Old Skool Review

Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three: Hard times Come And Go

2010-08-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

another reason to be proud of the music coming out of STL, Pokey LaFarge is the real deal. Fresh off a set at the prestigious Newport Folk Festival, here's their latest video:

Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three "Hard Times Come and Go" from Filipe Bessa on Vimeo.

And the first video from their latest album, Riverboat Soul, the song La La Blues:

Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three "La La Blues" from Filipe Bessa on Vimeo.

Here's some dates. These boys are busy spreading the word:
Today
2:00 PM Brighton, England | The Prince Albert
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
2:00 PM Topsham, England | The Globe
Thursday, August 12, 2010
2:00 PM Pulborough, England | Blue Coconut Club
Friday, August 13, 2010
2:00 PM West Ashling, England | West Ashling Village Hall
Saturday, August 14, 2010
2:00 PM Nottingham, England | The Maze
Sunday, August 15, 2010
2:00 PM Leicester, England | Summer Sundae Festival
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
2:00 PM Edinburgh, Scotland | Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s (Edinburgh Fringe Festival)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
2:00 PM Edinburgh, Scotland | Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s (Edinburgh Fringe Festival)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
2:00 PM Edinburgh, Scotland | Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s (Edinburgh Fringe Festival)
Friday, August 20, 2010
2:00 PM Findhorn, Scotland | Universal Hall Arts Centre
Saturday, August 21, 2010
2:00 PM Stornoway, Scotland | An Lanntair
Sunday, August 22, 2010
2:00 PM Inverness, Scotland | Eden Court Theatre
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
2:30 PM London, England | The Luminaire
Friday, August 27, 2010
All Day Event Tonder, Denmark | Tonder Festival
Saturday, August 28, 2010
All Day Event Tonder, Denmark | Tonder Festival
Sunday, August 29, 2010
All Day Event Tonder, Denmark | Tonder Festival
Monday, August 30, 2010
All Day Event Tonder, Denmark | Tonder Festival
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
2:00 PM Buckinghamshire, England | The Hop Pole Inn, Aylesbury
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
2:30 PM Norwich, England | Norwich Arts Centre
Thursday, September 2, 2010
2:00 PM Stirling, Scotland | The Tolbooth
Friday, September 3, 2010
2:00 PM Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England | The Jumpin Hot Club
Saturday, September 4, 2010
2:00 PM Peebles, Scotland | Eastgate Theatre
Sunday, September 5, 2010
2:00 PM Neilston, Scotland | Crofthead Hall
Monday, September 6, 2010
2:00 PM Glasgow, Scotland | Classic Grand
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
2:00 PM Kilbarchan, Scotland | The Old Library
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
2:00 PM Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland | Carnegie Hall
Friday, September 10, 2010
All Day Event Belfast, Northern Ireland | Open House Festival
Saturday, September 11, 2010
All Day Event Belfast, Northern Ireland | Open House Festival
Sunday, September 12, 2010
All Day Event Belfast, Northern Ireland | Open House Festival
Monday, September 13, 2010
2:30 PM Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Ireland | Raheen House Hotel
Thursday, September 23, 2010
8:00 PM Farmington, MO | Bauhaus Kaffee
Saturday, September 25, 2010
9:30 AM St. Louis, MO | Tower Grove Park
7:00 PM Carbondale, IL | Neighborhood Co-op & Grocery Local Harvest Picnic, Turley Park
Friday, October 8, 2010
8:00 PM St. Louis, MO | Off Broadway w/ Two Man Gentleman Band & the Hot Seats
Saturday, October 9, 2010
8:00 PM Louisville, KY | Zanzibar w/ Two Man Gentleman Band & the Hot Seats
Sunday, October 10, 2010
8:00 PM Fort Wayne, IN | Brass Rail w/ Two Man Gentleman Band & the Hot Seats
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
8:00 PM Harrisburg, PA | Der Maennerchor
Friday, October 15, 2010
7:00 PM Nazareth, PA | Christians Spring Hotel w/ Two Man Gentleman Band & the Hot Seats
Saturday, October 16, 2010
8:00 PM Brooklyn, NY | Southpaw w/ Two Man Gentleman Band & the Hot Seats
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
7:00 PM Sheperdstown, WV | The Opera House
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
8:00 PM Velvet Lounge w/ the Hot Seats
Thursday, October 21, 2010
8:00 PM Richmond, VA | The Camel w/ Two Man Gentleman Band and the Hot Seats
Saturday, October 23, 2010
8:00 PM Private Event
Sunday, October 24, 2010
8:00 PM Nashville, TN, The 5 Spot w/ Jacob Jones

WEEE! Gonads And Strife.

2010-08-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

from a time when the internets was a simpler, but just as crude, place:

Cheap Trick, Blondie, Coming To Illinois State Fair Together

2010-07-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

It's just like I was in high school in the eighties again! God bless bands that are in it for the long haul. Here's the date: Friday, August 20, Springfield Illinois. And here's some great songs to remind you of why you may want to make the short trek to see these bands.

Well, I could go on and on with Cheap Trick. But here's some Blondie:
Oh, they're on EMI Records, and EMI doesn't want you to see these videos here. They would rather have you seek them out, and watch them only in official channels. Sorry Blondie, your record company sucks.

LL Cool J Meets Kevin Rowland

2010-07-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

You may know Kevin from Dexy's Midnight Runners, and the song "Come On Eileen". Here's what happens when you add that song with "Mama Said Knock You Out":

Quite nice, I think. And here's the original source material, for all the purists out there:

Pavement: Cut Your Hair

2010-07-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

I've always been hot and cold about Pavement. Mostly cold, though.

There are times when the shambling dissonance came together to create a gem, and Cut Your Hair is one of those moments. And I had forgotten how much low-key fun this video was. In honor of their recent Pitchfork Festival appearance here it is:

The Happiest DJ In The World

2010-07-19T05:21:00.000-07:00

He indeed looks to be enjoying himself:

Jozin z Bazin polskie napisy

2010-07-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Something to get you through your Thursday:

The Summer Mix Series Has Returned

2010-06-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

Although it can sometimes feel like you are trying to get a drink from a firehose, one of the joys of summer is the return of the Summer Mix Series, from the creator of the very nice blog, Yewknee. New mixes are being added throughout every day of the summer, and there are some inspired themes. Poke around, and download some stuff you may have never heard before. Click here to unleash the torrent.

My Speakers Need To Go LOUDER

2010-06-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Because that's the only way to listen to the Dead Weather: As loud as possible. Here's the newest video:

Flaming Lips Coming To The Blue Note In Columbia

2010-06-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

September 18, 2010. Tickets go on sale Saturday, through Ticketmaster, at 1 PM. Coming to STL the Friday before?

End of transmission.

WOOGITY WOOGITY WOO HOO!

Tonight: Blitzen Trapper At Off Broadway

2010-06-21T05:29:00.000-07:00

You have two opportunities to see Blitzen Trapper tonight. The first is at Vintage Vinyl, at 6 PM, and this is your opportunity to see them for the low, low price of free! And then, later tonight, at Off Broadway, they will be playing with the Moondoggies from Seattle opening for them. Perhaps one is thinking about catching them at both places, being a BT glutton. I say I like the cut of your jib. Make it so.

