Archive
Secret Chiefs 3 “Tistriya”
Will Secret Chiefs 3 ever release Book of Souls? Well, if it is to be their “Chinese Democracy,” at least we’ve been getting some new music in the live shows… here’s a new song “Tistriya” from their 2010 show in Slovenia:
~Dan – Jamie Saft – Bag of Shells
Rova:Zorn – The Receiving Surfaces
The Rova Quartet, who began in 1978 and have worked with many legendary acts like John Zorn, released their 33 1/3 anniversary live album with Zorn, The Receiving Surfaces, on June 1st on vinyl LP. It’s available now on the not-for-profit organization Rova:Arts…
~Dan – Elysian Fields – Last Night On Earth
Radiohead – Staircase (Live from the Basement)
Radiohead just debuted a new song… “Staircase” on Live from the Basement on YouTube…
Here’s a new track called Staircase, taken from our upcoming ‘From The Basement’ session.
And no, you’re not seeing double. The doppelganger drummers are myself and Clive Deamer. Clive has long been one of my favourite drummers and so I was really excited when he agreed to perform with us. Hope you like what we’ve all done.
Philip x
~Dan – np: Rovo – Tonic 2001
OSI #4 in Jan 2012 on Metal Blade
Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel dropped info on the next O.S.I. record (their 4th). It’ll hit us in January 2012 per this tweet. O.S.I. is Kevin Moore (Chroma Key, ex-Dream Theater) and Jim Matheos (ex-Fates Warning)… they make some excellent drum-programmed twitchy, sample-driven ethereal prog (like a harder version of Chroma Key). Gavin Harrison from Porcupine Tree drums on this one. Mixing is happening now, based on prior reports.
Samples from their past three records:
The 4th album was originally slated for Fall 2010. I can wait, but barely…
~Dan – np: Fishtank Ensemble – Woman in Sin 
Secret Chiefs 3 – Satellite bands video
Behold, the fan-made awesomeness dedicated to the sound and logo elements of the seven satellite bands in the Secret Chiefs 3 oeuvre…
The seven satellite bands are The Electromagnetic Azoth, UR, Ishraqiyun, Traditionalists, Holy Vehm, Forms, and NT Fan.
~Dan – np: The Roots – The Tipping Point
Elysian Fields “Red Riding Hood” (video)
NYC artrock duo Elysian Fields have a new album out called Last Night on Earth (tomorrow on Ojet Records). The debut video for “Red Riding Hood” is out now… sultry and sexy, as Jennifer Charles’ voice is prone to project…
You can get the CD for only $12 (*shipping included) at Ojet’s webpage. I’m sure the download version will show up on Amazon and iTunes soon… currently only an expensive import is available on Amazon.
~Dan – np: Les Rhinocéros – Les Rhinocéros
dredg “Upon Returning” video
The official video for “Upon Returning” from dredg:
Directed & edited by merkley???
Produced by merkley??? & Tyler Gourley
Water FX: James Dirschberger & Ken Fisk
End FX: merkley???
Elder Derelict: Ron Turner
Teen Derelict: Lars Gourley
Younger Derelict: Liam Bridges
Youngest Derelict: Jett Bridges
Life Guard: Dexter Simmons
Koolaid Fairy: Athena Rose Djurkovic
Koolaid Fairy Assistant: Mila Lilith Djurkovic
Cute, colorful and clever – nice work from merkley???. They had me until… the second part of the “watersports.” The watersports set aside, the video and album are both quite great. It’s still building on me, but I dig it. Chuckles and Mr Squeezy, silly name, solid tunes. My favorite track is probably “The Tent,” highlighted in this trailer by Jorge Feres…
~Dan – np: Les Rhinocéros – Les Rhinocéros
MRT – The Living River 6/3 (photos)
The McKenzie River Trust benefit concert, The Living River for the benefit of the McKenzie River, with Misty River & Doug Smith at The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, Eugene, Oregon – Friday, June 3rd, 2011:
Photos by Margaret O’Brien (emobie photography)
http://emobiephotography.com/
emobie on Facebook
http://mckenzieriver.org/
http://www.mistyriverband.com/
http://www.dougsmithguitar.com/
~Dan – np: Les Rhinocéros – Les Rhinocéros
Holy F*ck – live on Q
Canadian live electronic/groove artists Holy Fuck hit Studio Q with Jian Ghomeshi a few months ago. It was a fave of mine on the Q podcast. Well, now the video for the session is online… “Red Lights“…
And “Latin America“…
~Dan – np: Marc Ribot – Shoestring Symphonettes
Free Nellie McKay download (“One’s On the Way”)
As performed on Mountain Stage, Nellie McKay just made available a free mp3 download of “One’s on the Way” (right click & “save as”)… it is available as a call for support of WV Free – Advocates for Reproductive Health & Justice.
