Alejandro Escovedo is playing at the historic Danville (IN) Royal Theatre tonight (Friday) at 8pm. He’s from Austin, been around forever, and rocks. Been to one other show at this theatre – great sound. He got on stage with Springsteen in Houston last year for “Always a Friend” from his recent Real Animal album.
(BONUS: see photos from the show HERE)
He’s playing as part of a trio for this show – Check out a great video below…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiziSrOQfZA]
Neil Young is streaming his new album online for free (a week before it hits the stores). Gotta love Neil.
Hear it here – Man, the guitar sounds good on these cuts. His voice falls in as the 1A instrument behind the star of the show, the chunking, beautiful, scrap metal guitar stylings of Young. Rust-like. “Just Singing a Song” echoes “Down By The River”.
James McMurtry has a killer live version of “We Can’t Make it Here” on his website. He is the very best at what he does – biting rock and roll. This cut is Lou Reed rock and roll guitars and McMurtry’s spit lyrics, in his classic talk singing. His writing is storytelling done beautifully, and he rarely disappoints me. And take a listen to “Just Us Kids” on the website. One-two punch. KO.
website -We Can’t Make it Here
Just Us Kids
That’s it – a quick hitter for a Friday. More later. Turn it up….
Rob Nichols
Concert Review- Graham Parker – Lafayette, IN
Graham Parker, who played Friday night at Duncan Hall in Lafayette, is one of those rock and roll guys who has written and recorded great music, yet hasn’t risen to the level of being known outside a tight circle of music fans. If you think about it (and I have), he’s kind of like the English John Hiatt – another longtime steady, literate, brilliant songwriter who’s capable of pairing lyrics with memorable melodies that get a bit dirty and soulful. And that’s what Parker did for nearly two hours Friday night.
Known for his pub and punk inflected rock music, he used the intimate setting (seated audience of 200 or so) to play the role of storyteller, introducing most songs and spinning some tales. Playing for the “Friends of Bob” music series, Parker took advantage of the rapt audience, playing no-speakers-needed quiet at times for the politely enthusiastic audience. Parker ran through 21 songs, reaching back to his 1976 debut album Howlin’ Wind and drawing from his most recent effort, Carp Fishing on Valium, a soundtrack to his book of the same name.
In an ode to the times, suggesting that even an old rocker can embrace change, Parker highlighted cuts throughout the night from the Carp release, an album available only on his website. Songs told of a character named Brian Porker, a somewhat fictional (or is Brian really Graham? — only Parker knows) rock semi-casualty of the ’80s. Graham is nothing if not intelligent and quirky. He always has been. Still, the songs stand alone, backstory or not. “Chloroform”, “Brain Surgery” and especially “Custom Fanny” echoed his older, more satirical material.
“They Got it Wrong (As Usual)” from 1996’s Bubblegum Acid was one of a number of forgotten songs that he pulled out and gave a renewed life with the help of an intro that helped endear him to the audience.
And really, it wasn’t a rabid Graham Parker let’s-tear-his-sunglasses-off crowd. There were some hardcore fans scattered throughout, very familiar with Parker’s career. And many more who seemingly understood his significance in rock history. Parker came out of the British pub rock scene with Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds, among others, a full year before Elvis Costello would release his debut album. I would affix a label of “legendary rocker” if one were to ask me about his status in rock and roll.
Switching guitars midway through the set, Parker went from acoustic guitar to a Fender Telecaster electric, and hit on the highlight of the night, a heartfelt and in-the-moment performance of “Temporary Beauty” from 1982’s Another Grey Area. On record, it’s as close as he gets to that ’79 sound; live in Lafayette, Parker made it intimate and all his.
A late-set trio of songs from his most critically acclaimed record, 1979’s Squeezing Out Sparks juiced up the audience. It’s the album that most longtime fans would own. (Parker noted its 30th anniversary this year would be celebrated somewhere, possibly Tasmania). He played back-to-back versions of “Love Gets You Twisted”, “Discovering Japan” and a terrific take on “Passion is No Ordinary Word”, pulling the audience into his repeated chorus refrain. It was one of the magical moments of the night.
Parker’s four-song encore included a splendid Zevon-like performance of “Last Stop to Nowhere” from 2001’s Deepcut to Nowhere record. He enlisted the crowd into a hearty singalong for “Local Girls” from the Sparks album and, coming full circle, finished with “Not If It Pleases Me” from his debut record.
