chord sequence has a whiff of the coda to People about it but the electronica-tinged beats take it somewhere else entirely.)

I'm pleasantly shocked that Robert Fripp has reactivated King Crimson as I had thought that his 'war' with Universal Group had sidelined the group permanently.

Uncut Magazine reported the following from Mr. Fripp: "King Crimson is returning to active service. We are on-call to be ready for a live performance on September 1, 2014. Seven members. Four English, three American. Three drummers. It’s a different configuration of King Crimson than before. Some are familiar names, maybe more than others. The first performance will take place in either North or South America," Fripp told Uncut. "There will be rehearsals primarily in England, and the final batch of rehearsals will most likely be in America in August or September 2014. There is a plan to include the UK in the tour dates, but it depends on a number of circumstances. Right now the primary geographical focus is the United States."

While I'm disappointed that Adrian Belew isn't back in the lineup, King Crimson VIII is comprised of Fripp, Gavin Harrison, Bill Rieflin, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Mel Collins and Jakko Jakszyk. Mel Collins return to the lineup strikes me as particularly exciting as he was the saxophonist, flautist, keyboardist, etc. in the 70's Crimso lineups from In the Wake of Poseidon through Red.

Links:
King Crimson

Fort Wilson Riot Posts New Single 'Yes Indeed' - A Slinky Synth-Based R&B Dance Number

Rumors have been flying that daring avant pop duo Fort Wilson Riot (FWR) and renowned production wizard Ryan Olcott have been scheming to unleash a new set of sounds into the world. With the former 12 Rods and Mystery Palace man at the production helm, Fort Wilson Riot promise an album that blurs boundaries while immersing the listener in hypnotic waves from some sunset alien shore. With "Yes Indeed" you're about to get a taste of that wash of cosmic synth, dirty guitars and shimmering melodies, resulting in a surreally cinematic train ride.

The new single, “Yes Indeed”, came out of a spontaneous writing session in the summer of 2012 while FWR was hanging out with friends Greg Reese (Demographics), and Jared Isabella (Night Moves). Their only goal out of that was to write a sexy R&B jam, and that they did. In the hands of Olcott the song took on that silky, sultry sound that only he can conjure, and provides a glimmering preview of what's to come.

It has been a while since FWR has come through town so - for those who haven't caught the band live - here is a live video of one of my favorite songs from the band, "For All the Little Things", that was recorded earlier this year.



Links:
Fort Wilson Riot

Sammy Hagar: 'Sammy Hagar and Friends' CD Review (Frontiers Records)

In the great ‘debate’ in the 80’s over whether Van Halen should carry on without David Lee Roth (or call themselves ‘Van Hagar’), I was firmly in Diamond Dave’s camp. Now, almost 30 years later, my biases have almost completely faded and I found Sammy Hagar’s new disc, Sammy Hagar and Friends, to be significantly better than I ever would have anticipated. This isn’t to say that there aren’t some duds on the album but this disc has warranted an enjoyable couple of spins.

For his first solo disc in five years, Hagar has assembled an all-star cast of ‘friends’ which include Montrose alumni Bill Church & Denny Carmassi , Heart’s Nancy Wilson, Taj Mahal, Kid Rock, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Journey’s Neil Schon. With Hagar’s list of friends including band mates from all points of his career, it is a bit noticeable (and somewhat humorous) that the Van Halen brothers are absent. The strengths on this album are when Hagar leverages these friends and returns to the 70’s hard rock that he played with Montrose. The album’s weakness is when Hagar goes down a pop-country path and sings duets with Ronnie Dunn (Brooks and Dunn) and Toby Keith.

The disc starts out on a strong note with the stomping blues rocker “Winding Down” where Hagar is joined on vocals by blues man Taj Mahal. This is followed by “Not Going Down”, which is a 70’s hard rock number that was written for Hagar by Rival Sons’ Jay Buchanan and features Montrose band mates Bill Church and Denny Carmassi along with ‘southern’ backing vocals from Claytoven Richardson, Sandy Griffith & Omega Rae. Hagar next covers Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” and reinterprets the song as a guitar-grinding blues number (with nice leads from Neal Schon) and big ‘southern’ backing vocals from the same trio of backup singers as on the previous track.



Hagar then completely switches gears and goes into the New Orleans’ soft-rocker “Father Sun” which features backing vocals from Hagar’s son Aaron and eclectic instrumentation that combines electric guitar with lap steel, accordion and mandolin. “Knockdown Dragout” features Kid Rock sharing the vocals and this track has a “Marilyn Manson – Beautiful People” groove that features guitar work from Joe Satriani (though Satch’s leads aren’t showcased until the end of the song). Hagar’s second cover, Bob Seger’s “ Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” is solid but misses the drive of the original. “Bad on Fords and Chevrolets” has a nice rock beat but has too much of a country twang for my taste with Hagar trading off vocals with Dunn. I never liked Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville” so Hagar’s slowed down version (and changing the lyrics to “Waboritaville” is pure cheese) makes me quickly hit “next” on the CD player. “We Need an Island” is another slow number featuring intricate percussion from the Dead’s Mickey Hart, a Tahitian ukulele and shared vocals from Nancy Wilson. This isn’t a bad number but it sounds like a Stephen Stills AOR number and bears no resemblance to the tracks that opened the disc. The disc ends on a strong note with a live in-the-studio run through of “Going Down” (which was made popular by The Jeff Beck Group), featuring raw vocals from Hagar and blistering guitar leads from Neal Schon.





Links:
Sammy Hagar and Friends