“One’s On the Way” is is a previously unreleased track. You can pick up Nellie’s latest album, Home Sweet Mobile Home, at the Amazons.
As far as future not-for-profit collaborations from Nellie, she’s contributing to a Farm Animal Benefit CD (to be released in September). It will feature new music from Moby, Yoko Ono, Matisyahu, members of the Buzzcocks and more. It’s called Home On the Range and is put out by CFEI & Planet CD NYC.
‘Home On The Range’ is a benefit compilation CD presented by the 501(c)(3) non profit organization CFEI. All proceeds from the sale of this CD are donated to a collective of farm animal sanctuaries including Woodstock Sanctuary, Happy Trails, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Animal Acres and Kindred Spirits. These organizations rescue, feed, provide safe shelter and care for abused and neglected farm animals.
The benefit CD features eco-friendly packaging and includes “Compassion 101”, an exclusive accompanying educational booklet and resource guide. Simply by purchasing this music you are helping protect the lives of thousands of cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, turkeys, horses and rabbits. Home On The Range will be available in selected retail stores as well as a download via iTunes and Amazon.
~Dan – np: Reptet – Do This!
Steven Wilson – Grace for Drowning (2011)
Update 8/24: there’s a new video for the song “Track One” with the image below, as well as pre-order information at THIS BLOG.
After some news leaking slowly, Porcupine Tree/No-Man/Blackfield frontman Steven Wilson’s next solo album finally has a name… Grace For Drowning. It also has a trailer…
http://www.gracefordrowning.com/
Recapping the news from prior posts:
- it’ll be two 40-45 minute albums in the same package… due “Autumn 2011” (September-ish)
- album names: Deform to Form a Star and Like Dust I Have Cleared From My Eye
- pretty organic feel, mostly inspired by the darker end of vintage progressive music and some… movie soundtrack stuff (Morricone especially)
- the usual array of excellent SW options: double-vinyl release, 5.1 surround sound, hard back book edition, CD, digital…
- Update 7/19: free download… 9-minute full-track by signing up for the mailing list at http://www.gracefordrowning.com/
Stay up with his Facebook page and http://www.gracefordrowning.com/ for the scoop as it develops. Steven just finished up his tour with Blackfield, and also in the works… Storm Corrosion with Opeth’s Mikael Akerfeldt (likely a 2012 release).
~Dan – np: Remy Zero – Villa Elaine
Secret Chiefs 3 – 2011 North American Tour (wave 1)
Posted this morning… Secret Chiefs 3 tour dates…
really looking forward to playing the US again!
thanks to bookers and all promoters for making it happen well!
(don’t worry west coast, it’s being planned)
8/31 Hamilton, ON @ The Casbah- 9/1 Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
- 9/2 Ottawa, ON @ Mavericks
- 9/3 TBA, QC (details in Aug),
- 9/5 Montreal, QC @ Cabaret Mile End
- 9/6 Quebec City, QC @ Le Cercle
- 9/7 Portland, ME @ Space Gallery
- 9/8 Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
- 9/9 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Lounge
- 9/10 Milford, CT @ Daniel Street
- 9/12 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
- 9/13 New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
- 9/15 TBA
- 9/16 Ferndale, MI @ The Magic Bag
- 9/17 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
- 9/19 Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
- 9/20 Raleigh, NC @ Local 506
- 9/22 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
- 9/23 Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle
- 9/24 Lexington, KY @ Buster’s (Boomslang Fest w/Swans and Sir Richard Bishop)
News about Porcupine Tree frontman Steven Wilson’s next solo album, Grace for Drowning, coming tomorrow…
~Dan – np: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Stadium Arcadium
The future of Zorn’s Masada Book Two
Every time I talk about it, I’ll state that Masada Book Two is one of the best series on John Zorn’s Tzadik label. The quick premise: One page of music in a book of 300+ tunes, given to others to interpret and record.
