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

Paul McCartney Premieres 'Queenie Eye' - First Official Music Video from 'New'

Paul McCartney's 24th studio album, New, came out on October 15th and this disc is McCartney's first album of brand "new" solo material in six years. After unveiling a video of an impromptu acoustic performance of the disc's title track "New", McCartney has now released the first official music video from the new disc, which is for the song "Queenie Eye".

Earlier this month, McCartney played a surprise concert in Times Square and performed four songs from New - "New", "Save Us", "Everybody Out There" and "Queenie Eye". At this impromptu show, Paul commented "We only get fifteen minutes up here. Andy Warhol predicted that I would get 15 minutes of fame. This is it!" He also took time to thank the NYPD for allowing him to perform in such a busy and iconic part of the city.





Links:
Paul McCartney

Coney Hatch - 'Four' CD Review (Frontiers Records)

Back in the day, the phrase ‘arena rock’ didn’t have the negative “mass marketing” connotation that it seems to have today so, growing up, I went to a number of shows at the Capital Centre – which was a concrete monolith in the “Middle-of-Nowhere”, MD. I only have vague memories of Canadian arena rockers Coney Hatch coming through town (I didn’t catch the show where the band opened for Iron Maiden) so Coney Hatch’s reunion disc Four was my first exposure to the band’s music.

Even without knowing the band’s back catalog, Four is a surprisingly strong release given this is the band’s first disc in 28 years. For those like me who weren’t familiar with Coney Hatch’s sound, I’d compare the band’s new album to a smoother-edged Kix with some hints/riffs of early AC/DC around the edges. Coney Hatch features two vocalists: rhythm guitarist Carl Dixon, who sings the hook-heavy melodic numbers, and bassist Andy Curran, who sings the grittier bar room rockers.

The disc starts with “Blown Away” (sung by Dixon) which has some insanely catchy melodic hooks and a big sing-along chorus. This is followed by “Boy’s Club” (sung by Curran), which is a gritty guitar-driven rocker. With Dixon and Curran almost evenly splitting lead vocals, these two songs give a good indication of the sound of the rest of the disc. Some of the other strong numbers are the up-tempo “Down & Dirty” and the blues-rocker “Devil You Know” (both sung by Dixon), “Marseilles” (which lifts its guitar riffs from Bon Scott era AC/DC) and the fist-pumping, guitar chugging “We Want More” (these later two tracks are sung by Curran). While the majority of the disc is high-energy, the band slows the pace down a bit on “Revive” (which features upfront vocals from both vocalists) and the disc closer “Holding On”, which is a mellow rockers that is sure to get the lighters in the air. The only “oddball” cut on the disc is “Do It Again” which is a bit lighter weight than the rest of the disc and sounds like a alt-pop modern rock number.





For anyone who missed the pre-hair metal arena rock scene, check out the video for the short film "Heavy Metal Parking Lot" – which was filmed in the parking lot before a Dokken / Judas Priest concert in 1986 at the Capital Centre.



Here is the back story behind Coney Hatch’s reunion: Late one night, on his way home from a recording session in Australia, a weary Carl Dixon had a near fatal head-on car collision that left him clinging to life. While Carl was still in an induced coma, his wife reached out to the other members of Coney Hatch and asked them to offer words of encouragement over to the phone to Carl. She held the phone to his ear as he lay unconscious in his bed. "I told him to get better quick," says bassist/vocalist Andy Curran. "I said we had a lot more rockin' to do with Coney Hatch. I really didn't think we'd play together again but it just came out of my mouth… and Carl remembered it!"

Links:
Coney Hatch

Psychic TV Announces Two Free Shows in December at Brooklyn Night Bazaar / New COUM Transmissions Album Out on Dais Records

In place of Psychic TV's annual December show at Europe, the band has announced two free shows in December at the new Brooklyn Night Bazaar space. The shows are Friday, Dec. 27th and Saturday, Dec. 28th and the shows start at 6PM. For Friday night's show, Psychic TV is supported by Heliotropes and House of Blondes. At Saturday night's show, PTV is supported by long-time Genesis P-Orridge collaborator Bryin Dall. Psychic TV fans will want to bring some extra cash as it is probably safe to assume that PTV will have some limited edition merchandise at this show as they have in previous years.