My only complaint was that Parker virtually ignored 2007’s Don’t Tell Columbus album, playing just one song from it. It’s as close to Americana/alt-country as Parker gets, with inspired performances of good songs, and a clean, powerful, rocking sound. Excellent songs on an excellent record.
In the end, Parker earned two standing ovations, started one fun singalong and told many stories, sharing some of what he knows from his 30+ years on the road.
The audience got a performer seemingly comfortable with his place in music, with only hints of the “angry young man” he once was labeled. He has matured and built himself a strong, deep catalog of songs. Parker’s voice and guitar sound just like they should. Excellent show, played with just enough attitude to remind us where he’s been and that he still matters.
***
From the Vaults: The very first MTV Unplugged in 1992, with Graham Parker and the Smithereens
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bOBOhZYXBM]
Known for his pub and punk inflected rock music, he used the intimate setting (seated audience of 200 or so) to play the role of storyteller, introducing most songs and spinning some tales. Playing for the “Friends of Bob” music series, Parker took advantage of the rapt audience, playing no-speakers-needed quiet at times for the politely enthusiastic audience. Parker ran through 21 songs, reaching back to his 1976 debut album Howlin’ Wind and drawing from his most recent effort, Carp Fishing on Valium, a soundtrack to his book of the same name.
In an ode to the times, suggesting that even an old rocker can embrace change, Parker highlighted cuts throughout the night from the Carp release, an album available only on his website. Songs told of a character named Brian Porker, a somewhat fictional (or is Brian really Graham? — only Parker knows) rock semi-casualty of the ’80s. Graham is nothing if not intelligent and quirky. He always has been. Still, the songs stand alone, backstory or not. “Chloroform”, “Brain Surgery” and especially “Custom Fanny” echoed his older, more satirical material.
“They Got it Wrong (As Usual)” from 1996’s Bubblegum Acid was one of a number of forgotten songs that he pulled out and gave a renewed life with the help of an intro that helped endear him to the audience.
And really, it wasn’t a rabid Graham Parker let’s-tear-his-sunglasses-off crowd. There were some hardcore fans scattered throughout, very familiar with Parker’s career. And many more who seemingly understood his significance in rock history. Parker came out of the British pub rock scene with Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds, among others, a full year before Elvis Costello would release his debut album. I would affix a label of “legendary rocker” if one were to ask me about his status in rock and roll.
Switching guitars midway through the set, Parker went from acoustic guitar to a Fender Telecaster electric, and hit on the highlight of the night, a heartfelt and in-the-moment performance of “Temporary Beauty” from 1982’s Another Grey Area. On record, it’s as close as he gets to that ’79 sound; live in Lafayette, Parker made it intimate and all his.
A late-set trio of songs from his most critically acclaimed record, 1979’s Squeezing Out Sparks juiced up the audience. It’s the album that most longtime fans would own. (Parker noted its 30th anniversary this year would be celebrated somewhere, possibly Tasmania). He played back-to-back versions of “Love Gets You Twisted”, “Discovering Japan” and a terrific take on “Passion is No Ordinary Word”, pulling the audience into his repeated chorus refrain. It was one of the magical moments of the night.
Parker’s four-song encore included a splendid Zevon-like performance of “Last Stop to Nowhere” from 2001’s Deepcut to Nowhere record. He enlisted the crowd into a hearty singalong for “Local Girls” from the Sparks album and, coming full circle, finished with “Not If It Pleases Me” from his debut record.
My only complaint was that Parker virtually ignored 2007’s Don’t Tell Columbus album, playing just one song from it. It’s as close to Americana/alt-country as Parker gets, with inspired performances of good songs, and a clean, powerful, rocking sound. Excellent songs on an excellent record.
In the end, Parker earned two standing ovations, started one fun singalong and told many stories, sharing some of what he knows from his 30+ years on the road.
The audience got a performer seemingly comfortable with his place in music, with only hints of the “angry young man” he once was labeled. He has matured and built himself a strong, deep catalog of songs. Parker’s voice and guitar sound just like they should. Excellent show, played with just enough attitude to remind us where he’s been and that he still matters.
