Steve Gans has said “there are two kinds of music: the kind you’re introduced to as a teenager, and everything else.” Quite true. I’ve been watching musical guests on SNL for decades, from the beginning to the present, and the two most memorable for me are still performances by Elvis Costello and the Specials which …
Youngblood Hawke’s upcoming show at The Crystal Ballroom on November 20th is a 94/7 “I Saw Them When” event, and the show only costs $.94! The band is on tour in support of their self-titled debut EP which came out in August. A full-length album will follow early next year. http://youngbloodhawke.tumblr.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH1caVBApj4
Midnight Magic is gearing up to release their debut LP, Walking the Midnight Streets, on 11/13. They’ve earned praise from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, SPIN, KCRW & more, and have shared stages with the likes of The Rapture, Cut Copy, and Holy Ghost. Members of Midnight Magic have also played in various DFA bands, including the …
This video has a ponderous history lesson at the start, but be patient, because this Hendrix-like version of “Ghost Riders in the Sky” is worth the wait. http://www.dickdale.com/
This vid too has taken the country by storm.
This video was trending hot in the US today:
The Serious Scoop. Having flung my share of sarcastic links and comments onto this forum, I want to take time to say something really heartfelt and serious about this upcoming election. There has been a lack of thoughtful discussion so I’d like to change that, at least about myself. Here goes. I support President Obama …
“You Don’t Own Me” was a great pre-feminist pop nugget from 1964. But it’s ironic now, nearly 50 years later, that we need reminders from a song this old. Then again, Lesley Gore was ahead of her time. – Rich Horton
A bit stiff, a little corny… but what a piece of rock history, televised. The Ventures‘ rock ‘n’ roll version of “Walk, Don’t Run,” which had debuted on Seattle’s KJR radio, was on fire in 1960. “Walk, Don’t Run” was hardly epic or complicated in design, but in the hands of masonry workers-turned-guitarists Bob Bogle …
Here’s a short film which the producers describe in this way, “A simple question, “How many have you loved?” Is your answer, one and only? Or is it several, all of whom have shaped your life?” What’s more important is that it stars singer-songwriter and internet sensation, Kina Grannis.
New Depeche Mode:
Here’s a catchy and surprisingly rockin’ version of “Along Comes Mary” performed by the Association at the Monterey Pop Festival. http://youtu.be/7g23arjqsjQ
There is a music gene in the human genetic code that contains an understanding of music. Sometimes it shows up in a family of non-musicians, sometimes it’s passed down through generations. It makes learning music easy. Becoming a musician still requires a lot of hard work, but those who have this gene have a big …
Here’s another band that I met while driving around Portland, Glassbones. Or at least I met the singer-guitarist, Colin, who is truly a nice fellow. He mentioned he’s a cook by trade. (He’s hot, he plays in a band AND he cooks, ladies. For what more could you possibly ask…) They released an excellent album …
Here is a previously unreleased early 70’s Van Morrison recording, never been issued, (yanked from several releases), Van says, “It’s hard to work out why you didn’t put something out at the time. Usually it felt like it didn’t fit… When I was with Warner Brothers they were very minimalist.” – Pat Thomas is the …
Loving this Moby Grape family tree, gig list and discography website, it’s a truly fine thing….. http://www.chickenonaunicycle.com/Moby%20Grape.htm – Pat Thomas is the author of the recently released work, Listen, Whitey! The Sights and Sounds of Black Power 1965-1975
I’m going to try to live today, as I do every day, according to the principles set forth by Jimi Hendrix in Axis: Bold as Love. – John Roderick [John Roderick will be performing with friends at the Showbox in Seattle on Oct. 29. Follow him as he tweets his wisdom @johnroderick.] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xTcLrTabS4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6kicCnvPC4
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour released their sophomore album in January to praise from NPR and the New Yorker to Rolling Stone and SPIN. Known for their contagious energy and catchy pop hooks, they’ve had songs featured in an iPod commercial, a global Heineken campaign, and on a handful of hit TV shows. Go here for …
A few weeks ago, I was driving around Portland and met a very nice fellow, Andy Strange, bass player for Portland’s crime-a-billy band, The Strange Tones. They play a fun mix of Americana, blues and surf. Last year they put out a fine Christmas album which never got the publicity push it needed because Andy …
With her combination of profound lyrics, haunting melodies, and radio-friendly hooks, there is no music like that of singer/songwriter Lorelei Carlson in today’s music industry. She is intriguing listeners with her unique flavor of indie pop on her new EP, 20mg, which displays an alternative, yet universal appeal that reflects her cosmopolitan upbringing in cities …
Dang girlfriend… You are out of this world. To say the least you’re the most. – Hugh Gerrard
Why is that bands named after continents are especially terrible, Asia and Europe come to mind, and we could shoehorn in America as well… – Pat Thomas is the author of the recently released work, Listen, Whitey! The Sights and Sounds of Black Power 1965-1975
I have been asked whether I have World Series tickets, well… Standing Room Only starts at $400. The price goes up significantly at this level, probably because now the beautiful people and the high rollers will be showing up. My bankbook isn’t quite in that league, which is why for the last two Giants Octobers …
Whatever it is at the heart of Rock n’ Roll that made Mötley Crüe inevitable is a thing I wouldn’t cross the street to save from a fire. – John Roderick [John Roderick will be performing with friends at the Showbox in Seattle on Oct. 29. Follow him as he tweets his wisdom @johnroderick.] http://youtu.be/6nm1BJPe-pg
While looking for “The Lemon Tree” I came across this live version of “This Land is Your Land” which has some suave, electrified-folk charm to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8w0ebSqdOw
Back in Chicago in the 1970s in my early teens my dad took my brother and I to see Oscar Peterson at the now defunct Rick’s Café Americain (one of many such named and themed Casablanca bars of the time). As a budding keyboard player, I was struck then and now, by how that guy …
Of all the great, great music of the 80’s, the one number that makes me the most nostalgic is not a political bombast or a depression-dirge. No, it’s a song sung by an androgynous singer for his identity-conflicted drummer/lover. Those who know me might be surprised by this revelation; those who know me well, however, …
Hey kids, here’s a minute of pure bliss, Sandy Denny with Fairport Convention in super high quality video, during the era that Faces/Who Producer Glyn Johns was steering the ship…… If the Fairport Convention video above didn’t move you, this vintage footage will finish you off. Today I walked into a bar in Aalborg, Denmark, …
I appreciate it that older rock dudes want to keep the dream alive, but when I see the “Paul Weller hair” on a chunky dad I wince. – John Roderick [John Roderick will be performing with friends at the Showbox in Seattle on Oct. 29. Follow him as he tweets his wisdom @johnroderick.]
If life gives you lemons, make a lemon cannon. – John Roderick [John Roderick will be performing with friends at the Showbox in Seattle on Oct. 29. Follow him as he tweets his wisdom @johnroderick.]