The Rock Bottom Remainders Play Webster Hall on June 1st

Bands led by actors need to move aside, the Rock Bottom Remainders are playing Webster Hall this weekend. All kidding aside, I remember when the band came through DC in the late 90s and they got great reviews. The band is back together for a one show tour (New York City only) called the "Still Younger Than Keith Tour".

For those who aren't familiar with the band, the lineup consists of (in alphabetical order, no less):
- Mitch Albom
- Dave Barry
- Roy Blout Jr.
- Greg Iles
- Kathi Kamen Goldmark
- Stephen King
- Matt Groening
- James McBride
- Amy Tan
- Ridley Pearson
- Scott Turow

Roger McGuin will be a special guest of the band at this show.

The band is donating proceeds to charity (see the list of charities here) and the show looks like a lot of fun. Check out the band on Good Morning America on Thursday morning (May 31st).

Tickets are only $25 and a lot of the ticket packages are tax deductible. I am just thinking that it would really be something to have a book signed by all the performers....

Monster Bobby and the Pipettes Play Other Music on June 5th

The Pipettes and Monster Bobby are playing an acoustic set at Other Music on June 5th before The Pipettes show at the Highline Ballroom that night. The Pipettes' MySpace page states that the Other Music performance is at 7PM but that doesn't seem to allow a lot of time for two bands (Pipettes and Monster Bobby) to perform and sign autographs prior to the Highline Ballroom show. No information is posted to Other Music's site at the present.

This show marks Monster Bobby's NYC solo debut. For those who don't know, according to Wikipedia...Monster Bobby is one of the principal songwriters for the Pipettes, and is the guitarist for The Cassettes, their all-boy back-up musicians. He is frequently credited by the Pipettes both with developing the idea of a modern girl group, and with introducing the members of Pipettes to one another. He has been described as the group's "Concept Engineer" (to use Kodwo Eshun's terminology), but rejects any notion of "individual genius" in his role with the Pipettes, stating that "most of the most interesting music is made in such a collective fashion that it is very hard to assign individual responsibility".

Monster Bobby has opened for the Pipettes countless times on a fairly casual basis in England and throughout Europe but for the very first time, he is actually receiving proper billing at venues throughout North America in advance of the mid-July release of his album Gaps, on the Hypnote label.

There are a couple advance mp3s from Monster Bobby's forthcoming CD posted to the Internet:

"The Closest Experience to That of Being WIth You Is The Experience of Taking Drugs"
"The Burning Ambition of Early Diuretics"

Cold War Kids and Cloud Cult - Legal Music Download

I think I must be the few bloggers who have never what the Cold War Kids sound like so I was looking forward to hearing Cold War Kids lead singer Nathan Willet perform on The Interface. Willet performed two songs, We Used to Vacation and Hospital Beds. Unfortunately neither song did much for me. I didn't like Willet's voice and didn't find the lyrical content that interesting. It was all just a bit too "emo" for my tastes so, while I'll give the full band a listen, I am going to pass on Willet's solo work going forward.


BrooklynVegan has been a big fan of Cloud Cult and, based on this podcast, I can see why. This podcast was recorded on March 17th, 2007 as part of WOXY.com's live broadcasts from Austin, Texas during SXSW 2007. (There are some pictures from the recording session on Flickr.) The music is very interesting and obviously carefully arranged. It seems as though every note and every vocal has a purpose but no one sound overpowers another. I also enjoyed hearing what the band had to say during their interview. They have some pretty positive views on operating the band as a non-profit and maintaining an strong eco-friendly stance. On this podcast, the band performs Chain Reaction, Pretty Voice, Chemicals Collide, Washed Your Car and Son is Watching.

I'm very interested in hearing more from Cloud Cult.

Links:
Cold War Kids Main Website (link)
Cold War Kids MySpace page (link)

Cloud Cult Main Website (link)
Cloud Cult MySpace page (link)

Jarboe @ Water Street Lounge, Brooklyn May 26, 2007

Jarboe always gives a stunning performance and Saturday night's show at Water Street Lounge was no exception. She played about a 45 minute set to a full club and left many audience members hoping for more. There weren't too many people watching the first two band's sets but the club filled up quickly right before Jarboe took the stage. This wasn't surprising as this was Jarboe's only area show and the show was listed as a Time Out New York pick of the week.



A lot of reviewers compare Jarboe to Diamanda Galas. While I would agree with this comparison based on past performances, I would think that a better reference point for Jarboe's performance on Saturday would be Patti Smith. To put some context around this picture, Jarboe is on her knees having just recited the Hail Mary.


Jarboe's latest releases are a very limited set of three EPs (Magick for Mischiefs, Magick for Prudence, and Magick for Cherishings) which are available through her website The Living Jarboe.

More Syd Barrett Tribute Concerts Took Place in London This Past Weekend

From http://www.brain-damage.co.uk/

The Games for May concert, which took place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on May 12th 1967, was one of the most significant concerts held by Pink Floyd. Described as a "Space age relaxation for the climax of spring - electronic composition, colour and image projection, girls and the Pink Floyd", the show has become one of the legendary events that many fans would love to have seen.

To mark the fortieth anniversary of the concert, a selection of musicians are recreating the concert in a pair of shows being held at the end of this month, at the venue which saw the original show.

The concert featured material from the band's debut album, "Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" (which came out later that year) and was a ground-breaking multi-media event. With a primitive yet revolutionary sound mixer, quadraphonic sound was used to wow an audience whose senses were already being assaulted by a light show, taped effects, on-stage carpentry, the distribution of hundreds of daffodils (which were trodden into the carpets) and bubbles filling the air (and stained the upholstery!).

Nick Mason once said of the concert: "I think Games for May was one of the most significant shows we ever performed".

Acknowledging this significance, a selection of "special guest artists" will be recreating the show on May 26th and May 27th, at 7:30pm each evening. The first night features Robyn Hitchcock and Graham Coxon, and the second, The Melvins.

Here is the set list for the show on the 26th and a list of the musicians who performed:

Mathilda Mother
Flaming
The Scarecrow
Jugband Blues
See Emily Play
Bike
Arnold Layne
Candy And A Currant Bun
Pow R Toc H
Interstellar Overdrive
Terrapin
Love You
Late Night
Long Gone
If It's In You
(Wouldn't You Miss Me) Dark Globe
Dominoes
Wined and Dined
Reaction in G
Astronomy Domine
Lucifer Sam
See Emily Play

Robyn Hitchcock - Guitar, Vocals
Kimberley Rew - Guitar
Paul Noble - Bass
Terry Edwards - Keyboards, Saxophone, Trumpet
Morris Windsor - Drums
Dan Woodgate - Drums
Graham Coxon - Guitar
Matthew Cullen - Guitar
Isobel Campbell - Cello

J.G.Thirlwell (Foetus) Has A Series of Shows Scheduled This Week

Jim Thirlwell (aka Jim Foetus) plays in town way too infrequently so it is a pleasant surprise to see that he has a series of shows scheduled this week.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JG Thirlwell's commission for string quartet and robot instruments
at Three-Legged Dog Art and Technology Center

The string quartet for JG's piece will consist of Leyna Papach, Elena Park, Karen Waltuch and Okkyung Lee

LEMUR: League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots
Creators of New York's Finest Robotic Musical Instruments
presents
Robosonic Eclectic: Live Music by Robots and Humans
May 31 - June 2nd

Performing Live:
JG Thirlwell : Robots + string quartet
They Might Be Giants: Robots + John and John
Morton Subotnick: Robots + live percussion
George Lewis: Robots + virtuoso jazz trombone

Plus Solo Robot Works by
R. Luke DuBois and Brendan Adamson

3-Legged Dog Art and Technology Center
80 Greenwich Street, NYC
May 31, June 1st & June 2nd, 8:00 pm
Tickets: $20, available from http://brownpapertickets.com

Robosonic Eclectic is presented as part of the New York Electronic Art Festival (NYEAF), a month-long celebration of cutting-edge electronic music performed at various venues from May 12 - June 10, 2007.

http://lemurplex.org/

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
* June 3 2007

J.G Thirlwell's Manorexia
at the Bang On A Can Marathon at the Winter Garden at the World Financial Center, New York City.

