Imagine gathering a group of old age pensioners to record a classic rock song in the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Meet the Zimmers. With an average age of 78 (with some centenarians in the mix!), the band formed as part of a BBC documentary profiling the treatment of the elderly. Under the direction of U2 […]
Best of Winter 2007, a Playlist
After a slow start, winter ended on a high note with some great songs and albums freshly introduced at SXSW. Notables amongst those in attendance at the festival were Albert Hammond, Jr., Low Stars and Paolo Nutuni to name a few. I compiled some of my favorites into this handy playlist with a few expected […]
SXSW 2007: Say What?
“I’m not officially open but I don’t want to deny a man his beer. That’s just treason.” ~ a bartender who earned my eternal gratitude “This song goes out to what’s her name wherever she is.” ~ Steve Earle, introducing his song “Now She’s Gone” “Same girl, different harmonica..” ~ Steve Earle, introducing his next […]
SXSW 2007: The Sounds, Part 2
Low Stars – Some of the best SXSW moments occur when you randomly stumble across a surprise performance, such as finding the Low Stars playing a low-key club show late Saturday afternoon. The band is made up of four singer-songwriters, each with a distinct voice, mining the glories of southern California roots music in the […]
Kevin Lawson, On the Radar
It’s unlikely that you’ll find me in the Christian section of the record store. Its not that I’m anti-Christian. To the contrary, I’m quite comfortable and proud of my faith. Its more a case of my lack of knowledge in Christian music. Unlike my friend Stephen over at Fishtones.net (shameless plug) I haven’t been exposed […]
SXSW 2007: The Sounds, Part 1
The Apples in Stereo – The gauntlet has been thrown down, my friends. I challenge any band to top the energy of an Apples performance. First during the afternoon CMJ Texas Tea Party and then at their official showcase, the band blew through one high energy rock song after the next. If fact, band and […]
SXSW 2007: The Scene
Another year, another SXSW. An estimated 1,500 bands and artists — not to mention tens of thousands of music industry and other spectators — converged on Austin for the annual music industry showcase, filling hotels, clubs and the streets beyond capacity. Over the next week, I’ll be highlighting the scene, sounds and sayings of this […]
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, The SXSW Encore
Here’s a short clip of the encore Grace Potter and Scott Tournet belted out as described on my SXSW Recap. I must have been standing just to the left of the cameraman. Great to see someone captured this. I can’t tell you how much better it sounded live. Also, note the glass of scotch Potter […]
Low Stars, On the Radar
Harmony, harmony, harmony. Apparently, its back in style and it sounds great. Witness foursome Low Stars with their debut album. I know what you are thinking… these guys are a CSN ripoff. You’d be right, but they don’t hide from this. In fact, they embrace it. “We wanted to make an authentic-sounding record that was […]
Looking Back at SXSW 2007
My first SXSW experience ended abruptly on Friday, but that doesn’t mean that a good time was not had. Chaperoned by some of the foremost Southby experts around, Mayer Danzig and John Anderson, my week starting on Saturday the 10th and ending on Friday the 16th was absolutely incredible. Highlights included Tuesday Night at the […]