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REVIEW: Pomplamoose @ Doug Fir (Portland, OR – 10/27/11)

31st Oct 11 (Mon) 1 comment

FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM

I first heard Pomplamoose with their cover of the Lady Gaga/Beyonce tune “Telephone” and their video song concept: (1) what you see is what you hear (no lip-syncing for instruments or voice), and (2) if you hear it, at some point you see it (no hidden sounds):

Pomplamoose kept coming out with more and more clever video songs… that video alone is at 7.8 million views as of 10/31/11 (69 million total views on their channel!).  The creativity from Nataly and Jack made me fall in love with their music – whether covers or originals.  They each have their own YouTube channels (Nataly’s / Jack’s) and there’s also a Nataly side project with Lauren O’Connell called My Terrible FriendYes, they’re busy people.  Go check them all out, you won’t be disappointed.

On to the show…

The opener was Louis and Genevieve

They played about a half hour of electronic pop.  A nice core sound, but it was difficult to hear the depth in the songs during the show.  I think L&G’s music is superb based on some videos they’ve posted on their YouTube channel.  I hate being negative, because hell if I could go up there and do what they’re doing… but I think their live show needed work… all said and done, they were a good warm-up act.

Pomplamoose came on and kicked right into their cover tune hit “Telephone”… and as expected, they were full of energy.  I honestly don’t know how Jack keeps up the energy, but he was pounding away on keys all night.  They had a full band; so Jack didn’t cover drum duties except for one song later in the set.  Both Nataly & Jack looked like they were truly having fun… they were playful, smiling, and even giddy when microphone cables got tangled in chairs or when they had cellphone reception issues with the monitors.

As expected, they played a great mix of covers and originals.  Since Pomplamoose is ubiquitous with YouTube, for songs below with a YouTube Video Song, click the “YT” link below.  This is a rare show where it’s truly difficult to pick some favorite songs from the set.  If I had to pick favorites, Telephone, Mr Sandman, River Shiver, and Bust Your Knee Caps would rise to the top, but in all seriousness – it’s hard to separate the creme de la creme.  The sold out Doug Fir Lounge crowd got a full set of glorious pop…

Setlist: ~1.5 to 2 hours

  • Telephone [Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce] {YT}
  • Hey, It’s Pomplamoose
  • Expiration Date {YT}
  • If You Think You Need Some Lovin’ {YT}
  • Hail Mary {YT}
  • Twice as Nice [with drum solo] {YT}
  • Beat the Horse {YT}
  • Makin’ Out [Mark Owen] {YT}
  • Nature Boy [Eden Ahbez] {YT}
  • Be Still {YT}
  • Jam
  • Mister Sandman [The Chordettes] {YT}
  • Things We Like In Hats
  • Things We Like In Hats
  • Things We Like In Hats [yes, they played it THREE times in a row]
  • Bust Your Knee Caps {YT}
  • River Shiver {YT}
  • Achin’ Heart {YT}
  • Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) [Beyoncé] {YT}
  • September [Earth, Wind & Fire] {YT}
  • Encore: Goodnight Song
  • Sexy Time [goofing around, impromptu song]
  • Centrifuge {YT}

The band had a special the album you bought at our show (thanks for that) CD that I picked up.  As far as those not lucky enough to catch their brief tour, you can find their video songs on the YouTube links above (I’d recommend subscribing to their channel).  You can also get their music via Amazon, iTunes or other e-tailers…

Their tour was very limited (Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Seattle, Portland & San Francisco), but hopefully they’ll head out again soon.

many more photos below

The Appropriate Linkage:

Next show for me… Jason Webley & Mood Area 52 at WOW Hall (Eugene) tonight/Halloween…

~Dan – np: U2The Joshua Tree

POMPLAMOOSE PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2011 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution

(click for larger)

Pomplamoose in Portland (photos by the weekend)

28th Oct 11 (Fri) Leave a comment

Brilliant show by Pomplamoose last night at the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland, Oregon…

Busy week for me at work; so look for the Pomplamoose (Portland) and the John Scofield Quartet (Eugene) photos and a reviews by the weekend.