Not in STL? Here are some other dates:
Mon 06/21/10
St. Louis, MO Off Broadway Nightclub
Tue 06/22/10
Kansas City, MO The Record Bar
Thu 06/24/10
Aspen, CO Belly Up Aspen

Appearing at "Telluride Wine Festival"
Sat 06/26/10
Telluride, CO Telluride Town Park

Mon 06/28/10 T
Tempe, AZ The Clubhouse Music Venue
Tue 06/29/10
Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre
Wed 06/30/10
San Francisco, CA The Fillmore

Appearing at "High Sierra Music Festival"
Thu 07/01/10
Quincy, CA Plumas County Fairgounds

Fri 07/02/10
Quincy, CA Plumas County Fairgounds

Appearing with Avi Buffalo
Fri 07/23/10
Portland, OR McMenamins Crystal Ballroom

Appearing with "Capitol Hill Block Party"
Sat 07/24/10
Seattle, WA Capitol Hill Festival Grounds

Appearing with Avi Buffalo
Tue 07/27/10
Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
Wed 07/28/10
Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall Ballroom

Appearing at "Beachland Concert Series"
Thu 07/29/10
Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom & Tavern

Appearing at "Newport Folk Festival"
Sat 07/31/10
Newport, RI Fort Adams State Park

Appearing at "Osheaga Festival"
Sun 08/01/10
Montreal, QC Parc Jean Drapeau

Appearing with Avi Buffalo
Tue 08/03/10
Toronto, ON Opera House Concert Venue
Wed 08/04/10
Detroit, MI The Majestic
Thu 08/05/10
Indianapolis, IN The Vogue

Appearing at "Lollapalooza" / Soundgarden
Sun 08/08/10
Chicago, IL Grant Park

Tue 08/10/10
Iowa City, IA Gabe's
Wed 08/11/10
Lincoln, NE Bourbon Theatre
Thu 08/12/10
Denver, CO Ogden Theatre
Thu 11/11/10
Muenster, Germany Gleis 22
Fri 11/12/10
Berlin, Germany Comet Club
Mon 11/15/10
Munich, Germany Kranhalle
Thu 11/18/10
Cologne, Germany Blue Shell

New Klaxons: Is The Music Good?

2010-06-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

With an album cover like that, who cares?

The Devo-lution Will Be Televised. On Youtube.

2010-06-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

Devo has a new Youtube 'reality' series, and it is a lot of fun:

You're going to be seeing these guys a lot here lately, I have a feeling. And that's OK with me.
See them tonight on the Colbert Report, too.

Devo On Letterman

2010-06-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it last night, here's Devo doing one from their new album Something For Everybody:

And yes, they do sound "fresh".

Now someone make sure they come to STL. Please?

Josh Ritter: The Curse

2010-06-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

One of the better new releases this year has been Josh Ritter's new album, So Runs The World Away. And now he has a nice video to accompany it, for the song The Curse.

It's your typical mummy comes to life, falls in love with a pretty archeologist. But wait! Before you say "yeah, who hasn't written a song about THAT?", please note that the video is a gem performed all by puppets! And the video was created by Josh's drummer, Liam Hurly, who is also a puppeteer. It's a great, deceptively simple video:

You can read more about the creation of the video over at NPR, where they have a nice description from Liam.

Norah Jones Covers The Kinks At Bonnaroo

2010-06-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well, this was a welcome surprise. I admit to liking the Kinks but never truly falling head over heels for them. This cover version sounds more like a lost piece of Americana, something from the Band's discography, rather than a track from an English rock act. Here's the song "Strangers", which was originally released on the album "Picture Book"

She sounds good, doesn't she? Here's the lyrics:

Where are you going I don't mind
I've killed my world and I've killed my time
So where do I go what do I see
I see many people coming after me
So where are you going to I don't mind
If I live too long I'm afraid I'll die
So I will follow you wherever you go
If your offered hand is still open to me
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two we are one
So you've been where I've just come
From the land that brings losers on
So we will share this road we walk
And mind our mouths and beware our talk
'Till peace we find tell you what I'll do
All the things I own I will share with you
If I feel tomorrow like I feel today
We'll take what we want and give the rest away
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two we are one
Holy man and holy priest
This love of life makes me weak at my knees
And when we get there make your play
'Cos soon I feel you're gonna carry us away
In a promised lie you made us believe
For many men there is so much grief
And my mind is proud but it aches with rage
And if I live too long I'm afraid I'll die
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two we are one
Strangers on this road we are on
We are not two we are one

Sage Francis: The Best Of Times

2010-06-13T08:41:00.001-07:00

Li(f)e, by Sage Francis, is a very good release that came out a couple of weeks ago. Here's a key track from the album, The Best Of Times:

Sage Francis has a handful of dates in the States before heading off to Europe. The closest he has come to St. Louis was in May, when he came to the Blue Note in Columbia. It doesn't seem like we get many of the indie rappers here, which is a shame. I'd like to check out more of these types of shows:
Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre - 6/14/10
Austin, TX - Mohawk - 6/15/10
Houston, TX - House of Blues - 6/16/10
Orlando, FL - Club at Firestone - 6/18/10
Atlanta, GA - The Loft - 6/19/10
Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle - 6/21/10
Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel - 6/22/10
Baltimore, MD - The Ottobar - 6/23/10
Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero - 6/24/10
New York, NY - Webster Hall - 6/25/10
Rap oftern gets categorized as simple-minded. It is, and can be, so much more in the right hands. I think Sage is a perfect example of a person using the musical form to get across his ideas and personality. Here's the song Got Up This Morning. As a sidenote, the video also has Buck 65 as one of his card-playing buddies, and Jolie Holland sings the female parts.

Happy Creepy Friday

2010-06-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

Trololo!

One For My Baby

2010-06-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Johnny Mercer was a classic songwriter. It's interesting to compare Fred Astaire to Dean Martin, the different takes on the song. Fred is surprisingly dark with his take, and Dean is, well, Dean. The guy ALWAYS looked like he was having fun. No breaking champagne glasses for him.

The Astaire clip has about 4 minutes of his film, superfluous for this comparison, but the best clip I could find.

I wasn't around when these songs, these versions, were released. But I still feel a pang, realizing that they are slowly slipping away. And by 'they' I mean all of these songs that were before our time. The obsession with 'what's next' at the expense of what came before is a crime.

New Video (Or Is It The Only Video?) From Don Bailey, Called American Inspiration

2010-05-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a song that I helped shoot and edit the video for. Not bad I guess, considering it was shot on a Panasonic home video camera, with an American flag, a bunch of hats, and a work light.

From the description under the video:
"America, look how far we've come..."
A protest song wrapped up in a patriotic message from Don Bailey, AKA the band BOB from Millstadt, Illinois. Don wanted to comment on today's government shenanigans, but also remind us that things aren't that bad. The hats represent a wide survey of American workers affected by a constantly changing world.

BOB's been around for a while, and they play good honest music. I wonder if they've ever played Twangfest... Here you go:

Buck 65 - The Lost Tapes DVD - Trailer

2010-05-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm a sucker for our Canadian friend, Buck 65, so I'm sure I'll spend months trying to track this DVD down before finally giving up and just ordering the damn thing. Up there's the trailer.

MC Chris Takes On Twin Peaks

2010-05-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

"This pie's so good, it's a crime".

I remember having friends over to watch this cool, messed-up show. We couldn't believe it was on TV. Before the explosion of cable shows like 'The Sopranos', when all the other shows were 'Love Baot', 'Full House', it was a kick to the head, all orchestrated by Mr. David Lynch.

And when I was looking up MC Chris, seeing what's been up with him lately, I stumbled upon this. Makes me want some pie.

Goodbye, Ronnie James Dio. 1942-2010

2010-05-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

I'll always remember you slaying the dragon at the old Keil. You were a little too short so the dragon had to stoop down to receive your sword.

Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage

2010-05-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Don't know how I got caught sleeping on this one. Looks like there is a documentary on Rush coming out in theaters in Europe, and it will screen in the States on VH1 on June 26. As Gene Simmons says in the trailer, "What kind of band is Rush? Its... RUSH."

I'll be seeing them when they come to STL, and I'm looking forward to hearing Moving Pictures in it's entirety. Here's the tour schedule (for the band. Not the movie):
Tue 06/29/10 Albuquerque, NM The Pavilion
Thu 07/01/10 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre

Appearing at "Summerfest"
Sat 07/03/10 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheater

Mon 07/05/10 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion @ Northerly Island
Wed 07/07/10 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion @ Northerly Island

Appearing at "Sarnia Bayfest"
Fri 07/09/10 Sarnia, ON Centennial Park

Appearing at "Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest"
Sun 07/11/10 Ottawa, ON Lebreton Flats Park

Tue 07/13/10 Toronto, ON Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

Appearing at "Festival D'ete de Quebec"
Thu 07/15/10 Quebec City, QC Various Venues

Sat 07/17/10 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

Mon 07/19/10 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Wed 07/21/10 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
Fri 07/23/10 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Sat 07/24/10 Wantagh, NY Nikon At Jones Beach Theater
Thu 08/05/10 Salt Lake City, UT Usana Amphitheatre
Sat 08/07/10 Auburn, WA White River Amphitheatre
Mon 08/09/10 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
Wed 08/11/10 Inglewood, CA The Forum
Fri 08/13/10 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Sat 08/14/10 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
Mon 08/16/10 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Wed 08/18/10 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Fri 08/20/10 Wichita, KS INTRUST Bank Arena
Sun 08/22/10 Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amph. St. Louis
Wed 08/25/10 Omaha, NE Qwest Center Omaha

Appearing at "Minnesota State Fair"
Fri 08/27/10 Saint Paul, MN MN State Fairgrounds

Sun 08/29/10 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena

Appearing at "The Great Allentown Fair"
Tue 08/31/10 Allentown, PA Allentown Fairgrounds

Appearing at "New York State Fair"
Thu 09/02/10 Syracuse, NY New York State Fairgrounds

Fri 09/03/10 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Tue 09/14/10 Boston, MA TD Garden
Thu 09/16/10 Pittsburgh, PA Consol Energy Center
Sat 09/18/10 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
Tue 09/21/10 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
Thu 09/23/10 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
Sat 09/25/10 The Woodlands, TX The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sun 09/26/10 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center
Wed 09/29/10 Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless Amph. At Encore Park
Fri 10/01/10 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre @ State Fairgrounds
Sat 10/02/10 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre

Friday Flashback: Love And Rockets

2010-05-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Ah, I still remember catching this on '120 Minutes' the Sunday night alternative music video show on MTV:

I also remember the Eyes tearing it up on this song, all dry ice and sweat, at Kennedy's on the Landing, with the bouncing under us.

Tonight! KDHX's Midwest Mayhem!

2010-05-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's finally here. And what a fun venue for this little mini-fest: the City Museum! If you're not from here, and if you ever come to STL, do yourself a favor and check this place out. Here's the schedule. I'm excited to see the Funky Butt Brass Band, they have been on my list forever to see.

What's Better Than A Hat? Two Hats.

2010-05-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

Here's Curtis Plum, with "More Than One Hat".

Tool Coming To Family Arena

2010-05-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 26 at the Family Arena. Oh, yes. I have my tickets.

Here's the rest of the tour dates:
2010 12 Jul SAN FRANCISCO, CA
2010 09 Jul VANCOUVER, BC
2010 07 Jul EDMONTON, AB
2010 05 Jul REGINA. SK
2010 04 Jul Winnipeg
2010 01 Jul ST. PAUL, MN
2010 26 Jun ST. CHARLES, MO
2010 25 Jun KANSAS CITY, MO
2010 23 Jun OKLAHOMA CITY, OK t
2010 22 Jun CEDAR PARK, TX
2010 20 Jun HOUSTON, TX
2010 19 Jun New Orleans, LA

New Spring Videos

2010-05-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some videos Entertainment Weekly says are vying for the summer anthem of 2010. See any that fit the bill?

Hey, Jack Johnson has hair!

AHHHH! Creepy panda clowns! Has kinda an eighties vibe to it, to my ears:

Shitty song. I hope this isn't the summer anthem:

Well, most of these songs are marginal at best. At least the Foxy Shazam guy is over the top in his presentation. I vote for "Drunk Girls". If any of these other songs become THE summer anthem of '10, we have even less taste than I gave us credit for.

The Hold Steady On Letterman

2010-05-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Did anyone catch this on Friday? Dave obviously likes this band a lot, and was really complimentary after they performed "The Weekenders" from the new release (coming out tomorrow!) "Heaven is Whenever".

There have been many comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, but if you listen to the lyrics, you might hear a bit of Warren Zevon in there. Letterman loved Zevon, so it makes sense that he would like the literate rock of the Hold Steady. Me, I'm thinking it's nice that the songs aren't as fussy and overwrought as they struck me with past albums. Things don't stray too far from the Hold Steady template, but there is a bit more directness that I like. And that's a nice guitar solo, too:

Frank's Back. And All The Bikini-Clad Ladies Want Him.

2010-05-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what happened, but after quite a few years in the margins, the Black Keys are starting to gain back some buzz. It isn't the dinosaur that's doing it. Maybe the songs are a notch better than before?

Here's some tour dates:
May 20 – Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
May 25 – Late Show with David Letterman, New York, NY
May 26 – Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, New York, NY
June 2 – The Depot, Salt Lake City, UT
June 3 – The Fillmore, Denver, CO
June 4 – The Crossroads, Kansas City, MO
June 8 – First Ave, Minneapolis, MN
June 9 – First Ave, Minneapolis, MN
June 10 – The Pagaent, St. Louis, MO
June 11 – Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN
July 27-28 – Central Park SummerStage New York, NY

New M.I.A.: Born Free

2010-04-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Guitar Wizard

2010-04-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

How did I stumble across this wonderful clip of Roy Clark absolutely shredding his acoustic guitar? And a clip of it all happening during an old Odd Couple episode?

And then I wonder what Roy thinks about his Hee-Haw days, a show I vividly remember enjoying as a kid, but not exactly putting the country 'yokels' in a great light.

The guy can play guitar, and that may have gotten eclipsed with all that extra hooey. he came to one of the casinos here in the last year or so. I should have gone.

What's Your Wu-Tang Name?

2010-04-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Click here to find out.
Mine's 'Insane Observer', bee-aytch.