For those who remember Brooklyn Night Bazaar as a limited-time event, Daily News reported last Friday: "Modeled after similar markets found throughout the East, the Brooklyn Night Bazaar — an experimental offering the last three years — has settled down in permanent digs that allow for year-round shopping, drinking and eating every weekend night. The new permanent site of Aaron Broudo’s Brooklyn Night Bazaar at the corner of Banker St. and Norman Ave. Indie bands, local food, beers and even ping pong tables and a mini-golf course are in the offing at the 24,000-square-foot warehouse at 165 Banker St. in the midst of hipster heaven: the border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Beginning Nov. 1, the night market will run just north of its unrelated cousin, the successful Brooklyn Flea, a daytime weekend market."

Lastly, Dais Records just released a limited edition compilation from Genesis and Cosey Fanni Tutti's pre-Throbbing Gristle band COUM Transmissions. "The most recent installment of the rare & unheard archival recordings from the transgressive 70's performance art group COUM Transmissions. Founded in late 1969 by Genesis P-Orridge & Jesus Joheero, COUM Transmissions’s provocative performances mixed with visual art solidified the group as one of the most forward thinking breakthroughs within the 70′s conceptual art scene. Only in the past couple years has COUM’s recorded works seen the light of day. This release collects various selections spanning the years 1971 through 1975, including a rare live performance opening for Hawkwind, lost radio interview, obtuse poetry readings by early member Fizzey Peat, piano & violin compositions by Genesis P-Orridge and insightful field recordings. Limited to 1,000 vinyl copies."

This new LP, Home Ages and the 18 Month Hope, is available for $18 though Dais Records' website.

Links:
Genesis P-Orridge

The Who Announce Deluxe (And Super-Deluxe) Edition of 'Tommy' Out on Nov. 12th

Tommy, The Who’s defining, breakthrough concept album – a full-blown rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind boy that launched the band to international superstardom – is to be released in Deluxe and limited edition Super Deluxe editions on November 12.

Originally released in May 1969, The Who were at a career crossroads, they were known mainly as a singles band but this project launched them as a serious “album band” and has now sold over 20 million copies as well as regularly turning up in lists of the most influential albums of all time. Coming after The Who Sell Out in 1967, Tommy marked a complete change in style with Pete Townshend's lengthy conceptual narrative bringing exciting new opportunities to rock music. Tommy was and remains an ambitious, complex and controversial work.

This new Deluxe and Super Deluxe remastered version of the album comes with a wealth of previously unheard material in the form of 20 demos from Pete Townshend’s archive and also a full, live performance of “Tommy” from 1969 taken from tapes that infamously Townshend asked the band’s sound engineer to burn! Eighteen of the previously unheard and thought to be long lost live tracks are taken from a live show at the Capital Theatre in Ottowa, Canada, on October 15, 1969. Three others, “I’m Free,” “Tommy’s Holiday Camp” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” were lost due to tape reels being changed during the show, so they are taken from later shows of the same era. As discussed at length in Pete Townshend’s autobiography, the tapes were all supposed to be destroyed but were kept by longtime Who sound man Bob Pridden, despite Pete’s instructions.

The limited edition Super Deluxe box features a 5.1 mix featuring the complete album remixed in surround sound on new Hi-Fidelity Pure Audio Blu-ray format. The box set also comes with a hardback 80-page full-color book featuring rare period photos, memorabilia, a 20,000-word essay by legendary Who aficionado Richard Barnes and a rare facsimile “Tommy” poster, all housed in a hardback deluxe slipcase.


Limited Edition Super Deluxe Edition

Disc 1 – The original album (2013 re-master)
- Digitally remastered in HD

Disc 2 – The demos and outtakes
- Features 20 previously unreleased tracks from Pete Townshend’s demo archive

Disc 3 – The 5.1 album mix – Hi-Fidelity Pure Audio Blu-ray
- The complete album remixed in surround sound on new Hi-Fidelity Pure Audio Blu-ray format

Disc 4 – The live ‘bootleg’ album
- Features 21 previously unreleased tracks from various live shows from 1969

The super-deluxe edition also includes a hardback 80-page full-color book featuring rare period photos and memorabilia, 20,000-word essay by legendary Who aficionado Richard Barnes and a rare facsimile “Tommy” poster.