***
From the Vaults: The very first MTV Unplugged in 1992, with Graham Parker and the Smithereens
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bOBOhZYXBM]
Rock and Roll into April – Rock Hall on Fuse, The Elms, The Hold Steady, Album Releases
Hey. How’s it goin? Here’s some stuff you might want to know:
The 24th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be broadcast live on FUSE Television Network Saturday night. The performer inductees are: Jeff Beck, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Metallica, Run-D.M.C. and Bobby Womack. Wanda Jackson gets in through the Early Influence category. The Sidemen Category inductees are two of Elvis’ early bandmates, Bill Black and DJ Fontana, plus Muscle Shoals keyboardist Spooner Oldham, who played on, among many other songs, “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge and “Mustang Sally” by Wilson Pickett .
The Elms Wrap Up Recording
I got sucked into the oddity and thrilling surprises of Seymour, Indiana’s The Elms. They streamed two different cams (one in the the control room with the biig mixing board, and one in the actual recording studio) and spent about three weeks, mostly Monday to Friday with an occasional weekend evening tossed in. They laid down basic trakcs, overdubbed guitar solos, saved some some killer Owen Thomas double-tracked lead vocals and even rolled in a Hammond B3 on the final weekend to lay down steamy, soulful keyboard chords. We should give them credit; nobody threw a whiskey bottle through the control room window, and there were no fistfights (that I saw). Instead, they are going to have a sweet and nasty little album to release in a few months. It was recorded in Nashville, and Owen, Chris, Thom and Nate have tracked what sounds like a fine batch of heartland rock-infused, completely modern tunes. Will be interesting to see what the final pressing sounds like, but was guilty fun to watch develop. And from the recording session wrap, they loaded up and played SXSW.
Read the play-by-play via Thom’s blog here
Best Show of the Year?
We’ll see. It’s The Hold Steady at Jake’s in Bloomington on Saturday night. They are on a major roll, and the college town gets the show. Lucky kids. Worth the drive from Indy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjDI1oouS8w]
MP3 MUSIC DOWNLOADS
Through the greatness that is the web, l have located a bootleg file of Ryan Adams & The Cardinals’ “last performance”. He announced on January 14th that he was done (only for now, me thinks) with music. You see, he just got married to Mandy Moore. He’s known to change his ond quickly, so we’ll see how long he can stay away from the microphones. Anyway, we have below what could be his last show, from March 20 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.
Download zip file of show here
ALBUM RELEASE NEWS:
→ Steve Forbert (best known for 1979’s “Romeo’s Tune”) has a new one this week, “The Place and the Time”.
→ The Felice Brothers are one of the hot bands in roots rock., and have a new album “Yonder Is The Clock” out on April 7th. Lovely gravel with the sweetness of a great band playing old instruments….they are headed on tour and come as close as Louisville, at Headliners on April 24.
Here’s a new tune:
Download “Chicken Run” | Hear “Penn Station” and “The Big Surprise”
→ Bob Mould releases his new solo album “Life And Times” on April 7th.
→ Booker T. meets the Drive-By Truckers, and new album comes out of it….
“Potato Hole,” Booker’s new album, comes out April 21. I think this thing will be way cool, thanks to layers of guitar from the Truckers and old buddy Neil Young, who plays on nine tracks. Like classic Booker T. & the MG’s albums, “Potato Hole” is instrumentals, including covers Tom Waits’ “Get Behind the Mule” and OutKast’s “Hey Ya!” Booker performs with the Truckers at three of this summer’s major concerts: Coachella, Bonnaroo and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
read more
→ Bob Dylan releases his 46th album on April 28th called “Together Through Life”.
download “Beyond Here Lies Nothing”
→ The Smithereens celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Who’s Tommy by cashing in, uh, creating their own version of the rock opera. “The Smithereens Play Tommy” will hit stores and the Internet on May 5.
→ Elvis Costello’s newest album, “Secret, Profane & Sugarcane,” has him visiting an American roots music sound for the first time in about 20 years. “Sugarcane” will be released June 2 on Hear Music.