Who has done it so far (bold being my faves so far): Jamie Saft Trio, Masada String Trio, Mark Feldman and Sylvie Courvoisier, Koby Israelite, The Cracow Klezmer, Uri Caine, Marc Ribot, Erik Friedlander, Secret Chiefs 3, Bar Kokhba Sextet, Medeski Martin & Wood, Masada Quintet featuring Joe Lovano, Mycale, The Dreamers, Ben Goldberg Quartet, Masada String Trio, and Cyro Baptista’s Banquet of the Spirits.
All seventeen thus far as stupendous releases… you can’t go wrong, especially if you love improvisational jazz and klezmer. Listen: Amazon search page.
Good Aural blog posted the following yesterday:
According to John Zorn, Tzadik records will release about four—possibly five—more Masada Book Two albums in 2012. It’s amazing to think that we’ll be hearing volumes 18, 19, 20, 21, and maybe even 22 of Zorn’s Book of Angels by the end of next year.
Want a preview of who’ll be playing on these upcoming volumes? Here are the new Book of Angels releases planned for 2012:
New Klezmer Trio
Clarinetist Ben Goldberg is a pioneer in avant-garde Jewish music. His New Klezmer Trio released their first album, Masks and Faces, in 1992; it was reissued on Tzadik in 1996. New Klezmer Trio has since released several more albums on Tzadik: Melt Zonk Rewire and Short for Something.
In 2010 Goldberg recorded Baal: the Book of Angels vol. 15 with Masada book veterans Greg Cohen, Jamie Saft, and Kenny Wollesen. This new Ben Goldberg Quartet was assembled and conducted by Zorn himself.
Finally, Goldberg plays clarinet with the acoustic ensemble Tin Hat, which appeared on the Masada anniversary album Voices in the Wilderness.
David Krakauer
David Krakauer is a clarinetist firmly rooted in both klezmer and classical music. His band, Klezmer Madness!, incorporates elements from funk, jazz, and a variety of other genres. He has collaborated with the Kronos Quartet and made several releases on Zorn’s Tzadik label, including Klezmer Madness! and Klezmer, NY.
Given that Krakauer has collaborated with Uri Caine and played both clarinet and bass clarinet on John Zorn’s seminal Kristallnacht, it’s only natural that he should (finally!) record a set of tunes from The Book of Angels.
Pat Metheny
Guitarist Pat Metheny recorded the acclaimed free jazz album Song X with Ornette Coleman and recorded Steve Reich’s “Electric Counterpoint” with Kronos Quartet. Metheny’s upcoming Book of Angels entry is planned as a solo performance.
And Beyond…
Whatever Masada Book Two compositions remain will be recorded on one or two albums by artists not yet announced. Once those are completed, we’ll have finally reached the end of this chapter in Masada’s legacy. But for hardcore fans of this music, there’s still plenty to come.
On the horizon: Masada Book Three.
Good Aural apparently heard the news from John Zorn himself. I had heard rumors of the Pat Metheny one in the past, and the other conspirators are consistent with who Zorn has worked with in the past. I’m hoping Mike Patton’s Fantômas does something in this series in the future. It’s not out of the realm – they did one song for the Unknown Masada album in 2003 (a pre-cursor to the Masada Book Two concept). Oh, or the Moonchild Trio!! That would kick ass.
~Dan – np: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Stadium Arcadium
Vegan Black Metal Chef #2 – All-Star Medley
If you came here for the U2 Seattle review, GO HERE.
New today, the second episode of Vegan Black Metal Chef… making an “all-star redneck medley”… three recipes:
- mashed potatoes, corn & baked beans
- brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and red pepper sauteed in truffle oil, and
- vegetable pasta upon the throne of the apocalypse
Befriend on the Facebox
Subscribe on the YouTubes
Subscribe to the VBMC Blog
Did you miss VBMC episode 1: Pad Thai?
~Dan – np: Remy Zero – Villa Elaine
Iron Mike Savoia’s U2/Kravitz pics (Seattle 6/4)
“Iron Mike” Savoia of Savoia Photography Live just posted his beaufitul Lenny Kravitz & U2 shots from Saturday’s show at Qwest Field in Seattle, WA… click the photo of each artist to hit Mike’s Facebook album for each. If you want to check out my review of the show, GO HERE (setlist/review/photos). #U2360SEA
Mike’s Webpage
Mike’s Facebook
~Dan – np: dredg – Chuckles & Mr Squeezy
Radiohead limited edition 12″ Remixes
If you came here for the U2 Seattle review, GO HERE.