Track Listing:

Disc 1 The original album (2013 re-master)
1. Overture 5.20
2. It’s A Boy 0.38
3. 1921 2.49
4. Amazing Journey 5.04
5. Sparks 2.05
6. The Hawker (Eyesight To The Blind) 2.13
7. Christmas 4.34
8. Cousin Kevin 4.05
9. The Acid Queen 3.34
10. Underture 10.01
11. Do You Think It’s Alright? 0.24
12. Fiddle About 1.29
13. Pinball Wizard 3.01
14. There’s A Doctor 0.23
15. Go To The Mirror! 3.47
16. Tommy Can You Hear Me? 1.35
17. Smash The Mirror 1.34
18. Sensation 2.25
19. Miracle Cure 0.12
20. Sally Simpson 4.10
21. I’m Free 2.39
22. Welcome 4.32
23. Tommy’s Holiday Camp 0.57
24. We’re Not Gonna Take It 7.06

Disc 2 Demos and Extras
1. Overture 4:07
2. It's A Boy 0:41
3. 1921 3:13
4. Amazing Journey 4:47
5. Dream One 3:09
6. Sparks 7:38
7. The Hawker 4:45
8. Christmas 4:42
9. Acid Queen 3:35
10. Underture (Dream Two) 1:47
11. Do You Think It's Alright 0:26
12. Pinball Wizard 3:42
13. There's A Doctor 0:24
14. Go To The Mirror! 4:32
15. Success 0:10
16. Tommy Can You Hear Me 1:15
17. Smash The Mirror 1:37
18. Sensation 2:47
19. Miracle Cure 0:11
20. Sally Simpson 4:50
21. I'm Free 2:27
22. Welcome 3:26
23. We're Not Gonna Take It 5:02
24. Trying To Get Through 2:27
25. Young Man Blues 2:47

Tracks 1 - 23 - Pete Townshend - original demos.
All previously unreleased except 2, 11 and 12 – released in 2003
Track 24 - The Who - studio demo/outtake.
Track 25 - The Who - studio recording (NOTE: This version was previously only available on “The House That Track Built” vinyl sampler).

Disc 3 Hi-Fidelity Pure Audio - Blu-ray disc (5.1 mixes)
Overture 5.20
It’s a boy 0.37
1921 2.49
Amazing journey 5.05
Sparks 2.05
The Hawker 2.14
Christmas 4.34
Cousin Kevin 4.07
The acid queen 3.34
Underture 10.05
Do you think it’s alright? 0.25
Fiddle about 1.31
Pinball wizard 3.01
There’s a doctor 0.24
Go to the mirror! 3.48
Tommy can you hear me? 1.35
Smash the mirror 1.33
Sensation 2.27
Miracle cure 0.12
Sally Simpson 4.11
I’m Free 2.39
Welcome 4.32
Tommy’s holiday camp 0.57
We’re not gonna take it 7.06

Disc 4 Live Bootleg
1. Overture (including Introduction) 7.00
2. It's A Boy 0.39
3. 1921 2.28
4. Amazing Journey 5.07
5. Sparks 2.49
6. The Hawker (Eyesight To The Blind) 1.54
7. Christmas 3.11
8. The Acid Queen 3.30
9. Pinball Wizard 2.47
10. Do You Think It's Alright? 0.21
11. Fiddle About 1.12
12. Tommy Can You Hear Me? 0.55
13. There's A Doctor 0.24
14. Go To The Mirror! 3.22
15. Smash The Mirror 1.10
16. Miracle Cure 0.12
17. Sally Simpson 4.01
18. I’m Free 2.12
19. Tommy’s Holiday Camp 0.48
20. We’re Not Gonna Take It 3.28
21. See Me, Feel Me / Listening To You 7.51

