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.

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

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.

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)”

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

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".