Archive | October, 2012

Now Playing: Youngblood Hawke – “Stars (Hold On)”

30 Oct

If you are a friend of mine or read this blog you know I am a big fan of Youngblood Hawke so as these kids keep blowing up, the posts will continue. Check out the below, new video for “Stars (Hold On)” of their self titled EP and follow-up to the contagious “We Come Running.”


Cool other YBH item, they are part of an insane FIFA ’13 soundtrack.

Advertisement

My New Music: Bruno Mars – “Locked Out Of Heaven” and my two observations

29 Oct

I’m a Bruno Mars fan, I really am.  If you’ve seen him live you know what kind of entertainer he is and how talented his band is as well.  I’m looking forward to his new album dropping this winter and digging his first single “Locked Out Of Heaven” but a couple observations.  When I listen I hear two distinct things besides his vocals; the first that he had to have gotten inspiration for the beat from The Police and second is that he took a sample from Foster The People’s own remix/updated intro for “Pumped Up Kicks” (if you don’t believe me, listen here and fast forward to the 1:40 mark).  I’ll still listen to the track and it’s most likely going to make it onto the next playlist.  And if you haven’t heard the song yet, check it out below.

Five For Friday: Rolling Stones, The Lumineers, Bob Dylan, Gary Clark Jr. and Ghost Beach

26 Oct

TGIF!  Back with a new Five For Friday to get you through the weekend.

  1. If you didn’t see it yesterday, check out my post about the Rolling Stones surprise show in Paris yesterday where fans got to snag tickets for $20.  Oh what I would have done to see that show!  Fingers crossed I can find a way to get tickets for the shows in Jersey in December.
  2. Did you catch The Lumineers on Letterman earlier this week?  Rolling Stone said the band “shined” but as much as I love the band, I have to say I was disappointed.  Didn’t like the sound on this one.
  3. This weekend I get to see Bob Dylan in concert.  Been quite a while since my last Dylan show and perhaps this may be the last.  Either way, should be interesting and I’m going to relish every second of it.
  4. Gary Clark Jr.’s album Blak and Blu is awesome and you all need to listen to it pronto.
  5. Fall is in full swing but you don’t have to be.  Here’s a song to brighten up your day from Ghost Beach – “Miracle” Viceroy remix.

     

Rolling Stones Play Surprise Gig in Paris for $20

25 Oct

Wow, to have been in Paris tonight where the Rolling Stones performed a gig for $20!  Check out this story from Reuters.

 

Top News
Rolling Stones play $20 surprise gig in Paris
Thu, Oct 25 18:22 PM EDT
image

By Dominique Vidalon and Johnny Cotton

PARIS (Reuters) – The Rolling Stones performed an energetic warm-up gig in Paris on Thursday for a few hundred fans after announcing on Twitter that tickets would go on sale for 15 euros ($19.45) just hours in advance.

“I can’t believe we’re all still standing up, you’d think by now one or two of us would be sitting down, but we’re not,” lead singer Mick Jagger, 69, told fans at the Trabendo, a 700-capacity venue in northern Paris, during the 75 minute surprise show.

Fans said the small space created an optimal setting for the show which kicked off with “Route 66” and ended with “Brown Sugar”.

“We were right next to them, we could see them perfectly,” said one French fan who gave his name as Gianni. “It was a very small room and they were running all over the stage…they seemed really happy.”

Some got an additional perk after the show, as Jagger signed autographs before being whisked away in a black Mercedes sedan.

Earlier this month, the band announced they would perform four concerts at large arenas – two in London and two near New York – to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Their last world tour ended in 2007.

But fans have complained about high ticket prices, which range from 95 pounds ($150) to as much as 950 pounds for a “VIP hospitality” seat. Tickets have been offered online for several thousands pounds each, British media has reported.

The Paris music scene has been awash with rumours that the Stones will also play to bankers invited by Paris-based investment house Carmignac Gestion at a theatre in the heart of Paris on Monday.

In recent years, Carmignac has recruited former Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed and British rocker Rod Stewart to play similar gigs, usually to an exclusive audience.

Carmignac sent out mystery invitations giving the date and location of what it called “the biggest secret event of the year” without identifying the performer. The investment house has declined to comment.

On Thursday, the band banned mobile phones, cameras, video equipment and recording devices from those going into the gig.

Some fans drove to Paris from as far away as Germany.

