Archive for the 'Musician Reviews' Category
State Radio is Calling All Crows!
Author: Butler Bad
State Radio is a sociopolitical Boston based trio that has three full length albums, several EP’s, and a small number of live albums to their credit. Chad Urmston, formerly of Dispatch, is the singer and primary songwriter. If you are a fan of the Showtime comedy “Weeds”, you might be acquainted with their song “Keepsake”. It appeared in the season three finale. Read the rest of this entry »
read comments (0)Joseph Arthur
Author: Butler Bad
Joseph Arthur is the singing /songwriting protégée of former Genesis front man and current world music guru Peter Gabriel. Arthur was the first American recording artist singed to Gabriel’s Real World Records.
His 2000 release Come to Where I Am and the opening slot on tours with Ben Harper and Gomez helped Arthur attain a larger fan base. He also briefly toured Europe with R.E.M. in 2004. Read the rest of this entry »
Postmodern Masters
Author: Gabriel Barrio
There is a nagging suspicion that these recurring themes I hear in music lately are no accident, but play into
the hands of a generation without direction, nothing of its own but hopelessness. All these purported advances in musical style are not braving a new world but are borrowed from our most colorful decade the 80’s. The 80’s bred some sort of
strange postmodern musicianship that had previous generations scratching their heads. Read the rest of this entry »
Erin Ivey is Austin’s folk darling!
Author: Butler Bad
Erin Ivey hales from Austin, Texas and is one of the city’s beloved folk artists. She was voted one of the city’s top 4 unsigned artists in 2007.
Erin Ivey is a new artist for me as I just heard her for the first time on Dec. 20th when she opened for Joe Purdy. Her amazing voice, both haunting and angelic with a touch of sensuality, and quirky stage banter immediately endeared her to the sold out crowd. She played for about 45 minutes and immediately after the show, I bought all of her music.
Since 2007, Erin has independently released and toured behind her first full-length album (The 11th Floor) and two EPs (Austin Lullabies and the Sweet Little).
Her single “Chocolate” is an infectious little number that has her voice dripping over her guitar.
On Erin’s “Sweet Little” EP, she does an amazing cover of Radiohead’s “Climbing Up the Walls”.
Check out Erin Ivey at www.erinivey.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX7BqCWAKC8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMz201u8das
One Day as a Lion
Author: Butler Bad
One Day as a Lion is the musical collaboration and eponymous debut EP of acid tongue, fire and brimstone, anti politico Zack de la Rocha (Rage Against the Machine) and drummer Jon Theodore (Mars Volta). Read the rest of this entry »
Spoon, full of musical greatness!
Author: Butler Bad
Spoon is an indie rock band that hails from the great city of Austin, Texas. Formed and co founded by Brit Daniels and Jim Eno in 1993. Early musical comparisons to The Pixies and Sonic Youth quickly subsided as they began to define their own sound, a blend of sophisticated, guitar driven pop/post-punk that rocks.
Spoon’s career can be likened to that of a slow boil. They have seven full length albums and an equal number of EP’s and received critical recognition for their work but have received little radio play along the way. This might, in part, be related to the label issues that plagued them in the early years. The irony of this is that there music has found it way on a litany of television shows that include the following: The Simpsons Veronica Mars, Bones, The O.C., Scrubs, and How I Met Your Mother. Spoon also appears in the movies 17 Again, Cloverfield, and I Love You Man.
Their music is inventive and ambitious yet accessible. Their albums are consistently tight, usually containing ten or twelve well crafted tracks and clocking in around the forty minute mark.
Spoon Discography
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Check out Spoon at www.spoontheband.com.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro95Ns58qSE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqPfCoAp_O0
AUTHOR’S NOTE: DUE TO A SITE MALFUNCTION, A PHOTO OF THE BOOK COULD NOT BE UPLOADED.
Once upon a time, there was a band nobody heard of. The people HAD actually heard this band many times. MTV, they were the backing band for Meatloaf’s massive debut album. This band and many members of Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band formed that famous backing troupe.
Previewing SXSW – 10 Acts to Look Out For in 2010
Author: Ryan Brodhead
For movie fans there is Sundance. For sports fans there is the Super Bowl. For us music nerds, there is the Grammys. Actually — you know what…scratch that. For the most part, we were all equally outraged (or at least should have been) by what transpired at this past year’s awards ceremony. In a perfect world, the Grammys should be able to accurately inform the nation of which artists are currently trending and deserve recognition for their efforts. Here in the real world, we were just told Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” was the best album of 2009. Hmm…
There is a light at the end of the tunnel for music geeks everywhere, though. No, I’m not talking about those of us that are obsessed with Rihanna or that think Drake is the man. I’m talking about the select few that view music as a complete and utter obsession. Those of us that still go to our favorite record stores and buy albums. Those of us that still play in bands even though we know we really can’t afford it. For us there is the South By Southwest Music Conference in Austin, Texas. Read the rest of this entry »
Jeffrey Foucault: Wisconsin’s folk troubadour.