Cheers!
~Dan

The Jelly Jam – Shall We Descend

12th Oct 11 (Wed) 2 comments

The Jelly Jam, a rock super-group from Ty Tabor (King’s X), John Myung (Dream Theater) and Rod Morgenstein (Dixie Dregs), is coming out with their 3rd CD titled Shall We Descend next month on Molken Music (pre-orders soon).  They’ll be streaming the first song later this month (stay in tune with their Facebook page).

1. Who’s Comin’ Now (4:26)

2. Stay Together (4:26)

3. Halos In Hell (6:28)

4. Same Way Down (5:20)

5. Barometric Reign (4:58)

6. March Of The Trolls (4:13)

7. Questions (2:34)

8. Shall We Descend (4:38)

9. Come Alive (2:49)

10. Ten (8:18)

~Dan – np: John ZornA Dreamers’ Christmas

Wussy – Strawberry

4th Oct 11 (Tue) 1 comment

I don’t miss Cincinnati much.  I do miss a few choice eateries (Melt, Gajah Wong, Tellers, Lemongrass, tons of Indian) and I do miss being able to see some of my favorite bands play (Over the Rhine, Ric Hordinski, Ash Peacock, Ryan Adcock, Kim Taylor, Ellery, Jason Ludwig/Noctaluca, Wussy… the list could go on for a long time).

Well, I’m happy as a doggie in a strawberry field, because the aforementioned Wussy just put out their fourth full-length studio album – Strawberry.  Wussy’s a fantastic rock quartet made up of Chuck Cleaver, Lisa Walker, Mark Messerly, and Joe Klug.  They write catchy, poppy choruses and meld it perfectly with Midwest Americana-meets-indie-rock grit (or “Midwestern drone” as their press says).

Vocal duties are traded off with Chuck (of the Ass Ponys) and Lisa (of the Magic Words… and of my college days).  The samples I’ve heard so far as right in line with what I love about them.  Go hear for yourself (the entire album is up streaming with a few FREE downloads), and then pick up a copy for yourself on bandcamp (mp3 download or limited CD).

http://wussy.bandcamp.com/album/strawberry

FYI, the CDs are limited to only 100… and I’ve got one coming to me in Oregon, so grab one of the other 99 before it’s too late.  I can’t recommend Wussy, this album, and their prior albums enough.  A+++

Other links for Wussy:
Webpage / FB / MySp / Twit

~Dan – np: Steven WilsonGrace for Drowning

Derek Webb – Democracy Vol 2 #7

3rd Oct 11 (Mon) Leave a comment

One a month, from March to December 2011…

Derek Webb’s Democracy Vol 2… This month, it is “Revolution” by The Beatles. I love the fuzzy intro and backwards-seeming vocal edits throughout.  Nice job, Derek.  I still think his fans tend to be less adventurous (doubling down again), but Derek turned out a great tribute song.

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 (traditional hymn) – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
  • January 2011: off
  • February: off
  • March: Cee-Lo Green – F**k You *a personal fave*
  • April: Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
  • May: The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
  • June: U2 – One
  • July: Dallán Forgaill (traditional hymn) – Be Thou My Vision
  • August: Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
  • September: The Beatles – Revolution *a personal fave*

~Dan – np: Laswell/Nauseef/Mori/Parker Near Nadir

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: Melt Banana @ WOW Hall (Eugene, OR – 10/1/11)

3rd Oct 11 (Mon) Leave a comment

Melt Banana started off their two month U.S. tour with an initial stop at the WOW Hall in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday.  Their last time through Oregon, the Tokyo-based screamo/noise metal band didn’t stop here, and the freezing rain & severe winter fog kept many Ducks who wanted to trek up to Portland away.  Not so this time… and I made it there just in time to catch their blistering set.

Agata shredded up the guitars, making dental exams seem pleasant.  Yako was a sandstorm of power and unexpectedness on vocal duties… and charming in between songs.  The drum & bass battery (presumably Takiya & Rika) propelled the blasts of music forward.

It’s one thing to hear this band on record, it’s quite another to see them live.  They’re going all over the U.S.A. from now until late November!  Catch them (dates below).  They’re also working on a new album, out in 2012.

more photos below

The Appropriate Linkage:

Check out more tour dates below.

Next shows for me… Chromeo & Opeth at the Roseland (Portland) in a couple of weeks!

