Going to U2 at Foxboro Stadium?
Well, get a load of this stage setup!
U2 plays at Foxboro Stadium on September 20 and 21st with Snow Patrol opening. Those of you going to Monday Night Football tonight can expect to see U2’s crew starting to pile gear into the stadium after the game.
The Clean – new album out September 8th
These New Zealanders have been rocking since 1979 and show no signs of slowing down. They release Mister Pop (Merge Records) on September 8th and you can download two tracks from the album over at RCRD LBL. Give them a listen below and get excited for an entire album full of sharply written pop jangles.
Bela Fleck at Coolidge Corner Theatre
Seeing Bela Fleck in person is a requirement for any music fan. Seeing Bela Fleck as he traverses the continent of Africa researching the little known source of the Banjo and getting to see him perform some of the music he recorded on this trip live is one hell of a treat.
Guess what Boston, you can have your cake and eat it too come next Thursday when Bela comes rolling in with film in hand. The film, “Throw Down Your Heart“, has one several awards including the Audience Award at South by Southwest and at the Vancouver Film Festival.
The film helps shine a bright spot on what is commonly seen as a demilitarized zone in the media – Africa. With all the stories about HIV/AIDS, civil wars and genocide, it’s no wonder most people see this continent in a dark light. Bela takes us on a journey through the Africa that very few witness because very few ever take the time to expose.
Tickets are available online at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. After the showing Bela will be performing some of the music that was recorded during this trip and also participating in some Q&A.
Learn more about “Throw Down Your Heart”
Official website of “Throw Down Your Heart”
Watch the trailer:
Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)
What a freaky day in icon world. Not only does every boys fantasy girl pass away after a long stand fighting cancer but the freaking KING OF POP dies! I don’t want to over shadow Farrah Fawcett because once again, she was and probably will remain to be every young male’s fantasy girl, but when you go on the same day as someone like Michael Jackson who not only defined one generation but multiple and brought together soul and pop music to create what has been hailed as the greatest cross over album in the histroy of recorded music, Thriller. Well, there’ s not much more I have to say.
There’s no question that my obsession with music was partly due to the “man in the mirror”. I’m not ashamed to say that I stood in front of the TV when Thriller came on trying to memorize the dance moves with my sisters.
Here’s a little playlist of some, and I stress some, of my favorite MJ tunes. Enjoy.
Go see the Story of ANVIL in Boston!
Eat your heart out Spinal Tap. No, this isn’t a made up story. This is the real deal. Anvil were all set to take the metal world by storm. Many claim they set the path for bands such as Metalica and the Scorpions. Unfortunately, for what ever reason, things just didn’t pan out the same way for Steve “Lips” Kudlow and Robb Reiner.
There are moments where I feel like I was born one decade too early. This is one of those moments.
Catch Anvil! The Story of Anvil here in Boston at the Kendell Theatre. For showtimes and tickets, go to Landmarktheatres.com.
Here’s a classic clip of the band doing “School Love”":
Waxploitations “Causes 2″ Dafur benefit album
I’ve been getting a lot of communications recently from a friend who’s a big cause fighter. Her biggest cause is supporting the victims of the Bhopal chemical spill back in the early 80’s. I hate saying I’ve been too busy to take part in some of the events she’s invited us to but the truth is, I’ve been swamped.
So, in an effort to do my part to help a cause, I’m encouraging everyone to pick up “Cause 2″, the new benefit CD from Waxploitations, home of Danger Mouse, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Gnarls Barkely and Danger Doom.
“Causes” is an ongoing benefit series where 100% of the proceeds go towards supporting the men and women fighting the devastation in Dafur. The groups involved are Human Rights Watch, Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam America.
Right now, MTV’s The Leak, is streaming the album in it’s entirety. So go listen to exclusive tracks from the artists mentioned above including LCD Soundsystem, The Decembrists, Devandra Banhart, Diplo, Mum, Matthew Dear, My Morning Jacket, Neon Neon, RJD2, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and many more.
To learn more about the album and the crisis it’s supporting, as well as how you can purchase once it’s released on May 5th, go to www.waxploitation.com/causes. You can also watch the promo video on their Youtube page at www.youtube.com/waxploitation and visit their myspace page at www.myspace.com/causes.
