The Americans Are Coming!

Rage Against The Machine will headline the first night of the Reading Festival this year. The Killers will headline the Saturday night show and Metallica will be the closing headliner. (Yahoo)

A Tribute To Bjork

Bjork is one the most amazing performers in the world. And, Stereogum are the most amazing compilers of tribute CDs. They are responsible for Drive X, a covers compilation of songs from REM's Automatic For The People. Last year they had OKX, a covers compilation of songs from Radiohead's OK Computer. And they have those sweet pickle year end mash-up downloads. But, you can download it here. (Stereogum)

Liars - Army of Me (mp3)

Remember Yo! MTV Raps?

Well, the good folks who have brought you The Hills, The Real World, Jackass, Date My Mom, and many other thought provoking programming hope that you do. They have decided to pay tribute to the anniversary of a show that actually contained music videos.

It's been 20 long years since Yo! debuted late night on MTV. I remember watching Fab 5 Freddy on Saturday nights. The first one I saw was with the D.O.C. Ahhh, good times. I even watched weekday afternoons with Ed Lover and the fat Dr. Dre. (Yahoo!)

Black Joe Lewis

If you didn't know any better you would think Black Joe Lewis came from a time machine built in the old Stax studios. He caught a lot of buzz during his recent shows at SXSW and it's totally deserved.

His sound mixes with some jump-type blues/funk of "Gunpowder" to the Otis Redding Stax sound on the song "You Don't Love". If you want I real treat go to his Myspace page and check out "Bitch I Love You."

Black Joe Lewis - Gunpowder (mp3)

Black Joe Lewis - You Don't Love (mp3)

You can catch him opening up for Austin's Okkervil River on 4/5 at the Granada Theater on Greenville. You can also get his albums here.

Hit It Rikki!

Poor Mr. Rikki Rockett. Not only does he have to watch Bret Micheals go through the endless number of skanks on "Rock of Love" to find his "perfect" skank; and on-again-off-again drumming for Poison. But, now he's been arrested for "strong-arm rape."

Yes, it seems poor Mr. Rockett was arrested at LAX after arriving from New Zealand. The arrest stemmed from a warrant (Take that Jani Lane!) issued from Neshoba County Mississippi. Well, hopefully he can take his air brush painting to the pen with him. (Idolator)

Korn Original Line-Up Reuniting?

I was wondering how long this was going to take. But, rumor has it that Brian "Head" Welch and David Silveria may be rejoining Korn. I didn't figure the Christianity thing would last too long for Mr. Welch. And well, David Silveria has been working on his restaurant and family. So, we'll see what happens. (Rock & Roll Daily)

Nine Inch Nails Announce Summer Tour

Trent Reznor announced yesterday, via the NIN website, the first leg of a summer tour. I'm pretty pumped about this one. I've only seen NIN once and was completely blown away.

And as always, Trent Reznor is Nine Inch Nails. (Rock & Roll Daily)

7/25/08 Pemberton, BC @ Pemberton Festival
7/26/08 Seattle, WA @ Key Arena at Seattle Center
7/28/08 Edmonton, ALB @ Rexall Place
7/29/08 Calgary, ALB @ Pengrowth Saddledome
7/31/08 Winnipeg, MAN @ MTS Centre
8/2/08 Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center
8/5/08 Toronto, ONT @ Air Canada Centre
8/7/08 Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
8/8/08 Worcester, MA @ DCU Center
8/12/08 Knoxville, TN @ Knoxville Civic Coliseum
8/13/08 Duluth, GA @ Gwinnett Arena
8/15/08 Oklahoma City, OK @ Ford Center
8/16/08 Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
8/18/08 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
8/20/08 Saint, Louis MO @ Scottrade Center
8/22/08 Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena
8/23/08 Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills
8/27/08 East Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center
8/29/08 Philadelphia, PA @ Wachovia Center
8/31/08 Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena
9/2/08 Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheater
9/3/08 Salt Lake City, UT @ The E Center Of West Valley
9/5/08 Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
9/6/08 Inglewood, CA @ The Forum