Saturday: Record Store Day

2010-04-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how this day, designed to spotlight the importance and magic of the dwindling number of independent record stores that dot this vast land, does in other cities. But it's become a fun day here in the STL area. I'll be spending most of my time at Euclid Records, but Apop and Vintage also have some great stuff going on. Here's the schedule of events, with some lifting off of the wonderful A To Z RFT Blog:

Apop Records
2831 Cherokee Street
*Free beer thanks to New Belgium
*BBQ (veggie included)
*A photobooth
*Freezerburn Industries' Mr. Ben's RSD-only music zine, with a DVD of local Lepers TV footage
*Between-band DJs Jeff Hess (KDHX's Wednesday Afternoon Delight) & Jeremy Kannappell (Ghost Ice)
Performances!
1 p.m. Pretty Little Empire
1:45 p.m. SKR (SkakreKrau Radio)
2:30 p.m. Burn The Mute
3:15 p.m. .e
3:45 p.m. Bob Reuter
4:15 p.m. Egg Chef
4:45 p.m. Half Gay
5:30 p.m. Maximum Effort
6:15 p.m. Shaved Women
6:45 p.m. Strangulated Beatoffs
7:30 p.m. Glowdick

Euclid Records
601 East Lockwood
*A store-wide sale, with 10 percent off "virtually everything in the store," they say
*A sidewalk sale
Performances!
Noon: Luca Brasi
1 p.m.: 33 on the Needle
2 p.m. Adoring Heirs
3 p.m. Art Majors
4 p.m. Finn's Motel
5 p.m. Sleepy Kitty
6 p.m. Troubadour Dali
7 p.m. The Bottle Rockets

Vintage Vinyl
6610 Delmar Boulevard
In addition to the limited-edition "Don't Quit Your Day Job!" employee compilation for sale, VV will have free PBR and Monster Energy Drink.
Guest DJs:
12 p.m. Kevin Johnson (Post-Dispatch)
1 p.m. Christian Schaeffer (Riverfront Times)
2 p.m. Donnie Fandango (KPNT)
3 p.m. DJ Coreyography
4 p.m. Tom "Papa" Ray (KDHX, Vintage Vinyl)
5 p.m. Sylvester The Cat (KDHX)
6 p.m. Eric Hall (www.myspace.com/ehallstl)
7 p.m. Anacrusis (http://anacrusis.us/)

Live music under the store's marquee:

12 p.m. Felili
1 p.m. Blondiegrunt (St. Louis)
2 p.m. Kentucky Knife Fight (Edwardsville, IL)
3 p.m. Hooten Hallers (Columbia, MO)
4 p.m. Nomo (Michigan poly-rhythmic, danceable goodness)
5 p.m. Beat Street (DJ Needles, DJ Alejan, DJ G-Wiz, Da Fly D-Ex)

Slackers (various locations; check its website)
*The stores will have live performances at the following stores:
St. Charles, Missouri
12 p.m. Serapis
1 p.m. Models Need Sleep
2 p.m. Ockum's Razor
3 p.m. Building Rome
4 p.m. Jailbox
5 p.m. Spelling Bee
7 p.m. Steve Ewing (of the Urge)
8 p.m. Aaron Mansfield

Glen Carbon, Illinois
5 p.m. Descending New Angels
6 p.m. The New Translation
7 p.m. Super Fun Yeah Yeah Rocketship

Columbia, Missouri
1 p.m. the Hanukkah Jones Band
5 p.m. Nonreturner
7 p.m. Steven Carrel & The Goldbugs
8 p.m. Warantula

P.S. As a special preview, go to the Marketing28 web site to see the artwork I designed for the new CD by The Adoring Heirs! They'll be selling a limited number of CDs at Euclid, as they get ready to have a mass pressing in the near future!

The Return Of BOB

2010-04-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I should put this one in the work blog, or the music blog. here's a poster that was done by my marketing company, Marketing28. Thanks to Wil Mowrey, intern extraordinaire for his design on this one. Bob is a band that has been around for a while, and will be back at Cicero's on May 1 opening for my brother's band, The Adoring Heirs. See you there.

Do It For Frank.

2010-04-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

Atoms For Peace Look Like They May Be OK!

2010-04-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

Mauro Refosco.
Joey Waronker.
Nigel Godrich.
Flea.
Thom Yorke.

"Supergroup." Feh. Most of these highly touted groups can not compare to the original source bands. But there are exceptions, and this may be one of them.

Here's a fan-shot video of their song "Cymbal Rush". After watching, or hearing about, Radiohead's DVD "Meeting People Is Easy", where Thom especially seemed morose the entire time, it's a joy to see him enjoying himself. Hell, he's even shimmying across the stage, shaking that skinny English ass.

I'm looking forward to hearing the forthcoming release, and an opportunity to see the group live?

Supergrass Breaks Up

2010-04-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yet another highly touted British band that never seemed to take off in the States, Supergrass have called it quits after nearly two decades. It's unfortunate, but it gives me an opportunity to share with you two songs that have been dear to my heart from their debut release, I Should Coco. First up are some versions of their first single, "Caught By The Fuzz". I'd play you the official video, but those dicks at the record company won't let me. Hey, dicks, maybe if you would have let bloggers share videos of Supergrass, they would have had more success. Anyhoo, here's a live version, and an acoustic one. The official version can be found here.

Their big single was "Alright", from the same album, and it's another good one. This one comes from the Youtube Underground Railroad, I can't believe that embedding was not disabled. The video's a bit too much like the Monkees with either a young Mick Jagger or that guy from Flight of the Conchords singing, but it's still a good one:

I wish I could say with great conviction that I'll miss the band, but they have always been like a fly trapped in amber for me, with these two songs always sounding punky pop fresh. And after that, nothing seemed to stick. Still, two songs more than either you or I will ever have. So thanks for that, Supergrass.

I'm Surprised Her Fingers Didn't Start Smoking. Or Crack Off From The Sheer Force And Speed.

2010-04-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a version of "I've Got Rhythm" that you have never heard before. And I doubt anyone could duplicate it. Listen to the whole thing. About 3 minutes in things go off the path and into some amazing/startling playing:

Monday Morning Blues

2010-04-12T05:14:00.000-07:00

Let's get this Monday going the way most folks feel, with Howling Wolf singing the blues. Specifically, 'How Many Years', a great live track from 1966. Sing it, man::

A Night Out With Doctor Atomic

2010-04-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

Last night I took Mrs. Old Skool for a night on the town to listen to the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, and experienced quite a musical treat.

The evening started with a recognition of a local music teacher and a quick piece played by her third grade violin students See photo). I can't imagine being that young, standing there on the stage of Powell Hall, with a practically full house to play to. What a surreal experience that must have been for them, and they sounded great.

So, sorry, I'm going to sidebar here. The story has application to the Symphony performance, so we'll circle back to that soon. A few years ago I saw the Flaming Lips for the first time. It was in a tent, at SXSW, and I was about three feet from them. It was the first night of the festival, and little did I know how that performance would be the best of the nearly 5 days and nights of musical gluttony. It was a great experience, but we had peaked way too soon, still disoriented from landing on somewhat foreign soil, priming ourselves for a barrage of BBQ and Lonestars, not realizing that we were about to be blown completely away in a matter of hours, instead of days.

And so it happened when i heard the first piece of the night, 'Rapture' by Christopher Rouse. The best musical experience is when you know nothing about an artist, and you get completely blindsided with something you never expected to be so good. And man, I like me some 'Rapture'. Starting out sounding like Sigur Ros, and changing into a kaleidoscope of a joyous lost movie soundtrack, with some driving percussion, that was a complete surprise.

The next two pieces were enjoyable, but I was still thinking about 'Rapture', to tell you the truth.

The final featured piece, John Adams 'Doctor Atomic' symphony, was last on the bill, and the piece has somewhat become synonymous with the orchestra. They hosted the American debut of the final piece in 2008, and the composer dedicated it to conductor David Robertson. And the weekend concerts were warm-up as the symphony loads up the Econoline van and takes these pieces on a California tour. It's a modern piece without being a dissonant dose of 'it's good for you' medicine. The flow tells the story of the first testing of the atomic bomb and is lyrical enough for even this classical novice to follow along with.

The whole night was also part of the Saint Louis Symphony 'blogger night', bringing together disparate musical tastes and giving us the privilege to experience world-class music, to expand our range a bit. It's a great way for them to reach out and remind us that there are many forms of great music out there, and any one of us is welcome to join them.

Cindy Und Bert Cover Der Black Sabbath

2010-04-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

Und it is funny. What's up with the little dog?