This year's Bang On A Can Marathon is an incredible 26 hour concert. It is free and will feature performances by many artists including the Bang on a Can Allstars, Ethel, Real Quiet, The Books, Iva Bittova, Mashriq, ICE, Dalek, Yo La Tengo and many more. There will also be performances of works by Steve Reich, Brian Eno, Louis Andriessen, Edgar Varese, Thurston Moore, Meredith Monk, Alvin Lucier, Michael Gordon, Julia Wolfe, David Lang and many more.

Manorexia will perform on Sunday afternoon at around 2pm.

This version of Manorexia will comprise of David Cossin-percussion, Felix Fan - Cello, Andy Russo-piano , Leyna Papach - violin , Elena Park - violin , Karen Waltuch - viola and JG Thirlwell - laptop. (Cossin, Fan and Russo also comprise the ensemble Real Quiet)

for full lineup visit
www.bangonacan.org

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Foetus' most recent CD Damp was released last year and is available through the webstore on Foetus' website. (The CD is also streaming on the website).

Throbbing Gristle Release Ulta-Limited Merchandise Through New Webstore

It is tough to be a Throbbing Gristle fan as concerts are few and far between and releases generally come out in very limited formats. There are a couple of new items added to band's new online store that are sure to get both fans and collectors drooling.

BOUND FIVE CD TOTEM SET
In addition to the 4 Totem Editions from Mute, there is a Japanese release of the Endless Not which contains a fifth Totemic Gift item, in stainless steel.

For the avid collector we have gathered and bound in brass and jute string (which can be re-tied) a very small number of Sets of all five cds containing one of each of the five Totems.

This set is $100 GBP (currently $198.45 US)

Gold Totem CD
Peter Christopherson has produced a sixth Totemic Gift in hand-beaten 23-carat gold, of which at present only one exists. For the collector who craves a truly unique art object, it can be purchased here.

(Notes: The majority of this price is the value of the gold itself. If we receive more than a single order, we reserve the right to extend the edition to a maximum of 7 copies, of which 4 will remain in the permanent archives of members of TG.)

This set is $777 GBP (currently $1,045.54 US)

The Desertshore Installation 12 Cd Wallet
As you may have seen, TG will be presenting an Installation at London's ICA, on June 1-3, 2007 during which they will be recording the initial parts for a new album which is based on their interpretation of Nico's classic Desertshore album, which we hope after final production, to release in 2008.

These six two-hour sessions will be recorded in full on a Soundfield microphone, then a small number pressed onto 12 discs in cd-r format, the size of the edition being based largely on the number of pre-orders received.

The resulting set of 12 cd-rs, housed in a 12 page stamped cd wallet, will be available from this store only - a must for interested parties unable to attend in person, and for all serious collectors of TG Art.

This set is $100 GBP (currently $198.45 US)

As is the case with most Throbbing Gristle rarities -- buy now before these items disappear. eBay may not be an option to acquire these pieces at a later date. Think about the last time you have seen the original 24 Hours cassette suitcase for sale. I haven't personally seen this since the early 90s.

Yellow Tears @ Water Street Lounge, Brooklyn May 26, 2007

Yellow Tears opened up the show last night night at Water Street Lounge. For anyone who hasn't seen them before, make sure to wear earplugs. Yellow Tears sounds like a sonic explosion and mines a genre similar to Wolf Eyes and John Wiese. Yellow Tears' MySpace page describes the band's sound as "violent, overtly-abrasive guitar/elektroniks based harsh noise."



The band's next show is at the Rockstar Bar in Brooklyn on June 29th.

Links:
Yellow Tears' MySpace Page (link)

Navy Band Draws Good Sized Crowd In Times Square

I was in Times Square today as I wanted to see the "You are Here" exhibit at chashama and today is the last day. I had my camera with me and couldn't resist taking a few pictures of the Navy band who were playing in Times Square as part of Fleet Week.

I have seen some excellent concerts where very talented bands play their hearts out and only 30-50 people are in attendance. The Navy Band easily drew a 100 or more people earlier this afternoon playing in front of the recruiting station in Times Square. While the band was just playing 60s, 70s and 80s covers, the crowd was jostling for position and there were a number of amateur video cameramen filming the event. There were so many people (and I could see a number of people holding their cameras above their heads trying to get shot of the band), I originally thought it must have been an MTV event.

New Jersey's Blakjak Signs with Chavis Records

BLAKJAK, who call themselved New Jersy's "most dangerous band" have inked a deal with CHAVIS RECORDS for the release of Pleasure In Pain. BLAKJAK is currently in Aarius Studios in Sayersville, NJ recording their debut with guitar virtuoso/producer Jack Frost (Seven Witches, Bronx Casket Company, Smell The Glove, Frost, Savatage) at the helm engineering and producing. PLEASURE IN PAIN will be mixed and mastered by Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning).

After playing many local shows in the NJ area, the summer of 2006 saw the band heading out to the west coast to play the Whisky A GoGo in California. Since then they have graced the stage with Winger, Buckcherry, and are playing several dates with W.A.S.P. this summer in the U.S. and Canada. The band will also be special guests for several shows with Jack Frost’s (Seven Witches/Bronx Casket Co.) new project Smell the Glove. BLAKJAK's press release describes their music as "rock [and] roll with a classic style of hard rock branding it with their own style and adding just enough heavy courtesy of Mr. Frost." BLAKJAK have lined a up a North American tour dubbed The Poor Tour for the summer of 2007. The Poor Tour will take them up and down the east coast, into Canada and out west.

Currently announced tour dates are:

Jun 17 2007 10:00P The Kathedral Toronto, Ontario
Jun 22 2007 10:00P Fireside, Denville, New Jersey
Jul 28 2007 7:00P House of Blues Orando
Aug 24 2007 7:00P opening for W.A.S.P. @ Starland Ballroom Sayreville, New Jersey
Sep 22 2007 8:00P Indy Metalfest Indianapolis, Indiana

PLEASURE IN PAIN will see a late summer / early fall 2007 release. BLAKJAK will continue to support the release through the end of 2007 and 2008.

Chiara String Quartet Has Two Upcoming Shows in NYC

NO HOLDS BARRED! Chamber music in ANY chamber...

The Chiara Quartet is forging a new path for the string quartet. From the concert hall to the clubs. Classical to Prince!

http://www.myspace.com/chiarastringquartet

"The Chiara Quartet gave these works luminous performances, underlining the sweet-toned character of Ms. Frank’s score and the mystery and exoticism of Mr. Zhou’s work. But the best performances were searing accounts of the Bartok and Golijov pieces, for which the players produced a tone that ranged from glowing warmth to hard-edged acerbity, which each of these searing works demands."-- -- New York Times


Thursday, June 28th, 2007 @ 7:30pm
New York, NY
The Chiara String Quartet

Caffe Vivaldi
32 Jones Street
phone: (212) 691-7538
website: http://www.caffevivaldi.com/
Free "pass the hat" show!


Friday, June 29th, 2007 @ 8:00pm
Brooklyn, NY

The Chiara String QuartetRose
345 Grand St
Phone: (718) 599-0069
website: http://www.liveatrose.com/
Cross Street: Between Marcy Street and Havemeyer Street

Music Nation Awards Record Contracts to Winners of its Video Music Competition

Music Nation, the artist development company, today announced the three grand prize winners of its online video music competition. Kid Deposit Triumph, in the rock category, Yolanda Ruiz, in the pop category, and T-Max, in the urban category, beat out nearly 2,500 artists to win a global recording contract with Epic Records. Additionally, on the heels of this first competition’s success, Music Nation has today beta launched a redesigned site and opened up their online music community to a wider audience in advance of the second competition, set to officially begin June 18th.

Beyond the Epic recording contract, the three winners will also be showcased on an episode of STRIPPED, Clear Channel Radio’s exclusive in-studio performance series, and a year-long endorsement from Gibson Guitars, among other prizes. The competition served as an opportunity for independent artists to have their music heard by a judging panel of industry heavyweights Charlie Walk, President of Epic Records, producer Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem (pop), Joel and Benji Madden of Good Charlotte, Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (rock), and multi-platinum rappers Nelly and The Game, as well as Mark Pitts, President of Urban Music at Jive Records (urban). The Music Nation competition, in offering artists the chance of a lifetime, attracted some of the top unsigned talent from across the Internet.