Author: Butler Bad
Jeffrey Foucault is an insightful singer/songwriter who creates roots music that strikes with a surprising intimacy unveiling layers of wisdom and wonder. A Wisconsin native cut from the folk troubadour cloth, Foucault has built an independent career touring extensively in the United States, Canada, and the UK. Read the rest of this entry »
Top Ten Musician Lists for 2009
Author: Jeff Boule
This year’s top ten list is a bit late. I will confess that I have been busy setting up a new business venture that is finally starting to provide its own sustainability. It involves people and things I am not allowed to elaborate on. While it is something I love to do, it is not music related directly. Therefore I feel this is an incorrect forum for this and subsequently no need to go into the details.
If you remember last year’s Top Ten, we certainly stirred up some controversy regarding the omission of a certain electronic guitarist due to a scheduling snafu. For those of you who don’t remember, and due to the fact that their scheduling snafu affected shows that were due to happen this year, that same omission is applicable again this year. That and the fact that a certain omitted electronic guitarist was asked by a member of the Montreal Gazette about the incident that occurred right here on the blog earlier this year.
So read on, get angry, write me nasty comments and tell me I do drugs and I should be sued for libel.
Been there, done that…
Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s (Epic Records)
Author: Gabriel Barrio
Brooding guitar strings and loves lamentations as told through the expressions unique of Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s. The band hails from the ordinary land of Indianapolis, Indiana. Indiana contributed to the music world with the musical stylings such as Shannon Hoon from Blind Melon and Axl Rose from Guns and Roses to name a couple. The band formed in 2005 when Richard Edwards and Chris Fry met in a pet store and became friends. What ensued would be musical releases that are a throwback to emotion in music and a rhythm unforgettable. They have released a number of noteworthy records to date, The Dust of Retreat released in 2006, The Daytrotter Sessions EP released in 2008, and Animal and Not Animal which were both released in late 2008. The band is on Epic Records which is home to other notable artists such as Fiona Apple and Modest Mouse. However, the latest and most awakening artist at the moment on the label has to be Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s. Read the rest of this entry »
Them Crooked Vultures
Author: Butler Bad
Them Crooked Vultures is the musical love child of Led Zeppelin and Nirvana consummated in the California dessert. The group was conceptualized in the mid 00’s but did not officially form until 2009. Their self titled debut album was released in November 2009.
The musical triumvirate, which I think sounds cooler than super group, of John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Dave Grohl ( Nirvanna & Foo Fighters), and Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) play bombastic guitar driven rock that is in your face and unapologetic. This is to say, they play rock music as it should be played. Read the rest of this entry »
Music is Awesome
Author: brett
Have you ever discovered a feeling and thought, “holy %^&*, I’ve gotta tell EVERYBODY!” Well, I just got that feeling, so I hope you like them too. Give it up for Pomplamoose:
http://www.youtube.com/user/PomplamooseMusic
MYSBLT: NYE 2010, Vampire Weekend, Coachella 2010, Jay Reatard
Author: Taylor Roberts
In this issue of Music You Should be Listening to:
Welcome to 2010! The Indie music world has been gearing up for these first couple months and MYSBLT is all a buzz for things to come. New Years Eve is one of the best nights for hearing good music, but only if you are willing to spend a little extra. So I will let you in on the secret to dropping less coin without sacrificing good tunes. For those of you who have been on the edge of your seats waiting for the new Vampire Weekend album, I will let you know what I think of my first couple listens. Want a hint? I am not happy. On the side of recent news, the Coachella 2010 lineup has been announced and we finally have news from the guys at Brand New who have been tormenting their fans with the possible release of God and the Devil on vinyl. And finally, MYSBLT will pay its last respects to indie garage rock mastermind Jay Reatard who tragically passed away on January 13th at the age of 29.
MYSBLT Bands to Watch in 2010: Part 2, The Local Natives
Author: Taylor Roberts
Here at MYSBLT and The Princeton Record Exchange, we cannot tell you how excited we are to bring to you our second issue in the feature: Bands to Watch in 2010. I was lucky enough to sit down with Los Angeles band, The Local Natives, before their show in Boulder, Colorado, on December 1st. As it so happens, I met with the band the eve after they had announced signing with New York indie rock mega-label Frenchkiss. Going backstage with the band before they opened for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, we discussed their music, signing with Frenchkiss and the upcoming debut release Gorilla Manor. If you have yet to hear their tunes, you can expect to be blown away. The Local Natives are MYSBLT’s second act in our feature: Bands to Watch in 2010, and I thank them for welcoming me and my cameras backstage.