My Favorite Monsters Of Folk Song: "Dear God"

2010-03-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

I love this meditation on faith, with its questions and affirmations. Conflicted and very human. And the video, directed by Laurie Faggioni, has that home-made cosmic feel to match.

Blitzen Trapper Coming To Off Broadway In June

2010-03-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I may have to see if I can just live at Off Broadway this june. or maybe they will allow me to do odd jobs around the place to help pay for all the shows I'll be seeing there?

You'll first find me there on June 15, to see Mumford & Sons. I've already posted about them here, but you can also read about them on Paste's site, if you want to find out more about this up-and-coming band.

And then, six days later I will be back to see Blitzen Trapper, on Monday, june 21. I can not resist. The last time they were in town, November of 2008, I caught them at Vintage Vinyl, before they played an opening slot for Stephen Malkmus at the Pageant, and wished I could have caught them later, but commitments called. They were wonderful, even in the low-key record store setting. Their new album will be out on June 8 on Sub Pop, and you can download a free MP3 by going to their official site.

And then another six days later, just long enough time to re-charge the mind and wallet, I will be back to see Black Joe Lewis on Sunday, the 27th.

I eagerly await who I should be seeing there on July 3, six days after that concert. I'm thinking it will be good, no matter who is there...

A Remembrance Of Alex Chilton

2010-03-25T15:09:00.001-07:00

By now most of us are aware that Alex Chilton passed away recently. I didn't post anything about it, I'm not well-versed in his life, or music to add anything that others have already said. He certainly was an icon in the indie world, although most people on the street probably didn't recognize the name.

I came across this short eulogy given by Tennessee representative Steve Cohen and thought it was a fairly eloquent send-off to the man, and wanted to share it with you:

Which Acts Had The Biggest Buzz At SXSW?

2010-03-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

Before I get into this, it is important to note that "biggest buzz" does not always indicate "best act", but it is a good way to check out what may be some Next Big Thing. The first information shared here indicates who had the biggest spike in social media buzz during the fest: Fang Island.
And here's the top ten:
1). Fang Island
2). Neon Trees
3). XV
4). Oddisee
5). Jonna Lee
6). Matthew Mayfield
7). Evergreen Terrace
8). The Antlers
9). Phantogram
10). GZA

And the band that had the most fans overall, the number one act is NeverShoutNever, an indie/emo act with a new album out, and a pretty good video. Here's the top ten from this group:
1). NeverShoutNever
2). The xx
3). Wale
4). Broken Bells
5). Sum 41
6). Blair
7). The Temper Trap
8). Miike Snow
9). Local Natives
10). We are Scientists

Yoy can read more about the social media buzz here, if you are interested.

Black Cab Sessions: Laura Marling At SXSW

2010-03-24T05:28:00.000-07:00

I'm posting this for two very good reasons:
1. It's a good song, especially if you let her get warmed up and a little into the song. Her voice becomes stronger and clearer each minute.
2. It was fun to see glimpses of Austin in the background, and made me a bit wistful. Too bad they didn't try to drive down 6th or Red River. But I'm sure those streets were closed off, full of reveling pedestrians.

The song, Rambling Man, is from her upcoming release I Speak Because I Can:

laura marling from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.

Holy Cow! HUM Are Coming To STL!!!!!!

2010-03-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

Click here for all the info! Old Rock House! Saturday! May 22! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES ! (I'm excited).

Dave Grohl Really Really Likes Coffee

2010-03-15T14:31:00.001-07:00

FRESH POT!
Thanks to Mark for the tip. Here's the proof:

I Can Not resist: Lady Gaga Video: Telephone

2010-03-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

This is by far the strangest mainstream video I have seen. Say what you will about Gaga, but she has a unique vision to what she does, and it is all on display in this video:

Part Tarantino, part bad prison movie, this is all strange. And did you notice all the product placements? And how do you get the smoking cigarette sunglasses?

Free Music Sunday

2010-03-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord, here's some links to free music:
Urban Outfitters will be at SXSW and has a twenty-five song sampler of the bands that will be playing at their day parties here.

NPR will also be at SXSW, and they have a free sampler of the bands they will be showcasing there.

Now, go start downloading, and enjoy!

Of Montreal, Yo Gabba Gabba Help You Feel Better

2010-03-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

Of Montreal stopped by kids show Yo Gabba Gabba to perform "Bananas Rice Applesauce Toast", telling kids how they can feel better if they are sick. Here they are now!

And here's Anthony Bourdain as a doctor, to add to the craziness:

SXSW, SXSW, SXSW: BAH HUMBUG!

2010-03-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

Dear South By Southwest, I don't hate you; really I don't. It's just that we won't be seeing each other this year, and, well, it's bumming me out. Remember all the good times we've had together? The beautiful weather, wonderful BBQ, and the music? Sweet sweet music wherever I went, bands that came to the States just for this, never to be seen again (Hi Scroobius Pip!) playing their hearts out.

I promise you that I'll try to see you next year.

Dear Reader, are you going to see the lovely SXSW this year? Well, I don't hate you either. But I do feel like kicking you in the nuts just to make me feel better. I'm just kidding! Here are some day party posters, all gathered up for you. Some have great design, some not so much. But there sure is a lot of bands there. And it's the tip of the iceberg.

Who knows, maybe I'll even plan out a fake itinerary, just to torture myself. Have fun out there, and remember to drink plenty of water, and don't throw your pepperonis on the street on Red River. It's gross when you realize what the stains are/what you are walking in...

Mumford and Sons On Letterman

2010-03-07T09:23:00.001-08:00

I had been hearing rumblings of this band, but until recently had no music to connect them with. They sound pretty good:

They'll be coming to St. Louis on June 15, a Tuesday, at Off Broadway. Might be worth checking out.

Here's more North American dates:
Thu 05/13/10
Montreal, QC Just For Laughs Cabaret
Fri 05/14/10
Cambridge, MA Middle East Downstairs
Sun 05/16/10
Philadelphia, PA Theatre Of The Living Arts
Tue 05/18/10
New York, NY Webster Hall
Thu 05/20/10
Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Fri 05/21/10
Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
Sat 05/22/10
Columbus, OH Wexner Center For The Arts
Mon 05/24/10
Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall
Tue 05/25/10
Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theater

Appearing at "Sasquatch! Music Festival"
Sat 05/29/10
Quincy, WA Gorge Amphitheatre

Sun 05/30/10
Vancouver, BC 560 Club
Mon 05/31/10
Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
Wed 06/02/10
San Francisco, CA Slim's
Thu 06/03/10
San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
Fri 06/04/10
Los Angeles, CA Music Box @ Fonda
Mon 06/07/10
Phoenix, AZ The Rhythm Room
Wed 06/09/10
Austin, TX Antone's
Thu 06/10/10
Dallas, TX House Of Blues

Appearing at "Bonnaroo Music Festival"
Sat 06/12/10
Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music Festival

Mon 06/14/10
Bloomington, IN Bluebird Nightclub
Tue 06/15/10
St. Louis, MO Off Broadway Nightclub
Wed 06/16/10
Kansas City, MO The Record Bar

Black Joe Lewis Postpones Off Broadway Show

2010-03-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it is a bummer, but due to a death of one of the band's family members, the Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears show that was scheduled for Saturday was postponed until June. Toronto, Columbus, Chicage, and Lawrence, KS shows are also postponed.

Jeff, you have more time to recover from your surgery. If you are not better by June, then there is something really wrong with you.

