Joseph Arthur and the Lonely Astronauts, Let’s Just Be (Lonely Astronaut) Recored over a three week period concluding their Fall 2006 tour, this is the first of two albums expected this year paring down the 80 or so tracks captured during these sessions. File under: alternative, indie, rock. WORTH MENTION: Nine Inch Nails, Year Zero […]
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 […]
Springsteen @ Carnegie Hall: Additional Highlights
Bruce Springsteen delivered a humorous monologue about his life and career during his acoustic performance of the classic “Rosalita.” Below is the full piece, courtesy of Live Daily. In addition to the monologue, I’ve also posted some video clips from the show. In the first video, the finale version of “Rosalita,” watch Badly Drawn Boy’s […]
Warren Zevon – Stand in the Fire
The best album not on CD…is finally on CD. Rhino Records rescued Warren Zevon’s classic live album from Asylum’s vaults and released an expanded and remastered version in late March. This album isn’t just live; it’s ALIVE — a vicious assault on songs taken (mostly) from Zevon’s first (and best) two albums. Almost without exception, […]
Tribute to Bruce Springsteen at Carnegie Hall (5 April 2007)
Nice joint,†proclaimed Steve Earle as he walked onto the Carnegie Hall stage to kick-off an extraordinary tribute to the music of Bruce Springsteen. Over the next two hours, a diverse roster of twenty artists performed songs from the Springsteen canon, the best of which included the artists description of Springsteen’s influence or a reflection […]
Bright Eyes & More, Album Previews
Bright Eyes, Cassadaga (Saddle Creek) Under normal circumstances, Connor Oberst aka Bright Eyes is the kind of guy I want to chaperone to the gym. Aside from his tender heart, his music is generally hit or miss for me. For many others (including one of my all time favorites, Michael Stipe), he is highly revered. […]
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 […]
The Liabilities/The Liabilities
The Liabilities are a 4-piece from Macon, Georgia consisting of Aaron Irons (lead vocals, guitar), Justin Smith (bass, backing vocals), Brandon Fickler (lead guitar, vocals) and Josh Smith (drums). From listening to their debut self-titled disc, you’d have no idea it was recorded in a 10×30 foot storage shed in Columbia, South Carolina during the […]