~Dan – np: John ZornAt the Gates of Paradise

MELT-BANANA PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2011 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution

(click for larger)

MxBx 2011 U.S.A. Tour Dates

  • 10/1/2011 WOW Hall Eugene, OR
  • 10/2/2011 Star Theater Portland, OR
  • 10/3/2011 Chop Suey Seattle, WA
  • 10/4/2011 The Badlander Missoula, MT
  • 10/6/2011 Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT
  • 10/8/2011 Larimer Lounge Denver, CO
  • 10/9/2011 The Record Bar Kansas City, MO
  • 10/10/2011 The Waiting Room Omaha, NE
  • 10/11/2011 The Mill Iowa City, IA
  • 10/12/2011 Nutty’s Sioux Falls, SD
  • 10/13/2011 Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis, MN
  • 10/14/2011 High Noon Saloon Madison, WI
  • 10/15/2011 Cactus Club Milwaukee, WI
  • 10/16/2011 Subterranean Chicago, IL
  • 10/17/2011 Cicero’s St. Louis, MO
  • 10/18/2011 The Bishop Bloomington, IN
  • 10/19/2011 The Historic Southgate House Newport, KY
  • 10/20/2011 Mac’s Bar Lansing, MI
  • 10/22/2011 Grog Shop Cleveland Heights, OH
  • 10/23/2011 The Haunt Ithaca, NY
  • 10/25/2011 Wrongbar Toronto, ON
  • 10/26/2011 Il Motore Montreal, QC
  • 10/27/2011 T.T. The Bear’s Cambridge, MA
  • 10/28/2011 The Space Hamden, CT
  • 10/29/2011 Santos Party House New York, NY
  • 10/31/2011 First Unitarian Church Philadelphia, PA
  • 11/1/2011 The Red Palace Washington, DC
  • 11/2/2011 Ottobar Baltimore, MD
  • 11/4/2011 Local 506 Chapel Hill, NC
  • 11/5/2011 The EARL Atlanta, GA
  • 11/06/2011 The Engine Room Tallahassee, FL
  • 11/08/2011 Backbooth Orlando, FL
  • 11/09/2011 Crowbar Tampa, FL
  • 11/10/2011 Double Down Gainesville, FL
  • 11/11/2011 Jack Rabbits Jacksonville, FL
  • 11/12/2011 Caledonia Lounge Athens, GA
  • 11/13/2011 The End Nashville, TN
  • 11/15/2011 BottleTree Birmingham, AL
  • 11/16/2011 Alabama Music Box Mobile, AL
  • 11/17/2011 Fitzgerald’s Houston, TX
  • 11/18/2011 The Prophet Bar Dallas, TX
  • 11/19/2011 The Mohawk Austin, TX
  • 11/20/2011 Jack’s Patio Bar & Grill San Antonio, TX
  • 11/22/2011 Club Congress Tucson, AZ
  • 11/23/2011 Hollywood Alley Mesa, AZ
  • 11/25/2011 The Bunkhouse Las Vegas, NV
  • 11/26/2011 Soda Bar San Diego, CA
  • 11/27/2011 Echoplex Los Angeles, CA
  • 11/28/2011 Harlow’s Night Club Sacramento, CA
  • 11/29/2011 Bottom Of The Hill San Francisco , CA

Radiohead remix album ‘TKOL RMX’ (19 tracks 2CD set)

9th Aug 11 (Tue) Leave a comment

Update 10/3: Radiohead will celebrate the release of their remix album ‘TKOL RMX 1234567’ by streaming a live DJ set via The Boiler Room next Tuesday 11th October, from around 8pm UK time.  The album is available for pre-order now on CD.

Radiohead have announced a set of 4 vinyl remix singles. Two of them have already been released, the other two are coming soon and we can probably expect 3 more (7 total 12″ issues). All of those remixes end up on RADIOHEAD TKOL RMX, out on October 10th (UK) and likely shortly thereafter in the USA/Canada. The album will debut in Japan ahead of release dates in other territories.

CD2 includes remixes that have not been announced before, with interesting names including Jamie XX, SBTRKT, Modeselektor, Objekt, Anstam and Blawan.