Full Tracklist:
- Black Moth Super Rainbow – happy melted city
- The Decemberists – after the bombs (live version)
- Devendra Banhart – white reggae troll
- Diplo – wassup wassup (exclusive samim remix)
- Federico Aubele – luna y sol
- Gnarls Barkley – mystery man
- LCD Soundsystem – starry eyes original (causes exclusive)
- Matthew Dear – when she don’t need me (causes exclusive)
- Mum – asleep in a hiding place
- My Morning Jacket – highly suspicious (exclusive vhs or beta dee jays remix)
- Neon Neon – i lust u feat. cate le bon (dj eli escobar remix)
- Richard Swift – wastin’ m’time
- rjd2 – wherever
- Sharon Jones & Dap-Kings – it hurts to be alone
- Tim & Eric – petite feet (exclusive devlin & ghostdad remix feat. sylvia gordon)
Dan Auerbach going back to the rust
Dan Auerbach is best known as the front man to the blues rock duo from Ohio, The Black Keys. Their album last year was mixed in the studio by Danger Mouse, adding some glossy elements to their usual rough sound. Some of the fan base didn’t take to the polished sound.
Well, it appears Dan is giving what his followers are looking for on his debut solo album, “Keep It Hid”.
I haven’t heard the full album yet, but we’re given a sneak peak with the track, “My Last Mistake”. We also know that he brought on board Mark Neill who used analog gear to record and mix. One song, “Whispered Words”, which Dan co-wrote with his pop, was cut in mono. And for you gear heads, Dan recorded this album in his new studio, Akron Analog, which has it’s own myspace page that includes all the gritty details on the setup (Check it out).
With a full band, I’m excited to see what kind of jams Dan can pull together.
Keep it Hid is out February 10th on Nonesuch.
Pre-order CD
Pre-order CD & LP
Myspace
Tour Schedule:
Feb 28 – 9:30 Club – Washington DC, Washington DC
Mar 1 – Paradise Club – Boston, Massachusetts
Mar 2 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, New York
Mar 3 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, New York
Mar 5 – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, Ohio
Mar 6 – Metro – Chicago, Illinois
Mar 7 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mar 10 – The Showbox – Seattle, Washington
Mar 11 – Wonder Ballroom – Portland, Oregon
Mar 13 – Bimbo’s – San Francisco, California
Mar 14 – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, California
Listen to “My Last Mistake”:
Hip2besquare on BreakthruRadio…The Posts
A couple of weeks ago I was asked to take part of breakthruradio.com’s “Anatomy of a Blogger” program. This program runs every Thursday on their online radio website.
The hour long program I put together was made up of songs I chose from their list of approved labels and answers to five questions.
It was put together quite well. My only issue was some of the songs I selected were presented in a live format versus the studio version. The quality of the live recording were not great, especially for the Apostle of Hustle song, “Cheap Like Sebastian”. They also decided to use the Fuck Buttons song that I had thrown on the list as a last resort. It’s not a great song for radio in my opinion. I basically added it to the list just in case the other songs weren’t cleared for playing on their station. Overall, I was happy with the way it turned out.
One other problem was the actual site. Many of my friends and family who went to listen had trouble viewing the website because of all the FLASH activity on the home page. Many computers were freezing up. Even fast computers such as the CTO at my company. Apparently this is a subject that’s come up before at the breakthruradio office. I hope they come up with a solution for their sake.
Those that did hear the program may not be aware but I wrote five posts for them as well. The posts were pretty buried in their news section so I’m going to share them with you here.
The Next SoCal Hyped Band – “Delta Spirit”
The L.A. and NYC music scenes are similar in that they create extremely hyped up bands very quickly and us bloggers have a tendency to speed that process up. However, from this east coasters opinion, those hyped from places like Greenpoint in Brooklyn usually live up to their hype (i.e. TV on the Radio). Unlike in SoCal where we get bands that have a tendency to implode upon further listen (i.e. We are Scientists or Cold War Kids).
