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00's, 70's, 80's, 90's, Bad Times, Death, Music, Music News, Music Video, Pop, R&B

The King Of Pop Passes (1958-2009)

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It’s no news that everyone has heard about the late pop-star Michael Jackson.  The King of Pop is no longer with us.

I really was not going to blog about this instance because everyone already is and I was not quite sure what I really had to say about it.

Twitter was overloaded with updates and Facebook seemed to have endless comments but fans as well as people who thought it would be a good time to start with the jokes.

This morning I thought maybe I should just post something about the musician seeing on how he had a pretty big influence on me musically as I grew up.

I was getting a tattoo yesterday when I found out.  I was just killing some time during the process and checked Twitter where I started seeing posts that Michael Jackson was taken to the hospital, then rumors of his death followed by statements of the artist falling into a coma.  Finally it was confirmed, Michael Jackson died from cardiac arrest.

I did not know what to think at the exact moment it hit me that the pop star passed.

I can tell you one thing, Michael Jackson was the last person I would have ever expected to pass away on a summer day.  The news was shocking and it took me a few visits to various websites to finally learn it was the truth.  I realize sometimes things get blown out of proportion but this was real.

I was a Michael Jackson fan when I was a kid and I am not ashamed to say it.  I am pretty sure everyone was and I do not believe you if you say you did not like any of his material.  I rocked the parachute pants, did the moon walk, but never had a sparkling glove.

One of my favorite memories of when I went to Epcot Center at Walt Disney World in the late 80’s was when I saw the 3-D adventure Captain EO. Just a few weeks ago I was actually talking about it to some friends and watched the movie in two segments on YouTube.  (Part 1 & Part 2 for those of you that have never seen it and are wondering what I am talking about…)

Then there was Moonwalker a movie/music video that I watched over and over on VHS.  Sega actually even created a video game based on the movie that was easily one of my favorite Sega Genesis video games of all time.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw the video for “Thriller” on MTV.  It was late at night and my Aunt warned me it was going to be scary.  I loved every minute of it.

I still have Thriller on my iTunes and always will.  It is easily one of my top 100 albums of all time.

Today Michael Jackson’s name is being said a lot.  Good things and bad will be talked about him for days to come and just like many other music lovers out there I am saddened by his loss.

I really wish that Micheal Jackson could have toured just one more time not just for the millions of fans, but also for himself.  The poor guy really went through lots of hell.  Regardless if all those allocations were true or not, the guy changed the way people would listen to music forever.  It would have been nice to see Michael Jackson back on the stage doing what he liked to do best…

Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson (on www.michaeljackson.com):

NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2009 – Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: “Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him.”

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: “Michael Jackson’s unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly.”

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: “Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences.”

Five of Jackson’s solo albums – “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “HIStory,” all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label – are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the epic “Thriller.” Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

Country, Download This!, Music, Music News, New Release, Outlaw Country, Rock

Those Darlins Dare You To Have The Best Summer Ever

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I’m sure a couple of you by know that I think that Those Darlins are just an OK band.  It’s not like I post a lot of posts about them or anything…

Who am I kidding?  I am all about Those Darlins.  Out of nowhere they were introduced to my ears thanks to the good folk at Thirty Tigers and I could not help but to like them.  There was just something about their take on rock infused with country that was ever so appealing to me.  I turned into an instant fan.

This past Saturday their debut album was released on LP on First Vinyl Saturday..  I might have purchased 2 copies…  They were available to Music Saves in Cleveland and Shake It Records in Cincinnati so I know great independent record stores have them. 

I’m currently in the works of finishing a review of their CD that very well may be one of my favorite releases of the year.  I know we are only 6 months into the year and anything can happen…

Today I received an email from Those Darlins I thought would be best to just share in its entirety.  It’s an announcement from the girls to you:

America…

We’re coming to get you.
We dare you to just say yes.

Those Darlins will soon be roaming this great nation, bringing all Americans together the only way we know how: sheer freak spectacle.

But don’t just come see the spectacle, be the spectacle. We want you. We dare you. We, in fact, need you.