She & Him Interview

It seems like this is a She & Him kind of day.  It seems one Ms. Zooey Deschanel stopped by the friendly confines of NPR's Fresh Air program for a little interview.  You can listen to it here.  (NPR)

Pete Seeger

From the time I watched "O' Brother Where Art Thou?" I've been in love with old-timey folk and bluegrass.  And, this morning I watched "Pete Seeger:  The Power of Song" and was really inspired by it.  I was surprised how many of the songs I knew.  It could've been his song or he may have covered it.  But, hearing a folk version of "Sixteen Tons" is definitely interesting.  And, hearing "Union Made" was different since I'm use to the Old Crow Medicine Show version.

If you don't like folk, it's really good, and so is Bluegrass.  Both have lovely instrumentation and are very beautiful.

Judy Collins & Pete Seeger - Union Made (mp3)

Pete Seeger - Little Boxes (mp3)

Axl Rose Responds To Dr. Pepper

It's good to see that Axl has a good attitude now that he's getting up there in age.  Unlike when he wanted to fight Kurt Cobain at the MTV Video Awards for joking around with him.  

But, he released a statement regarding the Dr. Pepper Chinese Democracy Challenge.  Not only did he acknowledge that Buckethead still has some songs credited to him on the new album.  But, he even said he'd share his DP with him.  Awwww, what an old softy.  However, Slash has to fend for himself.

She & Him Tour, Kind Of

She & Him have announced a trio of shows that will hit the left coast and NYC.  I'm wondering if they will have more and more shows in the future since their lives shows have gotten such a positive response.  Maybe they'll hit up some festivals this summer.

(Rock & Roll Daily)

4/21/08 NYC @ Hiro Ballroom

4/29/08 Los Angeles, CA @ Vista Theatre

5/18/09 San Francisco, CA @ San Francisco Oysterfest

Raconteurs "Salute Your Solution" Video

This is like an all-you-need video! Want the album? Well then buy it now!

The Spores

I can never really get enough of electronic music and The Spores walk that delicate line between rock and electronica and pull it off nicely. Songs like "Won't Save You" remind me of Curve or Garbage, while the song "Faster Master" reminds me of a more rockin' version of Bjork.

These songs are on their latest release doom pop on Sidecho Records. You can buy it here.

The Spores - Faster Master (mp3)

The Spores - Ghost Town (mp3)

Surprise Eddie Vedder Solo Shows

Patrons who showed up to what they thought was a screening of "Into The Wild" in Seattle were surprised on Monday and Tuesday when they found out it was really an Eddie Vedder solo show.

I would also have been pleasantly surprised. The set included PJ songs "Dead Man," "Around The Bend" and "I Am Mine" as well as Into The Wild sountrack tunes like "Society" and "No Ceiling."

If seeing a surprise show featuring Ed wasn't enough, the tickets were only $5! (Billboard)

Stream New Black Keys Album

Oh, that's right, I said it! You can stream the new album by The Black Keys here.

I just hope that Dangermouse didn't pull a Phil Spector and pull a gun on the boys when they weren't fullfilling his expectations in the studio. (Rock & Roll Daily)

Free Dr. Pepper!

I loves me some Dr. Pepper. And the good people over at DP have announced that if Chinese Democracy does not come out by the end of 2008; every man woman and child a FREE Dr. Pepper.

"It took a little patience to perfect Dr Pepper's special mix of 23 ingredients, which our fans have come to know and love," Dr Pepper director of marketing Jaxie Alt says. "So we completely understand and empathize with Axl's quest for perfection -- for something more than the average album. We know once it's released, people will refer to it as 'Dr Pepper for the ears' because it will be such a refreshing blend of rich, bold sounds - an instant classic."

But, I'm sure Axl is ready to release the album right now. But, probably not. So, you can pretty much count on getting a free one. (Billboard)

Laura Nelson Can Kick Your Ass!

