Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Cutest Version Of "Folsom Prison Blues" Ever

Tell me I'm wrong. Show me a cuter version. I dare you.

So Many Dynamos On KEXP

My friend Fred, a loyal KEXP listener, informed me that SMD would be playing on KEXP recently. As you know, I have much man-love for this band. Here are some videos from their in-studio appearance.


Concerts Under The Radar


It's the dog days of summer. Not much new going on out there, so I hope you forgive me, dear readers, for not checking in as often as I'd like. But these tidbits were good enough to post, and seem to be escaping STL. If one were to look west to the fair college town of Columbia, one would notice some very interesting concerts at the Blue Note:

Andrew Bird with St. Vincent on Wednesday, September 30.
And the Decemberists with Laura Veirs on Wednesday, October 7.

True, both mid-week shows. But also shows that are more than likely NOT coming to STL anytime soon, as they have already stopped by. So get on your horse and ride.

Here's the full tour schedule of the Decemberists recently announced leg. And yes, they are still playing The Hazards Of Love in it's entirety for these shows:
9/20: Flynn Theater, Burlington, VT
9/21: Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ
9/23: The Norva, Norfolk, VA
9/24: Charlottesville Pavilion, Charlottesville, VA
9/25: Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Asheville, NC
9/27: Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
9/29: St. Augustine Amphitheater, St. Augustine, FL
9/30: Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL
10/2: House of Blues, Houston, TX
10/3: Austin City Limits Festival, Austin, TX
10/4: Cain's Ballroom, Tulsa, OK
10/6: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
10/7: Ninth St. Fall Fest, Columbia, MO
10/18: Treasure Island Music Festival, San Francisco, CA

Friday, July 24, 2009

Obits: Pine On

Something to disturb for your weekend:

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Darth MC Hammer

Oh, yeah, that's funny.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Dear Def Leppard Concert-Goers

Boy, we're not getting any younger, are we? We're all a little rounder, and a lot grayer. Hate to say it, but it might be time to stop dressing like teenagers for most of us. That includes you, 50-something bandana-top-wearing chubby lady. Yeeesh.

Dear Brett Michaels: You're fun to watch, a true performer, not much on the singing, though. Good thing Rock Of Love came along, don't you think?

Dear Cheap Trick: As long as you're rocking, and Bun E. is laying down that sweet drum sound, I'll go see you. Thanks for making the new songs short.

Dear Phil Collen: Boy, you are ripped. If I looked like you, I'd never wear a shirt, either. And for that I resent you. You make all the ladies realize that their men don't have to be fat just because they're getting a little older. Because of you, I'm going to the gym today. Bastard.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Def Leppard: This Monday


I admit it: I'm looking forward to this show. Oh, my street cred drops whenever some of my past pleasures come out, but I'm not ashamed to admit my love of some good ol' hard rock. I remember when Def Leppard first came around I told my guitar teacher that if he could he should buy stock in the band, that they were going to HUGE. And they were, for quite a while.

Def Leppard, Poison, AND Cheap Trick. It's an 80's flashback! Some sniffing around has provided the researchers in the Old Skool Archive Library with an earlier set list from this tour. Looking at the list, it's easy to see why they were so popular, with hit after hit. One would assume that it will not vary much, so here's what you can tentatively expect:

01. Rocket
02. Animal
03. Let's Get Rocked
04. Foolin'

05. Mirror Mirror
06. Nine Lives
07. Love Bites
08. (Bass Solo)
09. Rock On
10. Two Steps Behind
11. Bringin' on the Heartbreak

12. Switch 625
13. Hysteria
14. Armageddon It
15. Photograph

16. Pour Some Sugar on Me
Encore:
17. Rock of Ages

And don't even get me started on Cheap Trick... Yes, this will be very good indeed...

Friday, July 17, 2009

The Life And Times: Tragic Boogie

I'm thinking about going to see The Life And Times this Saturday at the Firebird. One of my favorite bands back in the day was Shiner, from KC. Allen Epley was the singer/guitarist for that band, and TLAT. So here's hoping that the show is loud and enjoyable. At least I don't have to worry that the A/C will be working. This weather is A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

Here's the title track from their second, and latest disc, Tragic Boogie:


And some old-skool Shiner, for those of us who remember them playing some great shows at the Side Door, among other places:

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Apollo Sunshine: Today Is The Day

In honor of Apollo 11's 40th anniversary of the first manned trip to the moon. It's a bit mind-boggling to think of how big the universe is, and how little we really know about what's out there.

Farm Aid Coming To St. Louis


Well, I think this is cool news. Farm Aid will be here on October 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. While acts will be announced over the course of the next few weeks, Dave Matthews along with guitarist Tim Reynolds, Willie Nelson, and John Mellencamp are on the bill. Tickets go on sale July 25 at 10 AM at livenation.com.