OTHER FORMATS OF THE WHO’s TOMMY

Physical
2-CD deluxe edition, digi-pak
- CD 1 Original album remastered
- CD 2 Live Bootleg

1-CD remastered version
- Original album (single disc)

Deluxe vinyl edition

2-piece, heavyweight
- Original LP configuration

Digital Formats and Optimized for Digital Formats
Super deluxe box set
- Tracks from SDE box, excluding 5.1 mixes

Digital deluxe edition
- ‘Mirror’ of 2-CD physical

Digital album (original album)
- Mirror’ of 1-CD physical

Links:
The Who

A Night With Janis Joplin: Broadway Show Review (Lyceum Theatre 149 W. 45th Street)

Broadway musical “A Night With Janis Joplin” is the first show that I’ve seen that is presented as more of a rock concert than a ‘traditional’ Broadway show. This isn’t a Glee-for-GenXers sing-along like “Rock of Ages” but the focus of the show is on Janis Joplin’s music and the blues singers that inspired her. Mary Bridget Davies, who plays Joplin, really connected with the sold-out crowd at the Lyceum Theatre, and this is the first time that I’ve seen a Broadway audience sway in their seats, wave their hands in the air and stand up to dance.

Davies is no stranger to the music of Janis Joplin as she sang with the reunited Big Brother and the Holding Company and toured with the Joplin musical “Love Janis” so she is able to channel both the passion and the edge to Joplin’s music. Stevie Nicks’ description of Joplin’s music is really what the show is about: “she mak[es] such a powerful and deep emotional connection with the audience…Janis put herself out there completely, and her voice was not only strong and soulful, it was painfully and beautifully real. She sang in the great tradition of the rhythm and blues singers that were her heroes, but she brought her own dangerous, sexy rock and roll edge to every single song.”

While Davies nails her portrayal of Joplin, the four blues singers give equally powerful performances. Nikki Kimbrough portrays Etta James and her version of “Tell Mama” transitions into to Joplin's rendition.  De’Adre Aziza portrays Odette (who sings “Down on Me”) and this song also transitions into Joplin's rendition.  Taprena Michelle Augustine, who portrays Bessie Smith, sings “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”. The most powerful performance of the four is the explosive duet between Allison Blackwell (who plays Aretha Franklin/Blues Woman) and Davies on “Summertime”

The set at the Lyceum is a recreation of a concert stage – where Davies and her backup singers (who also take solos as the blues singers that inspired Joplin) spend most of their show. There is also living room set on the right side of the stage where Davies, alongside her Southern Comfort bottle, take time to narrate the different events in Joplin’s life. Davies talks a lot about having the blues but there is no explicit mention of the demons that Joplin seemed to be exorcising by singing the blues. Having the blues seems to be an everyday occurrence for Joplin and causes range from ‘I got the blues because I don’t have the quarter for a bottle of wine’ to ‘the blues is just a good woman feeling bad’.

The narration isn’t much more than the basic back story for that particular point in Joplin’s life as there is no digging into Joplin’s booze and drugs addiction or her broken romances. Given this, the audience may not appreciate the symbolic reference in Davies’ performance of ''I'm Gonna Rock My Way to Heaven,”, which was a song intended for Joplin’s Pearl album but was never recorded due to the singer’s untimely death. All of Joplin’s crowd pleasing hits are performed along with a few blues numbers and the show ended with a standing ovation as the entire cast backed Davies through an a cappella rendition of “Mercedes Benz”. All-in-all, this is a feel good story about the power of music and the emotional connection between a singer and the audience.



“A Night with Janis Joplin” is currently running at the Lyceum Theatre (149 W. 45th Street). The show runs for two hours (not including intermission) and tickets range from $49 - $199. Tickets are on sale through March 30, 2014.