Sebastian Baaske said he set off in his car from Hanover, Germany on Wednesday afternoon in hopes of securing a ticket.

“My girlfriend said I’d regret it if I didn’t… It’s all worth it,” the 35-year-old Baaske said.

The Rolling Stones will play the O2 Arena in the British capital on November 25 and 29 before crossing the Atlantic to perform at the Prudential Center, Newark, on December 13 and 15.

New Music: Gary Clark Jr. – Blak and Blu

23 Oct

A name with a suffix: Gary Clark Jr.

Who? C’mon you all know this guitar wiz from Austin, Texas.

What?  The MUCH anticipated first major studio album, Blak & Blu has finally arrived.

Why you should listen? Because this is just an incredible album of rock and soul music with sweet guitar licks, moving vocals and a sound that the music biz has been longing for.

A reason you’ll be excited?  If you are a music fan I’m finding it hard for you to not be excited about this album.

Why I’m excited: Having seen him a couple times live I can say this dude can flat out play and wow crowds.  There’s a reason why Eric Clapton asked him to play his Crossroads Tour a few years back and why Jay-Z had him as the only artist to perform both days of the Made In America Festival and why he was invited to the White House to play alongside BB King, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, Derrick Trucks, Warren Haynes…ok you get the point.

If you like: Rock and roll!

Final thoughts: “When My Train Pulls In,” “Travis County” and “Please Come Home” just listen to these three songs please.

Video: History revived at The Captiol

23 Oct

A slice of rock and roll history is alive and well in New York again as The Capitol has been restored and rocking once again. Check out the video HERE from CBS This Morning.

Now Playing: The Black Keys / RZA – “The Baddest Man Alive”

22 Oct

Shout out to my brother for this little gem, The Black Keys and RZA – “The Baddest Man Alive” from RZA’s The Man With The Iron Fists motion picture due out November 2 which stars Russel Crowe and Lucy Liu.

Five For Friday: @TIMFSF, Deap Vally, Kendrick Lamar and The Sheepdogs

19 Oct

Back from a disappearing act for a little bit with a Five For Friday to get your weekend kicking into drive.

  1. Last weekend I attended the Treasure Island Music Festival in San Francisco.  Wow, what an incredible and intimate venue with 15,000 of my closest friends and ridiculously amazing views of SF.  Tucked away on this little island, the music was rocking, the food was delicious and the crowd was just perfect.   Highlights for me were easily Los Campensinos!, Dirty Ghosts, The War on Drugs, Public Enemy, Hospitality, M83 and Wild Belle.  Food wise, shout out to John Fink of The Whole Beast – great to see you again and your Lamb Poutine was insane!
  2. Really digging the band Deap Vally, check out “Gonna Make My Own Money
  3. If you’re in Vegas tonight, two awesome rising acts and you should see one – Kendrick Lamar is at Hard Rock Café on The Strip (I saw him this summer at Bonnaroo and he killed it), throwback rockers The Sheepdogs are at Vinyl inside the Hard Rock Hotel (these fellas seriously are amazing).
  4. Die Antwoord released the official video for “Fatty Boom Boom.”
  5. “Its a long way to the top if you want to rock & roll.”

Playlist: Treasure Island Music Festival I’m Ready For You!

12 Oct

This weekend up in San Francisco marks the sixth installment of the Treasure Island Music Festival.  The festival which not only is in a kick ass city, also has a knack for grabbing top talent and acting as a springboard for younger bands before they break it big (I urge you to take a look at past lineups).  This year features headliners Girl Talk and The xx. As for the complete line-up:

Saturday: Girl Talk, The Presets, Porter Robinson, Public Enemy, SBTRKT, Tycho, AraabMuzik, Matthew Dear, Toro y Moi, Grimes, The Coup, K.Flay, Dirty Ghosts.

Sunday: The xx, M83, Gossip, Best Coast, Joanna Newsom, Divine Fits, Youth Lagoon, Los Campesinos!, The War On Drugs, Ty Segall, Hospitality, Imperial Teen, The Neighbourhood.

In preparation here is a little playlist for you to enjoy this weekend!

 

New Music: Clement Marfo & The Frontline – “Last Night”

10 Oct

Aww yeah.  New single from Clement Marfo & The Frontline – “Last Night.”  Been a huge fan since I first heard of him almost a year ago and hopefully everyone in the States will start to take notice and give some spins to the man from across the pond because really you need to.
Enjoy!