Disc 1:
1. Caribou – Little By Little Rmx (vinyl #1)
2. Jacques Greene – Lotus Flower Rmx (vinyl #1)
3. Nathan Fake – Morning Mr Magpie Rmx (vinyl #2)
4. Harmonic 313 – Bloom Rmx (vinyl #2)
5. Mark Pritchard – Bloom Rmx (vinyl #2)
6. Lone – Feral Rmx (vinyl #3)
7. Pearson Sound – Morning Mr Magpie Scavenger Rmx (vinyl #3)
8. Four Tet – Separator Rmx (vinyl #3)

Disc 2:
1. Thriller – Give Up The Ghost Houseghost Rmx (vinyl #4)
2. Illum Sphere – Codex Rmx (vinyl #4)
3. Shed – Little By Little Rmx (vinyl #4)
4. Brokenchord – Give Up The Ghost Rmx (vinyl #5)
5. Altrice – TKOL Rmx (vinyl #5)
6. Blawan – Bloom Rmx (vinyl #5)
7. Modeselektor – Good Evening Mrs Magpie Rmx (vinyl #6)
8. Objekt – Bloom Rmx (vinyl #6)
9. Jamie xx – Bloom Rework (vinyl #7)
10. Anstam – Separator Rmx (vinyl #7)
11. SBTRKT – Lotus Flower Rmx (vinyl #7)

~Dan – np: Sunny Day Real EstateDiary

Derek Webb – Democracy Vol 2 #4

5th Jul 11 (Tue) Leave a comment

One a month, from March to December 2011…

Derek Webb’s Democracy Vol 2… This month, it is “One” by U2 (posted on 7/1).  Derek has a long affinity for these Irish gents.  My guess is that when this one came up in the vote winners pile, he paired it with this past weekend’s Nashville U2 covers show and then seeing U2 at VU/Nashville (#U2360NAS).

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 *a personal fave*
  • April: Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
  • May: The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
  • June: U2 – One

~Dan – np: Secret Chiefs 3 Eyes of Flesh :: Eyes of Flame

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: A Perfect Circle @ the Schnitzer (Portland, OR – 6/29/11)

1st Jul 11 (Fri) 19 comments

FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM

A Perfect Circle [APC] is a beautiful collaboration between music-writer Billy Howerdel (Tool guitar tech, Ashes Divide frontman) and lyricist Maynard James Keenan (Tool & Puscifer frontman, winemaker).  Their first album, Mer de Noms, took the artistic approach that is also in Tool’s world into a more mainstream hardrock setting.  They dug deep into addiction-themed lyrics on their follow-up, The Thirteenth Step, and then got really politically bent on eMOTIVe (which was released on the day we failed as Americans by electing George W Bush for a 2nd term).  WTF!?  Anyway, sorry for my personal injection… here is their oeuvre to peruse if you are unfamiliar:

Their last full-length studio album (the aforementioned eMOTIVe) also showed less songwriting and way more covers… Lennon, Costello, Marvin Gaye, Zeppelin, Devo, Black Flag, Joni Mitchell, Depeche Mode, and more.  Its political nature was maybe a last “rock the vote” push in the 2004 Presidential election?  Well, the peace and war and political conflict from 2004 is still here in 2011.  It’s different, but alas it’s still here.  I think that album is still very relevant… while APC plans on releasing some new material in the near future (digital format initially), the first thing I noticed when I showed up at the Schnitzer on Wednesday night was their stage setup: camouflage curtains, ammo boxes, and military-like gear littered the stage.

This was their first show of the six-week tour… Was the show going to be a musical battle-zone?  Maynard has been quite theatrical with his live shows lately (see my Puscifer Nov ’09 review links below), but APC tends to be a different beast… Maynard in Puscifer is the outgoing one, in APC is a bit reserved, and in Tool is many times cloaked and hidden for 75% of the show.

Before digging into APC’s set, the opener…

The opener was a Japanese noise-pop hardrock trio Red Bacteria Vacuum.  The reviews I’ve read have really dissed them.  I’m a fan of this type of thing (poppy Tsu Shi Ma Me Re & noisy Melt Banana); so I dug them plenty.  Plus they were cute a button when exchanging words with the crowd… “please… to… eat you.”  Nice 30-minute sugar punk from Japan.  I didn’t have my photo pass issue sorted out for their set.  Photo above courtesy of Meats Meier.

