Archive for the 'Opinion Posts' Category
2011 Sneak Peak: Music You Should Be Waiting For!
Author: Butler Bad
Editors note: We have been backed up with quality posts and this one slipped through the cracks hence the dated references to some of the titles which have already been released. So, without further ado, back to Butler…
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Another year has come and gone and we are in the early stages of a new year. Out with the old and in with the new! Today, I give you a sneak peak at some of the highly anticipated releases of 2011. So sit back and let your music pants go crazy as you peruse this fine list of music to come. Read the rest of this entry »
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Unearthed recordings of Fairport Convention with Sandy Denny surface on CD.
3/16/2011 – Philadelphia, PA – Much to the excitement of Fairport Convention and Sandy Denny fans around the globe, Philadelphia’s ItsAboutMusic.com will release ultra rare recordings of the famed UK group recorded live at Ebbets Field in Denver, Colorado May 23/24, 1974. Produced and digitally remastered by Fairport Convention’s Jerry Donahue for ItsAboutMusic.com, the 1974 line-up of Fairport Convention on these recordings feature Sandy Denny (Vocals, Piano), Dave Mattacks (Drums), Jerry Donahue (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Dave Pegg (Bass,Vocals), Trevor Lucas (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar) and Dave Swarbrick (Vocals, Violin). This historical audio documentation catches the band at the height of their career performing to an ecstatic audience.
Fairport Convention was formed around 1967, and originally played a ”harmony-and guitar-based folk-rock style” strongly influenced by Californian groups of the day like the Byrds. The line-up that recorded their self-titled debut album in 1968 featured Richard Thompson, Ian Matthews, and Simon Nicol on guitars; Ashley Hutchings on bass; Judy Dyble on vocals; and Martin Lamble on drums. Fairport Convention didn’t reach their peak until Dyble was replaced after the first album in 1968 by Sandy Denny, who had previously recorded both as a solo act and with the Strawbs. Denny has been touted as the best British folk-rock singer of all time. This incarnation of the band would record two well-received albums. When Ian Matthews left the band in early 1969, and Martin Lamble (still in his teens) died in an accident involving the group’s equipment van in mid-1969, Fairport regrouped, replacing Lamble with Dave Mattacks, and adding Dave Swarbrick on fiddle. Their repertoire became much more traditional, and electrified traditional folk numbers would dominate their next album, Liege and Lief (1969).
Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com
I know, I know… I said I would be posting more regularly, but I had severe difficulties with my Internet Service Provider, Enter.Net. For all you readers in my former hometown, Allentown PA, you must know that Enter.Net is a substandard provider and has no regard for customers outside it’s immediate geographic region. The internet is global. Since I was unable to access the internet for many weeks with dependability, posting was a problem. I have switched to a new provider, Comcast, and upgraded to a T1 connection. So I should be able to upload those boatloads of photos faster.
I extend my sympathies to my webmasters.
Vanilla Fudge Embodied Psychedelic Sixties Sound
Author: Bob Bembridge
Who the hell are these guys?
That was Ringo Starr’s reported response upon hearing the Vanilla Fudge’s explosive cover of “Ticket to Ride.”
Ringo wasn’t the only Beatle blown away by the Fudge’s symphonic interpretations of “Ticket” and “Eleanor Rigby” on the group’s 1967 debut album. George Harrison reportedly played the album to anyone who would listen. Considering that the Beatles had just released “Sgt. Pepper,” that was no small compliment. Read the rest of this entry »
KILLING JOKE GATHER AT THE IRVING PLAZA, 12-03-10
Author: Jeff Boule
Killing Joke onstage at the Fillmore at Irving Plaza, NYC. Photo by Lynn Vala
Killing Joke finally played the Irving Plaza after postponing this show from earlier in the year. They were amazing. I told you it was going to be awesome. You should have been there.
© 2011 Coming Age and this website unless otherwise noted. Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily represent those of the sponsoring or publishing entities.
Beach House/Vampire Weekend
Author: Gabriel Barrio
Suddenly passing my driver side door at unholy speeds is a small Honda civic, white paint scuffed on the rear fender, with annoyingly loud muffler, with clothes hanging from a line in the backseat. I struggle to keep up on this never ending highway littered with small towns that have one exit, advertising rooms for rent and Big Macs. Each town passing in the blink of an eye, no sign of highway patrol anywhere, everything is flying by and it feels like this whole month is going the same route passing me by as I sit and watch as moments fall away from me one after another, quicker than I grasp. On the lonely and ever darkening highway up to Albuquerque, NM to make a stop off at exit 215. This night we sip champagne, we dance, we gamble, we shuffle around to and from rooms, this night we arrive just in time to see Beach House and Vampire Weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel. Read the rest of this entry »
L.E.D. lights, laser lights, Naru jackets, spiritual music all equal a transcendental experience. Photo by Lynn Vala
Glenside PA – Picking up from where we left off with our last entry, we are in intermission of the Todd/Healing show at the Keswick Theater in Glenside PA. Whilst waiting for part two of the show, I manage to talk to some fans, as well as Doug Ford, Steve the usher who tells me that some of the more raucous songs are not only not for him, but at the back of the theater, sound like mud. THAT’S a shame. I am fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of Tim Luciano, who, through his brother Pete (‘Lucky’) is friends with and grew up with Rundgren’s brother Robin Rundgren, who is here at the show along with Rundgren’s mother Ruth. Mrs. Rundgren attends many of Rundgren’s east coast shows and is a heavy contributor to Rundgren biographer Billy James’ two editions of ‘A Dream Goes On Forever, The Continuing Story Of Todd Rundgren’.