Have a drink, have a dance. Don’t worry about the environment being intolerant, too cool, too lame, too country, too anything. EVERYONE is invited; you’re one of us.

It’s Summer 2009, and, damnit, be here with us in the now. Don’t let the economic downturn ruin your appetite for some basic human relief: a good time.

Say yes… we already have. And we are bringing gifts (records, drinks, maybe even a kiss from our merch-man Byron) to the folks ready to lead the charge with us at every show.

Grow some fur, burn your laurels, let us see your inner spirit animal.

And, until then, enjoy Red Light Love, and make a date with us to make this the best summer ever.

SUMMER TOUR DATES

“Buy the ticket, take the ride.” – HST

6/25: Atlanta @ Drunken Unicorn
6/26: Athens, GA @ AthFest
6/27: Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge $
7/07: Arlington, VA @ Iota Club & Cafe
7/09: NYC @ Mercury Lounge +
7/10: Brooklyn @ Southpaw **, ++
7/11: Philadelphia @ Johnny Brenda’s
7/13: Pittsburgh @ Club Café
7/14: Cleveland @ Beachland Tavern
7/15: Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
7/16: Indianapolis @ Radio Radio
7/17: Chicago @ Schubas
7/18: Minneapolis @ 7th St. Entry
7/20: Rock Island, IL @ Rock Island Brewing Company
7/21: Omaha, NE @ Slowdown Front Room
7/22: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
7/23: Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar
7/24: St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
7/25: Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone
9/18 & 19: Bristol, VA @ Bristol Roots & Reunion Festival

$ W/The Black Lips – VINYL RELEASE PARTY
+ W/Heavy Trash (Jon Spencer) CD RELEASE PARTY
** W/So So Glos BROOKLYN RELEASE PARTY
++ W/We Are Country Mice BROOKLYN RELEASE PARTY

BUY THE DEBUT ALBUM EARLY NOW!

OPTIONS To Buy The CD Early Before Official 7/7 street date:

1) VINYL (W/CD of FULL ALBUM) at INDIE RETAIL STORES NOW! — it really is the most beautiful package. Hope you get to indie retail soon while they are giving away a pair of Blublocker sunglasses with the purchase of the vinyl and you get the CD as well inserted in the package.  (Editiors Note: Rumor has it that the first pressings are PINK!)

2) Buy the VINYL (W/CD) or the CD digipak at www.thosedarlins.com

3) iTunes: Now available at iTunes HERE

Download This! – Those Darlins – “Red Light Love”

Akron, Country, Folk, Good Times, Live Shows, Music, Music Video, Photography, Review, Rock

The Avett Brothers w/ Special Guest Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers – Akron Civic Theatre – 06/19/2009 – Concert Review

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Friday night in downtown Akron was one of those nights to remember for many thanks to The Avett Brothers.  It was one of those nights that anyone who came to the show will think of for years to come with help from their amazing performance.  Intimate at times as well as a full on rock show, everyone who had a ticket to that show left satisfied.

North Carolinian brothers Scott and Seth Avett once used to fill the quaint Kent Stage in Kent, OH but thanks to their success as a folk rock band they needed a bigger place to play.  With help from the Kent Stage crew the boys left that smaller stage for the classy Akron Civic Theatre, a stage I think suited them perfectly.

Having no idea that there was even an opening act, I was thrilled when the curator of the Kent Stage announced that Samantha Crain & The Midnight Shivers were taking the stage.  Having just recently been introduced to the country rock act I found myself even more excited to be at the show.

Samantha Crain and crew took the stage and received a warm welcome just after eight o’clock.  After a few songs in it was clear that the crowd had accepted them into their ears, thanks to her unique singing style and country rock, and were cheering loudly after each song.

During one moment after a song Samantha Crain stated she missed a note and declared “everyone hits a wrong note” and continued on how she is hard on herself for doing so even though she knows it happens.  The crowd all seemed to agree with what she said and not once did I hear any wrong notes played.  Then again I only had heard a couple of songs prior to seeing her set live.