Links:
A Night with Janis Joplin

The Beatles Announce the Release of 'On Air - Live at the BBC Volume 2' on Nov. 11th

In 1994, The Beatles’ Live at the BBC was released to worldwide acclaim - hitting number one in the U.K., number three in the U.S. and selling more than five million copies within six weeks. A new companion to The Beatles’ first BBC collection, On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2, will be released Monday, November 11 in 2CD and 180-gram vinyl packages with a 48-page booklet. On Air’s 63 tracks, none of which overlaps with The Beatles’ first BBC release, include 37 previously unreleased performances and 23 previously unreleased recordings of in-studio banter and conversation between the band’s members and their BBC radio hosts.

In the studios of the British Broadcasting Corporation, The Beatles performed music for a variety of radio shows. On Air - Live at the BBC Volume 2 presents the sound of The Beatles seizing their moment to play for the nation. Thrilled to hear these exciting recordings again, Paul McCartney said, “There’s a lot of energy and spirit. We are going for it, not holding back at all, trying to put in the best performance of our lifetimes.”

Ten of On Air’s songs were never recorded by the group for EMI in the 1960s, including two making their debuts with the new release: The Beatles’ direct-to-air performance of Chuck Berry’s “I’m Talking About You” and a rocking cover of the standard “Beautiful Dreamer.” On Air also includes different versions of six rarities heard on the 1994 BBC collection: Little Richard’s “Lucille,” Chuck Berry’s “Memphis, Tennessee,” Chan Romero’s “The Hippy Hippy Shake,” Ray Charles’ “I Got A Woman,” and two songs they learned from records by Carl Perkins, “Glad All Over” and “Sure To Fall.”



The Beatles’ tribute to the BBC’s most important pop show of the early ’60s – “Happy Birthday, Dear Saturday Club” – is another surprise. As John Lennon recalled in 1980, “We did a lot of tracks that were never on record for Saturday Club – they were well recorded, too.” Paul remembers, “We’d been raised on the BBC radio programs. One of the big things in our week was Saturday Club – this great show was playing the kind of music we loved, so that was something we really aspired to.”

Between March 1962 and June 1965, no fewer than 275 unique musical performances by The Beatles were broadcast by the BBC in the U.K. The group played songs on 39 radio shows in 1963 alone. Ringo Starr said in 1994, “You tend to forget that we were a working band. It’s that mono sound. There were usually no overdubs. We were in at the count-in and that was it. I get excited listening to them.” On their busiest BBC day, July 16, 1963, The Beatles recorded 18 songs for three editions of their Pop Go The Beatles series in fewer than seven hours.

The group played 88 distinct songs in their BBC sessions – some were recorded many times; others performed just once. At the time, three national BBC stations provided all daytime radio broadcasting in the U.K. Only the Light Programme network might occasionally play a record. Most broadcast music was live music. Consequently, to promote their releases, The Beatles had to play live at the BBC. “Everything was done instantly,” remembered George Harrison, “But before that, we used to drive 200 miles in an old van down the M1, come into London, try and find the BBC and then set up and do the program. Then we’d probably drive back to Newcastle for a gig in the evening!”

On Air also features BBC recordings of 30 well-loved songs from The Beatles’ catalogue, including five number ones and other favorites such as: “I Saw Her Standing There,” “Twist And Shout,” “Do You Want To Know A Secret,” “Boys,” “Please Mister Postman,” “Money,” “And I Love Her,” and “If I Fell.”

Like its critically acclaimed predecessor, On Air - Live at the BBC Volume 2 includes audio of The Beatles talking to DJs Brian Matthew and Alan Freeman and Pop Go The Beatles hosts Lee Peters and Rodney Burke. When first broadcast, pop fans were amazed to hear such witty irreverence on the rather formal BBC and it is great fun to hear these extracts now. In addition, On Air releases, for the first time, the group’s candid interviews for the Pop Profile series recorded in November 1965 and May 1966.

Newly remastered for reissue on November 11, The Beatles’ first Live at the BBC album sounds and looks better than ever. This collection of the group’s BBC sessions mixed versions of their hits with a treasure trove of 30 songs The Beatles performed on air but never released on record in the 1960s. The compelling track list ranged from a rare performance of the little known Lennon-McCartney original “I’ll Be On My Way” to covers of classic rock ’n’ roll and contemporary rhythm and blues songs. At the time of its release, Live at the BBC was hailed by Rolling Stone as “an exhilarating portrait of a band in the process of shaping its own voice and vision.” It earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Historical Album.