So when a band like Delta Spirit leaves you feeling, “jeez, these guys are really good”, you immediately have to put those feelings into check. Are those beach guitar vibes just creating temporary feelings of bliss and actual exposure over time dulls the senses? Are those lyrics as creative as they sound or is that overpowering voice creating an illusion?
It’s been a few months since the Dr. Dog show here in Boston and the experience of Delta Spirit’s opening dominance. We strolled in after putting a few back in the upper part of Middle East Downstairs so our senses were ripe for picking. The energy coming from the stage immediately impacted our group. We got as close as we could to what was happening and couldn’t help but be swept up in the moment. Their final song brought Dr. Dog out on stage to join in on the action. My one friend turned to me and said, “it’s like an indie Last Waltz”. It was a special night for the two bands as it represented the final night they would be touring together. But usually this kind of jam session happens at the final moments of the headliner.
Looking back at the show and listening to their album, my verdict is that the lyrics are clever. The lead singer, Matt Vasquez, has a very powerful, and an exceptional voice. But the music itself leaves you with something to be desired. There’s a lot of clamoring about but in the end the melodies get lost among the powerful singing.
Don’t take my word for it. Watch their full live set, opening for Dr. Dog at The Parish on 9/13/2008 here: http://www.baeblemusic.com/Concerts/TheParish/DeltaSpirit.html.
Medeski, Martin & Wood – Rewriting the rules of record making
Dipping into my jam band grab bag, MMW (Medeski, Marting and Wood) bring us a new way of recording an album. Instead of writing music, recording it, introducing it to the masses through an official album release, then touring off of the album, they’ve decided to write some songs, introduce them by touring then immediately heading into the studio to record the songs and include the new variations that evolved to each song from the live show. They’re planning to release three albums in this fashion calling them The Radiolarian Series. Radiolarian is a single cell organism that has a very intricate exoskeleton (read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiolarian).
The first single off of the first series is called “Free Go Lily”:
[download]
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
It’s a funky jam. But the song that I keep going back to is “Muchas Gracias”. It starts out with a slow and dark piano line and rumbling drums. MMW loves using the mini-wind piano called a melodica and they use it to start out the melody. This slow groove continues for the first two and half minutes till it breaks apart and for roughly a minute the song climbs out from the depths into a faster, harder groove that makes your head rock back and forth. Then, the first major chord is hit, releasing us into the oncoming jam. We eventually die back to its original dark pace and are left prepared to rock out to the next tune, “Professor Nohair”.
Buy from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GMP4H0?ie=UTF8&tag=hip2-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001GMP4H0
Andrew Bird – New album and jamming with Yo Yo Ma
Andrew Bird is by far one of our generation’s most talented musicians. Period. His craft to build a song around what can only be described as deeply disjointed lyrics, is one of a kind. Read more about his song writing process over at his New York Times article: http://measureformeasure.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/words-will-tell/. It all starts with a whistle.
His new album, “Noble Beasts”, is due out on Fat Possum on 1/20/09. You can listen to the opening track, “Oh No”, over at this website (http://www.andrewbird.net/news.htm). Per usual, he starts off with a whistle and discusses the life of a sociopath. If the first track is any sign of things to come, I think we’re in for yet another masterpiece from the birdman.
If anyone had any doubt about Andrew’s abilities, just check out the Chicago native jamming with the Grammy award winning Cellist, Yo Yo Ma, over at MTV Iggy: http://www.mtviggy.com/content/3552.
Stream entire album at NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98649962
Brighton MA – “Sunblinded”
Fans of The Walkmen will fall in love with Brighton, Ma, a four piece from Chicago. They represent the next generation of nostalgic indie pop. The lead man, Matt Kerstein, was a co-founder of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, which was a band I first heard about during the 2005 CMJ festival. The hype around the band sounded as if they were well positioned to take off. They landed opening gigs for Spoon, Arcade Fire and The Walkmen. We’re not exactly sure what drove Matt to leave the band. Perhaps the band was stuck creatively. Either way, Matt and other SYGC members, Sam Koentopp (drums) and Devon Bryant (guitar,bass,vocals and production) have added Jim Tuerk (guitar, keys and arrangements) and are making waves with Brighton, MA.