Samantha Crain admitted it was only the second show her and the band had played with The Avett Brothers and thanked them for the opportunity to share the stage.  Admitting she came from a small town in Oklahoma she basically confessed to living the dream.  Seeing her jump around excitedly on stage as she strummed her acoustic guitar just proved how excited she was to be up on that stage.

Shortly before the Avett’s took the stage, die-hard fans started screaming out “Happy Birthday Scott!”  Clearly many of the fans knew that one of the members was celebrating their birthday in Akron that night.

With the curtains still drawn The Avett brothers along with Bob Crawford started their set off with “PGFA”.  Everyone in the house went wild upon hearing the music begin and once the curtains were opened it was clear to everyone how great this band truly is.  With an array of instruments behind the trio everyone’s attention was focused on the amazing folk-rock playing from the banjo, the stand up bass, and acoustic guitar as well as dual signing that had just begun.  To add to the stage’s appeal there was a giant backdrop of a ship that resembled Scott Avett’s art.

While standing in literally the middle of the venue I felt that I had the best place to hangout at for the night while taking in all that The Avett Brothers dished out.  Their songs, as my friend Seth said it best, gave me that feeling that many in the past had to have felt when the Beatles first started playing their music live.  I was heavily sucked into each song they played and had a smile on my face that lasted pretty much until I got home that night and finally fell asleep.

Throughout the set Joe Kwon would join the trio and add cello to some of the songs.  The brothers would share singing duties and seemed to swap out guitars during every song and at times even during some of the songs.  It was really interesting to see Seth Avett swap guitars and narrowly miss continuing the song but he is a pro at what he does and there were no interruptions.

Playing through songs such as “Please Pardon Yourself”, “Die Die Die”, and “It Goes On & On” The Avett Brothers sounded as amazing as I thought they would.  I missed many the opportunity to see this band live in the past and regretted it each time.  Finally though I found myself at one of their live shows feeling privileged to be in their presence.

In between songs fans were screaming out requests to the stage in hopes that their favorite song would be performed spur of the moment but The Avett Brothers thanked them for their requests and continued on.  Seeing them smile up on stage as they performed just proved how great of a time they were having as well.  At one time a fan screamed that she loved them and Seth Avett responded “we love you too.”  The band even played a new song from their upcoming album to be released in September.

That one new song the band played just made my night.  It was titled “I & Love & You” off of their upcoming late summer release I & Love & You.  With Scott Avett taking the drumming duties as well as signing out the I and love and you with his hand as the crowd sang along I found myself getting chills.  It was a great feeling and a great love song.

After the band played “Skin & Bones” they exited the stage.  Fans screamed and applauded the amazing performance while at the same time were still hungry for more.  Luckily the Avett’s were not quite done yet and returned to the stage moments later with a couple of extra helpers, Kent’s very own folk star Jessica Lea Mayfield and her bearded brother David.  It was the perfect end to an amazing evening.

The Avett Brother’s live show turned me into a bigger fan than I already was.  I really think the live experience just intensified their talent.  While leaving the historic Akron Civic Theatre I heard no complaints at all and everyone was just in a great mood.  I do not think I have ever attended a show quite like the one I did on that warm Friday night.  I can not wait till the next time these boys come back to a city near me.  I know I will be there in a heartbeat.

The Avett Brothers Setlist (as taken from the band’s web forum):
PGFA
Solomon
Paranoia
Please Pardon Yourself
Die Die Die
PGFR
Down With The Glistening Shine
Gift For Melody Ann
Song Of The Dying Sailor
Greensboro Woman
Salina
It Goes On & On
I & Love & You
At The Beach
Murder In The City
Swept Away
Talk Of Indolence
Matrimony
Skin & Bones

Encore (with Jessica Lea & David Mayfield)
Talk Of
Will You Return

Country, Download This!, Festival, Live Shows, Music, New Release, Rock, Solo

Drive-By Trucker’s Patterson Hood Takes The Wheel For A Solo Journey

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When you partake in a festival with hundreds of bands sometimes it is easy to miss someone you really wish you could have seen perform. With Bonnaroo that was all too common for me as I felt like I was in a relay race going from one tent to another taking in what performance I could before heading to the next stage for a new fix.