Another nice feather in STL's cap, with a nice nod to the Arch in the logo.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Everything Jack White Touches Turns To Gold

Or at least some sort of semi-precious material. The new project from jack and crew (he plays drums this time out) is called The Dead Weather, and for the most part it's a solid effort, much better than most of the dregs that is out there now. The Kills' Alison Mosshart has a strong vocal presence here, sounding like a cross between whiskey, cigarettes, and carnal knowledge. The weakest song on "Horehound" is the last one, where jack sings rather half-heartedly, "Will There Be Enough Water?".

Here's the video for "Treat Me Like Your Mother":
The Dead Weather - Treat Me Like Your Mother

Friday, July 10, 2009

Tonight: The Adoring Heirs At Cicero's

This band sports a fine pedigree, and plays out tonight for the very first time. Tim O’Saben, from the bands Fragile Porcelain Mice, Ultraman, Glare of Day, and Dementia 13 plays guitar. Rob Wagoner sings and plays guitar and hails from the bands Ultraman, Snake Ranch and Bent. The group is rounded out by Jason Simpson (Ultraman) on drums and Brian Merry (Short Cut) on bass. Catch them at Cicero’s tonight, July 10. Check out some of their music on myspace. And check out the poster here.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Blitzen Trapper: Black River Killer Video

Last Year's Blitzen Trapper release was by far my favorite of the year. Even now when a song comes on from shuffle on my ipod I sing along and turn it up. There's something familiar and yet contemporary about the songs. I keep hearing 70's overtones everywhere, but no specifics. It's gotten to the point where I long for a new album, but am afraid that it won't be nearly as good, so I'm not sure. I'm torn. But until that time, here's a new video:

Franz Ferdinand: You Can't Feel It

Here's a simple fun video from the band that will open up the Green Day show. I'm looking forward to seeing these guys live, although I think they would be more effective in a smaller venue. Just my hunch, but we'll see.

Green Day: Set List And Photo


For those of us getting ready to see Green Day at the Scottrade Center next month, I give a sneak peek: The set list from opening night at Seattle's Key Arena, with a photo from the show. All courtesy of Rolling Stone. You can see more photos and read a review there. Thanks RS.

Set list:
“Song of the Century”
“21st Century Breakdown”
“Know Your Enemy”
“East Jesus Nowhere”
“Holiday”
“Static Age”
“Before the Lobotomy”
“Are We the Waiting”
“St. Jimmy”
“Geek Stink Breath”
“Hitchin’ A Ride”
“Brain stew”
“Jaded”
“Longview”
“Basket Case”
“She”
“King for a Day
(with “Shout,” “Stand By Me”)
“21 Guns”
“American Eulogy”

Encore:
“American Idiot”
“Jesus of Suburbia”
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams”
“Minority”
“Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)”

Monday, July 6, 2009

Cobra Starship: Good Girls Go Bad

Here's a fun one to start out the week. If indie rock was truly on the radio, this would be a summer pop hit. Oh, wait. Does anyone even listen to the radio any more?


Here's the tour schedule. I hear the band is good live, in a dance/hip hop indie way:
Appearing at "Fuji Rock Festival"
Sun 07/26/09 Niigata, Japan

Appearing with Katy Perry
Tue 07/28/09 New York, NY

Mon 08/03/09 Columbus, OH
Tue 08/04/09 Madison, WI
Wed 08/05/09 Minneapolis, MN
Thu 08/06/09 Lawrence, KS
Fri 08/07/09 Colorado Springs, CO
Tue 08/11/09 West Hollywood, CA
Wed 08/12/09 Tucson, AZ
Fri 08/14/09 Austin, TX
Sat 08/15/09 San Antonio, TX
Sun 08/16/09 Dallas, TX
Tue 08/18/09 Nashville, TN
Wed 08/19/09 Atlanta, GA
Fri 08/21/09 West Palm Beach, FL
Sat 08/22/09 Orlando, FL
Sun 08/23/09 Charlotte, NC
Tue 08/25/09 Richmond, VA
Wed 08/26/09 Washington, DC
Thu 08/27/09 Farmingdale, NY
Fri 08/28/09 Hartford, CT
Mon 08/31/09 Providence, RI

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Let's Wrestle: I Won't Lie To You


I love the simple visual concept for this song: balloon heads. A fun video to watch, and a winning little tune. The trio Let's Wrestle are from London and are all about 18 years old. Sounding a bit like Pavement fronted by J Mascis, they have said that they are "ultimatly trying to be as raw as possible and they try to write songs that make your soul crumble as well as making you smile, sing along and clap your hands".