Here they are performing on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson to hold us over:

My Friday Gift To You

2010-02-26T13:47:00.000-08:00

Because I love you so:

Did Anyone Even Know That Roger Taylor Had Put Out A Single?

2010-02-24T15:48:00.000-08:00

That it came out last November? And that it is better than anything on that absolute crap Queen + Paul Rogers travesty? Huh.

What's that? Hearing him makes you want to hear some old Queen? And whatever I do, don't show any of that Paul rogers sh*t? Ah, I like you; you have good taste. For you then:

There you go, my lovelies. All for you.

Them Crooked Vultures: New Fang

2010-02-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

Dave Grohl, you play those drums and I will watch. XXOOXX

Darn Tootin' I'd Go To This One

2010-02-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

If all the dates weren't so dingdang far away:

Alice Cooper & Rob Zombie Tour!
It's a bill that fans of horror and hard rock could only dream of until now: For the first time ever, the "gruesome twosome" — ALICE COOPERand ROB ZOMBIE — will play an exclusive limited run of North American tour dates beginning April 26 at the MTS Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Rob Zombie commented, "The dream or nightmare comes true! Me and The Coop have been talking about touring together for about 15 years and finally the moment is here. This will be without a doubt a rock 'n' roll spooktacular for all the cool ghouls."

Alice Cooper added, "I'm looking forward to these concerts with Rob. It's sort of like Dracula vs. Frankenstein, we're like this generation’s classic monsters. When we're not onstage frightening audiences, we'll be backstage trying to scare each other."

ROB ZOMBIE/ALICE COOPER - "The Gruesome Twosome Tour"dates:

Apr. 26 - Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre
Apr. 27 - Saskatoon, SK - Credit Union
Apr. 28 - Edmonton, AB- Rexall Place
Apr. 29 - Calgary, AB - Corral
May 01 - Vancouver, BC - Pacific Coliseum
May 02 - Kennewick, WA - Toyota Center
May 04 - Casper, WY - Casper Events Center

Tickets go on sale February 23.

Word.

2010-02-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

See more funny videos and Music Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Kyle Gass Of Tenacious D Coming To The Firebird

2010-02-10T15:17:00.001-08:00

Trainwreck, Kyle's other band, will be at the Firebird on Tuesday March 16. And our own Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship is opening! You can go here to listen to some songs, like Brodeo, and El Mustachio, both from the debut "The Wreckoning".

Paul Simon: Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes

2010-02-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

Filmed in Zimbabwe in 1987, this looks and sounds like everyone was making a joyful noise. A great way to start the weekend:

Makes me smile. I hope your weekend is full of smiles, too.

Rapid Record Review: Vampire Weekend, Contra

2010-02-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

Paul Simon's Graceland, 2010.

The Dead Weather Prep New Album, Bad Company's Paul Rodgers To Sing

2010-02-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

NO NO NO N-- oh, hell, I'm just kidding. Jack White has more taste than that.

They are working on a new album, and they are touring. The St. Louis date is April 24 at the Pageant. Here's the whole tour date list-o-matic:
03-17 Auckland, New Zealand - Logan Campbell Centre
03-19 Melbourne, Australia - Forum Theatre
03-23 Brisbane, Australia - Tivoli
03-26 Sydney, Australia - Enmore Theatre
03-29 Perth, Australia - Metro City
03-31 Tokyo, Japan - Zepp
04-15 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
04-17 Indio, CA - Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
04-18 Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl Concert Theater
04-20 Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
04-22 Tulsa, OK - Cain's Ballroom
04-23 Bonner Springs, KS - Sandstone *
04-24 St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
04-26 Lake Buena Vista, FL - House of Blues
04-27 Birmingham, AL - WorkPlay Soundstage
04-28 Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall
04-30 Austin, TX - Stubb's Waller Creek Ampitheater
05-01 Houston, TX - House of Blues
05-02 New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Meanwhile, Meg White is planning a nice garden for the spring, maybe some Burpee tomatoes, and a little strawberry patch...

Happy Birthday, Alice Cooper

2010-02-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

I love you.

Aerosmith Is Thinking About Replacing Steven Tyler With Paul Rodgers

2010-02-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO DID YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO QUEEN?NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO EFFING NO!

Happy Birthday, Tommy Ramone

2010-01-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

In honor of your birthday, and a full moon Friday, here's "I Wanna Be Sedated":

And here are the Ramones in 1977 at CBGBs:

Blue Oyster Cult: tonight, At The Casino Queen

2010-01-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I waited too long. Couldn't get any interested parties to join me, and when I finally talked the lovely Mrs. Old Skool into going, this show was sold out. The Casino Queen's Club Sevens room is a fairly small, intimate room, so if you are going, this should be a treat.

I've seen the band a number of times, although admittedly not in the last decade or so. They still have key members/songwriters Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma, though, so methinks the band shall still sound great. I always thought they were one of those bands that were misunderstood as a metal band. They really play melodic classic rock.

They'll be back in STL for RibFest on May 31, with Foghat (How that is even a band anymore is beyond me. Lonesome Dave and Rod Price passed in the last few years. Beware.)

Here's some videos to start the weekend. Great facial hair:

Happy Birthday, Mike Patton

2010-01-27T13:49:00.001-08:00

I got you a present: Footage from your 1997 show at one of my first true loves, Mississippi Nights. I hope you like it.

Thanks for scaring the old people when I saw you open up for Robert Plant at the Fabulous Fox, too. I owe ya one.
And here they are all reunited and stuff last year. Hey Scotty, someone stole your megaphone. Slightly bigger crowd at this one, too.

Dave Matthews Announces Summer Tour

2010-01-27T13:37:00.000-08:00

I know what you're thinking, Professor: Who the flip cares? (or something like that, but with more colorful, sailorly language)

Well, are you still with me? Now I'm going to show the schedule, and the opening acts. Stay with me just a little longer, please:

DATE CITY VENUE SUPPORT
05/28 HARTFORD, CT Comcast Theatre Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
05/29 HARTFORD, CT Comcast Theatre Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
06/01 TORONTO, ONTARIO Molson Amphitheatre The Felice Brothers
06/02 DARIEN CENTER, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center The Felice Brothers
06/04 SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center The Felice Brothers
06/05 SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center The Felice Brothers
06/07 MANSFIELD, MA Comcast Center Yonder Mountain String Band
06/08 MANSFIELD, MA Comcast Center Yonder Mountain String Band
06/15 CINCINNATI, OH Riverbend Music Center Robert Earl Keen
06/16 MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Robert Earl Keen
06/18 NOBLESVILLE, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center Robert Earl Keen
06/19 NOBLESVILLE, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center Robert Earl Keen
06/22 COLUMBUS, OH Huntington Park Robert Earl Keen
06/23 CLARKSTON, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre Martin Sexton
06/25 CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH Blossom Music Center Martin Sexton
06/30 CAMDEN, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center Martin Sexton
07/01 CAMDEN, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center Martin Sexton
07/03 EAST TROY, WI Alpine Valley Music Theatre Zac Brown Band
07/04 EAST TROY, WI Alpine Valley Music Theatre Zac Brown Band
07/09 HERSHEY, PA Hersheypark Stadium Zac Brown Band
07/10 PITTSBURGH, PA PNC Park *VIP Packages Available Zac Brown Band
07/13 BETHEL, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Amos Lee
07/14 SCRANTON, PA Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain Amos Lee
07/16 NEW YORK, NY Citi Field *VIP Packages Available Zac Brown Band
07/17 NEW YORK, NY Citi Field *VIP Packages Available Zac Brown Band
07/20 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA Virginia Beach Amphitheater Amos Lee
07/21 CHARLOTTE, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Charlotte Amos Lee
07/23 WASHINGTON, D.C. Nationals Park *VIP Packages Available Zac Brown Band
07/25 LOUISVILLE, KY HullabaLOU Festival Tickets On Sale Now
07/27 ATLANTA, GA Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood Gov't Mule
07/28 TAMPA, FL Ford Amphitheatre Gov't Mule
07/30 WEST PALM BEACH, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre Gov't Mule
07/31 WEST PALM BEACH, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre Gov't Mule
08/14 WICHITA, KS InTrust Bank Arena Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears
08/17 WEST VALLEY CITY, UT USANA Amphitheatre Brett Dennen
08/20 CHULA VISTA, CA Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre Brett Dennen
08/21 IRVINE, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Brett Dennen
08/23 LOS ANGELES, CA Hollywood Bowl Raphael Saadiq
08/25 CONCORD, CA Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord Raphael Saadiq
08/27 MARYSVILLE, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre Raphael Saadiq
08/28 MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre Raphael Saadiq
08/31 BOISE, ID Taco Bell Arena SUPPORT TBA
09/03 GEORGE, WA Gorge Amphitheatre Ben Harper & Relentless7
09/04 GEORGE, WA Gorge Amphitheatre Ben Harper & Relentless7
09/05 GEORGE, WA Gorge Amphitheatre Ben Harper & Relentless7
09/10 WOODLANDS, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears
09/11 DALLAS, TX Superpages.com Center Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears
09/14 OMAHA, NE Qwest Center Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears
09/15 St. PAUL, MN Xcel Energy Center Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears

OK, they're coming to STL on 6/16. But I don't care. What I care about is the fact that Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears are opening for them on the last four dates, and one wild-card date in-between.

That means you better see them on March 6 at Off Broadway, Dr. J.

Because after those damn DMB folks see BJL & THB, they won't be playing there anymore. And to think I saw them at that very intimate venue opening up for our very own Gentleman Auction House. They're making the climb. Good for them.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Excitable Boy

2010-01-24T09:23:00.001-08:00

Well, today's Warren Zevon's birthday, and to honor his memory I thought I'd play a couple of my favorites.
The first two are the ones he's known for, Werewolves of London, and Excitable Boy:

And, finally, here's Warren performing the song My Shit's Fucked Up, which he wrote when he found out that he had cancer and was dying. It's brutally honest and to the point. And it's one of my favorite WZ songs, listening to Warren run right at the brick wall, handling it the only way he has left, through a song.

Avett Brothers On Austin City Limits Tonight

2010-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

At least if you get WSIU, channel 21 on Charter in the Metro East. Otherwise, you can see them next week on KETC. Here's the schedule, St. Louis-area fans:
WSIU Saturday, January 23 10 PM
KETC Sunday, January 31, 11 PM
The Heartless Bastards will also be playing.

And the setlist, recorded on November 16, 2009:
I And Love And You
January Wedding
Murder in the City
When I Drink
Slight Figure of Speech
Die Die Die
Talk on Indolence

The Heartless Bastards setlist, recorded June 3, 2009:
Hold Your Head High
Out at Sea
The Mountain
So Quiet
Sway

More info to find the PBS schedule in your area, click here.

The Japanese Horror Fantasy Movie 'House' Coming to Webster Film Series

2010-01-22T05:35:00.000-08:00

It's not until June 11-13, but this may be worth the wait. Strange, strange stuff from Japan in the 70's. You can read more about it in this Paste Magazine review. Probably not date night material, but who knows what floats your boat? I've marked my calendar.

Old Skool Jamz: Fastway 'Say What You Will'

2010-01-20T14:18:00.000-08:00

Ah, Fastway. Formed in the early 80's by "Fast" Eddie Clark of Motorhead on guitar, Pete Way on bass from UFO, and Jerry Shirley from Humble Pie on drums. Here's the Old Skool jam:

And Then Freedy Leads To Joan Jett

2010-01-20T06:29:00.000-08:00

If I had to pick between them, I have to admit that Joan Jett's song 'Bad Reputation' has a little more oomph behind it, vs. Freedy Johnston's song. Both good songs, but a mile's between them as far as differences. So here you go.

Freedy Johnston Coming To Off Broadway

2010-01-20T06:15:00.000-08:00

Freedy also has a new album that I have in my 'saved for later' files on Emusic. I saw him quite a few years ago on a double bill with Alejandro Escovedo at Blueberry Hill-- good show, if a bit sedate since it was a solo acoustic evening. Go see him on February 11 at Off Broadway. Or, if you're really lucky, you'll be seeing him the night after at Rick Wood's house. Now wouldn't that be something. Here's Freedy performing solo on of his new songs, along with a few tracks from the new one, Rain On The City.

And the rest of the dates:
Saturday, January 16 – Vintage Vinyl in-store – Fords, Nj.
Tuesday, January 19 – City Winery – New York, Ny.
Thursday, January 21 – Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater – Minneapolis, MN.
Friday, January 22 – Schuba’s – Chicago, Il.
Saturday, January 23 – Ribco – Rock Island, Il.
Friday, February 12 – Wood House Concert

And here's Freedy with one of his better-known songs, Bad Reputation:

What, you want more? Well, being greedy today, don't you think? OK, here's a way to get a free new song. I hope you're satisfied now:

2010 Grammy Nominees: Is It A Badge Of Honor, Or Am I Pitiful If I Haven't Heard Half Of These Songs?

2010-01-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

Have you heard all of them? Oh, I've heard OF all the bands, and have a handful of the songs. But where are all the bands that I was hearing about in all the year-end round-ups? And did anyone really like the last Green Day?

BLARGH.

The Fantastic Mr. Anderson

2010-01-19T05:37:00.001-08:00

One of the best films of 2009 was Wes Anderson's The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Period.

Here's Wes accepting the Special Filmmaking Achievement Award from the National Board of Review. As a stop-motion character. Brilliant:

Air Come To U.S. For Rare Tour Of North America. Passive-Agressively Tell STL To Take A Flying Leap By Not Coming Here.

2010-01-19T05:13:00.000-08:00

Air, what have we ever done to make us angry? You would sound and look wonderful at the Fabulous Fox. Here's the tour dates, including Chicago:
03.13.09 - Miami, FL - Fillmore
03.14.09 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live
03.15.09 - Atlanta, GA - Centerstage
03.17.09 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
03.18.09 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
03.19.09 - New York, NY - Terminal 5
03.20.09 - Boston, MA - Berklee Performance Center
03.22.09 - Montreal, QC - Metropolis
03.23.09 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre
03.24.09 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
03.26.09 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theatre
03.27.09 - San Diego, CA - 4th & B
03.28.09 - Los Angeles, CA - Walt Disney Concert Hall

By This Point, Who ISN'T With COCO?

2010-01-18T05:13:00.000-08:00

Death Metal Rooster!

2010-01-14T13:54:00.001-08:00

I think my old band Dementia 13 played with these guys and the Snapping Turks back in the 90's at some pizza place in Carbondale.

See more funny videos and Music Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Sing Me Your Song: New Video By Mark Gormley

2010-01-11T04:34:00.000-08:00

OK, so I was joking in my last MG post about Cheetos and product placement. But what do you know, Cheetos are in many of the shots here, and the intro is a giant Cheetos promo. I was feeling betrayed and disappointed, until I realized this may mean even MORE Gormley videos, and a WORLD TOUR sponsored by Cheetos. I'll see you there!

Heavy Metal Baby

2010-01-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

Kind of reminds me of the time that I picked up my oldest when he was about 6 months old and my brother had him propped up with some pillows listening to the Jesus Lizard. He had the biggest smile on his face (and he's now 17. Oy.)