ROB’S “FIRST 5 IPOD SHUFFLE EXPERIENCE” – Week 4
My ipod is on shuffle and here’s the first five songs that come up:
1. “Rumbleseat” – John Mellencamp
Quick little underrated rocker off of Scarecrow. And that’s the album, argue it if you want, that really is the roots-rock/alt-country/americana holy grail. Sure, talk about Gram Parsons and the rest if you like, but the combination of regionalized lyrics, slashing guitars, Kenny Aronoff snare smashes and chart success make this the album that influenced a whole generation of guitar-slinging, lyric-writing cowpunks.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MHivJV1Vg0]
2. “Help Me” – Johnny Cash
What a voice. And what words. “Oh Lord, help me walk another mile. Oh Lord, help me smile another smile” From his “American V: A Hundred Highways” record, this marked the end to his recording career, and was another great vocal recording effort from producer Rick Rubin. Just John’s by-then creaky voice and ruminations on dying. Heavy and brilliant and sad.
3. Sweet Caroline” – Supersuckers
From a bootleg from 2004, this outfit is a Seattle country punk rock band that has never really become as well-known as some less-talented counterparts. I saw them on a Farm Aid show (Lousiville, maybe?) and thought they were eerily similar to Jason and the Scorchers, but a little less accessible, if that could be possible. This cut is from an acoustic show, and is a fast shuffling take on the overdone Neil Diamond song. Thankfully, the audience isn’t heard yelling “bomp bomp bomp”, though I bet they did.
Here’s a video of “That is Rock and Roll” to give you a taste of the ‘suckers
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwEu8cT1lYo]
4. ”Let Me Down Hard” (Live)” – John Eddie
From his “Who the Hell is John Eddie” record from about five years ago. That record is one of my ten favorite releases of the past decade. It’s is a slow burning love song to a girl who is about to dump his ass. He writes great hook-filled country-rock tunes, with enough pop sugar to make this record work as a great statement that a rocker at 40 can be viable, even if he is selling records to just his small collection of rabid fans. Was played on WTTS, so give them credit for having a clue. By the way, “Lowlife” from this record ended up on Kid Rock’s most recent records. And the song “Forty” is the hero of the album.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP1a1OXXGms]
5. ”Itsalwayssomething” (live) – Rick Springfield
A 1999 catchy rocker taken here from a live greatest hits record. And here’s why you should like Rick Springfield: The “Working Class Dog” album from 1981 is a power pop classic. And who’s to say “no way”? If it’s you, then you aren’t listening to the music and just hammering the soap opera image. Listen again. Plus, us guys who went to a concert knew the chicks outnumbered the dudes by a 10-1 ratio. Nice. His output is hit-and-miss these days, but he is still capable of a catchy tune with every album.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGSLxHOFGRI]
MP3 4U- Favorite Bootleg of the Week:
Todd Snider – Viva Satellite Demos
Awesome. Freakin’ awesome. It was 1998 and Todd Snider released Viva Satellite, getting mildly ripped by critics for trying to sound like Tom Petty. I think they missed the pure Chuck Berry-ness of the music because the volume might have masked some of Todd’s lyrics, and all sounded a bit derivative. That’s what I think. And I also think those who couldn’t find the greatness were idiots for writing that (even it was just 2 or 3 reviews that I am remembering. Don’t stop me, I’m on a rant…) And there’s many who would say, and it would be damn difficult to argue, that his career has blossomed because of his non-stop solo tours since breaking up the band. But if I’m voting (and I am, and win 1-0), this is the Todd Snider I fell in love with and that is still best. More like stoned-not-drunk Replacements than just Petty, there’s 16 tracks on the bootleg I have linked to for you, and nearly every one of those 16 rock. Most feature Will Kimbrough’s ripping guitar work (check his “Americanitis” album for a recent whiff of his smokin’ brilliance) and most all sound like a band that has the amps up and the lights down. This is Todd and the Nervous Wrecks at their studio rockin’ best – though the would splinter after the tour for this album. I also think this demo version is better than the official release.
Thanks to Truersound.com for the MP3 blog post.
I’m sharing it… you need to take it. – get it here
AND FINALLY…A VIDEO I’M DIGGIN’
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant- “I’m In The Mood”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FbkQgG0KSA]
R.I.P
Motown drummer Uriel Jones, whose hard-driving funk propelled classic tunes by the Temptations and Marvin Gaye, died in a Michigan hospital after suffering complications from a heart attack, a family member said. He was 74.