Well, the 90 minute set from A Perfect Circle seemed less like a battle zone than the stage lead us to believe.  Not as much energy as the props suggested (a generally more subdued Maynard sticking to his perch, etc).  As far as song selection, they played a decent mix of their originals material, but the night was really heavy on the covers.  While I like their “making the song theirs” in the approach, I was hoping for more of the rawness and angst from their original tunes…

Setlist: 90 minutes

  • Annihilation [Crucifix] (false start)
  • Imagine [John Lennon]
  • Weak and Powerless
  • The Hollow
  • What’s Going On [Marvin Gaye]
  • People Are People [Depeche Mode]
  • The Outsider (lyric flub)
  • (What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love and Understanding? [Nick Lowe/Elvis Costello]
  • When The Levee Breaks [Led Zeppelin]
  • The Noose
  • 3 Libras (All Main Courses Mix)
  • Gravity
  • Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie [Black Flag]
  • Orestes
  • Passive
  • Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums
  • The Fiddle and the Drum [Joni Mitchell]
  • By and Down [new song]
    No encore

I was hoping for “Judith” and perhaps the Failure cover “The Nurse Who Loved Me,” but it was still a highly enjoyable night.  While there were a few flubs, it was their first tour date in a while, and they pulled off quite an entertaining show.  Maynard explained, “I’m closer to 50 than 40” in an attempt to get some forgiveness.  The band didn’t talk much, outside of a few brief apologies from Maynard and the band introductions.  The band was Maynard on vocals, guitarist/co-founder Billy Howerdel, guitarist/keyboardist James Iha, bassist Matt McJunkins, and drummer Jeff Friedl (filling in for Josh Freese who is currently out with Weezer).

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of Maynard’s bands.  This year promises some new music & tour from Puscifer, some new music from A Perfect Circle, and potentially some Tool (they’ve been in a writing phase, but they take longer).  If APC is hitting your next of the woods, do your damndest to make it out to the show…

more photos below

The Appropriate Linkage:

Check out more tour dates below.

Next show for me… Portland Cello Project at Alton Baker Park / Art & the Vineyard on 7/4.

~Dan – np: Klezmerson – Siete

A PERFECT CIRCLE PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2011 Daniel Temmesfeld / Pacificlectic,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution

(click for larger)

APC 2011 Tour Dates

  • May 22 – Columbus, OH @ Rock on the Range
  • June 29 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
  • June 30 – Kent, WA @ Showare Center
  • July 2 – Gibbons, AL @ Boonstock Festival
  • July 4 – Winnipeg, MB @ Centennial Concert Hall
  • July 6 – St. Paul, MN @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium
  • July 8 – Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
  • July 9 – Toronto, ON @ Edgefest
  • July 12 – Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavilion
  • July 13 – New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
  • July 15 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
  • July 16 – Philadelphia, PA @ Penn’s Landing – Festival Pier
  • July 17 – Washington, DC @ Constitution Hall
  • July 19 – Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre
  • July 20 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
  • July 22 – San Antonio, TX @ Freeman Coliseum
  • July 23 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Verizon Theatre
  • July 25 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre
  • July 28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Gibson Amphitheater
  • July 29 – Sacramento, CA @ Memorial Auditorium
  • July 30 – Berkeley, CA @ The Greek Theatre
  • August 1 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kingsbury Hall
  • August 2 – Denver, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
  • August 8 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbent
  • August 9 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
  • August 10 – Wallingford, CT @ Oakdale Theatre

Radiohead – Caribou/Jacques Greene Remixes

1st Jul 11 (Fri) Leave a comment

The first in a series of Radiohead remixes on 12″ vinyl will be released on Monday 4th July (or Tuesday in the US & Canada).  The series kicks off with Caribou remixing “Little by Little,” and a remix of “Lotus Flower” by Jacques Greene.

You can find the vinyl in your local independent record shop, but if not, you can buy by mailorder here from the 4th. If you don’t have a record player, digital versions will be available here, here, here and here. Or you can just listen to them here at Radiohead.com.

More 12″ remixes will be released every couple of weeks over the summer until we run out of remixes… or summer. On the next one they’ve got Nathan Fake (Morning Mr Magpie) and Mark Pritchard (Bloom).

~Dan – np: Pet Bottle NingenPet Bottle Ningen

APC setlist (6/29/11)

29th Jun 11 (Wed) 5 comments

Brief post with A Perfect Circle’s setlist from tonight (Portland, OR, 6/29/2011 @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall).  Any help on the two missing songs, let me know… my photos and longform review to be posted by the weekend

UPDATE 7/1: review & photos posted HERE.