This summer, Radiohead are set to release more vinyl releases after their UK Record Store Day/U.S. June 14th release of The Butcher/Supercollider. Remixes 12″ vinyl releases will hit throughout the summer from tracks from their current album The King Of Limbs. The first release, on July 4 (UK), comprises remixes of “Little By Little” by Caribou, and “Lotus Flower” by Jacques Greene.
The 12” will be available at selected independent record stores and from www.radiohead.com. There will also be a WAV format available through Boomkat and on http://www.radiohead.com.
~Dan – np: dredg – Chuckles & Mr Squeezy
Derek Webb – Democracy Vol 2 #3
If you came here for the U2 Seattle review, GO HERE.
One a month, from March to December 2011…
Derek Webb’s Democracy Vol 2… This month, it is “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys. I generally hate/hate/hate this song… I blame Jonatha Brooke & Jars of Clay’s more schmaltzy versions. I’m digging Derek’s more layered version.
For those not in the know, Democracy Vol 2 is a continuation of the covers project Derek started last year. The fans get to nominate songs and then vote once the nominations are tallied. Here’s what he’s done in 2010 and 2011 to date (you can still go back and buy this volume):
- January 2010: The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
- February: Coldplay – Fix You
- March: Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’
- April: Gnarls Barkley – Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
- May: Sufjan Stevens – Chicago *a personal fave*
- June: U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
- July: Huey Lewis & the News – Power of Love
- August: The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby *a personal fave*
- September: Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence
- October: Radiohead – Karma Police *a personal fave*
- November: Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
- December: Robert Robinson – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- January 2011: off
- February: off
- March: Cee-Lo Green – F**k You
- April: Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
- May: The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
Also, Derek & his wife Sandra McCracken are hitting the road in the Fall for a house concert / living room show tour for their upcoming TN EP. GO HERE if you can host.
~Dan – np: Puya – Areyto
Democracy Vol. 2 is a series of subscription based albums of cover songs that Derek will be recording annually, starting January 2010. Those who participate will not only receive the exclusive album, but will democratically decide what songs Derek will record.
Ever wished you could hear Derek cover your favorite Beatles song? Or Backstreet Boys song? Or even re-record your favorite old Caedmon’s Call song? Here’s your chance. Songs will be nominated and voted down to 10. Derek will record them (demo quality) and deliver them digitally (320kbps MP3s), one song per month for 10 months (March to December). Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique collaborative project with Derek Webb!
REVIEW: U2 & Lenny Kravitz @ Qwest Field (Seattle, WA – 6/4/11)
photo by Soren McCarty (Denver show)
U2 is one of the biggest rock bands in the world. They’ve been a band for almost 35 years – all the same four guys. Sit back and think about that for a minute. Sure, they haven’t been without struggles, but they’ve been a solid force in rock music for a long, long time. Saturday night was my third time to see them (PopMart 1996, Elevation 2001), and based on the reviews and photos I had seen, I knew I was going to be blown away…
Qwest Field started being configured for U2’s 360º Tour earlier that week. The 360º Tour features the largest concert stage structure ever and a 360-degree staging/audience configuration that allows fans to surround the stage from all sides. The large parking lot full of semi-trucks wasn’t just for Bono’s sunglasses supply. Check out the GeneStout.com media recap of the stage build out (with Mike Savoia’s photos – more from Mike below, too). See a time-lapse build-out of the Denver show (FB video link).
We positioned ourselves at near the north side of the outside of the loop for the show – as we hadn’t gotten there early enough for the inner loop. After running into a bad batch in the crowd (i.e.- drunk as hell d-bags), we backed off and watched from a nice safe distance. Opener Lenny Kravitz hit the stage around 7:30 and played a solid 50 minutes set. One new song, and a cadre of his hits. Cindy Blackwell was not on drums – that was the only noticeable absence. Lenny had some ear-monitor issues near the end, which was frustrating him, but he put on a great show regardless.