MYSBLT Bands to watch in 2010: Part 1. Jenn Cristy
Author: Taylor Roberts
In this issue MYSBLT: Music You Should Be Listening To:
We are proud to bring you the first installment of a double feature: Artists to watch in 2010. I’ve been lucky enough to sit down with two acts that represent the bright and promising future for independent music. Up first is Indiana’s own soul-rocker, Jenn Cristy. She’s been building her musical resume since 2000 and has recently generated quite a buzz as the Jenn Cristy Band has released their third album, Hotel Confessions. I recently met with the front woman whose motto, “Less Diva, More Rock!” sums up her sound perfectly. In a basement coffee bar in Bloomington, Indiana, we discussed her impressive history in music, influences and the new album. MYSBLT is proud to feature her as our first act to watch in 2010 and we can’t wait to see the great things she has in store for us.
MySBLT Vol. 2: Alberta Cross, Real Estate, Jack White and more!
Author: Taylor Roberts
In this issue of Music You Should Be Listening To:
We’ll take a wondrous musical journey with New York based band, Alberta Cross. I’ll discuss their September release Broken Side of Time, as well as their recent set in the Daytrotter studios. In one word… Amazing!
We’ve also got some big news this week including not one but two upcoming releases from New Jerseys own, Real Estate. In the next 30 days the band will release their highly anticipated debut album as well as a brand new EP. Jack White is also making headlines as he gears up for a new project featuring one very unlikely pairing. He’ll put his producing skills to the test as he once again teams up with a rock and roll icon.
Finally, I’ll let you in on the upcoming schedule for MySBLT. On the docket we have the first in a series of interviews with up-and-coming bands as well as a few concert reviews. Big things, they are a-coming! Read the rest of this entry »
Music You Should Be Listening To: Vol. 1
Author: Taylor Roberts
Hello, and welcome to the first installment of Music You Should Be Listening To. This blog is your one stop shop for all things indie rock including album reviews, concert highlights and the latest news on the bands that no one has heard of… yet.
I had all intentions of using my first entry to review some great new album that is dropping in November, however, I encountered a bit of a problem… I’m still stuck on the early fall releases that are continuing to blow me away. So instead I’ll let you in on what I’ve been digging since September. I’ll also hit you with some news that will definitely help you get through those cold winter months (hint: January is going to be chalk full of new releases from some of the superstars in Indie!) Read the rest of this entry »
R.I.P. Jim Carroll
Author: Doctor B
Death as a subject in rock music (or “nec-rock-philia” as some wags have dubbed it) is nothing new. It showed up in everything from Mark Dinning’s 1959 one-hit wonder Teen Angel, to J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers’ romance-comic-like tear-jerker from 1964, Last Kiss to Bloodrock’s grinding, dirgey, death-metallic 1971 hit, DOA. Nonetheless, when Jim Carroll’s single People Who Died arrived at the radio station I spin for back in 1980, my jaw hit the floor. What was this guy up to? What was this guy on? Read the rest of this entry »
Todd Rundgren poses as master of disguise during his time travel back to 1973. Photo by Lynn Vala
On the two and a half hour drive from my home base in the fascist surrounds of Salisbury Township, Pennsylvania to Stamford CT, all I kept saying to myself is “This better be worth it, I am too damn old to be doing this!!!” There were extenuating circumstances this time. I had first volunteered to assist in the production, working concession organization the night before. This was when the show was not yet a minor tour, and only happening in Akron OH on the sixth. I had even been contacted by my former band mate from The Goodz, Marc Blanc, and he had proposed my best thing to ever happen to me and I join him and his cousin Jaime to venture first to Penn State, then to the Rock and Roll hall of fame in Cleveland.
Their proposition had become pricey, and times, as you know and can well verify for yourselves, are tough.
I had decided as temping as this was, I had to decline. This is where the volunteerism had come into play. I made sure to contact one of the promoters, someone who I must interview, with his partner Cruiser Mel, as they are most fascinating topics, yet the nicest, down to earth people you will meet, Doug Ford and let him know I could not attend but would lend assistance in anyway possible, promoting it in the blog, etc. Did I mention they were nice? Mr. Ford then suggests that if my best thing to ever happen to me and I were interested, we could work concessions, sorting merchandise by size, type etc. the night before the show. This was when the show was in Akron OH and was a one-off. Interest became so great that a second show was added. Then a show in Stamford CT., then Bethesda MD, London, and more. I had contacted Mr. Ford and asked could the arrangements be switched, and while the opportunity to sell merchandise was occupied, the spots available were assisting in the ticket sales, Will Call and reserved V.I.P. tickets.
Follow me through an adventurous, enlightening and needless to say entertaining evening, an evening I like to call 999 (09-09-2009).