“We created Music Nation as a platform for artist discovery and empowerment. The quality of these winning artists clearly demonstrates the potential that exists online to find and develop talent,” said Daniel Klaus, Music Nation co-founder and CEO. “We’re excited to be working with these artists in partnership with Epic and leverage the success they’ve had online into a sustainable recording career.”

The three winners represent a varied selection from the Music Nation community. Las Vegas, NV’s Kid Deposit Triumph excels at combining intense melodies with ruthless rhythms; Santa Monica, CA’s Yolanda Ruiz captivates with her fun, Latin-pop sensuality; and Atlanta, GA’s T-Max holds court with his smooth, relaxed flow. These artists will now join the ranks of such celebrated Epic recording artists as Good Charlotte, Modest Mouse, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Matisyahu, as well as up and coming artists like Eighteen Visions, Yung Berg, and Sean Kingston.

“KDT wanted to put our best foot forward and we wanted to maintain that our driving force isn’t popularity, wealth, or fame but to express ourselves through what we love! Music and the integrity it expresses,” said Chuck Bailey, Kid Deposit Triumph bassist. “This contest was that chance, that outlet for us and everyone else that entered to show what they love and to have a chance of acknowledgement from fans, the other contestants and from people that are in the business.”

“Words cannot express how honored I feel to be part of the Music Nation and Epic/Sony BMG family!” said Yolanda Ruiz. “I still can't believe something I've dreamt about since I was a little girl is a reality today...Music Nation has changed my life and has made my life-long dream come true!”

“I want to thank Music Nation, the judges, and everyone who voted for me,” said T-Max. “I’m living proof that if you follow your dreams and stay true to your heart, you can do anything you put your mind to.”

As the first competition closes, the redesigned Music Nation site has now launched and opened its doors as a true artist community through which competitions will run. The community, which grew organically from fan participation in the first competition, will now be accessible to any musician regardless of competition entry; to artists in any genre (rock, pop, hip hop, country, R&B/soul, latin, spiritual/gospel, dance/electronic, world, jazz, and their subsets) looking to take advantage of active community feedback and the powerful features the site offers. Designed around Music Nation’s focus on empowering independent musicians, the new site has added a number of tools for artists’ use in garnering exposure, including: an EPK (includes bio, tour dates, mp3s, photos, press) that automatically generates when an artist profile is built and can be linked to or work as embeddable code, providing a digital demo for artists’ marketing use; an embeddable, multimedia player for artists to program with clips of videos, mp3s, and photos; and statistics compiled from data on profile views and video plays to offer valuable real-time, detailed feedback for artists.

The competition side of the Music Nation community, launching first in the rock and hip hop genres, will formally begin when voting begins on June 18th. Over a 12-week period, a quarterfinalist will be chosen each week by a judging panel of leading industry figures (to be announced) while the user-generated statistics will determine a Nation’s Choice winner. At the close of the competition, a winner from each genre will be awarded a recording contract with Original Signal, Music Nation’s label through Epic Records, among other prizes.

About Music Nation

Music Nation is an artist development company at the helm of an online music community, empowering independent artists with tools to market, promote and find an audience. Through this dynamic community, the company supports multi-genre, video-based music competitions both domestically and abroad. Utilizing the best of Web 2.0 technology, Music Nation looks to serve as the ultimate portal where artists, records labels and fans alike can connect in today's digitally driven climate. Founded in 2006, the company is the brainchild of Daniel Klaus (CEO), Lucas Mann (CMO), Kevin P. Ryan (Chairman), and Peter Read (Managing Director, UK and Europe); visionary figures whose expertise crosses the Internet media, e-commerce, artist management/development and the recording industry divides.

About Epic Records

EPIC RECORDS is the creative music habitat of some of today's most vital musical artists. The company is home to chart-topping artists and trailblazing icons such as Modest Mouse, Incubus, Natasha Bedingfield, The Fray, Franz Ferdinand, Ozzy Osbourne, Los Lonely Boys, Ben Folds, Tori Amos, Shakira, Wyclef Jean, Fiona Apple and Jennifer Lopez. Epic’s hot newcomers include fiery dancehall diva Kat De Luna, Jamaican wunderkind Sean Kingston, Atlanta punk pop band Cartel, hip-hop artist Yung Berg, bi-lingual Latin trio The D.E.Y., pop singer-songwriter/pianist Nikki Flores, and the enchanting singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Epic recently partnered with MTV and Reveille to re-launch Latin supergroup Menudo.

Quentin Tarantino Loves Tori Amos -- Check out Big Wheel Live on the Late Late Show

I have to hear this CD end-to-end as I really like the tracks I have heard thus far

Check out Tori's live performance of Big Wheel on the Late Late Show (link)

Links:
www.toriamos.com
www.everythingtori.com
www.myspace.com/toriamos

Today Show Announces Summer Concert Series

The Today Show posted the lineup for their summer concert series (below). I wouldn't mind checking out Blondie with Lily Allen. Does anyone know if the bands do a soundcheck or play anything that isn't on the air? I went to a Today Show taping once in the late 90s to see The Pretenders and was probably better off staying home and watching it on TV. The band came right out and started playing -- no soundcheck, no interaction with the crowd, etc. So, between dodging out-of-staters wanting to hold their "[My state] Rocks" signs right in front of me and the band not doing anything that wasn't aired on TV, taking time off from work for the taping didn't seem worth the effort.

A counterpoint to this is that I saw the Bruce Springsteen taping for Good Morning America. He played during the commercials, he played after the taping and it was well worth the drive to Asbury.

Appreciate any comments that anyone may have...

Today Show Summer Concert Schedule
Blondie with special guest Lily Allen, FRIDAY, MAY 25 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Maroon 5, MONDAY, MAY 28 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

American Idol Top Two, THURSDAY, MAY 31 -- 7:00 a.m. ET
Pirate Queen Musical (in studio), (May 31??) 7:00 a.m. ET

Big & Rich, FRIDAY, JUNE 1 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Rihanna, FRIDAY, JUNE 8 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Enrique Iglesias, FRIDAY, JUNE 15 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Bon Jovi, TUESDAY, JUNE 19 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Chicago & America, FRIDAY, JUNE 22 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Kelly Rowland (in studio), MONDAY, JUNE 25 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Hilary Duff, FRIDAY, JUNE 29 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Paolo Nutini (in studio), TUESDAY, JULY 3 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Fall Out Boy, FRIDAY, JULY 6 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

KT Tunstall, FRIDAY, JULY 13 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Hairspray the movie, FRIDAY, JULY 20 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Marc Anthony, FRIDAY, JULY 27 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Vince Gill & Amy Grant, FRIDAY, AUG. 3 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Natasha Bedingfield, FRIDAY, AUG. 10 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Chris Brown, FRIDAY, AUG. 31 -- 7:00 a.m. ET

Care Bears on Fire Play Benefit Show at Southpaw on June 3rd

Steve, the owner of Liberty Heights Tap Room, was telling me a couple months ago that Care Bears on Fire was great band.

At the time, I had never heard of them at the time and now it seems that they are everywhere (and getting great reviews).

The band got good reviews for last week's show at Pianos and this appears to be their last show for a while (the band members are off to camp??).

Here are the details on the show:

Sunday, June 3rd – 2:00PM
Care Bears on Fire
@ Southpaw
125 5th Ave
Brooklyn, NY
$25 / $10 (16 & Under)
Tix at Ticketweb
w/ Smoosh & Tiny Masters Of Today
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO 826NYC

CARE BEARS ON FIRE full length debut “I Stole Your Animal” out Oct 2, 2007.
New track up at http://myspace.com/carebearsonfire

"...they rock with impressive skill..." - New York Magazine

Here are some details on 826NYC:

826NYC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Our services are structured around our belief that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. With this in mind we provide drop-in tutoring, field trips, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications. All of our free programs are challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen each student's power to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in his or her individual voice.

Red Heart the Ticker is Playing Union Hall on June 7th

Red Heart the Ticker is playing their first show in Brooklyn at Union Hall on Thursday, June 7th. The band, which is now based out of Philadelphia, has spent the last eighteen months on the road touring behind their first CD, For The Wicked .

The band has been generating a buzz over the last few months after recording a radio session with KEXP (link) and making the cover of March 8th edition of the Philadelphia City Paper (link).