Roots Rock: Shooter Jennings, Rob's Shuffle and Pete Seeger
ROOTS ROCK TWANG NEWS: No, I’m not live from SXSW. Would be cool, I’m sure. Austin is righteous. But get this: Metallica played a show at Stubbs BBQ Friday night. Metallica at SXSW? That ain’t right. The word that they were going to play the festival even reached Indy before the show. Still, what was billed as a secret gig at South By Southwest on Friday night (March 20) had the band buzzing through a 13-song set. And the tie in? It was part of the Guitar Hero: Metallica showcase. Just over 2,000 fans were allowed in. Reports had the joint guarded by a dozen police officers and 75 security guards. Yep. Secret gig….
***
THREE MORE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: Nickel Creek’s singer-songwriter and fiddler Sara Watkins is releasing self-titled debut. It is interesting for the wide range of collaborators for its 14 tracks, among them Elvis Costello drummer Pete Thomas, Tom Petty keyboardist Benmont Tench, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Led Zep’s John Paul Jones produced the album in L.A. and Nashville. Sara Watkins hits stores April 7.
Dave Matthews, Eddie Vedder, John Mellencamp, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Bruce Springsteen are among the dozens of musicians who will celebrate American folk music legend Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday with a gala concert at Madison Square Garden on May 3. Other performers will include Kris Kirstofferson, Tom Morello, Billy Bragg and Ben Harper.
Max Weinberg’s 19 year-old son Jay will fill in on a “small number” of Bruce shows, replacing his Dad, who has a new old gig as the Conan O’Brien “Tonight Show” bandleader when Conan debuts in his new time slot. This will no doubt see a continuing “the world is ending” frenzy among Springsteen fans with too little other stuff, like real life, to do. Our lesson? That’s just the way life is; you make decisions based on what you can do and make the best of situations that will never be perfect. It’s only rock and roll, for goodness sakes. It’s the Hippy Hippy Shake.
ROB’S “FIRST 5″ IPOD SHUFFLE EXPERIENCE – Week 3
Inside the randomness that is my digital library. It put the ipod on shuffle and the first five songs that come up each week I share. Comments always welcome between friends…
1. “For No One” -Beatles
Not a hit, right? Yep. Just another Beatles song, right? Well, this one little song makes me remember just how freakin’ brilliant these guys were. I really think nearly every song off of every album (exception? “Revolution #9”) was worthy of being a hit song, or played on the radio or said something profound. Many times, it did all three. This song, from Revolver, speaks of lost love and failed opportunity more accurately than nearly all the 2,369,000 songs on the same subject that have come since it was originally put on vinyl.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQCi6ASHVUM]
2. “Open Cages” – Jethro Easyfields
From his Elixir album, I put this on the ipod as I was getting ready to write the story on him for NUVO. I have come to relish the slow build and the delayed gratification of his songs. I haven’t a problem with the live feel of the recording and the non-slickness (OK, roughness) of the phrasing. But his writing says something about people who live in Indiana. To me, it says we are not too city and not too country. We are Midwesterners. Like us or move along.
3. Battleship Chains” – Georgia Satellites
While “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” was the well-deserved money song from the band’s self-titled debut album, it was “Battleship Chains” that was the record’s secret bubble gum pop song, rolled in raunchy rock dirt, a little too loud for radio. But I think it has always sounded good loud. And elicits a volume knob clockwise turn when it comes on. Rick Richards, not Dan Baird, on lead vocal.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQr7RxYec-0]
4. ”Welcome to Chinatown” (Live)” – John Mellencamp
Johnny Cougar playing at a club called Four Acres from a bootleg version that refers to a radio broadcast. The song would appear on his John Cougar album. BONUS: This is shortly before he formed the complete, most important band of his career – the one that would tour and record for the Scarecrow and Lonesome Jubilee records. DOUBLE BONUS: The Little Bastard dumps in parts of “My Sharona”, “It’s Only Rock and Roll” and tries to get the audience to yell something dirty on the radio. Power chords, Larry Crane’s rock and roll guitar and even a piano solo paired with that classic Mellencamp “screw you” attitude. A mediocre song given new life live. A gem of a bootleg.
5. “Wicked, Twisted Road” – Reckless Kelly
One of the very best of the Red Dirt genre – bands mainly from of Texas and Oklahoma that are Americana and alt-country with even more twang and in-your-ear guitars. This one is one of the more intimate numbers. From the Reckless Kelly Was Here live album. Think Steve Earle, if he was 30 years old and off of heroin.