Live at the BBC was assembled by George Martin in 1994 and On Air - Live at the BBC Volume Two was compiled and researched by producers Kevin Howlett and Mike Heatley. Both albums have been meticulously mastered by engineers Guy Massey and Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios. The booklets for both collections include Kevin Howlett’s essays on the history of The Beatles’ BBC radio sessions and his detailed commentaries on all of the tracks.

Digital Pre-Order
Live at the BBC 1
On Air- Live at the BBC 2

CD Pre-Order
Live at the BBC 1
On Air- Live at the BBC2

LP Pre-Order
Live at the BBC 1 – 3LP
On Air- Live at the BBC2 – 3LP at Amazon

Links:
The Beatles

The Broadcast (70's "Grace Slick meets Janis Joplin" Rock) Play NYC Album Release Show at Rockwood Music Hall on Nov. 2nd

STREAM: The Broadcast - "Don't Waste It" (from Dodge the Arrow - released Sept. '13)

This looks like a fun show as there is certainly enough "Grace Slick meets Janis Joplin" in The Broadcast lead singer Caitlin Krisko's vocals. NYC-to-Asheville, NC transplants The Broadcast are playing their NYC record release show at Rockwood Music Hall on November 2nd in support of their latest disc, Dodge the Arrow, which came out last month. This is a late show (doors at 11PM) and advance tickets are $10.

It sounds like you are going to want to get to the show on the early side as this is the first time that I've seen Rockwood post "Very limited seating".





The Broadcast is hard-edged, soulful rock music bursting-at-the-seams. Drawing much of their ambiance from 70′s classic rock, they’re a band with an explosive female lead singer, riffing guitar, mood-altering keys and a rock-solid rhythm section. A dynamic ensemble known for their powerful live performances, The Broadcast continues to break new ground across the country with vocal powerhouse Caitlin Krisko leading every step of the way. Described by audiences as a modern day “Grace Slick meets Led Zeppelin”, The Broadcast’s infectious energy and authentic approach to rock & roll music has propelled them into the live music community spotlight.

Links:
The Broadcast

Mat Sinner - 'Touch of Sin 2' Interview with BrooklynRocks, Oct. '13

German bassist/vocalist Mat Sinner isn’t exactly a household name in the States but he is a big draw in Europe as Sinner (the band) was formed in 1980 and has over a dozen full-length albums under their belt. Sinner’s style of music is melodic, guitar-driven hard rock and points of reference are U.D.O., Accept and Saxon. Sinner’s newest disc, Touch of Sin 2 (AFM Records), came out on Sept. 10th and is comprised of 11 re-recorded tracks from Sinner’s predominately out-of-print back catalog, a cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Don’t Believe a Word” along with two new songs. Here is a link to a review of Sinner's Touch of Sin 2 disc that I posted last month.

Mike from BrooklynRocks talked with Mat earlier this month about the new disc and the impetus behind it. They also talked about Mat's upcoming projects - a forthcoming Primal Fear disc, which will be followed by a US tour next year, and the 2014 edition of Mat's annual Rock Meets Classic tour which features vocalists Alice Cooper, Joe Lynn Turner and Kim Wilde.

Primal Fear 2014 US Tour Dates
April 29, 2014 -- Baltimore - Soundstage
April 30, 2014 -- New York - Stage 48 (Tickets are $20 and there is a VIP ticket (early admission, meet-and-greet, etc.) available for $50)
May 01, 2014 -- Quebec - Le Cercle
May 02, 2014 -- Montreal - Petit Campus
May 03, 2014 -- Toronto - MOD Club
May 04, 2014 -- Cleveland - Agora Theater
May 06, 2014 -- Joliet, Illinois - Mojoes
May 07, 2014 -- Lawrence, Kansas - Granada Theater
May 08, 2014 -- Denver - Bluebird Theater
May 10, 2014 -- Seattle - El Corazon
May 11, 2014 -- Vancouver - The Venue
May 12, 2014 -- Portland - Hawthorne Theater
May 14, 2014 -- San Francisco - DNA Lounge
May 15, 2014 -- Anaheim California - The Grove
May 16, 2014 -- Tempe, Arizona - Club Red
May 18, 2014 -- Dallas, Texas - Trees
May 19, 2014 -- Houston, Texas - Scout Bar
May 21, 2014 -- Atlanta - The Masquerade
May 22, 2014 -- Louisville - Diamond Pub
May 23, 2014 -- Pittsburgh - Altar Bar
May 24, 2014 -- Rochester - Montage Music Hall