Here is an overview of the band from their MySpace page:

Red Heart the Ticker is the musical home of Robin MacArthur and Tyler Gibbons (formerly Mildew and Star.) Red Heart's first album For the Wicked was recorded in 2005 in a barn in Vermont. While recording they were living in a cabin (they built) with no running water and no plumbing. Their songs are about geography and the poetry of places. Their music was bred in isolation. It is about drinking, and blinking, and racing stripe winters. Their haunting sound, lush with harmonies, has been compared to The Innocence Mission, Will Oldham, Wilco, and Emmylou Harris.

Also on the bill with Red Heart are Luke Temple and The Rosewood Thieves. The show is at 8PM and tickets are $8.00.

Links:
Red Heart the Ticker Main Website (link)
Red Heart the Ticker MySpace page (link)

Godhead Plays Rebel Tomorrow Night with American Head Charge and Bleed the Day

Godhead seemed to suffer the curse of a lot of Baltimore/Washington, DC bands. They had great material and a great stage presence but never seemed to get that break that would push them out of the clubs and into the arenas. I still lived in Washington when Godhead formed in the mid-90s and I believe (though memory fades as I get older) that Miller was a bouncer at the 'old' 9:30 Club.

The last time I saw the band was when they opened for Genitorturers at L'Amour in 2001. The band seemed to lay low for a number of years after Marilyn Manson's Posthuman records folded (shortly after the release of the band's 2000 Years of Human Error CD) and I don't think they have been back to the East Coast more than a small handful of times.

This looks like a great show tomorrow night as all three bands put on a killer live show and none of them come through the area that often. Tickets are only $15.

There are more details about the show on the Rocks Off Presents website (link).

The Kin Play Free Show at Ralph Lauren Polo Store on May 25th

The Kin played to a sold-out Bowery Ballroom a month ago and are now back in town for two shows. The first show is a 3:00PM set at Ralph Lauren's Polo Rugby Store. (99 University Pl, New York, New York 10001)

All I can say is -- get there early!

The show at Ralph Lauren starts a mini-tour of the Mid-Atlantic. The band is back in the area for a show at Luna Lounge in Williamsburg on June 27th.

Links:
The Kin Main Website (link)
The Kin MySpace page (link)

Alexa Wilkinson @ Mo Pitkin's on Thursday, June 7th

Los Angeles' Alexa Wilkinson is playing Mo Pitkin's on June 7th in support of her debut CD Lullaby Appetite, which was released on DNK Records.

I haven't heard much by Wilkinson but she generated a good buzz after a show at the Viper Room last year and I like her sound based on the video that she has posted online (link) and the tracks on her MySpace page (link).

“I think a lot of what makes music great is the story behind the artist. All artists have a shared passion for music, but every single person has a different story and a different experience to share.” – Alexa Wilkinson

ALEXA WILKINSON is more than meets the eye. Her pretty, girl-next-door face on a petite 5-foot 4-inch frame suggests nothing of the emotional maturity displayed in her debut album “Lullaby Appetite,” now available on iTunes and scheduled for public release this June through DNK Records. Alexa’s evolution into a musical artist originated from common childhood experiences.

Lullaby Appetite consists of 11 songs that display a unique of blend of music from jazz, rock and folk influences. Penned and performed by Alexa herself, these songs represent her own personal journey through life, love, acceptance, and lessons learned. Her fresh, smooth vocals slide easily around the extremely memorable melodies, toe-tapping rhythms and sprite guitar playing. The lyrics are rich with expression, exposing a vulnerability and honesty without naïvete. Rather there is an emotional maturity of looking at life with an optimistic eye, accepting one’s mistakes, and moving on.

From the jazz inspired “Sad Eyed Annabelle, to the upbeat and edgy “Good Fight,” Alexa’s songs center around love and relationships, something which everyone can relate to. In “Sad Eyed Annabelle,” Alexa portrays an unhealthy relationship where the girl is manipulating the boy, whereas “Good Fight” reveals Wilkinson’s more playful side, such as picking a fight in a relationship. Fan favorite and Alexa’s first single, “Of Graves” depicts a young woman reminiscing about a past lover, while “Lullaby Appetite” talks about a long-distance friendship.

VENUE:
Mo Pitkin's
34 Avenue A (b/n E 2nd and 3rd Sts.)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 777-5660

WHEN: Thursday, June 7th @ 9pm

SUBWAYS: F/V to 2nd and Houston (exit at 1st Ave.)

TICKETS: $8 (18 and over)

Set Your Goals Plays Bronx Underground Show on May 31st

One of the great things about running this site is that I have gotten to meet some pretty cool people. Anita at Bronx Underground recently dropped me an email about what is going on in the Bronx and how big the scene out there is. I grew up in the DIY scene in Baltimore and Washington so I really have to give respect to a crew that can hold a solid DIY scene together for the last 6 years. Anita sent me a press release about the Set Your Goals show (below).


Nationally Known Pop-Punk Bands Set Your Goals And Just Surrender To Play The Bronx On May 31.
To be hosted by Bronx Underground, one of New York City’s best kept music secrets!

Sure great music and shows in NYC is nothing new. We all know about Manhattan’s clubs and the music explosion coming from Brooklyn. But an amazing underground rock scene in the Bronx? A scene that has been called one of the strongest on the East Coast? That’s news.

Set Your Goals and Just Surrender will headline Amvets Post 38 in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx on May 31. Set Your Goals is supporting their most recent album release, “Mutiny!,” out now on Eulogy Records. Alternative Press recently called the album “a thoroughly refreshing pop-hardcore offering.”

Over the last 6 years, The Bronx Underground has been quietly but successfully doing what many promoters have never thought to do: create a real underground scene; a solid, faithful, enthusiastic audience for bands to play to, and shows that concert-goers won't miss for anything. Audiences at their shows can exceed 300 people – for a DIY show with only unsigned bands!

Now, Bronx Underground is moving into new territory and establishing The Bronx as a rock musical destination by hosting national acts that would normally play venues such as The Bowery Ballroom, Knitting Factory, etc.

What is Bronx Underground?
The Bronx Underground is a DIY (do it yourself) booking and promotions company based in the Bronx, NY. Since 2000, the Bronx Underground has brought the best and the most diverse unsigned and Indie bands to the Bronx. Bronx Underground currently hosts all ages shows.

What’s so special about Bronx Underground?
Most independent musicians in the NYC music scene struggle and plead for shows, fans and recognition. The ultra-saturated New York concert circuit has left New York City with a fractured scene loaded with mediocre turnouts and hostile clubs and promoters.
Bronx Underground is home to an enthusiastic, unjaded scene. Their shows are musically diverse; featuring everything from hardcore to punk to ska and indie rock on one bill. The result: a scene of musically diverse kids who move to all types of underground rock music; these shows always rock the house. No rows of scenesters waiting for bands to “prove themselves” here.

The Bronx Underground is setting itself up to be the savior of underground NYC Music. Shows that bands love playing, shows that concert-goers love going to.

Check out Bronx Underground out on the web…

-- Bronx Underground homepage
-- Bronx Underground Myspace page
-- Video clips from “Scene But Not Heard” the Bronx Underground Documentary (link)

Where is the venue?
Bronx Underground shows are held at two venues. Other venues in the Bronx and other locations are in the works.

The First Lutheran Church of Throggs Neck (FLC)
3075 Baisley Avenue
Bronx, NY 10465

Amvets Post 38
1440 Shore Drive
Bronx, NY 10465

Both are easily accessible by car (via i-95, Hutchinson River Parkway, Cross Bronx Expressway) or public transportation (6 train and 14 or 5 bus for FLC and 6 train and 8 bus for amvets)

When are the shows?
Amvets – May 2, May 31 (Set Your Goals and more), June 2, July 14, August 11, September 1
FLC – May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21

Vega4 Plays Mercury Lounge on May 29th

After touring with Augustana earlier in the year, Vega4 returns to town for a show at the Mercury Lounge. I was amazed how tightly the band held the crowds' attention as the opener at the Augustana show at Webster Hall so I would expect them to be phenominal in a small club.

Also on the bill this night is Sounds Under Radio, who have a track on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack and Tab and The Stevensons are also playing.

Tickets for the show are only $10.