Here’s what it all looks like…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpUXrDrUfDM]
***
GOOD WEIRD NEIL
In a previous blog. we told you about Neil Young’s new album Fork in the Road, due April 7.
Watch great interview with Letterman about the car:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_vzNH0nkX4]
Neil now has a bunch of videos related to the record’s release. And Neil’s weird, man. A good weird. Like the “I don’t give a shit, I’m right” dude who really is right…
Watch the “Johnny Magic” video here in all its lo-fi brilliance. Neil in a car…singing.
AND FINALLY…
CMT Crossroads featuring Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson premieres Monday, March 23) at 10pm on CMT. I saw Shooter at the Music Mill a couple years ago. He rawks…
Shooter listed his top 10 songs and albums on CMT.com.
Songs
1. “Seed of Memory,” Terry Reid
2. “Belle of the Ball,” Waylon Jennings
3. “The Writ,” Black Sabbath
4. “She Shook Me Cold,” David Bowie
5. “Sea of Japan,” Earl Greyhound
6. “Astronomy,” Blue Oyster Cult
7. “Feelin’ Better,” Hank Williams Jr.
8. “Wild and Blue,” Jessi Colter
9. “Don’t Run Our Hearts Around,” Black Mountain
10. “Black Helicopter,” Matthew Good
Albums
1. White Mansions, Various Artists
2. The Downward Spiral, Nine Inch Nails
3. The Man Who Sold the World, David Bowie
4. Ol Waylon, Waylon Jennings
5. White Album, the Beatles
6. Wish You Were Here, Pink Floyd
7. Seed of Memory, Terry Reid
8. Phases and Stages, Willie Nelson
9. The New South, Hank Williams Jr.
10. Consolers of the Lonely, the Raconteurs
Bonus Shooter: country-frying the Dire Straits…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts2TjN6uatc]
Dropkick Murphy's Do Bruce, Todd Snider in Bloomington
VIDEO I LIKE: I watched this thing three times when I found it. Almost perfect Dropkick Murphy cover version of Springsteen’s “Badlands” – Played with a little more abandon, a little punkier, but still really true to the roots of the song and the Boss. And longtime Springsteen fans will know the opening chords played by the band before they kick into the song was the same intro Bruce used withe the E. St. Band during the 1978 Darkness on the Edge of Town tour.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZbeQr7etzc]
Quick Hits: Been using the Vimeo web video player for some of the work I do with a couple different musicians. Though YouTube is the mosnster that we feel compelled to feed to try and hit a wide audience, embedding a video looks better with other services,a nd I like the non-branding the Vimeo’s player gives me. Plus it is a cleaner, nicer looking video…
…part of my morning routine is working at the desk and listening to tunes. It has been a Pandora-driven experience the past two weeks. I think I am going to have to remove Will Hoge from the list of artists that I use to build the sound of the station. I really, really like Will’s music, but by using him as a point of reference has alos give me some Pete Yorn, Sister Hazel and Matt Nathenson. Not terrible, but not the sound Rob’s Roots Rock Radio is going for. We just played some Seger from “Live Bullet” a minute ago, so all is now good. Clik that link above to sample the joys of loud, crunchy, roots, sweaty rock. It’s good for you too.
…Todd Snider for two shows in Bloomington this weekend. Friday and Saturday at the Bluebird. Todd seems to love the club, and it is a cool place to see the East Nashville singer/songwriter/stoner/genius.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb4-b-JB0TU]
Roots Rock Update: BoDeans, Old 97's, Free Music
Great bit of info to pass to my friends this week: two free audio downloads, some excellent roots-rock videos from the old Letterman show, Rob’s Top 5 Shuffle and a whole bunch of stuff that you (exhibiting behavior – reading this – that shows you are either really smart or really buzzed) are going to be glad to know…
BODEANS REISSUE DEBUT ALBUM;
GREAT OLD DVD FOOTAGE TOO
Rhino is releasing the Collector’s Edition of Indianapolis faves and the roots rock pride of Waukesha, Wisconsin’s BoDeans first album – “Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams”. It includes a remastered and expanded version of the original CD and an unreleased 1985 performance filmed in Minneapolis on the DVD. Captured on July 15, 1985, the video is from the legendary First Avenue. During the hour-long show, the band played 17 songs, previewing several tracks that would appear on the group’s debut almost a year later.