Lenny’s Setlist: 50 minutes
- Come On Get It [new song]
- Mamma Said
- It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over
- Let Love Rule
- American Woman [The Guess Who]
- Fly Away
- Are You Gonna Go My Way
After a short break, the David Bowie tape intro started, and U2 walked out onto the stage…
U2’s Setlist: 2+ hours
- Space Oddity [tape intro, David Bowie]
- Even Better Than The Real Thing
- I Will Follow
- Get On Your Boots
- Magnificent
- Mysterious Ways
- Elevation
- Until The End Of The World
- All I Want Is You
- Stay (Faraway, So Close!) [acoustic]
- Beautiful Day with NASA video* & Space Oddity snippet (*video below)
- Pride (In The Name Of Love)
- Miss Sarajevo
- Zooropa
- City Of Blinding Lights
- Vertigo
- I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight with Discothèque and other snippets
- Sunday Bloody Sunday
- Scarlet
- Walk On
- Encore 1: Aung San Suu Kyi Message [tape]
- One
- Where The Streets Have No Name
- Encore 2: Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me
- With Or Without You
- Moment of Surrender
They rocked out, and from our vantage point it was like watching alien TV. Some of the best moments for me… The kick-off “Even Better Than the Real Thing” followed by the throwback “I Will Follow” (this show was going to be all over their catalog). The NASA Commander Mark Kelly video intro to “Beautiful Day” (from space – video below). The snippet of “Discotheque” was excellent (POP is a great, under-appreciated album). Bono swinging out on his lit-up microphone during “Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me.”
Oh, and Zoo-fucking-ropa. The expanding televisions caught me off guard… it was a circus of sights and sounds.
A massive spectacle from a massive band. A truly entertaining experience. U2 blows about any other live show out of the water as far as sheer force, light, power, and energy.
My Photos from the show:
(really, just shots of the TV… sigh…)
Mike Savoia’s Pro-shot Photos:
(used with permission)
check out the links to Mike Savoia’s work below
The Appropriate Linkage:
- U2’s Site
- Amnesty International
- One Campaign
- U2.com splash page for Seattle show (with photos & video)
- U2’s Social Media Links (see below)
- Lenny Kravitz’s Site
- Lenny Kravitz’s Facebook / MySpace / Twitter
- Mike Savoia’s Digital Photography from the Seattle Show (6/4/2011)
Check out more tour dates below. #U2360SEA
~Dan – np: Rage Against the Machine – Evil Empire
U2’s rescheduled 2011 North American dates:
- May 21 Denver, CO Invesco Field (formerly June 12/10)
- May 24 Salt Lake City, UT Rice Eccles Stadium (formerly June 3/10)
- June 01 Edmonton, AB Commonwealth Stadium (formerly June 23/10)
- June 04 Seattle, WA Qwest Field (formerly June 20/10)
- June 07 Oakland, CA McAfee Coliseum (formerly June 20/10)
- June 17 Anaheim, CA Angels Stadium (formerly June 6/10)
- June 18 Anaheim, CA Angels Stadium (formerly June 7/10)
- June 26 East Lansing, MI Spartan Stadium at MSU (formerly June 30/10)
- June 29 Miami, FL Sun Life Stadium (formerly July 9/10)
- July 05 Chicago, IL Soldier Field (formerly July 6/10)
- July 08 Montreal, QC Hippodrome (formerly July 16/10)
- July 09 Montreal, QC Hippodrome (formerly July 17/10)
- July 11 Toronto, ON Rogers Centre (formerly July 3/10)
- July 14 Philadelphia, PA Lincoln Financial Field (formerly July 12/10)
- July 20 East Rutherford, NJ New Meadowlands Stadium (formerly July 19/10)
- July 23 Minneapolis, MN TCF Bank Stadium (formerly June 27/10)
U2 & Lenny Kravitz tonight in Seattle!
I’m heading out soon to catch two indie artists – Lenny Kravitz & U2 – tonight at the Qwest Field in Seattle, WA. Wish them luck… it’s so hard for these up & coming indie bands…
Check back on Sunday night for my review & setlist (and hopefully with photos).
Update 6/5: GO HERE for my review.
If I don’t get any good shots, I’ll post/link to Mike Savoia’s awesome shots… I know he’s pro shooting it.
~Dan – np: Puya – Union
#U2360SEA
MRT’s Misty River benefit show (Eugene, OR)
Busy weekend… hitting the road for Seattle shortly for U2…
Last night was the McKenzie River Trust benefit show “The Living River” at The Shedd (Eugene, OR) with finger-picking wonder Doug Smith & folky group Misty River. It was a delight.
emobie photography was in the house snapping away some photos. I’ll post them here with her permission once they are processed (by Tuesday for sure).
In the meantime, check out the websites for MRT & the performers:
http://www.mistyriverband.com/
http://www.dougsmithguitar.com/
~Dan
-Eyvind Kang
-Frank Zappa
Amazon.com mp3 downloads
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