Links:
Sinner

Cold Blood Club, Marco Argiro, The Bushwick Hotel, Graveyard Lovers (etc.) Play CMJ Showcase at Bowery Electric Tomorrow Night

For CMJ this year, my plan was to target specific bands and not get burnt out too quickly by trying to stay out all night but...I may end up breaking this vow early on as tomorrow night's CMJ Showcase at Bowery Electric has a solid lineup of local bands. This is a free show and doors are at 4PM.

Here is the lineup for the night:

4:30 PM - Ula Ruth
Indie rock quartet, Ula Ruth, makes catchy tunes that you're sure to like if you dig The Strokes, The Vaccines, and The Arctic Monkeys. Michael Andronico (www.yrbmagzine.com) says, "There’s something about Ula Ruth that’s comfortingly familiar, though their fresh take on rock n’ roll is hard to come by in this generation of music. The CT four-piece hint at a ton of potential on their debut, and could become real rock heavyweights if they keep making music like this."


5:10 PM - Whale Belly
"Whale Belly glitter with colour and light,” writes Folk Radio UK. Known for their incredibly energetic live shows, the band has been entertaining crowds everywhere from the Highline Ballroom to venues in Paris and Amsterdam and have performed aside prominent bands like Cults and Beach Fossils.


5:50 PM - Poor Remy
"When you least expect it, things suddenly pick up into a folk-jangled sing-along set to the style of tomorrow. And by 'tomorrow', I mean a new sound that hasn't set itself loose on mainstream audiences, and I'm excited for a band like Poor Remy to help usher in this future." (Baeble Music) With their soaring vocal harmonies, foot stomping choruses and relentless energy; Poor Remy creates emotional, heartfelt and invigorating music and live performances.


6:30 PM - Tam Lin
Praised by Time Out New York as "mellifluous" and like "listening to Jeff Buckley and/or falling in love," Tam Lin is an acclaimed NYC-based storyteller folk-rock band, fronted by Paul Weinfield.


7:10 PM - Cold Blood Club
Brooklyn 6-piece, Cold Blood Club, have been hailed as “almost too catchy for their own good” (The Deli Magazine). Mastering catchy dance grooves, electro-beats and pop sensibilities, they have beeen conquering the New York Indie dance scene one packed venue at a time since they debuted their edgy blend of soul, rock, and pop.


7:50 PM - Marco Argiro
Following a successful stint fronting Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, The Killing Floor’s Marco Argiro steps out solo with his September 2013 release Love. Channeling psychedelic rock with harmonies reminiscent of the West Coast sounds of the 70s, Argiro reinvents the message, “All you need is love,” for a new generation.


8:30 PM - Animal Years
“Animal Years, a young band packed with promise, channel an eclectic array of acts from John Hiatt to Tallest Man On Earth to Cold War Kids." (When the Gramophone Rings) Bringing a fresh face to indie roots rock, Brooklyn’s Animal Years showcase their free-wheeling, feel-good melodies and heart-tugging harmonies on their September 2013 debut, Sun Will Rise.


9:10 PM - Graveyard Lovers
"A dynamic trio carrying the torch of Pixies, Stripes, Sonic Youth & your favorite indie-grit gods... Graveyard Lovers have grabbed the spirit of rock ‘n roll by the throat and channeled a barrage of gritty, heavy blues riffs through a groove-rich spectrum inhabited by the likes of Jack White and Band of Skulls." (Crave Online) On their September 2013 release, Dreamers, Graveyard Lovers reinvigorate Louisiana-blues-infused grunge-rock for a modern age.