ALBUM TRACKS
1. “She’s A Runaway”
2. “Fadeaway”
3. “Still The Night”
4. “Rickshaw Riding”
5. “Angels”
6. “Misery”
7. “The Strangest Kind”
8. “Say You Will”
9. “Ultimately Fine”
10. “That’s All”
11. “Lookin’ For Me Somewhere”
12. “Try And Try”
13. “Sail Away” -Demo
14. “Amen” – Demo
15. “Small Town Ways” – Demo
16. “Janey” -New Recording
17. “Turn Your Radio On” – Demo
VIDEO: BoDeans on Letterman back in 1987
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OkujDp0k1U]
MORE ROOTS NEWS: After appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman back in January, the Randy Rogers Band hits The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Monday March 16.
Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller is planning a June 9 release for his fourth solo album, a self-titled affair on Shout! Factory that he recorded during January and February in Dallas. Miller — whose last solo album, “The Believer,” came out in 2006 — worked on “Rhett Miller” with Salim Nourallah, who produced the Old 97’s 2008 release, “Blame it on Gravity”
Miller told Billboard Magazine that he “plans to tour in support of “Rhett Miller,” both on his own and with Old 97’s. In fact, he says, the band, which will be on the road this summer, is thinking about incorporating solo sets by Miller and bassist Murry Hammond as part of an ‘evening with’ concept.”
***
Interesting interview with MySpace Music President Courtney Holt on the CNET.com website –
A peek into stuff that is worth reading if you are a musician or a music fan.
“What we can expect down the road: a do-it-yourself tool for small-time artists to add their content to MySpace Music, perhaps. More music videos, and more music-centric video programming. And more revenue streams, including merchandise and ticketing. ‘We’re going to be doing that in a big way in the near future,’ Holt said. But the real nemesis would be a music offering from Facebook, the social network that snuck up from behind to surpass MySpace in global traffic. That’s a rumor that’s arisen from time to time and refuses to go away. ‘I don’t know what they’re doing,’ Holt said on the prospect of a Facebook music service, ‘and I don’t have a comment on it.’
***
MUSIC TO KEEP
DOWNLOAD A FREE SONG Here’s one that popped up on one of the blogs I read. Worth passing along…
Click here to check Dave Alvin (of The Blasters) covering Jackson Browne’s “Redneck Friend”.
FREE MP3 ALBUM OF GREASY COUNTRY ROCK
Big Rock Candy Mountain is a Chicago roots/trucker/rocker blog. Finally updated for the first time since late January – they have just posted a quirky-yet-killer downloadable mp3. Just wanted to spread the word.
The Big Rock Candy Greasy Fingers Mix
(mp3 link follows track listings)
1. Rock Bottom (Wheels On Fire)
2. Lookin’ For A Thrill (John Paul Keith and the 145’s)
3. If I Get Low Enough (Johnny Dollar)
4. The Good Times (The Chatham Singers)
5. Downtown (Mott The Hoople)
6. My Own Kick Going (Ronnie Self)
7. Wild West (Quintron)
8. Blue Train Station (The Cynics)
9. Party Dolls And Wine (Red Steagall)
10. Veronica Lake (New Bomb Turks)
11. The Lord Is Coming Back (Reverend Beat Man)
12. Every Goddam Thing To Hell (Rev. Frost)
13. There’s A Higher Power (Brother Claude Ely)
14. Relief Is Just A Swallow Away (Eddie Noack)
15. The World’s Greatest Sinner (The A-Bones)
16. Swing Low Sweet Truth (The Mustang)
17. Dirty Nails (Tennessee Tearjerkers)
18. Get It (Scat Rag Boosters)
19. Back Door Man (Black Oak Arkansas)
20. It’s The Law (Bob Log III)
21 Daddy Wants A Cold Beer (Menster Phips and the Phipsters)
22. If You Don’t Like My Apples (Gentleman Jim)
23. Truck Stop Girl (Little Feat)
24. Atom Bomb Baby (Carlos and the Banditos)
25. One More Beer (Big Bill Lister)
26. Satisfied (Elder Charles D. Beck)
Download “The Big Rock Candy Greasy Fingers Mix” (mp3)
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ROB’S “IPOD SHUFFLE EXPERIENCE” – Week 2
Inside the randomness that is my digital library. We put the ipod on shuffle and the first five songs that come up each week I share. Comments always welcome between friends…
1. When The Love is Good” – BoDeans
Hey, we just talked about these guys! I have been seeing Sammy and Kurt and the BoDeans for more than 20 years. Damn. A great, great live show (always best at the Vogue) and one of the bands that stayed together, held pretty true to their roots, and can still get after it live. The “Home” album was recorded following a tour where they opened for U2 in 1989. Some of the Edge and Bono influence here. But that’s OK.