“Sunblinded”, is in my opinion one of their best tracks off of their debut album, “Amateur Lovers”, which was released this past October on Loose Tooth Records. Based on their Daytrotter session, this song was recorded just after their tour with Elvis Perkins in the winter of 2007. The song was inspired by Elvis’s songwriting and helped drive the direction of the album.
Listen and download “Sunblinded” and others over at their Daytrotter session: http://daytrotter.com/article/1517/the-flawed-men-that-become
Watch them perform their songs live over at the Rolling Stone Tanqueray site: http://www.rollingstoneextras.com/tanqueray/.
All Smiles – Jim Fairchild of Grandaddy comes back for round two
Jim Faichild was the guitar player behind the California indie band, Grandaddy, which broke up back in 2007 after a ten-year career. Jason Lytle had always been the main songwriter for the band with Jim acting as his second in command. But it was becoming more and more clear to Jim towards the end that Jason didn’t want a collaborative band anymore. So, he decided to test his own skills by playing a few tunes he had written while still with Grandaddy. A few encouraging friends helped to bring about his 2007 debut, “Ten Readings of A Warning”. It was released with mediocre reviews but showed promise.
Now, Jim is gearing up to release a full LP, “Oh For The Getting And Not Letting Go”, and a six song EP that will be available worldwide digitally and physically at his shows. You can listen to two tracks from the full length over at their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/allsmilesmusic.
Album is scheduled for a self-release in April. According to a recent press release, we’re expected to hear “themes of entropy, inequity, strong love, and hope.”
Before their release, the band will be heading out on the road in support of Modest Mouse.
Looking forward to these albums in 2009
Another favorite year end lists is the list of anticipated albums for the following year. Here are some that I’ve heard about that get me pumped.
P.S. More Best of Albums to come just need that two or three hours of alone time to put more down on ‘computer screen’
1/20: Animal Collective, “Merriweather Post Pavillion” (Domino Records)
1/20: Antony and the Johnsons, “The Crying Light” (Secretly Canadian)
1/20: Bon Iver, “Blood Bank EP” (Jagjaguwar)
1/27: Andrew Bird, “Noble Beast” (Fat Possum)
1/27: Franz Ferdinand, “Tonight: Franz Ferdinand” (Domino Records)
1/27: Warren G, “The G-File”
1/27: Loney Dear, “Dear John”
2/3: Mos Def, “The Ecstatic”
2/10: Dan Auerbach (Black Keys singer), “Keep It Hid”
2/17: M. Ward, “Hold Time” (Merge Records)
2/24: Black Lips, “200 Million Thousand” (Vice Records)
3/3: Neko Case, “Middle Cyclone” (Anti-)
3/17: Bonnie “Prince” Billy, “Beware” (Drag City)
3/17: MSTRKRFT, “Fist of God” (Dim Mak/Downtown Records)
Early 2009: Phoenix [Title TBA]
Spring 2009: Wilco [Title TBA]
?: Doves [Title TBA]
?: Blur [Title TBA]
?: Naughty by Nature [Title TBA]
?: New Pornographers [Title TBA]
If you know of any others, let us know by posting it in the comments.
Updated by me:
1/20: A.C. Newman, “Get Guilty” [Matador] – Listen to “Submarines of Stockholm” (Download song at Stereogum)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Early 2009: Akron/Family, TBD [Secretly Canadian / Dead Oceans] – They have a show at TT the Bears on 12/28 and will be showcasing some of the new songs off this album. Listen to their music: http://www.akronfamily.com/?id=av
3/31/09: Great Lake Swimmers, “Lost Channels” [Nettwerk] – Their 2007 release, Onigara, was definitely a favorite album of mine this year. In fact, since I discovered it in 2008, it may even end up on my year end list. Listen and download “Your Rocky Spine” from Onigara: (Download)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2008 World Series – Game 5 (part 2) – 9th Inning – Section 142 from ryan cummins on Vimeo.
Phillies win the World Series – Celebration on Broad Street from BCR on Vimeo.
About Editor
Name: Luke "Kip" Owen
Location: Boston, MA
Contact: kippy[AT]hip2besquare[DOT]net
Twitter: twitter.com/kipdog
Youtube: youtube.com/kipdog
-
-