9:50 PM - The Dough Rollers
RIYL: Alabama Shakes, Queens of the Stone Age and Heartless Bastards, the rising blues-rock quartet recently released a 7” on Jack White’s Third Man Records which "simultaneously kicks you in the face and makes you reconsider your life in college for not becoming a rock star," (Vice / Noisey) They’ve toured with Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp and Queens of the Stone Age and plan to put out an EP later this year with a single produced by Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age).


10:30 PM - The Bushwick Hotel
“A raucous band filled with brass and blues... The Bushwick Hotel makes classic rock cool again with aggressive sax solos, hot bongos and a pinch of the absurd.” (Diffuser.fm) On their forthcoming album Graffiti of the Young Man's Mind, out November 2013, indie rock is dipped in jazz and blues and embellished with the band members' diverse musical backgrounds.


11:10 PM - Motive
RIYL: Divine Fits, Nirvana, Pixies and The White Stripes. "This track feels like ’90s rock to us in all of the best ways and the “Black Hole Sun”-esque video is sure to see the guys back on 120 Minutes” (NYLON Guys). The Brooklyn based foursome have shared the stage with buzzing bands like The Vaccines and Walk The Moon and recently recorded a cover of Talking Head's "Psycho Killer" for Jean Paul Gaultier's fashion video.


11:50 PM - Von Shakes
“One of Ireland’s greatest live acts in years,” (Today FM), Von Shakes is the latest Irish import to embody the sound of youth, angst, and chaos as they take over American soil. Known throughout Ireland, England, Germany, Russia and now the US for providing an onslaught of energy with every melodic vocal, guitar riff and drum beat, the Brooklyn-based quartet is set to release Bohemia in November 2013.


12:30 AM - Slim Wray
"They strip it down so good, you’ll be tempted to put a dollar bill in their g-string." (Rust Magazine) Blues-based, primal rock band Slim Wray have fine-tuned the art of bombastic, irreverent rock 'n roll. Running on thunderous drums and gritty, fuzz-fueled guitar riffs, these raucous and gritty Brooklynites will be welcoming their album Sack Lunch in November 2013.

City Riots: Australian Indie Rock/Dream Pop Band Play Nine NYC Shows in Support of Debut Album 'Sea of Bright Lights'

Australia’s City Riots make their return to North America this week with a whopping nine shows in New York, starting tonight at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn. This set of shows will include a performance at the Lit Lounge on October 15 as part of this fall’s CMJ Music Marathon. The trio will be performing throughout the New York area over the next two weeks in support of their recently released debut full-length, Sea Of Bright Lights.

Upon its initial release in their homeland last year, the praise for Sea Of Bright Lights was almost unanimous amongst media for its blend of jangly guitar hooks with dreamy reverbed pop. This includes snagging the title of “Best Local Release of 2012” by Radio Adelaide and world-focused media such as Sputnik Music proclaiming that the music possesses “choruses that sneak their way into your subconscious until you’re humming them along involuntarily.” With a vibrant live show and sunshine-inflected sound, the band has been able to hold their own while touring. Some tour-mates on these jaunts include The Smashing Pumpkins, indie rock notables Atlas Genius and even psychobilly punkers, The Living End. It has seen them branch out to the U.S. for appearances at recent editions of SXSW, CMJ, and Filter’s Culture Collide Festival.

Check out the video for “Lonely Hearts” which features a collection of live footage taken from the Adelaide-based group’s recent tours.



City Riots’ Upcoming Shows:
10/14 – The Rock Shop – Brooklyn, NY
10/15 – Cake Shop (daytime show, 5pm) – New York, NY
10/15 – Lit Lounge (Official CMJ showcase, 11pm) – New York, NY
10/17 – The Raven (Bulldog Gin Party) – New York, NY
10/18 – Kilmat Lounge (album listening party followed by acoustic set, 11pm) – New York, NY
10/19 – The Delancey (Aussie BBQ) – New York, NY
10/21 – Rockwood Music Hall – New York, NY
10/22 – Pianos – New York, NY
10/23 – Bowery Electric – New York, NY

Links:
City Riots