2. “Darkness on the Edge of Town” – Martin Zeller
Anyone remember the Gear Daddies? Zeller was the leader of the late 80’s band out of Minnesota. Raspy, Springsteen-esque rock, both on their albums and on this cut. Sung with more a sense of resignation (and with a pedal steel) than the subtle hope in Bruce’s original. From an album of Springsteen tunes called “One Step Up, Two Steps Back”.
3. Cold & Empty” – Kid Rock
At this point, everyone realizes Kid Rock just want to be Bob Seger, right? Because this cut has 70’s production all over it, and this was before he put out that “Night Moves” rewrite featuring the Skynyrd and Warran Zevon hooks. And I defend Kid Rock. He’s maintained a (good) career when many, many others from 15 years ago have not. And he rocks live. Still probably the dirtiest, drunkest, party-crazy audience I’ve ever been a part of was for his show in the infield at the Speedway a couple years ago for Carb Day.
4. ”Lookin’ For Job” – Todd Snider
This stoner boy has become an Americana music hero. This one is from “The Devil You Know” from 2006. More of a band album than recent releases, though a bit more loosely played than his old band used to be. He’s smart (one of the wittiest and strongest lyric writers in the genre) and has a need to play live. Tours mostly solo now, but his show with three other instrumentalists at the Egyptian Room at the Murat last November was cool. And about 1,500 watched the show that night, 12 years removed from from the smoky, sweaty, rowdy shows at the Patio with his band the Nervous Wrecks.
5. ”The Indifference of Heaven” (Live) – Warren Zevon
From the the “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” complilation. Warren and acoustic guitar. A hard strumming acoustic. Another guy who had the gift of writing genius lyrics. And any song that references Springsteen (“ruce and Patti don’t live around here”) is extra cool.
VIDEO: Martin Zeller of the Gear Daddies doing “Stupid Boy” on Letterman
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvC_rV0qt_Y]
ONE MORE STORY: R.E.M. made a surprise appearance March 11 at Carnegie Hall. It was a concert/tribute show that featured 20 different performers playing R.E.M. tunes. The band came on for the last song, and played “E-Bow The Letter” off of 1996’s “New Adventures in Hi-Fi.” Patti Smith accompanied Stipe on vocals. What? No “The One I Love”? Sheesh.
Long-time Athens resident Vic Chesnutt and Elf Power did team up for a version of “Everybody Hurts” and Apples in Stereo rocked “South Central Rain”.
Set and performer list for the R.E.M. tribute:
“Fall On Me” (the dB’s)
“The Apologist” (Fink)
“Man on the Moon” (Keren Ann with Calexico)
“Wendell Gee” (Calexico)
“The Great Beyond” (Rachael Yamagata with Calexico)
“Sitting Still” (Bob Mould with Calexico)
“Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)” (The Feelies)
“Nightswimming” (Ingrid Michaelson)
“Hairshirt” (Glen Hansard)
“South Central Rain” (Apples in Stereo)
“Shaking Through” (Guster)
“Supernatural Superserious” (Marshall Crenshaw with Calexico)
“Driver 8” (Rhett Miller with Calexico)
“World Leader Pretend” (Kimya Dawson)
“Everybody Hurts” (Vic Chesnutt with Elf Power)
“Perfect Circles” (Kristin Hersh and the Throwing Muses)
“At My Most Beautiful” (Dar Williams)
“(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville” (Jolie Holland with Calexico)
“I Believe” (Darius Rucker with Calexico)
“New Test Leper” (Patti Smith)
“E-Bow The Letter” (R.E.M.)