As the second half nears, we see under the curtain the movement of feet, we hear Rundgren talking and errant notes here and there. The house lights die as album 2, Healing begins. From behind closed curtain we hear Rundgren vocally proclaim ‘My child…’
2010 Year In Review: Music You Should Have Been Listening To!
Author: Butler Bad
Well, 2010 was quite the year! Everyone got a little older but ladies, you don’t look it! In spite of continued political divide, the yet to rebound economy, and little oil spill in the Gulf, 2010 was a pretty great year in music. Not for the industry as a whole (canceled tours, decline in both digital and CD sales, etc…), but in terms of the output from various artists it was a pretty fine year. Hell, the Beatles finally capitulated to the masses and released their catalog on iTunes! Back the Brinks truck up boys, we are cashing in!
Here is my annual review of what I thought, and thereby, was good in the world of music in 2010. If it did not make the list, it means I did not get a chance to listen to it, or it sucked. It is entirely possible that some music got by me this year. It is more likely that the music I did not listen to was not listenable and therefore sucked. Read the rest of this entry »
Jay Farrar
Author: Butler Bad
Jay Farrar is the incredibly gifted singer/songwriter/musician who has been part of the creative process for two influential bands (Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt). He has also had a nice solo career and most recently ventured out with Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie) on the soundtrack for “One Fast Move or I’m Gone”.
Musically he is just as adept in the sparse folksy acoustic of Americana music or the powerful roar of rock and roll. In addition to the guitar, Farrar also knows his way around the harmonica.
Jay Farrar Discography:
- Sebastopol (2001)
- ThirdShiftGrottoSlack (EP 2002)
- Terroir Blues (2003)
- Live EP (2004)
- Stone, Steel, & Bright Lights (2004)
Upon the demise of Uncle Tupelo, Farrar formed Son Volt and released three albums before going on a six year hiatus. Upon return in 2005, Farrar was the only original member of Son Volt and the newly designed band released an additional four albums.
In 2006 Farrar and Anders Parker created Gob Iron and released one album while he was in the process of recording another Son Volt album.
Farrar’s distinctive vocals are the glue that holds all of his music together. While he has respectable writing and musical skills, it is his voice that puts the energy and emotion into the songs. At times, it is low and deeply emotive, conveying the world weary troubadour. Others times, it is painfully hidden behind the weirdly tuned guitar.
Top Five Jay Farrar Songs:
- No Rolling Back (Terroir Blues)
- Damn Shame (Sebastopol)
- California (Terroir Blues)
- Feel Free (Sebastopol)
- Station to Station (ThirdShiftGrottoSlack)
Check out Jar Farrar at www.jayfarrar.net
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9UNSyisYG8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9N4fDkSLUE&feature=related
Great music awaits!
The Strokes
Author: Butler Bad
The Strokes are the hip, happening New York band that careened on to the music scene in 2001 with their garage rock debut Is This It. They packed the one, two punch of critical acclaim; their debut recently was listed as one of the top 50 Albums of the Decade by Rolling Stone Magazine, and commercial success. Read the rest of this entry »
Temple of the Dog: Andrew Wood we hardly knew you!
Author: Butler Bad
One of the albums that are in rotation this week is Temple of the Dog. I’ve owned the album for close to twenty years and I never seem to grow tired of it. I realize part of that is the nostalgia for the time in which the album was released, part of it is the musical energy and excitement that was breaking out in the Seattle music scene, and part of it is that it is just a really great album. Read the rest of this entry »
The Sweet Spot!
Author: Butler Bad
As I’ve gotten older, I find myself with more time to listen to music than when I was younger. Part of this is due to the advent of portable music players, the evolution of digital files, and the technology that allows music to be played on computers. The stability of a job provides the disposable income for concerts, an excessive catalog of music, and multiple playing options.
The afore mentioned job also allows me time to listen to music. When I am in my office, music is constantly playing. The sanctuary of my truck is also a musical haven. The drive to work, the drive home, and the many miles that I drive weekly all afford another level of listening. This is also the opportunity that I have to expose my children to music that is in fact played with instruments and songs written by genuine artists. Read the rest of this entry »
The Sweet Spot!
Author: Butler Bad
As I’ve gotten older, I find myself with more time to listen to music than when I was younger. Part of this is due to the advent of portable music players, the evolution of digital files, and the technology that allows music to be played on computers. The stability of a job provides the disposable income for concerts, an excessive catalog of music, and multiple playing options.