Setlist: 90 minutes

  • Annihilation [Crucifix] (false start)
  • Imagine [John Lennon]
  • Weak and Powerless
  • The Hollow
  • What’s Going On [Marvin Gaye]
  • People Are People [Depeche Mode]
  • The Outsider (lyric flub)
  • (What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love and Understanding? [Elvis Costello]
  • When The Levee Breaks [Led Zeppelin]
  • The Noose
  • 3 Libras (Remix)
  • Gravity
  • Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie [Black Flag]
  • Orestes
  • Passive
  • Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums
  • The Fiddle and the Drum [Joni Mitchell]
  • By and Down [new song]
    No encore

Nellie McKay – New Video & Touring behind her musical ‘I Want to Live!’

28th Jun 11 (Tue) Leave a comment

I Want to Live! a musical death row revue, conjures the life story of “a woman of dubious moral standards…often a guest in seedy bars…”

“Inspired by the 1958 movie of the same name, I Want to Live! combines Nellie McKay’s virtually unlimited gifts as a singer, songwriter, actress, pianist, ukulele player, mimic, satirist and comedian into a show that is much deeper than its surface might suggest,” writes Stephen Holden for The New York Times.   “In the most lighthearted way they evoke a heartless environment of social injustice in which people who fall through the cracks are invisible to everyone else.”

“Pretty darned unique,” adds Michael Musto of the Village Voice.

Nellie McKay – “I Want to Live!” limited tour (so far)
June 30, 2011 – New York, NY / Joe’s Pub
July 9, 2011 – Los Angeles, CA / Catalina Jazz Club
July 10, 2011 – San Diego, CA / Anthology
July 14, 2011 – San Francisco, CA / Yoshi’s

I Want to Live! promo

Beneath the Underdog
(music video from Home Sweet Mobile Home)

~Dan – np: A Perfect CircleeMOTIVe

Steven Wilson solo album cover art (video reveal)

24th Jun 11 (Fri) Leave a comment

I suppose so no one can easily steal the jpeg image?  Anyway, here’s the “cover art video trailer reveal” for Steven Wilson’s upcoming Grace for Drowning album, due out in September.

For more about the album, I did a “here’s all the info we know thus far” recap a few weeks ago.

~Dan – np: Weird Al YankovicALpocalypse

Coldplay – Every Tearderp Is A Waterderp

23rd Jun 11 (Thu) Leave a comment

British knockoff rock act Coldplay have announced an Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall digital EP, featuring two more brand new tracks “Major Minus” and “Moving To Mars.”

The digital EP comes out Sunday (6/26).  It also comes out on CD and 7″ vinyl on Monday (UK) and Tuesday (US).  The title track is already available (see Amazon for sound sample).

If Chris Martin releases a video of him dancing by himself in an alley, well… you know where he got the idea.

Sorry, I hate to be negative (or do I?).  I just have very little patience for Coldplay.

~Dan – np: Basya SchechterQueen’s Dominion

Kaki King on the Les Paul Google doodle

23rd Jun 11 (Thu) Leave a comment

Did you miss the Les Paul 96th birthday celebration Google doodle from June 9th?  Well, check it out, play something, record it…

…and then compare what you did with the three that guitar phenom Kaki King did for Brazil’s MTV Hive:

Further proof that this is one of the best Google doodles conceived thus far.

~Dan – np: Saviour MachineSaviour Machine II

dredg “Upon Returning” video

12th Jun 11 (Sun) 2 comments

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 RhinocérosLes Rhinocéros

Steven Wilson – Grace for Drowning (2011)

9th Jun 11 (Thu) 1 comment

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 ZeroVilla Elaine

Secret Chiefs 3 – 2011 North American Tour (wave 1)

8th Jun 11 (Wed) Leave a comment

Posted this morningSecret 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 PeppersStadium Arcadium

REVIEW: U2 & Lenny Kravitz @ Qwest Field (Seattle, WA – 6/4/11)

5th Jun 11 (Sun) 5 comments

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:

Check out more tour dates below.  #U2360SEA

~Dan – np: Rage Against the MachineEvil 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!

4th Jun 11 (Sat) Leave a comment

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: PuyaUnion

#U2360SEA