See more funny videos and Music Videos at Today's Big Thing.

The Return Of Soundgarden

2010-01-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

After 12 years, Soundgarden is re-forming. You can click here to sign up for updates. Faith No More, now these guys, plus a bunch of other smaller bands--The 90's are back!

It Was Just Like That, Only In A Much Slower Speed

2010-01-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry, friends, to wax on about the Flaming Lips new years eve freakout, but my friend Jason send this awesome timelapse of the set-up, performance, and aftermath of the concert. BEHOLD:

Did you see me? No? Maybe you need to look harder.

New Years Eve With The Flaming Lips

2010-01-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

What a great time. And quite a balloon drop, I'd say. Check out the photos.

If I have one quibble, it's the second set that featured 'Dark Side Of The Moon'- after the considerable downtime to re-configure the stage, the set started out promisingly enough, with Wayne out by the soundboard using his giant fake hands to shoot laserbeams into the mirror ball up above him while Steven accompanied him on keys. Then... more downtime as Wayne made his way back to the main stage. Was it because the hour was getting late, or the fact that there was a long break between each song? Hard to say, but half-way through the family packed up and departed into the new year's night air.

Tonight: Pale Divine At The Pageant

2009-12-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

I've been looking forward to this reunion show. Here's their video for "My Addiction", from their Atlantic Records debut. And a live video from Kennedy's, when they were still known as the Eyes. And where I saw them approximately (using Old Skool mathematical equating and a quick consultation with Stephen Hawkings) 1,643 times:

You can read about what everyone has been up to at the RFT here.

Mark Gormley Fans Rejoice! A New Video For The New Year!

2009-12-28T05:42:00.000-08:00

A new video will be released on January 8! And will feature Mark, and a somewhat good-looking girl walking on the beach eating Cheeto's! Damn product placement. But hey, Mark needs to stay in the lavish lifestyle he's grown accustomed to, so I guess it's OK. Here's the teaser video:

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the gas station to pick up some Cheeto's...

Devo Sends Seasons Greetings To All Old Skool Readers

2009-12-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

Here's a little something I convinced my friends in Devo to whip up just in time for the holidays:

White Stripes Tour Doc "Under Great White Northern Lights" Coming In March

2009-12-21T06:40:00.000-08:00

I wonder if Jack and Meg will ever do any more White Stripes stuff. In the back of my head I keep thinking that ship has sailed, and that's why Jack has so many other projects going. Seems to me that I heard about Meg having stage fright and not wanting to tour anymore, but it could be that I imagined it in a sweat lodge as I was trying to call upon the great spirits to come upon me to reveal the Great Secrets, or dreamt it after eating spicy food.

More than likely this is some kind of "contractual obligation" deal, but it sure is better than a live CD, or a greatest hits.

And for all you rich folk out there, you can also have the whole thing as part of a mega-box set that will have the DVD of the film, a DVD of the Stripes' 10th anniversary show, a live album (A-HA!), a 208-page book, a silk screen print, and a body part of choice from one of the Stripes. That last part may or may not be true, but there's only one way to find out. Pre-order here.

Tim Conway's Circus Elephant Story

2009-12-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

One of the great shows of the 70's was the Carol Burnett Show. And one of the best parts about it was watching how much fun everyone was having, especially when they lost it and were trying not to laugh. Yesterday, in honor of Tim Conway's birthday, my friend Jeff sent this, and it's too great to not post:

Happy birthday, Tim. Thanks for making me laugh until I was crying.

Alicia Keys Featuring Stephen Colbert: Empire State Of Mind

2009-12-17T05:08:00.000-08:00

Stephen Colbert is at the top of his game. Here he even makes this Alicia Keys song better. Love the suit-hoodie:

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Ministry: Thieves

2009-12-16T12:49:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe that this track, and the album it came from, A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste, is 20 years old. One of the heaviest concerts I have ever seen was Ministry at the old Mississippi Nights. There were so many guitarists, and people were hanging on the chain-link fence that was in front of the stage. It was awesome, and feral.

Also hard to believe that I was 23 when I saw that concert. Someone bring me my walker... AND GET OFF MY LAWN!

Snoop Dogg's Take On "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"

2009-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Man, I hate to admit it, but that Jimmy Fallon is getting better. His interview with Snoop was much better than Conan's just earlier last week. Here's Snoop, adding his own special magic to this timeless tale:

Time Magazine's Five Best Videos Of 2009

2009-12-13T17:45:00.000-08:00

1. This must be true, because it was in Time magazine.
2. You are about to be on the cultural tip, part of the popular vernacular. Congratulations, and please use your powers for good.
3a. If you release a kick-ass video in December, you are going to be screwed and over-looked.
3b. Entertainment Weekly has already published a retrospective of all the celebrities that passed away in 2009. If you are a celebrity, please stay alive through the end of the year (see 3a).

#5 Lady Gaga "Bad Romance"
This strange person was everywhere this year. A break-out year, whether you like her or not. For the record, I think she has some good songs, but also think she is dangerously close to believing her own hype and either self-destructing or becoming a parody of herself. Madonna, you have been out-Madonna-ed, with a touch of "Total Eclipse Of The Heart". Also: Ahhh! Hairless cat! Bad synchronized dancing! Breasts that shoot sparks!

#4 Kanye West "We Were Once A Fairytale
Speaking of an artist that has become a parody. Note to Kanye: shut up and let the music do the talking, fool. A strange video. On the list because Spike Jonze had Kanye act like an ass, and for no other reason. Here's the first part, if you want to see it. I found the whole thing unbearable.

And the second part:

Really, Time magazine, cultural barometer? Really?

#3 Land Of Talk "It's OK"
NOW we're getting somewhere! A video for a band that I've never heard of before. This must be good.

And surprise, it is! Wow, pretty stunning.

#2 Depeche Mode "Wrong"
Disturbing, and a great video. Please watch here, since they are afraid of us ripping off the song and then the record company drones will not make their numbers and have to figure out another way to make obscene amounts of profit. Note to the big record companies: YOU LOST. THE LONG TAIL WON. SUCK IT.

#1 Raekwon "House Of Flying Daggers"

Well, what did you think? I've posted a lot of videos this year that I thought were better than most of these. Here are three:

Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul from Chris Milk on Vimeo.

WOOD from mc bess on Vimeo.

What are some of your favorites? Let us know, and we'll post them if they pass the Old Skool Muster.

Silver Trembling Fetus Christmas Ornament

2009-12-10T13:18:00.001-08:00

Ah, it felt good writing that. Looking for that perfect gift for that special someone? Wayne Coyne from the Flaming Lips has just what the doctor ordered:

Erin McKeown And Jill Sobule: Live At Off Broadway

2009-12-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a little treat. I wanted to go to this show to see Jill Sobule, being disappointed that I missed out on a house show she was at a while back, but it was not to be.

And then I started listening to Erin McKeown after being turned on to her by NPR's All Songs Considered, and went to look her up. You know, see if there are some videos out there of her, decide if she would be someone I'd like to see live sometime.

And the first video I clicked on after getting to Erin's site was from Off Broadway, from less than a month ago (11/30/09), with Jill and Erin singing together a song they made up about St Louis! So here it is, the sound is a little overloaded at times. Enjoy:

I guess I won't be seeing her back here soon. Ah, bittersweet, this find. But that's a lot of coincidental connect the dots, don't you think?

What Is Your Secret?

2009-12-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death and God from Frank Warren on Vimeo.