Links:
Vega4 MySpace Page (link)
Sounds Under Radio MySpace Page (link)
The Stevensons MySpace page(link)

The Doors (Riders on the Storm) @ Nokia Theatre, May 18, 2007

Did anyone get the email last week from Ticketmaster offering $5.00 tickets ($.75 ticket price + service fees) for Friday's Riders on the Storm concert at Nokia Theatre. They must have sold absolutely no tickets. If I hadn't moved on Thursday and still have an apartment full of unpacked boxes, I would have checked out the show for that cheap a ticket price.












The Weight caught the show and has posted a review. It sounds like new lead singer Brett Scallions is having some trouble filling Morrison's shoes.

He paraded, growled, and warbled his way through The Doors catalog like a contestant on Rock Star Supernova. It unfortunately just wasn't happening.

Dell Computers Customer Service Sucks

OK...I get up Friday morning and my computer doesn't turn on. This shouldn't be a problem because it is a fairly new machine and I bought a three year service contract from Dell. I spend about an hour on the phone going through the basics..."yes, I know what a power cord is", "yes, the cord is in the wall", "yes, I did try different cords and different outlets". Finally, Dell agrees to send a technician to fix my machine. I was expecting an email confirmation on when this person would arrive and called back to find out. The person at Dell didn't bother to complete the trouble ticket so no tech was scheduled. So...another hour of "yes, the power cord is still in the wall [and I did all of this yesterday]". This time they wanted to go further and ask me to unclamp wires, etc. The whole time I am wondering why I am paying for tech support when all that seems to get me is a voice on the phone reading the computer tech manual to me. After an hour of this nonsense, Dell finally agrees to send a tech (and I did get an email confirmation this time).

Here are the "joys" of paying for an "evening and weekend service contract"...the part will be sent out by mail and a tech will come out to install it on Thursday. I would hate to see what a standard service contract gets you.

Anyway, it looks like things will be somewhat quiet on the BrooklynRocks front for the next few days as I am borrowing computer access until my machine is fixed.

Haste The Day Release Video for Stitches on their MySpace Page

Haste the Day premiered today the video for the song Stitches on their MySpace page. Stitches is the first single off the band's new CD Pressure the Hinges.

Shot in Los Angeles, California with director Dan Dobi (Bleeding Through, Cannibal Corpse) at the helm, the video shows a powerful band performance with undercutting images between two different stories. Both stories have the same theme; however each story has an individual feel, characters and problems.

Stitches was written by Haste The Day members Brennan Chaulk and Stephen Keech and Keech states what the inspiration behind it is, “Everyone knows at least one person in their life who destroyed their life with drugs or alcohol. The song is about the need of intervention from a loved one (friend or family member), and the use of five words that can change that person’s life: you're worth more than this. Sometimes we, as the loved one, have a hard time saying those words creating stitches in our mouth.”

Haste the Day will be headlining one of the stages at the Warped Tour starting next month and here are the band's June tour dates:

Jun 15 2007 8:00P Ichthus Festival Wilmore, Kansas
Jun 29 2007 8:00P Pomona Fairplex Pomona, California
Jun 30 2007 8:00P Seaside Park Ventura, California

Links:
Direct link to the Stitches video (link)

Haste The Day MySpace page (link)
Haste The Day Main Website (link)

Art Brut's Second CD Its A Bit Complicated to be Released on June 26th

Art Brut played a short US tour last month in advance of their new CD "Its a Bit Complicated" which will be released June 26th on Downtime Records. The band released an advance of 4 new songs along with an unmastered version of Nag Nag Nag Nag.

I haven't heard the first Art Brut CD so I don't have a point of reference to compare these new tracks to but I really like them and am looking forward to hearing the whole CD. I've seen pictures on BrooklynVegan's site of the mass crowd singalongs at the band's show last year at the Siren Festival and these tracks will likely go over just as well. I have seen reviewers compare Art Brut musically to The Fall but I really don't hear a basis for this comparison. Singer Eddie Argos has a similar "spoken word" delivery like Mark E. Smith but there the comparison ends. If anyone has seen Smith on a rampage (think back to the Brownies gig in 1998), Argos seem to have none of Smith's bile. Musically, the band is probably closer to Franz Ferdinand and Argos' vocals may be better compared to a British version of Lou Reed.

While the first single from the upcoming release is Nag Nag Nag Nag, the track that stood out for me was Direct Hit. This track is up for Steve Lamaq's Rebel Playlist this week on BBC6 Music. So...click this link to vote for this song.

The band is touring Europe for most of the summer and here are the upcoming tour dates:

May 18 2007 8:00P The Great Escape Festival Brighton
May 25 2007 6:00P Art Rock 2007 Saint Brieuc / France
May 30 2007 8:00P Transilvania Milan / Italy
Jun 2 2007 6:00P Skabazac Festival Rodez / France
Jun 3 2007 8:00P Mascotte Zurich / Switzerland
Jun 4 2007 9:00P Atomic Cafe - SOLD OUT Munich / Germany, Bayern
Jun 5 2007 8:00P Gebaeude 9 Cologne / Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Jun 6 2007 8:00P Lido Berlin / Germany, Berlin
Jun 8 2007 8:00P Lille Vega Copenhagen / Denmark
Jun 10 2007 8:00P Melkweg Amsterdam / Netherlands
Jun 11 2007 8:00P Botanique Brussels / Belgium
Jun 13 2007 8:00P Astoria London
Jun 14 2007 8:00P Academy 2 Birmingham
Jun 15 2007 8:00P Academy 3 Manchester
Jun 16 2007 8:00P Oran Mor Glasgow
Jun 18 2007 8:00P Cockpit Leeds
Jun 20 2007 8:00P Trabeno Paris / France
Jun 23 2007 8:00P Southside Festival Neuhausen / Germany
Jun 24 2007 8:00P Rock A Fie Festival Luxembourg
Jun 30 2007 7:00P Microcosm Festival La Roche Sur Yon / France
Jul 15 2007 8:00P Soundlabs Festival Roseto degli Abruzzi / Italy
Jul 20 2007 8:00P Vielles Charrues Caraix / France
Jul 21 2007 8:00P Garden Nef Party Angoulème / France
Jul 27 2007 6:00P Hrachkova Festival Valasske Mezirici / Czech Republic
Jul 28 2007 8:00P Les Transcevenoles Sumene / France
Jul 31 2007 8:00P Sedieres Festival Sedieres / France

Links:
Art Brut's MySpace page (link)

Product Shop has the Inside Scoop on Siren Festival Bands

Product Shop seems to have the inside scoop on the Siren Festival lineup as I haven't seen this info anywhere else online.

The free festival will feature the New York Dolls, Matt & Kim, We Are Scientists, Black Lips, Dr Dog, Lavender Diamond, Detroit Cobras, Elvis Perkins, and The Twilights Sad.

The show is July 21st. With a great lineup of bands and this being the festival's last year -- get there early!

New Joe Strummer CD, The Future is Unwritten, Released Today

I generally find the majority of CDs released after a band's breakup or after the death of a key member are really only for die-hards. I was a bit nervous that this release would signal the start of a flood of live and studio outtake CDs but this release looks worthwhile. This disc is the soundtrack to Julian Temple's film The Future is Unwritten which premiered at the Sundance Festival earlier this year.

Using a combination of old interviews collected from journalists, as well as tapes of Strummer's BBC radio show, "The Future is Unwritten" finds Strummer "very much narrating and DJing his life story," says Temple, renown for his Sex Pistols movie "The Filth and the Fury."

As such, the track listen is a combination of tracks from Strummer's influences along with some newly released Clash/Strummer rarities. It is cool to see In the Pouring Rain (by Clash II) finally released as previously this was only available on a limited edition bootleg 7".