I missed a lot of acts because of the favoritism and just plain old bad timing.

Patterson Hood sadly was one of the acts I missed at Bonnaroo.  I just was unable to fit him in to my personal schedule on the second day of the festival.  The lead man of the Drive-By Truckers played a small stage at Bonnaroo showcasing some of his new material from this second solo release Murdering Oscar (and other love songs).  I am sure it was amazing.

I have not heard any of his new solo material yet so I was left with an empty feeling of how great it could have been to be in the crowd listening to him play.  I would also have loved to have seen Sugar‘s bassist David Barbe play along side the country/rock artist.  I used to be a huge Sugar fan in the 90’s.

Luckily the good folk at Thirty Tigers sent me an email with infor about Patterson Hood’s latest release along with a MP3 of one of his new songs to share with all my wonderful readers.

Download This! – Patterson Hood – “I Understand Now”

PATTERSON HOOD TO RELEASE
MURDERING OSCAR (and other love songs)
June 23, 2009

“For more than a decade, Hood has been transforming all that preys on him into songs that are loud, rowdy, and angry, but also humorous, intelligent, and compassionate.” – Pitchfork

“Hood is a supremely talented songwriter.” – Popmatters

Athens, GA – Patterson Hood will release Murdering Oscar (and other love songs) on June 23, 2009 on Ruth St. Records./Thirty Tigers.  The second solo record from the leader of the Drive-By Truckers has been 15 years in the making. The album was produced by Hood and long-time DBT producer David Barbe (Sugar). Most of his DBT band mates join him on the album as well as Don Chambers, Will Johnson and Scott Danbom from Centro-matic/South San Gabriel. This is also the first time Hood’s father David Hood, famed Muscle Shoals bass player, joins him on a record.

The album was recorded at Chase Park Transduction Studios in Athens, GA and will also be released on 180 gram vinyl. The vinyl release will include three exclusive bonus tracks.  An a cappella version of “Range War” will also be available exclusively with iTunes. “Pollyanna” and “Pride of the Yankees” are available to preview on his Myspace page: www.myspace.com/pattersonhood.

Tour dates:

Joining Hood on tour will be Brad Morgan (drums), John Neff (guitar/steel), Scott Danbom (keys/fiddle), Will Johnson (guitar) and David Barbe (bass), who has not toured since his days with Sugar. Will Johnson will open the shows.

June 12 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo
June 18 Nashville, TN Grimey’s in-store
June 18 Nashville, TN Mercy Lounge
June 19 Louisville, KY Headliner’s
June 20 Chicago, IL The Metro
June 22 Philadelphia, PA World Café Live
June 23 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg
June 24 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
June 25 Washington, DC The Black Cat
June 27 Athens, GA AthFest
July 8  San Francisco, CA Independent
July 10 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom w/ The Gourds
July 11 Seattle, WA No Depression Festival

Advance tickets are on sale at  http://pattersonhood.baselineticketing.com

Track listing:
1. Murdering Oscar
2. Pollyanna
3. Pride of the Yankees
4. I Understand Now
5. Screwtopia
6. Granddaddy
7. Belvedere
8. The Range War
9. She’s A Little Randy
10. Foolish Young Bastard
11. Heavy and Hanging
12. Walking Around Sense
13. Back of a Bible

BONUS TRACKS (on vinyl only):
Uncle Phil and Aunt Phyllis in the Month After the Election
Playboy Mansion
Sam’s in the Ground

www.myspace.com/pattersonhood
www.pattersondhood.com

Contest, Festival, Good Times, Live Shows, Music, Photography

Bonnaroo 2009 – Day 3 In Review

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Day 3 really seemed to fly by.  Before I knew it I was watching NIN on stage and planning my escape from all the drugged out drunk folk who came to the ‘Roo to party.