The afore mentioned job also allows me time to listen to music. When I am in my office, music is constantly playing. The sanctuary of my truck is also a musical haven. The drive to work, the drive home, and the many miles that I drive weekly all afford another level of listening. This is also the opportunity that I have to expose my children to music that is in fact played with instruments and songs written by genuine artists. Read the rest of this entry »
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This review is extremely late in being posted as both the author and photographer have experienced a loss in the family and have been dealing with the associated responsibilities that accompany a family member flying from this earth. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone.
Hipster gigster, techno-wizard and all-around rock-and-roll guy, Todd Rundgren gives the "Fool" guitar a massive workout recreating the Todd album. Photo by Lynn Vala
Glenside PA – I will have to explain the two albums being played live by Rundgren and company at the Keswick Theater before we get into the review. The first is the self titled album Todd. It remains my favorite album by him to date. Starting out with some backwards masking (sounds played backward) of a voice asking for a little fanfare, it maintains a non-stop adventure right to the protracted fade of the last track, recorded live with a chorus of audience members from both coasts and mixed together (long before digital signal stretching in Pro-Tools) in one track.
The second album is a collection of songs pertaining to the science (?) of psychic healing. Side one of Healing deals with the voyage of one who is anointed with the power to heal, and the taxation of a greedy society, all clamoring for the healing touch. Trivia time: The bonus 7” vinyl that was included with the original 12” plastic waffle release was the single from the album called “Time Heals” and was the 7th original video aired on MTV’s broadcast debut.
There weren’t many videos to choose from then, and Rundgren and MTV are not the best of friends. Read on for more dish…
Producer/Engineer extraordinaire, Alan Parsons shows off his live cred. Photo by Lynn Vala
Bethlehem PA – The man, the myth, the legend, Alan Parsons playing his ONLY east coast appearance (to date) fifteen minutes from my back door. A dream come true, right?
As Sarah Palin might say, you betcha! But I had no idea just how much of a dream come true it would be.
I am not going into Parson’s history, save to say you have heard his work. You may not have heard his voice, or his playing unless you have purchased his recent rerelease remastered series of most of his catalog. You HAVE heard his work BEHIND the recording console. Need further proof?
Read on and be amazed…
HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL WITH ALAN PARSONS AT LEHIGH UNIVERSITY
Author: Jeff Boule
How often does one of your favorite artists play a concert in your backyard? Never, right? Oh sure there are those contests where you can win and have the band play in your yard. How many times do people in apartment buildings win and can’t have it happen? How many times does the band set up in the backyard and the old neighbors call the cops after one song and they break it up before the band can play five songs? How many of these contests are bogus and no one really knows who wins if anyone?
A pipe-dream, right?
ISN’T IT TIME YOU HAD SOME FUNKY KNIGHTS?
Author: Jeff Boule
Every once in a while you gotta take a leap of faith. Just give something a listen to that may not be up your alley. For me, that leap of faith was The Funky Knights. I have some R&B appreciation in my background. One of the slickest produced artists I remember (and just plain old liked) was the late Luther Vandross. His albums were always clean, tight and had that smooth sheen.
I have to say, The Funky Knights come awfully close. At least when it comes to the instrument production.
Anderson and violin set the stage for some democracy in action. Photo by Lynn Vala
If you attended or read about the Adrian Belew Painting With Guitar show at the World Café Live July 1st, you saw or heard about posters for the Laurie Anderson Another Day In America show. This show was only advertised at the Belew concert, World Café Live was banking on the fact that they could draw from Belew’s audience to help fill the room for Anderson. Belew had worked with Anderson on some projects so the logic was sound.
Anderson didn’t need the help.
They even set the seating up to accommodate a more attentive, mature and dare I say it, refined crowd. There was less open space, three rows of seats, a couple of rows of tables, and then the remaining usual seating around the bar and in the upper mezzanine. I managed to get some front row seats and a photo pass for this show, so get ready, with my trusty photographer and my abysmal narrative, I will take you through…
Another Day In America.
Gonna be a killer show.
Mayor of MacDougal Street Was King of Village
Author: Bob Bembridge
He was an early mentor to Bob Dylan and a pioneer of modern acoustic blues, but his music is seldom heard today.
Dave Van Ronk was the Grand Poobah of the early Sixties Greenwich Village folk music scene. Second only to Woody Guthrie in his influence on Dylan, Van Ronk never achieved the commercial success enjoyed by fellow folkies Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Peter, Paul, and Mary. Yet it was Van Ronk’s bluesy growl that set the bar for Greenwich Village folk performers in the 1960s. Read the rest of this entry »
An important album from an important artist. Cover reprinted with permission of Nonesuch records.
You’re reading a review.
About someone you’ve never heard of.
But…
You should know her.
You should know her work.
You should know her work is.
You should know her work is for… YOU!
She is a performance artist, music, dance, theater, comedy, drama, love, hate, technology… She is a political activist. But I don’t go near politics and I don’t go near music artists when they sit between their wives and ex-wives.