Here is the total track listing:

1. Joe Strummer - "Punk Rock Warlord"
2. The Clash - White Riot - Previously Unreleased Alternate Demo Mix
3. Rachid Taha - Rock The Casbah
4. BBC World Service
5. Elvis Presley - Crawfish
6. Tim Hardin - Black Sheep Boy
7. MC5 - Kick Out The Jams
8. The 101ers - Keys To Your Heart
9. Joe Strummer - "Mick and Paul were different"
10. The Clash - I'm So Bored With The U.S.A. - Previously Unreleased Demo
11. U-Roy - Natty Rebel
12. The Clash - Armagideon Time
13. Eddie Cochrane - Nervous Breakdown
14. The Clash - (In The) Pouring Rain - Previously Unreleased Live
15. Joe Strummer - Omotepe
16. Andres Landeros - Martha Cecilia
17. Ernest Ranglin - Minuet
18. Latino Rockabilly War - Trash City
19. Topper Headon - "I called him Woody"
20. Woody Guthrie - Ranger's Command
21. Bob Dylan - Corrina, Corrina
22. Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Johnny Appleseed
23. Nina Simone - To Love Somebody
24. Joe Strummer - "Without people, you're nothing"
25. Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Willesden To Cricklewood

Lamour (The Rock Capital of Brooklyn) Reopens on Staten Island in June

I had way too many misspent nights at L'Amour so it is great to see the original owners reopen the club. I'll even drive out to Staten Island for this. I have been debating with friends and no one has a clear memory -- we all agree that L'Amour East was in Queens but none of us can definately remember whether or not L'Amour had a club on Staten Isalnd as well. If anyone knows, please leave info in the comments.

It will be interesting to see if this is just a "L'Amour Night" at the Mystic Lounge or if the owners are opening up a new venue.

Bring on the metal...

The Stalkers Have a Record Release Party on Wednesday (May 16th) at Beauty Bar

The Stalkers really started getting a buzz this past March after there was a two page spread in on the band in NME. The band has finished their first CD and is having a CD release party at the Beuty Bar on Wednesday night.

STALKERS RECORD RELEASE PARTY!!!

Listen bud, Don't be a DUD!!!!
Come celebrate the release of our debut LP on Dollar Record Records and our Rolling Stones tribute 45 on Norton Records this Wednesday EARLY!!! 7 - 9pm!!! Short live set by STALKERS at 8:30pm in the back room of BEAUTY BAR!!!! Records and CDs will be available along with free giveaways and drink specials!!!

7-9pm!!! FREE!!!

at: BEAUTY BAR
231 E. 14th St. btwn 2nd & 3rd aves, NYC

Sweden's Lion's Share Returns With a New CD After a 6 Year Absence

Sweden's Lion's Share are back with their first new CD since 2001's Entrance. The new CD, Emotional Coma, will be released on June 15th on AFM Records. Two tracks from this CD are avilable for download from the band's MySpace page and both tracks sound great. There are two additional tracks from the CD streaming on the band's MySpace page. Both tracks are as good, if not better, than the tracks available for download and The Edge of the Razor features a killer guitar solo from x-Kiss member Bruce Kulick. In addition to Kulick, the CD features guest appearances from Glen Drover (Megadeth) and Mats Levén (Yngwie Malmsteen).

Even though Lion's Share got big in the 1990's, their music is comparable to the classic early 80's British heavy metal bands. I'd compare the band to mid-period Whitesnake or Saxxon. After signing Lion's Share, Markus Wosgien, A&R of AFM Records commented "If you are into the old gods like Saxon, Judas Priest or Accept — you will love this unique and high-class record, which is a new beginning in the history of this amazing band."

The band is has some upcoming tour dates in Sweden:

June 01 - Fjongstock Festival - Sundsvall, Sweden
June 7 - Sweden Rock Festival - Sölvesborg, Sweden
June 29 - Mälarrocken Festival - Västerås, Sweden

Links:
Lion's Share Main Website (link)
Lion's Share MySpace Page (link)

Soundfix Is Hosting Wilco DVD Screening with Open Bar on Monday, May 14th

Below is the post from Soundfix's site:

We're celebrating the release of Wilco's great new record, "Sky Blue Sky," with an exclusive screening, an open bar (yes, free) and a midnight sale. We kick things off at 10pm with the band's new DVD, featuring eight live performances and interviews in Wilco's loft, followed by an open bar at 11pm (yes, free). Be the first to purchase the new album "Sky Blue Sky" at midnight and receive an exclusive EP featuring two unreleased tracks. The first 20 people to buy the album will also get a free Wilco T-shirt. To top it off, everyone in attendance will have the chance to win (1 of 5) Wilco t-shirt/tote bag prize packs.

Pink Floyd Sort of Reunites for Tribute to Syd Barrett

Two nights ago, Barbican's Only Connect series hosted the show "Syd Barrett -- Madcap's Last Laugh" at the London Barbican venue. David Gilmour, Rick Wright and Nick Mason performed Arnold Layne together. While Roger Waters was at this gig, he performed separately and played a solo version of Flickering Flame. Waters also didn't join in the all-star finale performance of Bike.

You have to hope Gilmour can get over his anger. As Mason toured with Roger Water last year and I have seen bootlegs CDs in the Village advertised as Rick Wright joining Roger Waters onstage, the problem has to lie with Gilmour. It would be great to see the four reunite for one final recording and tour -- The Final Cut should not be the last word from this lineup of the band.

OzzFest Pre-Tickets Are Available as of Noon Today

I registered for a chance to get tickets but I suspect this will turn out to be a real boondoggle. I hope everyone interested in this show understands all the steps involved in getting tickets. Today's registration doesn't do anything more than give you the right to try and get tickets when they are made available on June 12th. Reservered seats will be distributed first so...the reality is that if you want a reserved seat, you need to purchase the limited pre-sale version of Ozzy's new CD, Black Rain. Pre-sale CD purchasers can redeem the code included in their CD for tickets in advance of the general public. Pre-sale redemption dates run from June 8 - June 11. I am now wondering if the pre-sale is over as the page that had the pre-sale purchase information is now a bad link.

I also get a kick that the ticket site is explicitly spelling out that parking will be a separate charge. The OzzFest FAQs state:

Q: The websites say that I have to pay for parking. Parking is usually free at this concert site. What gives?
A: Parking actually isn’t free - the cost of parking is included in the cost of a ticket. Because the tickets to Ozzfest are free, there will be a per car charge for parking.

Mike's interpretation -- Expect parking to be expensive.

All-in-all, I'd like to see this show but if it turns out to be too much of a pain -- I am really not going to miss driving all the way out to PNC. (I still can't believe there are no NYC dates)

Tori Amos Sings With PS22 (Staten Island) Children's Chorus

This is really cool stuff -- check out the YouTube videos of Tori Amos singing with a Staten Island elementary school chorus.

Check out the video here: (link)









PS22 has a blog with a lot of pictures of Tori and the kids and other YouTube videos. Check this out here (link)

Links:
Tori Amos' Main Website (link)
Tori Amos' MySpace Page (link)

Jarboe (x-Swans) Plays Water Street Lounge, Brooklyn on May 26th

Water Street Lougne is an intimate space so it should be the perfect setting for a show by Jarboe. (The gig poster is pretty cool too).

WHO: The Living Jarboe, The Angelic Process, Black Mayonnaise, Yellow Tears

WHERE: Underwater Lounge at Water Street Restaurant, 66 Water St., DUMBO, Brooklyn, NY

WHEN: Saturday, May 26, 2007. Doors at 8:00 pm.

ADMISSION: $15

CONTACT: Water Street Restaurant & Lounge, 66 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201-1048
Phone: (718) 625-9352 • Fax: (718) 625-9350 • info@waterstreetrestaurant.com

The Underwater Lounge and THTFL are proud to present The Living Jarboe on Saturday, May 26, 2007, with guests The Angelic Process, Black Mayonnaise, and Yellow Tears.

Jarboe’s name is the stuff of legend, after years with the seminal experimental noise/post-punk band Swans. Picking up where Swans left off, Jarboe channels experiences ranging from her early exposure to snake-handling revivals in the Mississippi delta, to parents who were in the FBI, to participation in a lounge act, experimental performance in gallery & live radio settings, and her 14-year collaboration in worldwide concerts to assert a new presence – at times ethereal, knowing, seductive, and vitriolic. She explores identities as she explores voices, ranging from schoolgirl to seductress to demon.