Not this guy.  I came for the music.  In fact, here is my review for the third day of Bonnaroo:

Concert Review: Bonnaroo 2009 – 06/13/2009 – Day 3

Matt, Adam, and I all slept in a little longer than we wanted to.  Needless to say I missed some artists I wanted to see like the Heartless Bastards and Allen Toussaint.  I guess when you stay up till almost 5am sleeping in is expected.

We actually made it to the day lot without getting searched or even stuck in a traffic jam.  It was nice for once to actually get there not pissed off.

One of the highlights of my weekend was sharing the stage with the sorrowful folk singer William Elliot Whitmore.  During his set he decided to invite the fans to come a little closer and join him on stage.  I took the opportunity and actually snuck into the back end of the tent where I got to watch the backside of William Elliot Whitmore and also all the fans who were glued to him.

One thing I like about William Elliot Whitmore is how personal he is.  In between the songs he would run around and shake hands and give out hi-fives.  He’s a friendly fellow who, with his guitar and banjo, is a one man show telling tales of what he sees from his eyes.  His voice is haunting yet so appealing.  His set was one of my favorites of the weekend.

Adam and I walked around a lot again on Saturday and the ever so smart Matt purchased a folding chair at Wal Mart in the morning and took it into Centeroo.  He did his thing, we did ours, and later we would meet back up with him before the Boss took stage.

Throughout the day I was entertained by some artists I knew and others who I had not had the pleasure of hearing before.  One of the new bands to my ears was grassroots heavy The Del McCoury Band.  I really got a kick out of their material but had to cut it short so I could see Ms. Jenny Lewis.

While trying to see Jenny Lewis I managed to make way into a sectioned off side stage area where others were already viewing her set.  As I was looking for the best place to see Jenny Lewis I noticed a certain someone checking out her set.  Elvis Costello.  Pretty damn cool.

After Jenny Lewis played we checked out Wilco, a band I really need to see live in their entirity.  Every time Wilco plays a festival I seem to skip their set to see someone else.  I enjoyed the couple songs I heard them play but really wanted to see Elvis Costello play.

Elvis Costello once again just blew my mind during his set. I saw Elvis Costello perform at the 2006 Bonnaroo so I knew what I was in for. I was pleasantly thrilled to see both Allen Toussaint as well as Jenny Lewis both join Elvis Costello on stage separately during the set. I was kind of figuring it would happen since both artists have worked with Elvis Costello but still when it happens live in front of you, you can not help but get excited.

Seeing how this was my first Bruce Springsteen experience Matt was quick to tell me what to expect. Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street band were everything I thought they were going to be. Where as I am not a huge fan of The Boss, I have enough appreciation for him and his band to watch the entire set and thanks to the live performance am looking to listen to look last the hit songs and dig deep into his catalog. Matt had taken off get a closer look and later told me he made it about fifteen rows back from the main stage. Good for him. I don’t think I could have done it myself.

Nine Inch Nails was awesome as I expected.  I was pissed because I felt NIN deserved the What Stage, the main stage of the event.  Instead they played the Which Stage which to me was not big enough for NIN. Playing through a mix of songs they shocked me most by busting out “Burn”. That song alone won me over for their set list. Sadly this performance by NIN is slated to be their last US performance for who knows how long… Glad I was there to witness it.

NIN sounded awesome as usual and as soon as MGMT and Moe took their respectful stages some of the douchbaggery cleared out.  That made things much better for us as I am pretty sure the three of us were the only folk who were not retarded on substances.

Once NIN finished up and we got back to our hotel it was almost 4am.  I stayed up till 6am writing the above review and managed to get a couple hours of shut eye.

Today is of course the last day of the event.  We plan on getting there in time to check out Dillenger Escape Plan as well as come other artists.  Once Coheed & Cambria finish their set we are done with the ‘Roo.  I have absolutely so desire to see Phish close the festival with their hippie material.

This has been one hell of a trip so far and I am really looking forward to the final day to this outstanding festival.  Time to head to the farm now, but first we need to stop at Tennessee / Alabama Fireworks for some souvenirs that might be illegal in Ohio.

Pics galore: