New Song from Bright Eyes

A new song by Bright Eyes titled "Shell Games" is available as a free download at Saddle Creek Records website.  The song will be featured on the band's forthcoming album "The People's Key".  It's growing on me after only a few listens.  Personally I prefer the Bright Eyes releases as opposed to Conor's recent solo work so I'm very eager to hear this new album.  "The People's Key" will be released on February 15, 2011.  In the meantime give "Shell Games" a listen below:

Upcoming Release: "Kiss Each Other Clean" by Iron & Wine

On January 25th, Iron & Wine will release the much anticipated followup to their 2007 album 'The Sheperd's Dog'.  Titled 'Kiss Each Other Clean', this new release includes 10 new songs form Iron & Wine maestro Sam Beam.  You can hear 2 of the songs (Walking Far From Home & Tree By The River) now on their website.  The artwork for this album looks incredible.  It makes me think of Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' with the neon colors of the Vegas strip. 

Here's a recording I stumbled across of Iron & Wine's performance at Bonnaroo in 2008.  I was at the festival but missed Iron & Wine unfortunately because of conflicting times with Ben Folds & Jack Johnson's performances.  Hopefully I'll finally get to see them sometime this coming year!

Setlist:
1- Boy With A Coin
2- Sodom, South Georgia
3- House By The Sea
4- The Devil Never Sleeps
5- White Tooth Man
6- Peace Beneath The City
7- Pagan Angel And A Borrowed Car
8- Carousel
9- Cinder And Smoke
10- Upward Over The Mountain
11- Love And Some Verses
12- The Night Descending
13- On Your Wings
14- Woman King
15- Wolves (The Sheperd's Dog)
16- The Trapeze Swinger
Download - Iron & Wine - Bonnaroo 08

Concert Review: Freelance Whales - Johnny Brendas, Philadelphia 12/14/10

When I saw Freelance Whales last February at Johnny Brendas they were 3rd on the bill.  Less then a year later they headlined a sold out show at the same venue.  The band definitely seemed tighter this time around with a year of touring under their belts.  They treated the crowd to songs from their debut album 'Weathervanes' along with 3 new tunes including the song 'Enzymes' which I posted about a few weeks ago.  My only complaint was the lack of banjo inclusion.  It was featured much more predominantly at last February's show, this time being replaced by electric & acoustic guitar on several songs.  I'm sure they had their reasons for it but I preferred the banjos sound and the uniqueness it lent to the group.

Favorite Albums of 2010

Occasionally for work I'll have to drive up to 3-3/12 hours to get to a jobsite.  On those days music is a source of sanity for me.  It's espcially nice when you can sit back a listen to an album straight through rather then having to shuffle through songs every 5-10 minutes.  These albums got a lot of play on those drives over the past year.

10: “Together” by The New Pornographers
Highlights: ‘Crash Years’, ‘Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk’, ‘Up In The Dark’

9: “Teen Dream” by Beach House
Highlights: ‘Norway’, ‘Walk In The Park’, ‘Used To Be’

8: “Shame, Shame” by Dr. Dog
Highlights: ‘Where’d All The Time Go’, ‘I Only Wear Blue’, ‘Stranger’

7: “Broken Bells” by Broken Bells
Highlights: ‘The High Road’, ‘Vaporize’, ‘The Ghost Inside’

6: “Sigh No More” by Mumford & Sons
Highlights: ‘Sigh No More’, ‘The Cave’, ‘Little Lion Man’

5: “Weathervanes” by Freelance Whales
Probably my favorite newly discovered band this past year. An eclectic array of instruments and tight harmonies create a distinct sound for the band. I anticipate big things for Freelance Whales in the future.

4: “This Is Happening” by LCD Soundsystem
It took me a few listens to really absorb this album for what it is. Some of the tracks (Dance Yrself Clean, Home, I Can Change) are great on their own where as others (One Touch, Pow Pow) appeal to me much more when listening to the album as a whole. LCD mastermind James Murphy definitely knows how to get me grooving and dancing. Hopefully this won’t be the last we hear from LCD Soundsystem as rumored.

3: “Contra” by Vampire Weekend
Great follow-up to their brilliant debut album. I just wish Honda would stop using the song ‘Holiday’ in their car commercials; it’s quickly ruining the song for me.

2: “Brothers” by The Black Keys
TBK continue to grow both creatively and musically with each album they release. ‘Brothers’ is by far their most sprawling album to date throwing some more bass and organ into the mix. This was a turnoff to some fans that’d prefer they stick with their previous guitar and drums only format. I feel that it’s inevitable that their sound will change as they grow as musicians though. Whether or not that change ends up sounding good or not is what makes certain bands elite. I recall hearing drummer Patrick Carney say in an interview that this album has the sound they’ve been after since they first started recording.

1: “The Suburbs” by Arcade Fire
Filled with great songs that all fit together as a concept of the band’s feeling and experiences with suburban life. Arcade Fire has a knack for creating an entire album around a central idea (check out Funeral and Neon Bible). That’s something not often seen these days when bands release an album with a couple ‘hit’ singles and then filler songs to end up with 10-12 tracks.

Top Ten Songs of 2010 - Part 2

Here they are. The ones that got my toe tapping; that I couldn't get out of my head; that made it onto all my playlists; that got cranked up in the car. My favorite songs from the year that was.....2010.

5. "In The Sun" by She & Him –
This song reminds me of Summer so I've been listening to it a lot lately with these freezing temperatures

4. "Giving Up The Gun" by Vampire Weekend

3. "Home" by LCD Soundsystem -
Clocking in at 7 minutes and 52 seconds it's epic but still manages not to seem drawn out at the same time.

2. "Everlasting Light" by The Black Keys -
As the opening track on the album 'Brothers', the crunching guitar riff and Dan Auerbach's falsetto pulsate through your body as you try to wrap your head around what you're hearing.  "I'm a Shepard for you, and I'll guide you through.  Let me be, your everlasting light".

1. "On Melancholy Hill" by Gorillaz -
I'm not a huge fan of Gorillaz but this song had me hook line and sinker the first time I heard it.  The melody, vocals, and lyrics are so eerily beautiful.  "Cause you are my medicine when you're close to me".

Top 10 Songs of 2010 - Part 2 by Ledjam311

Here's the video for "On Melancholy Hill":

Top Ten Songs of 2010 - Part 1

Here they are.  The ones that got my toe tapping; that I couldn't get out of my head; that made it onto all my playlists; that got cranked up in the car.  My favorite songs from the year that was.....2010.

10. “Daisy” by Fang Island –
Mostly instrumental but fast paced and heavy hitting. Great song for the gym.

9. “One Short Night” by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals –
A live version but that's how Grace was meant to be heard.

8. “Nothing Like You” by Frightened Rabbit

7. “The Cave” by Mumford & Sons -
Little Lion Man could have easily been on the list but hearing "The Cave" was what first prompted me to go out and get their album.

6. “Modern Man” by The Arcade Fire


   Top 10 Songs of 2010 - Part 1 by Ledjam311 

John Legend & The Roots cover Arcade Fire

I was just about to get out of my car earlier this afternoon when I heard this song come on WXPN.  As soon as I heard David Dye say "John Legend & The Roots covering Wake Up by The Arcade Fire" I closed the car door, cranked up the radio, and jammed out for the next 6 minutes.  It's just an incredible cover, preserving the originals melody & theme while putting a touch of John's soul and The Roots funk onto it.  The breakdown/jam towards the end is as funky as it is beautiful.
 John Legend & The Roots - Wake Up (Arcade Fire cover) by Ledjam311

This Year's Christmas Spirit Provided By: My Morning Jacket

The Christmas Spirit has eluded me the past couple years and this year is going in similar fashion thus far.  The other day I rediscovered a radio interview that My Morning Jacket did on Christmas Day back in 2001.  They play some traditional songs along with some of their own.  Will this be the spark to bring the Spirit back for me? We shall see...enjoy the recording.
 06 - Christmas Time is Here Again - My Morning Jacket by Ledjam311

Setlist:
1- Introduction
2 - Santa Claus is Back in Town
3 - Xmas Curtain
4 - O Holy Night
5 - Interview w/ Jim James
6 - Christmas Time is Here Again
7 - Old September Blues
8 - I Will Sing You Songs
9 - Interview w/ Jim James
10 - Silent Night
11 - Come Closer
Download:  MMJ - Christmas on WFPK

Concert Review: Atomic Tom - Northstar Bar, Philadelphia 12/7/2010

It's funny the difference a couple months and a hit Internet video can make.  I saw Atomic Tom play at The M Room this past Fall on a weeknight with a dozen other people in attendance.  Their show at Northstar Bar the other night had an entire room full of people turn out to see them. 

If Atomic Tom had been waiting for their big break, it came a few months ago when they released a video online of them using their iPhones as instruments on a NYC subway.  The innovative video garnered worldwide attention on the Internet and landed them numerous TV gigs and radio play.  Speaking with lead singer Luke White after their set the other night, it's apparent that the group is very down to earth and embracing their success well.  He was very thankful and appreciative of our continued support.

The show itself was a total blast.  Opening band "The Dance Party" warmed up the crowd with catchy anthems very fitting of a band with that name.  Then it was Atomic Tom's turn to work the crowd.  They opened the show mellow with Luke playing keyboard on 'Maybe I'm Wrong'.  After that the floodgates were opened and they ripped through their debut album "The Moment" along with some well crafted covers.  Queen's "Tie Your Mother Down" in the encore was a delightful surprise.

As Atomic Tom continues to tour behind their new album and recent fame the crowds and venues are bound to get bigger and bigger.  They're great to see with a packed house surrounding you though so I say bring it on!  My prediction:  Trocadero within a year, Electric Factory with their next album.

New to Me: Tokyo Police Club

I discovered Tokyo Police Club by listening to a random session on Daytrotter.  They're an indie rock group from Canada.  This past June they released their 2nd album titled "Champ".  From what I've heard on Daytrotter and Myspace they definitely deserve further listening.  They'll be playing a show in the Philadelphia area this coming January that I'll get to check out hopefully.

Myspace - Tokyo Police Club

Tokyo Police Club Official Website

Music News & Notes

Here are a few stories I've come across recently that are worth mentioning:

• Yim Yames of My Morning Jacket is going to perform at the National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington D.C. this year.  The event takes place on December 9th at 5pm.  You can watch it online at http://www.thenationaltree.org/. 
• Rolling Stone's most recent Countdown/List is called "Fifty Artists Pick Their Personal Top 10's".  Artists pick their Top 10 in various musical categories.  I'm usually not a big fan of Rolling Stone but it's interesting to get some insight into our favorite musicians minds. 
• Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is embarking on a solo tour of Australia in March of 2011.  Although tempting, that's a little far for me to travel to see him.  I was able to catch one of his solo shows in Philadelphia back in 2009.  Those in attendance will definitely be in for a good show which is bound to include some Pearl Jam rarities, Into The Wild tracks, and great covers. 
• I saw a post recently over at The Midnight Cafe about Iron & Wine's new album.  It's titled "Kiss Each Other Clean" and is due out on January 25, 2011.  Their last album "The Shepard's Dog" was fantastic so I'm really looking forward to this one.

The Spectrum..........R.I.P.

Known as "America's Showplace", The Spectrum will soon meet it's end.  Demolition on the arena began yesterday, which will pave way for a retail/entertainment complex to be built on the site in the future.  There's been a lot of media coverage locally with the community recalling personal memories of the venue.  My Spectrum memories include numerous Philadelphia Phantoms games, a Bob Dylan concert, and 3 Pearl Jam concerts (including 2 of the final 4 shows held at The Spectrum).  Despite it's age and appearance, it was a great venue to see a show at and the sound was fantastic.  I also know that many artists over the years have held it in very high regard. 

On a side note:  A big F-U to the guy at the ticket entrance who put the big "X" on my Bob Dylan stub in the picture above.  Some of us keep ticket stubs as souvenirs jerk!  And yes it's 9 years later and I'm still bitter.

I'm Making My List & Checking It Twice....

It's getting to be the time of year when all the "Year End" lists start coming out.  WXPN just opened up their Year In Review 2010 voting where you can vote for your Top 10 Songs & Albums.  Each year they play back the Top 100 Songs and Top 10 Albums in their entirety as voted on by the listeners.  I always enjoy lobbying for my favorites and seeing how they do.  Personally I'm still laboring on my choices and the order they should go in.  Be sure to check back here later in December though when I post my Best Of 2010 lists!

Boot: Freelance Whales - Daytrotter Studio 10/29/10

Freelance Whales visited Daytrotter a couple weeks ago to play a few songs off their album "Weathervanes" which was released earlier this year.  The set features a stellar version of "The Great Estates" as well as several of the albums other slower and melodic tracks.  I'll be checking them out in concert in a little over a month at Johnny Brenda's.  Can't wait!
Setlist:
1. Welcome to Daytrotter
2. The Great Estates
3. Broken Horse
4. Location
5. Ghosting
Download: Freelance Whales - Daytrotter 10/29/10

And The Award For Best Halloween Costume Goes To........Jim James!!!

Happy Halloween folks.  My Morning Jacket played a show in their hometown of Louisville, KY earlier this week at the "KFC Yum! Center".  Worst venue name ever by the way.  Well with Halloween approaching Jim made the best out of that terrible name by dressing up as Colonel Sanders during the show.  Check out the video below and go to The Steam Engine to download the show.

New to Me: Fanfarlo

Fanfarlo formed out of London in 2006 and released their debut album 'Reservoir' in 2008.  Their sound, reminiscent of the Arcade Fire with horns, I've heard described as 'upbeat and whimsical indie-pop'.  Now that they're on my radar I'll definitely be on the lookout for their future releases and travels.  Below you can hear a track off the iTunes Sessions Live EP.
 Fanfarlo - Finish Line (Live) by Ledjam311

New Song from Freelance Whales

Freelance Whales recently contributed a new song called "Enzymes" to a music collection sponsored by Mountain Dew called Green Label Sound.  Take a listen below or head to their website to download it for free.

 Freelance Whales - Enzymes by Ledjam311

Concert Review: The Avett Brothers - Pier Six, Baltimore 10/16/10

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It was a cool & breezy October evening along the Inner Harbor when The Avett Brothers took to the stage.  I'm sure the stage was plenty warm though after Grace Potter & The Nocturnal's smoking opening set. The Avett Bros put together a well crafted set of material spanning their entire career. Admittedly I'm mostly familiar with their recent releases but I really enjoyed hearing some of their older material for the first time. Scott and Seth Avett have a lot of energy on stage and it seemed to flow into the crowd in the form of dancing and spontaneous ho-downs. This also marked the first time I've seen a cello player lift his instrument over his head and play it behind his back. It'll probably be the last time too, unless I go to see them again.

Setlist:
Talking Blues
The Fall
Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise
Die, Die, Die
Down with the Shine
Jenny on a Summer Day
Backwards with Time
In the Curve
Paranoia in B Flat Major
January Wedding
Tin Man
Pretty Girl from Michigan
Murder in the City
At the Beach
And it Spread
Talk on Indolence
I and Love and You
Kick Drum Heart
Perfect Space
Blue Ridge Mountain Song
Laundry Room
encore:
Pretty Girl from Annapolis
Just Like a Woman (Bob Dylan cover)
Slight Figure of Speech

Atomic Tom - Live on the NYC Subway

As the video describes, Atomic Tom had their studio broken into earlier this month and their instruments were stolen.  Well the guys certainly know how to make the best out of a bad situation.  The impromptu video seems to be garnering a good amount of attention and could lead to bigger and better things for the band.  I just hope that their lack of instruments doesn't keep them away from touring for too long.  Their debut album "The Moment" is among my favorite releases of 2010 thus far.  Check out the video and keep track of the band.  They're really gracious and nice guys who are making some damn good music.

My Morning Jacket - Late Night Vids

Here are the videos from MMJ's performances on Letterman and Fallon last week.  This week the band embarks on an epic 5 night stint at New York's Terminal 5.  The band will play an album per night in it's entirety along with other songs from that era each of the 5 nights.

MMJ News: Late Night Performances & New Album Talk

The beginning of this week is going to be eventful for My Morning Jacket fans.  Tomorrow night (Tuesday the 12th) the band will be performing on the Late Show with David Letterman.  Fans can catch a Live Webcast on the Late Show's website tomorrow at 8pm ET before the show's broadcast.  Then on Wednesday night the band will perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  

And if that isn't enough, a SPIN Magazine article posted Monday interviews MMJ bassist Tom "Two-Tone Tommy" Blankenship about the bands upcoming album.  The album is slated for an early 2011 release and will reportedly include the song "Wonderful" which has appeared at live performances over the years but never on an album.

Here's a recording of "Wonderful" from the Merriweather Post Pavillion last May:

 My Morning Jacket - Wonderful (The Way I Feel) by Ledjam311 

Concert Review: The XX - Merriam Theater, Philadelphia 10/4/10

Following impressive and powerful performances by Zola Jesus and Warpaint, a curtain was lowered over the stage with a massive letter "X" in the center.  After the theater lights turned off the curtain was released and feel to the stage floor just as the band played their first note.  An array of lighting effects and a sound system that pulsated through the theater making chairs and bones vibrate created the ideal atmosphere to showcase this incredible band.  The only downside was that their set was relatively short, roughly 50 minutes.  I'm exited to hopefully hear some new material in the future and check out The XX in concert again.

Video: Austin City Limits Performances via PBS

I heard from a friend that My Morning Jacket's performance at Austin City Limits in 2008 aired over the weekend on his local PBS station.  It turns out that there are a number of archived ACL performances available for viewing at PBS's website.  Shows available include: The Avett Brothers, Pearl Jam, M. Ward, Ben Harper, Dave Matthews Band, Arcade Fire, Wilco, The Decemberists, Kings of Leon, The Swell Season, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, and many more.  Here's the video of MMJ's stellar performance:

Watch the full episode. See more Austin City Limits.

Boot: The XX - Paris, France 10/26/09

In a little over a week I'll be seeing The XX at the Merriam Theater in Philly.  Here's a radio broadcast from a show they played in France last fall.  Be sure to check back here the week of Oct. 4th to read a review of the upcoming show. 

Soundcheck:  Below is a song from this show (Heart Skipped A Beat) that I uploaded via Soundcloud.  This way you can hear a sample of the recording before you download the whole show.

05 - XX - Heart Skipped A Beat [10.26.09] by Ledjam311

Setlist:

1- Intro

2- Crystalized

3- VCR

4- Islands

5- Heart Skipped A Beat

6- Fantasy

7- Shelter

8- Basic Space

9- Teardrops

10- Infinity

11- Night Time

12- Stars

Download:  The XX - Paris, France 10/26/09

Upcoming Show: Freelance Whales @ Johnny Brenda's, PA 12/14/10

Starting in November, Freelance Whales will embark on their first headlining tour of the US and Canada.  It's been a whirlwind year for the group who have been out touring in support of their debut album "Weathervanes".  A combination of touring, critical acclaim, and word of mouth has taken them from opening a show at Johnny Brenda's last February to headlining the same venue in under a year.  I can't say that I'm surprised though, after witnessing that show last February I had a feeling it was only a matter of time before they started catching on.  Check out the tour dates below and GO SEE THEM.  You can thank me later.

Tour Dates

11/5 – Maxwell’s – Hoboken, NJ
11/6 – Black Cat – Washington, DC
11/7 – Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC
11/8 – The Drunken Unicorn – Atlanta, GA
11/10 – Fitzgerald’s Downstairs – Houston, TX
11/11 – The ND @ 501 Studios – Austin, TX
11/12 – The Loft – Dallas, TX
11/14 – Clubhouse Music Venue – Tempe, AZ
11/16 – Detroit Bar – Costa Mesa, CA
11/18 – Troubadour – West Hollywood, CA
11/19 – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA
11/21 – Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR
11/23 – Crocodile Café – Seattle, WA
11/24 – The Biltmore Cabaret – Vancouver, BC
11/27 – Kilby Court – Salt Lake City, UT
11/29 – Hi-Dive – Denver, CO
12/01 – 7th Street Entry – Minneapolis, MN
12/02 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
12/03 – The Basement – Columbus, OH
12/04 – Brillobox – Pittsburgh, PA
12/05 – Mohawk Place – Buffalo, NY
12/07 – El Mocambo Club – Toronto, ONT
12/08 – La Sala Rossa – Montreal, QC
12/09 – Middle East Restaurant & Night Club – Cambridge, MA
12/10 – Iron Horse Music Hall – Northampton, MA
12/14 – Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA
12/15 – Webster’s Hall – New York, NY

New to Me: Neil Halstead

Neil Halstead describes the style of his music as "Nylon Rock".  Similar to fellow English singer/songwriter Nick Drake, Neil combines soft & smooth vocals over flowing guitar melodies.  In his websites bio, the recording process for his most recent album 'Oh! Mighty Engine' is described as follows: "He surfed in the mornings, and drank beer and recorded with various friends in the evening".  Sounds like the ideal songwriting process to me!  Thanks to Erin for turning me onto him.  Check out the music video for his song 'Elevenses' below:

Concert Review & Boot!!!: My Morning Jacket - Great Plaza, Philadelphia 8/29/10

I started off my "Summer Concert Series" back in May with My Morning Jacket, so it's fitting that I ended it with them this past Sunday.  It was another clear summer night at the Great Plaza River Stage, which according to Jim James of MMJ felt like playing under a circus tent.  If you've seen the striped canopy that hangs over the audience you'd probably agree.  As usual Jim classed up the joint, wearing a black suit accessorized with a cape during the encore.  It seems redundant to describe the energy this band puts into their performances but I honestly have yet to see/hear them not give it their all every time.   

The set drew from throughout their catalog of music, including the old-school fan favorite "Honest Man".  One thing that stood out to me were the transitions between some of the songs.  Several times they transitioned from one song to the next by playing a 2-3 minute jam of another song.  Obviously they only have enough time to play a certain number of songs during any given show, so this allows fans to at least hear a snippet of a song they wouldn't have heard otherwise. 

MMJ has built a very loyal fan base over the last decade and their fans are some of the best in the biz.  Below is a picture of the poster for this show.  You may notice that's it's been signed by several band members after the fan waited long after the show for a chance to see the guys.  I'd also like to send out a big thanks to Jesse Hurlburt for taping the show and posting it up on the Live Music Archive.  The link to download the show is under the setlist.  Enjoy!

Setlist:

1. Rollin Back (instrumental intro)

2. The Way That He Sings

3. Gideon

4. Mahgeetah

5. Golden

6. Circuital

7. It Beats 4 U

8. Honest Man

9. I'm Amazed

10. Easy Morning Rebel

11. Tonite I Want To Celebrate With You

12. Steam Engine

13. Smokin' From Shootin' -->

14. Run Thru (end jam only)

15. Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Part 2 -->

16. Lay Low (end jam only)

encore:

17. Wordless Chorus

18. Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Part 1

19. Highly Suspicious

20. Off The Record

21. One Big Holiday

Download:  MMJ - Great Plaza 8/29/10

Boot: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals - XPoNential Music Festival 7/16/10

This is a recording from the XPoNential Music Festival which was held last month in Camden, NJ.  During the show Grace transitions seamlessly back and forth between soulful blues singer and full-out rock goddess.  Backing band The Nocturnals fit in perfectly with her, driving home the energy in the songs.  Check out the show below.

Setlist:

1. Intro

2. Sweet Hands

3. Oasis

4. Tiny Light

5. Apologies

6. Only Love

7. One Short Night

8. Ah Mary

9. That Phone

10. Paris

11. Medicine

12. White Rabbit

Download: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals - 7/16/10

Having Trouble Keeping Up With Your Favorite Artist? Try "Songkick"

"Songkick" is a website that helps you keep track of when your favorite artists are performing in your area.  Select which artists you want to track and receive email updates when shows in your area are announced.  It's especially useful for shows at smaller venues that don't get much publicity.  You can also create a profile and with your own 'Gigography', listing shows you've attend and your thoughts/comments on it.

Concert Review: Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble - Mann Music Center 8/11/10

Yo-Yo Ma's reputation obviously precedes him, otherwise I went into this show not knowing much about the musicians who were performing.  It was refreshing to go in without any expectations and hear their music for the first time.  The song selection drew from several different time periods and regions of the world.  I'm not up to speed on my classical music but I was blown away by the arrangements and talent of the musicians.  Atmosphere can add a lot to the musical experience and lying on the lawn of the Mann looking up at the stars while hearing Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble play was a perfect example of that.  I haven't felt that peaceful in a long time.

Boot: The Arcade Fire - Nashville 8/9/10

Although I haven't been able to find a recording of their performance at The Mann I did come across a good audience recording of their show in Nashville last week.  The setlist is similar to the one I saw and includes a number of songs off their new album "The Suburbs".  This album is growing on me quickly and could end up being my favorite album of the year.  Check out the Nashville show below.

Setlist:
1 - Intro
2 - Ready to Start
3 - Neighborhood 2 (Laika)
4 - No Cars Go
5 - Haiti
6 - Half Light II (No Celebration)
7 - The Suburbs
8 - Suburban War
9 - Intervention
10 - Crown of Love
11 - Neighborhood 1 (Tunnels)
12 - Deep Blue
13 - We Used to Wait
14 - Neighborhood 3 (Power Out)
15 - Rebellion (Lies)
16 - Keep the Car Running
17 - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
18 - Wake Up
Download:  The Arcade Fire - Nashville 8/9/10

New to Me: Annuals

I recently got turned onto 'Annuals', an indie-pop group from North Carolina.  They've released 2 albums and several EPs since forming in 2003.  I've only heard bits and pieces of their albums so far but I like the direction their sound is headed.  Check out their website and this session they recorded for Daytrotter.
Annuals - Myspace

Daytrotter Setlist:
1 - Welcome to Daytrotter
2 - Confessor
3 - Around Your Neck
4 - Always Do
5 - Springtime
Download:  Annuals -  Daytrotter 12/19/08

Jim James plays Newport & My Morning Jacket hits the studio

These are exciting times to be a MMJ fan.  Jim has been out playing some solo shows including a set at the Newport Folk Festival last week.  Soon he'll be joining up with his MMJ band mates and touring.  I'll be fortunate enough to catch them on August 29th!  As if that's not enough, Rolling Stone posted a interview with Jim revealing that the band has begun recording for it's next album and expect a Springtime 2011 release.  Supposedly they already have 5 songs recorded, here's hoping we'll get to preview them during this tour.  Here's Jim's set from Newport which was broadcast on NPR.

Yim Yames - Newport Setlist:
1- His Masters Voice
2- Wonderful (The Way I Feel)
3- Look At You
4- Tonight I Want To Celebrate With You
5- Bermuda Highway
6- Summer Never Ends
7- It Beats 4 U
8- What A Wonderful Man
9- Sylvie
10- In The Morning
11- Golden
12- Where To Begin
13- Smokin' From Shootin'
14- Gideon
Download: Yim Yames - Newport 2010

Concert Review: The Arcade Fire & Spoon - Mann Music Center 8/2/10

Unfortunately I missed the beginning of Spoon's set thanks to I-76 traffic.  From what I did get to hear, they sounded great.  I was a little surprised that an established group like Spoon would be the opener but after having seen some awful opening bands in my day, I was quite pleased to have them.  Spoon's most recent album "Transference" was a little disappointing in my opinion, but the new songs did seem to translate well live.  Hopefully I'll get to see Spoon again soon as a headliner.

Spoon's Setlist:
Black Like Me, Nobody Gets Me But You, Don't You Evah, Rhythm and Soul, You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb, Is Love Forever?, The Ghost of You Lingers, Trouble Comes Running, Small Stakes, Love Song (The Damned cover), I Summon You, Written in Reverse, Don't Make Me a Target, Got Nuffin, Stay Don't Go, Jonathon Fisk

The Arcade Fire played a set full of energy and excitement on the eve of the release of their new album titled "The Suburbs".  In keeping with the theme of the album, the stage backdrop was a highway overpass and a large video screen was constructed to look like a roadside billboard.  The band needed all the room they could get on stage since they have 8 members and a wide variety of instruments.  I wasn't expecting much crowd interaction from them but several members including lead singer Win Butler spoke and even ran out into the crowd.  The new songs sounded promising, several (Deep Blue, Modern Man, and Sprawl II) really stood out to me. 

The Arcade Fire's Setlist:
Ready to Start, Neighborhood #2 (Laika), No Cars Go, Haïti, Rococo, Oh It's Such A Shame (Jay Reatard cover), Deep Blue, The Suburbs, Intervention, We Used to Wait, Neighborhood #3 (Power Out), Rebellion (Lies), Month of May, Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains), Keep the Car Running,
Encore:  Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Modern Man, Wake Up 

Concert Review: The Black Keys - River Stage, Philadelphia 7/30/10

This is my The Black Keys concert review.  Do your eardrums a solid and go see these guys ASAP.  If you go, the first thing you'll learn is that the group hails from Akron, Ohio.  The next thing you'll learn is that TBK write some of the most gritty and soulful blues/rock you will ever hear.  I had high expectations for the show and TBK didn't disappoint, ripping through classics and debuting songs off their new album "Brothers".  With 6 full length albums under their belt, Dan Auerbach (vocals, guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums) have managed to take their distinctive sound and continue to build upon it with each successive release.   

Setlist:

Thickfreakness

Girl Is On My Mind

10 AM Automatic

Breaks
Stack Shot Billy
Busted
Everywhere I Go
Strange Times
Same Old Thing
Everlasting Light
Next Girl
Chop And Change
Howlin For You
Tighten Up
She's Long Gone
Ten Cent Pistol
Your Touch
No Trust
I Got Mine
---encore---
Too Afraid To Love You
Sinister Kid
Till I Get My Way

Concert Review: Steel Train - First Unitarian Church...errr The Barbary, Philadelphia 7/21/10

Going into Wednesday I was equally as excited to see a show at the First Unitarian Church as I was to see Steel Train.  Unfortunately when we arrived we found out that the show had been moved to another venue because of electrical problems.  The new venue (The Barbary) just happened to be on the complete opposite end of the city!  A few wrong turns and sketchy neighborhoods later, we managed to get there. 

Steel Train put on a good high energy performance drawing material mainly from their new self-titled album.  The highlight of the show for me was when all 5 members of the band gathered around 1 microphone to sing together accompanied only by a guitar.  During the song, the lead singer whipped his head to the side and flung sweat all over the bassist's face.  Kinda gross but the band and the crowd got a good laugh out of it.  In moments like that you could tell they were a group of friends having fun and doing what they love.  That was refreshing to see. 

Here's a recent session the band recorded at Daytrotter:
1. Welcome to Daytrotter
2. S.O.G. Burning in Hell
3. Kill Monsters in the Rain
4. You and I Undercover
5. Bullet
6. Touch Me Band
7. Fall Asleep
Download - Steel Train at Daytrotter

NPR To Stream The Newport Folk Festival Live

NPR is providing a live webcast of performances from the festival which includes some of my favorite artists (The Avett Brothers, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and Yim Yames aka Jim James of My Morning Jacket).  Here's an exerpt from the article:

"NPR and folk music — it seems like a natural fit. On July 31, NPR Music will offer a live webcast of the Newport Folk Festival. In addition, NPR Music and WFUV New York, FolkAlley.com (WKSU) Kent, Ohio, and mvyradio in Martha’s Vineyard and Newport will broadcast select sets from the Fest — air times are July 31 and August 1 from 11:30AM to 7:30PM (ET).

Fans can tune in to hear performances from The Avett Brothers, Andrew Bird, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Justin Townes Earle and more. They’ll also be posting on-demand streams from John Prine, My Morning Jacket’s Yim Yames, Blitzen Trapper, The Low Anthem and Nneka at NPR.org/Music."
http://www.americansongwriter.com/2010/07/npr-to-stream-the-newport-folk-festival-live/

Boot: Muse - Glastonbury Festival 6/26/10

Here is Muse's set from the Glastonbury Festival last month.  The show includes a cover of U2's "Where The Streets Have No Name" with special guest The Edge.  Enjoy.

Setlist:

1. Uprising

2. Supermassive Black Hole

3. New Born

4. Map of the Problematique

5. Guiding Light

6. Citizen Erased

7. Nishe

8. United States of Eurasia

9. Feeling Good

10. Undisclosed Desires

11. Resistance

12. Interlude

13. Hysteria

14. House Of The Rising Sun
15. Time Is Running Out
16. Starlight
17. Stockholm Syndrome
18. Where The Streets Have No Name (with The Edge)
19. Plug In Baby
20. Man With A Harmonica
21. Knights Of Cydonia
Download: Muse - Glastonbury 2010 Part 1 ........Glastonbury 2010 Part 2

Passion Pit cover Tonight, Tonight

I've never been a big Smashing Pumpkins fan, Billy Corgan annoys the hell out of me.  I always did enjoy this song though, and the same goes for Passion Pit's recent take on it.  The song is part of "Levi's Pioneer Sessions" where artists provide their version of songs that inspired them.  Other contributing artists include: She & Him, The Shins, Dirty Projectors, John Legend & The Roots, and more. 

Boot: M. Ward - KCRW 2009

Here's a radio interview/performance that M. Ward did back in 2009 while out promoting his album "Hold Time".  He's been a busy guy recently, along with releasing "Hold Time" he's put out albums with Monsters of Folk and most recently She & Him.  I'll be looking forward to hearing his next venture whatever it may be.

KCRW 2009 Setlist:
01.(=Intro=)
02.One Hundred Million Years
03.Never Had Nobody Like You
04.To Save Me
05.Rave On
06.(=Interview With Jason =)
07.Fahey
08.Requiem
09.Epistemology
10.Oh Lonesome Me
11.(-Outro1-)
12.Fisher Of Men
13.Chinese Translation
14.(=Outro2=)
Download - M. Ward - KCRW 2009

Concert Review: She & Him - River Stage, Philadelphia 7/2/10

A cool evening at an intimate outdoor venue was the perfect setting for She & Him last Friday night.  With the Delaware River as the backdrop, Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward churned out tunes from their two records along with a couple of covers in the encore.  Now that I've gotten to see She & Him I'd really like to hear M. Ward play some of his solo material.  Hopefully it won't be too long before he comes back to the area.
Setlist:
1.Black Hole
2.Thieves
3.Over It Over Again
4.Me And You
5.Lingering Still
6.Take It Back
7.Home
8.Sentimental Heart
9.Change Is Hard
10.I Thought I Saw Your Face Today
11.Brand New Shoes
12.Would You Like to Take a Walk?
13.You Really Got a Hold on Me
14.Magic Trick
15.Gonna Get Along Without You Now
16.In The Sun
17.Don't Look Back
18.This Is Not a Test
19.Ridin' in My Car
20.Made For You
21.Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?
22.Sweet Darlin'
Encore:
23.Fools Rush In
24.Roll Over Beethoven

Happy Independence Day America!

I woke up this morning with "This Land is Your Land" by Woodie Guthrie stuck in my head.  There have been countless covers of this song over the years, including one by Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings that I heard recently in the film 'Up In The Air'.  Give it a listen and have a happy 4th! 

Top 50 Albums of 2010 (so far), Listener's Picks

NPR let listeners pick their 50 favorite albums for the first half of 2010.  Regardless of what you think about the rankings it's a good starting point for finding some of this years best music.  Some thoughts that I had after reading the list:

• It's good to see The Black Keys, Broken Bells, and Mumford & Sons crack the Top 10
• Spoon, Sleigh Bells, and MGMT's new albums are overrated
• Dr. Dog's "Shame, Shame" (#27 on the list) should be a lot higher 
• I need to check out Gorillaz "Plastic Beach" and LCD Soundsystem "This Is Happening"

Here are the top 25:  (check out the full list here)
1.Gorillaz: Plastic Beach
2.The National: High Violet
3.The Black Keys: Brothers
4.Broken Bells: Broken Bells
5.LCD Soundsystem: This Is Happening
6.Vampire Weekend: Contra
7.Beach House: Teen Dream
8.Mumford and Sons: Sigh No More
9.Spoon: Transference
10.Sleigh Bells: Treats
11.Local Natives: Gorilla Manor
12.Yeasayer: Odd Blood
13.The New Pornographers: Together
14.Flying Lotus: Cosmogramma
15.She & Him: Volume Two
16.Band of Horses: Infinite Arms
17.Jonsi: Go
18.The Knife: Tomorrow, In A Year
19.Broken Social Scene: Forgiveness Rock Record
20.Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings: I Learned The Hard Way
21.MGMT: Congratulations
22.Joanna Newsom: Have One On Me
23.Josh Ritter: So Runs The World Away
24.Janelle Monae: The ArchAndroid
25.Frightened Rabbit: The Winter Of Mixed Drinks

NPR....there's an app for that

I recently got an iPhone and one of the first apps I downloaded was for National Public Radio (NPR).  Just released, this app allows you to listen to a lot of great programs (World Cafe sessions, Exclusive First Listen of new albums, XPN live performances) and stream from a number of radio stations (XPN in Philadelphia, KCRW in California, and KEXP in Washington among others).  Even if you don't have an iPhone you can listen to all of these from a desktop at their website.  For someone like me though, who's on the road driving for work at least 2-3 hours a day, this app is a wonderful thing.

New from Pearl Jam - "Of The Earth"

Pearl Jam debuted a new song called "Of The Earth" at a show in Dublin earlier this week.  It's rumored to be an unreleased track off their self-titled album from 2006.  The heavy feel and guitar riffs in the song are reminiscent of material from their early albums.  The extended jam featuring guitarist Mike McCready is ridiculous!  Can't wait to hear a studio version of this.

Boot: The Avett Brothers - Bonnaroo 2010

As I mentioned in a previous post, I caught the Avett Bros set at Bonnaroo when it was broadcast on Youtube last week.  I was a casual fan of theirs already but after hearing/seeing that live set I now desperately want to see them in concert.  The video posted above is a fan recording of "The Perfect Space" off their album 'I and Love and You'.  Scott Avett even performs double duty playing piano and drums during the song.  Check out the entire show below.

Bonnaroo 2010 Setlist:
1 - The Fall
2 - Shame
3 - Paranoia in B-Flat Major
4 - The Perfect Space
5 - I Killed Sally's Lover
6 - January Wedding
7 - Colorshow
8 - Head Full of Doubts/Road Full of Promises
9 - When I Drink
10 - Salvation Song
11 - More of You
12 - And it Spread
13 - Famous Flower of Manhattan
14 - Laundry Room
15 - Talk of Indolence
16 - Salina
17 - Slight Figure of Speech
18 - I and Love and You
Download - The Avett Bros - Roo 2010

Up & Coming Band: Atomic Tom

To celebrate my birthday a group of friends and I decided to hit up the Khyber in Old City, Philadelphia.  Along with a hangover I came away from that evening with a new band to follow.  Atomic Tom are an alternative rock band from Brooklyn NY about to break out onto the music scene.  Their sound is a combination of their list of influences (the Killers, the Cure, Franz Ferdinand, etc.).  "Take Me Out" is the lead single off their forthcoming album due out in 2010.  They closed out the set with that song and by the end the entire audience was singing along to the chorus.  Pretty impressive considering it was probably the first time a lot of the people there (including me) had heard it.   Check out the video below and keep a eye out for these guys in the near future. 

The Roots with Yim Yames on Jimmy Fallon - Set Your DVR's

The Roots are scheduled to perform with Yim Yames of My Morning Jacket on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon this Friday June 18th.  They'll likely play "Dear God 2.0", a remix/cover the Roots recorded of the Monsters of Folk tune "Dear God" which Yames was a part of.

UPDATE:  Check out video of the performance from last Friday...

Hear Sets from Bonnaroo 2010 via NPR

Well I know what I'll be listening to at the office this week. NPR is streaming a number of sets from this past weekend's Bonnaroo on their website. You can hear sets from The Avett Bros, Dave Matthews Band, The XX, She & Him, LCD Soundsystem, and The National among others. The Avett Bros put on a hell of a show, I highly recommend listening to it.
NPR - 'Live At Bonnaroo' shows
Also thru NPR and Itunes you can download a free 11 song sampler of artists who performed at this years Bonnaroo. The offer expires on July 31, 2010
NPR - Bonnaroo Free Sampler

New to me: Mumford & Sons

I heard a song by these guys on XPN earlier this week and looked them up as soon as I got home. They're an English folk rock band. Their debut album titled "Sigh No More" was released back in February. I haven't had a chance to hear the whole album yet but I've liked everything I've heard so far. "The Cave" was the song I heard that caught my ear. Here's their myspace website and a show they played in Sydney back in February.
Mumford & Sons - Myspace

Oxford Arts Factory - Sydney, Austrailia 2/2/10
1. Sigh No More
2. Awake My Soul
3. Timshel
4. White Blank Page
5. Little Lion Man
6. The Cave
7. I Gave You All
8. Roll Away Your Stone
9. Dust Bowl Dance
Download - Mumford & Sons - 2/2/10

Good Week for Music on The Late Show

The Black Keys and Yim Yames both performed this week on The Late Show with David Letterman. Playing alongside Yim is country/folk legend John Prine. They play "All the Best" which Yim recorded for an upcoming tribute album to John. The Black Keys played "Tighten Up" which is off their album Brothers.




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Concert Review: Pearl Jam @ Madison Square Garden, NY 5-21-10

I've seen these guys quite a few times since my 1st PJ show in 2003. None of their shows have ever disappointed me but a few definitely stand out from the rest. This was certainly one of them. One word...EPIC. They played for just over 2 1/2 hours with a set full of hits and rarities for die-hard fans.

One rarity that was a real treat was when Ben Bridwell from opening act Band of Horses joined the group on stage during the 2nd encore for a terrific rendition of Hunger Strike (check out the video below). And what Pearl Jam show would be complete without the insanity of buying the show's poster as soon as the doors open? For those who don't know, the poster is different for each show of the tour and is available in limited quantity. Thus why you'll always see a line of people with poster tubes stressing out about getting one. This show's poster was designed by Ames Bros. It's definitely one of my favorites.

This was the last show on the band's current tour and they definitely ended it on a high note.

Youtube: Pearl Jam - Hunger Strike @ MSG

Set List: Corduroy, Hail Hail, Do The Evolution, World Wide Suicide, Got Some, Breath, Nothing Man, I’m Open - dedicated to Howard Zinn, Unthought Known, Grievance, Amongst The Waves, Present Tense, Not For You/Modern Girl (Sleater Kinney), Push Me Pull Me, Rats, Daughter/WMA, The Fixer, Why Go

1st encore: The End with string quartet, Just Breathe with string quartet, Lukin II with string quartet, Black Red Yellow, Sweet Lew, Given To Fly, Spin The Black Circle, Rearviewmirror

2nd encore: Wasted Reprise, Better Man/Save It For Later (Charley, Cox, Morton, Steele, Wakeling), Black, The Real Me (Townshend), Hunger Strike with Ben Bridwell from “Band Of Horses” (Cornell), Alive, Kick Out The Jams (Davis, Kramer, Smith, Thompson, Tyner), Yellow Ledbetter/Star Spangled Banner

Music For A Cause: Appalachian Voices Tour

I got an email the other day about this upcoming tour. It doesn't look like I'll be able to make it to any of the shows unfortunately. The tour supports an important cause though and it's great of these guys to bring attention to it. From Yim Yames' website:

"Yim Yames, singer-songwriter Daniel Martin Moore and genre-bending cellist and vocalist Ben Sollee will embark on a nine date Appalachian Voices tour in an effort to raise public awareness of the devastating practice of Mountaintop Removal coal mining throughout Appalachia. A portion of the proceeds from the tour will benefit Appalachian Voices, for which the tour was named, an organization devoted to ending mountaintop removal coal mining together with diverse environmental problems impacting the central and southern Appalachian Mountains."

Check out the shows if you can. If not, check out the link below and learn about Mountaintop Removal Mining.
Appalachian Voices

Upcoming Show: The Black Keys - Philadelphia July 30th

Earlier this week I got tickets to see The Black Keys when they come to town in July. They are blues-rock at it's present day best. The guitar & drum duo have put out several amazing albums over the last decade and each one keeps getting better in my opinion. July can't come soon enough. Here's a recording of a show they did back in 2008. Also be sure to check out their new album "Brothers" which comes out next week.

The Black Keys - Spaceland L.A. 4-8-08
1-Introduction
2-Thickfreakness
3-Hard Row
4-Busted
5-Yearnin'
6-Countdown
7-She Said, She Said
8-The Moan
9-Them Eyes
10-The Breaks
11-Set You Free
12-No Trust
13-Have Love Will Travel
14-I'll Be Your Man
15-Do The Rump
16-Heavy Soul
17-No Fun
Download: Black Keys @ Spaceland

New to Me: Fang Island

Fang Island's self-titled album is an enjoyable debut from the Brooklyn NY based group. I was surprised to find that a number of tracks on the album are instrumental only. For what it lacks in lyrics however they make up for in driving guitar riffs and electronic beats. I can see this album living in my car this summer for when I need some good driving music.
Fang Island - website
Fang Island - myspace

Concert Review: My Morning Jacket - Columbia, MD 5/1/10

Simply an incredible performance by one of, if not the, best live bands out today. I heard that a construction crew had to be called in the next day to repair the roof that MMJ blew off the joint! But seriously, a stellar set and great stage presence made this a show that won't be forgotten anytime soon.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band rounded out the show, playing the opening set and joining MMJ on stage for the encore (including a rendition of "Move On Up" by Curtis Mayfield that is still stuck in my head). Jim James won the award for outfit of the evening, wearing a snazzy blue suit complimented with a gun holster (holding orange duck hunt guns) and the occasional black cape. The setlist was very well crafted, showcasing the band's range and diversity musically. Many thanks to a fellow fan for recording this show and posting it the following day! Follow the link below to experience musical bliss.

Setlist:
Kentucky Derby Call->
Eminence Front (The Who)->
One Big Holiday
Gideon
Off The Record
I’m Amazed
Mahgeetah
Tonight I Want To Celebrate With You
Golden
What A Wonderful Man
Lay Low
The Way That He Sings
Wonderful (The Way I Feel)
Carried Away
Steam Engine
Smokin’ From Shootin’->
Run Thru Reprise
Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 2
Anytime

Encore:
Wordless Chorus
Carnival Time (Al Johnson)
Dancefloors
Move On Up (Curtis Mayfield)

Download: MMJ - Columbia, MD