“Jarboe's aesthetic runs the gamut from rural blues to extreme experimental metal; think Diamanda Galas with less shrieking, more seething. The former member of Swans and World of Skin's recent album The Conduit features haunting art songs written around texts by poet Joshua Fraser, as well as members of her online fan community. A chilling, mesmerizing performer – albeit one to avoid in dark alleys...save the mental ones she maps out in her songs.” — The Stranger, Seattle, WA

“Her vocal shifts almost effortlessly from sinister whisper to telephonic spoken word and an almost Gothic Country croon." — Edwin Pouncey, The Wire, (UK)

Jarboe’s musical explorations have led to select comparisons to other female musicians with regard for their success in penetrating the otherwise male-dominated “rock” subculture. Featured prominently in Andrea Juno’s Angry Women In Rock, and Adele Olivia Gladwell’s women’s studies/cultural theory work Catamania, Jarboe is also a recipient of the corporate sponsored “Work In Progress” arts program that has resulted in the rock theatre The Living Jarboe being performed in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta.

“My friends Diamanda Galas and Lydia Lunch have these images of being really powerful and strong, and we were sitting around, laughing about how we're consistently told how strong we are – but to me, vulnerability is strength. I try to bring back the vulnerability where I try to break down the barrier between the performer and the audience. I think of myself as a communicator, who's trying to translate something real.” — Jarboe, as quoted in The Portland [OR] Mercury

She has performed at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Porto as a guest of the Serralves Foundation in Europe. Other performances have included PS122 in NYC, tours with the Italian avant-garde group, Larsen and the American rock group, Neurosis as well as The Living Jarboe performances in the Baltic region, which included cathedrals as venues. A 2005 East Coast tour of intense pieces involved renowned San Francisco band Amber Asylum. Jarboe’s list of collaborators includes Michael Gira, Bill Laswell, Jim Thirlwell, Lustmord, PanSonic, Mark Spybey, Steven Severin, James Izzo, Chris Connelly, Alan Sparhawk, Neurosis, Edward KaSpel, William Faith, David J, David Torn, Paz Lenchantin, Bill Rieflin, Iva Davies, Blixa Bargeld, Kris Force, Nic Le Ban, Julia Kent, Brian Castillo, Renee Nelson, and Lary Seven. She has worked with visual artists in design / film / photography including: Richard Kern, Beth B, Laura Levine, Wim Van De Hulst, Cedric Victor-DeSouza, and music video director Chad Rullman.

* * *
Black Mayonnaise is the one-man bedroom doom project of Akron, Ohio's Mike Duncan, whose extremely disturbing music features dying Elephant Man gurgles as vocals mixed with detuned sludge metal guitar and an overall cough-syrup-spacerock feel. Those not in tune might call it "depressing," but for slow-mo headbangers and psych-freaks alike, it serves as a blessing of beautiful bleakness.

On the new Revolver release TTSSATTSR, the nine-minute "Spherics," for example, begins with a grueling six-minute intro of space gurgles and a slow Melvins-like kick/snare pattern, but the payoff is a rush of Sabbath-on-16-guitar flood that runs like a river of mayonnaise. Good things come for those who wait.

“TTSSATTSR reminded me of an old Stephen King story, where a man drinks a bad can of beer and turns into this ravenous, gelatinous ooze. Black Mayonnaise have written the score to that tale. Gurgle gurgle.” — John Pegoraro, Stonerrock.com

* * *
Formed in 2001, Athens, Georgia’s The Angelic Process have spent the last 5 years creating some of the most exciting and unique music ever heard. Pioneers and figureheads of the Ambient Drone Metal subgenre of extreme music, their influence can be found in numerous bands that have come of age in their wake. Fusing the layered guitar drone of My Bloody Valentine, the epic sound and tribal thump of Neurosis, the emotional bloodletting of Swans, and complex, yet fluidly shifting time signatures, The Angelic Process have forged new musical ground and over the course of a nine releases on labels all over the world, have refined and defined a sound that one listener described as "the sound my soul makes." Blasting noise, complex melodies, droning guitar resonance, rippling bass, tom-heavy tribal drums, and hauntingly emotional vocals collide to create violently ambient songs that have a definite shape and progression, but envelope the audience in warm, bombastic soundscapes.

“…the audio equivalent of slipping into the vent of a volcano that’s actually the world’s largest washing machine, to be swirled around for infinity in a state of absolute confusion bordering on rapturous bliss.” — Gerald Robinson in Vampire Magazine, on the new Angelic Process release Weighing Souls With Sand

* * *
New York's sludge-noise mongers Yellow Tears drip out some molasses electronics wallowing in its own filth. Four cro-magnons armed with a couple of basses, a guitar, some electronics, voice and a drill aim right for the skull in hopes to pump out some of that gray matter. l to 100 in blood-splattered volume on top of slaughtered deer.
* * *

Situated on the cobblestone streets of DUMBO's historic waterfront, Water Street Restaurant & Lounge fills the bottom two floors of a landmark warehouse and iron foundry, over 7,000 square feet of dramatic raw space that dates back to 1887. The lower level opens into the spacious UnderWater Lounge , a venue featuring local and national experimental, noise, rock, and pop acts amid shimmering lights against stone and brick walls. Recent performances have included: Time of Orchids, Toby Driver, Unearthly Trance, Growing, James Plotkin & Tim Wyskida and Holopaw.

THTFL is an entity created with the intention to support the burgeoning avant music and art scene. In the wake of many recent performance space closings, THTFL plans to utilize new spaces and venues to showcase music, art and film that would otherwise go unnoticed. THTFL also works as an independent imprint to release what they feel is important to the music and art scene at the moment.

Ted Leo - Legal Music Downloads

I hate it when I "wake up" and realize that a brilliant band has been right under my nose for quite a number of years. I lived in DC for years and have always been sort of aware of Ted Leo and Chisel. I just don't remember seeing them play. Once I moved to New York, I never bothered going to see him play as a solo artist. The live performance that Leo gave for The Interface is simply brilliant.

This podcast (link below) contains Leo playing four songs solo electric and he gives a brief interview. The songs performed are "Bleeding Powers", "Who Do You Love", "A Bottle of Buckie" and "Timorous Me". I can't say enough how much I have enjoyed this. I had heard Leo slagged as being a Paul Weller clone but he really sound nothing like Weller. His vocal style is probably closer to Phil Lynott or Joe Jackson.

Here is a link to the podcast (link) and there are additional live video and audio on Leo's website.

Leo's new CD Living with the Living was released earlier this year on Tounch & Go Records.

Links:

Ted Leo Main Website (link)
Ted Leo MySpace (link)

Laura Veirs is Playing Gramercy Theater on May 16th

“For Ms. Veirs, marvels and cataclysms are intimate, something to sing about with an acoustic guitar and a breathy familiarity.”
—The New York Times

“Veirs leaves room for you to wander around, get your imagination involved.”
—NPR’s All Things Considered

Laura Veirs has earned great critical reviews with her first two CDs and her latest CD Saltbreakers was released on April 10 on Nonesuch Records. On her third CD, Veirs remains fascinated by the natural world, filling her work with images of the ocean and the stars. But she digs even deeper this time, incorporating the turbulence of her own life and the larger world into this collection of songs.

The continuing collaboration with producer Tucker Martine (The Decemberists) allows for experimentation and inventiveness, which, according to Pitchfork, showcases Veirs’ “indulgence in flights of verbal fancy.” An example of this is the track “To The Country,” which was recorded in the Nashville cabin of Johnny Cash and June Carter and which features an eight-person Baptist choir. Veirs describes the experience as “transcendent.”

On Saltbreakers, Veirs is accompanied by her longtime studio and touring band, originally called the Tortured Souls, who now bear the same name as the album. Over the last three years, the band has traveled the world touring in support of Veirs’ previous Nonesuch albums Carbon Glacier and Year of Meteors. “The band has gotten really close,” says Veirs. “We’ve become a family.” The group includes Veirs on vocals and guitar, Karl Blau on bass, Steve Moore on piano, and Tucker Martine on drums. The title track of Saltbreakers also marks the debut of her fellow players as backing vocalists. Most of the album was recorded in Seattle.

For those who haven't heard Laura, check out:

Magnetized (2006)
Bedroom Eyes (2003)
John Henry Lives (2001)

Here are Veirs' upcoming tour dates:

May 9 - Magic Stick - Detroit, MI
May 10 - Little Brothers - Columbus, OH
May 11 - Beachland Tavern - Cleveland, OH
May 12 - El Mocambo - Toronto, ON
May 14 - La Sala Rossa - Montreal, QC
May 15 - Middle East Upstairs - Cambridge, MA
May 16 - The Gramercy Theatre - New York, NY
May 17 - Tin Angel - Philadelphia, PA
May 18 - Iota - Arlington, VA
May 19 - Gravity Lounge - Charlottesville, VA
May 20 - Grey Eagle - Asheville, NC
May 22 - The Basement - Nashville, TN
May 23 - The Earl - Atlanta, GA
May 24 - The Parish - New Orleans, LA
May 25 - Walter’s - Houston, TX
May 26 - The Mohawk - Austin, TX
May 27 - The Cavern - Dallas, TX
May 30 - Launchpad - Albuquerque, NM
May 31 - Modified - Phoenix, AZ
June 1 - Casbah - San Diego, CA
June 2 - Largo - Los Angeles, CA
June 4 - The Rio Theatre - Santa Cruz, CA
June 5 - Café du Nord - San Francisco, CA
June 8 - Triple Door - Seattle, WA
June 9 - Aladdin Theater - Portland, OR

Links:

Laura Veirs Main Website (link)
Laura Veirs MySpace page (link)

My Views on Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy MP3 Leaks

I am finding all these (supposed) leaks pretty funny as I don't believe for a minute that this is anything more than promo attempts for the "forthcoming" release.

Earlier today, Blabbermouth reported that:

A studio mix of another new GUNS N' ROSES song, "There Was a Time", was leaked on Sunday, May 6, making it the fourth new GN'R track in two days to be released via the Internet ("The Blues", "Chinese Democracy" and "I.R.S." were leaked two days earlier). "There Was a Time" (also known as "T.W.A.T.") was played live only twice — at the first New York City warm-up show on May 12, 2006 and Madrid, Spain on May 25, 2006 — and was mentioned as one of GN'R singer Axl Rose's favorites in an interview he gave to Rolling Stone magazine in January 2006. All tracks are rumored to be set for inclusion on GUNS N' ROSES' upcoming album "Chinese Democracy".

Let's get real -- is the band or someone from the band's camp leaking these songs or are there shadowy figures in Spain who are selling songs from the completed CD for $2,500 per track. (see story in idolator). The only concession that I'd be willing to give is that these "shadowy figures" could be from the record company and they are trying to recoup lost expenses.

Frauke Plays Trash Bar in Williamsburg on Wednesday, May 9th

How can you say no to Frauke, a low $6 cover and open bar for an hour (8PM - 9PM)



Frauke is playing with nuh-uh and the Trash Bar is located at 256 Grand Street in Williamsburg.

Links:
Frauke's Main Website (link)

The Bravery Play "Secret Show" Tomorrow (May 8th) at Arlene's Grocery

MySpace is sponsoring a "secret show" with The Bravery tomorrow night (Tuesday, May 8th) at Arlene's Grocery.



The band is playing an all ages show at 5:00PM and a 21+ show at 9:00PM. There is no advance wristbands or tickets so line up early.

Arlene's Grocery is located at:
99 Stanton Street
New York, NY 10002

Links:
The Bravery's Main Website (link)

The Kin - Rise and Fall CD Giveaway

I have 3 advance copies of the forthcoming CD from The Kin to give away. Just click on the Contest Entry link and send us your full name and mailing address. One entry per person please.

All entries must be received no later than May 18, 2007. Winners will be notified via E-Mail.

For more info on The Kin, check out these links:

The Kin's Main Website

The Kin on MySpace

Squeeze and Stray Cats Reunite for Summer Tour

It was 25 years ago (late 1982) that Squeeze and the Stray Cats co-headlined a tour up the East Coast. Both bands are back (but not touring together) and are touring this summer.

The Stray Cats are playing their first US tour in 15 years and are touring with ZZ Top and The Pretenders. There are only a couple tour dates on the Stray Cats site right now:

July 19, 2007 - Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL (With Joan Jett)
July 21, 2007 - First Mariner Arena, Baltimore (with REO Speedwagon)
July 22, 2007 - Jones Beach, Long Island, NY
July 28, 2007 - Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul MN (with Gin Blossoms)
July 29, 2007 - Scottrade Center, St. Louis, MO
August 3, 2007 - Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklamhoma City, OK

Squeeze has reunited for their first tour since 1999. The lineup for this tour is Chris Difford, Glenn Tilbrook, John Bentley, Simon Hansen and Stephen Large.

Here are the band's US tour dates:

July '07
Mon 3o Tupelo Music Hall Londonderry, NH 888-688-7356
Tue 31 Melody Tent Cape Cod, MA 781-383-9850

Aug '07
Wed 1 Bank of America Pavilion Boston, MA 617-728-1600
Fri 3 Beacon Theatre New York, NY 212-496-7070
Sat 4 Borgata Music Box Atlantic City, NJ
Mon 6 Starland Ballroom Sayreville, NJ 732-238-5500
Tue 7 North Fork Theatre Westbury, NY 631-888-9000
Wed 8 Pier Six Concert Pavilion Baltimore, MD 410-244-7028
Thu 9 Wolf Trap Filene Center Vienna, VA 877-965-3872
Sat 11 Concerts in the Park Alpine, CA 619-644-8325
Sun 12 The Grove of Anaheim Anaheim, CA 714-712-2700
Mon 13 Greek Theatre Los Angeles, CA 323-655-5857
Tue 14 The Mountain Winery Saratoga, CA 408-872-0901

chashama's New Gallery in Harlem Opens Tomorrow (May 7th)

chashama celebrates the opening of their new gallery in Harlem tomorrow with an opening night reception.




Celebrate chashama's NEW HARLEM GALLERY
Opening Reception: Monday, May 7th, 6-9PM -- food & drink served

Exhibition by chashama Harlem artists-in-residence: Elaine Benavides, Elaine Defibaugh, David Dallessandro, Vicki Freemont, Colwyn Griffith, Leslie Frank Hampton, Ademola Olugebefoa, Tara Parsons, Tim Roda, Christy Speakman & Richard Wager.

217 E.42nd is halfway between 2nd and 3rd Avenues:
4,5,6,7 and shuttle trains to Grand Central from Times Square
M104 & M42 buses to Third Ave; M101, M102, M103, M15 to 42nd St.

Biomechanical - Empires of the World CD Review

I hadn't heard Biomechanical prior to listening to this CD but was somewhat aware that this disc made a few "Best of 2006" lists. I have to agree as this is simply a great disc. Vocalist John K has range that goes from a death metal growl to being able to challenge Rob Halford or Bruce Dickenson. It is refreshing that the vocals are clean in numerous parts making the lyrics understandable. Guitarists Jamie Hunt and Chris Webb play complex and intense melodies which keeps every song interesting. While I would compare the overall sound of the band to early Judas Priest (turned up to 11) or Pantera, the guitars don't sound like the NWOBHM bands. This is neither the dual-lead guitar sound of Priest or Thin Lizzy nor the free-form wankery of some of the more extreme math-metal bands but a complex, almost orchestral sound that is enhanced by Hunt's use of a MIDI guitar which brings in some cinematic elements.

There are also a number of sound effects used on the CD. While it all sounds really cool, I didn't fully understand the context and looked up some of the band's comments on their forum. Here is their comment on the voice-over on the track Enemy Within:

It says:

“Listen to me…Listen to me, you must awake, you have to awake, there isn’t much time, There isn’t much time left for me. This is my final offence.”

The idea was inspired by the 1987 film ‘The Prince of Darkness’. A person was receiving a warning through his dreams and this is what’s happening on the album. The intro is a warning heard from the moment just before the Final Offence, sent to his own sub consciousness so that he will awake and prepare him self for what he has to confront in the future.

This CD was originally released in 2005 but was rereleased as a 'redux' edition late last year by Earache. The new addition adds a dead-on cover of Judas Priest's Painkiller and three videos which are the Empires of the World video, and two 'behind-the-scenes' videos showing the making of the Empires video and the recording of Painkiller.

This is a band to watch as they could easily cross over into the mainstream and break big. The band just finished a tour of Europe supporting 3 Inches of Blood. Announced plans are a tour with Sikth in July and the band is also working on a new release entitled Cannibalised. The band announced on their website forum that the new album will consist of ten tracks and will conclude the first two albums 'Eight Moons' and 'The Empires of the Worlds'. The album will be out sometime around September - October 2007.

Let's hope for a US tour...

Links:
Biomechanical Main Website (link)