*Update* Sorry, but the Youtube link doesn't work anymore because some weiner took down that video. It was awesome though.

This has to be the greatest semi-brawl I've seen since college. At least in a beer joint kind of way. It makes me think this could've happened at The Hangar or The Red Barn. You see Laura Nelson, Willie's daughter, was performing at Saxon' s Pub in Austin when a very drunk patron got on the stage and wouldn't leave. But, to be fair, Operation: Chuck Norris Kick took very little time to begin. They basically asked him to get off the stage and when he didn't do it within one second he got kicked. But, she had the right to give it to him. (Idolator)

Although, I really wish I had video of the time my friend got whiskey drunk, jumped on stage as David Alan Coe was playing, and got into a fight with him onstage.

New Wye Oak

Today I got a great surprise when the new Wye Oak single, "I Don't Feel Young," was in my inbox. It's a bit of a departure from the sunny, bright, pop sound of "Warning." Starts off a little dour, but, then the mood and the jangly guitar pick up in the middle of the song.

This is the second single off their new album If Children out on Merge Records on April 8.

Wye Oak - I Don't Feel Young (mp3)

Top 10 Rock Songs Black People Love

So, last week I wrote about the Top 10 Rap Songs White People Love. Well, this week, it's The Top 10 Rock Songs Black People Love. And, I'm not sure if this makes a difference or not, but, the list is written by a black dude. So, that kosher, right? Most of the songs I like, so, it's all good.

My brother should be happy because the list includes his two favorite songs by Taylor Dayne and Jane Childs. It's a great day for him! (Cats and Beer)

10. Anything by Steely Dan or the solo Donald Fagen
9. Anything by Sinatra
8. Tell It To My Heart or anything else by Taylor Dayne
7. (Damn) I Wish I Was Your Lover - Sophie B. Hawkins
6. I Don’t Want To Fall In Love - Jane Childs

For the rest of the top 10 go here.

Austin City Limits Festival Line-Up Announcement Date

According to Austin360.com the ACL line-up should be announced on 4/15. I'm kinda hoping the rumors are true and that Pearl Jam will be playing there. That means the rumors about them playing in Dallas in September could be true as well. (Ultra8021)

The Felice Brothers, from New York, bring the kind of mountain story telling songs you would expect of any good bluegrass, string band coming out of the Appalachians. But, they aren't a string band, just good ole alt-country band. I've been listening to "Frankie's Gun" and "Wonderful Life" for months now. They're good stuff. You can get their new self titled album here.

Felice Brothers - Frankie's Gun (mp3)

Felice Brothers - Wonderful Life (mp3)

3/24/08 Salt Lake City, Utah @ KILBY COURT
3/25/08 Denver, Colorado @ LARIMER LOUNGE
3/27/08 Omaha, Nebraska @ THE WAITING ROOM
3/28/08 Minneapolis, Minnesota @ THE 400 BAR
3/29/08 Madison, Wisconsin @ DER RATHSKELLER AT UW MADISON
3/31/08 Grinnell, Iowa @ BOB’S UNDERGROUND CAFE
4/1/08 Chicago, Illinois @ SCHUBA’S
4/2/08 Louisville, Kentucky @ ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
4/3/08 Nashville, Tennessee @ MERCY LOUNGE
4/4/08 Birmingham, Alabama @ BOTTLETREE
4/5/08 Knoxville, Tennessee @ BARLEY’S TAPROOM
4/6/08 Atlanta, Georgia @ EDDIE’S ATTIC
4/7/08 Raleigh, North Carolina @ BERKELEY CAFE
4/8/08 Norfolk, Virginia @ THE BOOT
4/10/08 Arlington, Virginia @ IOTA
4/11/08 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania @ THE CHAPEL @ THE FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
4/12/08 New York, New York @ THE BOWERY BALLROOM
4/24/08 Ithaca, New York @ CASTAWAY’S
4/26/08 Woodstock, New York @ THE BEARSVILLE THEATER
5/24/08 Newcastle, Northeast @ THE CLUNY
5/25/08 Glasgow, Scotland @ KING TUTS
5/26/08 Leeds, Northwest @ HIFI CLUB
5/27/08 Manchester, Northeast @ NIGHT & DAY
5/28/08 Dublin, Dublin @ SUGAR CLUB
5/29/08 London, London and South East 100 CLUB
5/30/08 Barcelona, Barcelona @ PRIMAVERA FESTIVAL
6/1/08 Hunter, New York @ MOUNTAIN JAM
6/12/08 Manchester, Tennessee @ BONNAROO
6/22/08 Croton-On-Hudson, New York @ CLEARWATER FESTIVAL - GREAT HUDSON RIVER REVIVAL
8/9/08 New York @ ALL POINTS WEST MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL

Del Tha Funky Homosapien "Workin' It" Video

Del pulls some Hype Williams type of futuristic imagery on this clip. Cool video. (Spinner)

Live Raconteurs

So I've been pretty Raconteurs friendly this last week. What, with the new album coming out and the tour, there is plenty of reason to love the guys who tell stories.

But, the goodness of I Am Fuel, You Are Friends you been blessed upon us yet again. You see, if you go there you can download a live Raconteur show. I've listened to it, it's pretty good, if not soundboard quality.

But, I leave you with a bonus version of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" as done by the Racounteurs at Lollapalooza in 2006.

Racounteurs - Crazy (mp3)

Black Keys Review

Stereogum has a pretty good review/preview of the new album by The Black Keys in there Premature Evaluation section. It sounds like it's going to turn out pretty great. (Stereogum)

Whatsa Goin' On?

I'm not sure if any of you are as hooked on "Rock of Love" as much as me and the Mrs., but, we love every slutty, whorey, trash-tastic moment of it! Well, yesterday Daisy and her candy wax lips cried to Heather because she still lives with her uber-cool ex-boyfriend Charles. You know, he of the sweet wife-beater and "white trash" Jack White reject hat?

Anyhoo, you can check out his band here, Seraphim Shock. They dress like Misfit rejects and rock like Lifehouse. (Rock & Roll Daily)

Velvet Revolver In-Fighting, Say It Ain't So!

Man, there is some drama if you want to be in Velvet Revolver. Apparently Matt Sorem and Weiland are waging a war of words (cause they don't hurt) because Weiland said on stage the "you are watching the last Velvet Revolver tour ever." But, that's good since STP is getting back together, right? Well, no. Apparently Weiland said something that made Matt Sorem mad, so he blogged about it. Then Weiland went to the Blabbermouth!

I do like the dig Weiland gave Sorem about this being his first band and that he's just a hired gun. (Rock & Roll Daily)

Ludacris vs. She & Him

I love the art of the mash-up. People don't always get it right, sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. This one falls a little bit in the middle. Ludacris' vocals are little bit low and Zooey's vocals are a little loud. But, it's not to bad. Head over to The Hood Internet for a copy of this one and a bunch more they may tickle your fancy.

Ludacris vs. She & Him - Sentimental Mouth (mp3)

Pearl Jam Plays Dallas In September?

Supposedly my five year wait for the great Pearl Jam to come back to my part of the world is over. Alledgedly they are playing in Dallas on 9/25 and Austin on 9/28. Hopefully, I can make both shows.

As of now I have absolutely no proof just what I've heard. So, in honor of them coming back to Tejas, enjoy the clips from the first time I saw PJ in 1998 at the old Reunion Arena. Gotta love the Worm making his appearance.

Alive

Spin The Black Circle

Pearl Jam Announce East Coast Tour

Okay, soooooooo, I'm not so sure what the Southern/Southwestern part of the United States did to piss off Pearl Jam; but, they apparently aren't into us that much. You can say they don't sell out shows as much, but, you'd be wrong. The last two shows I attended, Oklahoma City and Dallas, in 2003 were almost completely sold out.

So, today I see they've announced they are going on a month long East Coast tour. Ed, Stoney, Jeff, Mike and Matt...WILL YOU GUYS PLEASE COME BACK THIS WAY?!

I would love to see them at MSG, but, I don't be havin' the money.  (pearljam.com)

Pearl Jam - Come Back (mp3)

6/11/08 West Palm, FL @ Cruzan Ampitheater
6/12/08 Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Forum
6/12-15/08 Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
6/16/08 Columbia, SC @ Colonial Ctr.
6/17/08 Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Amp.
6/19/08 Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna
6/22/08 Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
6/24/08 New York City, NY @ MSG Arena
6/25/08 New York City, NY @ MSG Arena
6/27/08 Hartford, CT @ Dodge Ampitheater
6/30/08 Mansfield, MA @ Tweeter Center

Sara Melson

You know those songs you hear and they instantly strike you as ranking very high on the awesomeness scale? Well, that's the way I felt when I first listened to Miss Melson's songs. Whether it's love lorn songs like "Never Been Hurt" or sunny hopefulness of "Feel It Coming" with it's great buzzy guitar and big piano sound and I love it.

Here new album Dirty Mind is out now on Nettwerk and you can buy it here.

Sara Melson - Never Been Hurt (mp3)

Alberta Cross Tour Dates

Alberta Cross have announced a few American tour dates:

3/26/08 Los Angeles, CA @ Club NME at Spaceland 
3/27/08 Los Angeles, CA @ Viper Room
3/29/08 Mammoth Mountain, CA @ ROXY FESTIVAL
4/2/08 New York, NY @ Pianos
8/9/08 Jersey City, NJ @ All Points West Festival

Free Matador Samler

Matador, home of the New Pornographer and Cat Power, former home of Interpol, have released a free sampler download. You can get it here. (Rock & Roll Daily)

Wilco Tour

Jeff Tweedy and the rest of Wilco are hitting the road on a short little tour that includes two-night stands at Stubb's BBQ in Austin and at the Pageant in St. Louis. (Rock & Roll Daily)

4/30/08 Rochester, MN @ Mayo Civic Center
5/1/08 Fargo, ND @ Fargo Civic Auditorium
5/2/08 Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Burton Cummings Theatre
5/4/08 Bozeman, MT @ Emerson Cultural Center
5/5/08 Missoula, MT @ Adams Center
5/7/08 Grand Junction, CO @ Avalon Theater
5/8/08 Colorado Springs, CO @ Pikes Peak Center
5/9/08 Albuquerque, NM @ Pikes Peak Center
5/11-12/08 Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ
5/15-16/08 St, Louis, MO @ The Pageant
8/7/08 Charleston, SC @ North Charleston Performing Arts Center

Portishead - Silence

This year I've been able to hear some really cool music that has me really excited. However, nothing has gotten me as excited this year as the looming release of Third by Portishead. I'm a huge fan of the previous releases Dummy and Portishead.

But, with such a long layover between albums usually means your going to be disappointed in the "growth" the band has gone through. Well, with new songs I've heard, "Machine Gun" and "Silence," I'm not completely disappointed. The dark quality of the songs are still there, I think that's what I love most about the band. Check out the song below and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Portishead - Silence (mp3)

Mile High Festival?

Did anyone even know about this festival? It's news to me. I mean, seriously, how many "destination" festivals are going to start popping up now. Sure, it wasn't bad enough that we have Rocklahoma, now we have this one? But, at least Spoon is playing there, and they seem to have a decent line-up. At least John Mayer is funny while he's waiting for the world to change.

Courtney Love Sells More Of Kurt

I often wonder if Kurt Cobain were still alive if Nirvana would be as relavent to me and others as much as they are now. I also wonder if he would still be married to that bitch-whore Courtney Love. Honestly out of all the people I don't actually know, she's the only one I wouldn't pee on if she were on fire.

So, that leads me to the next part of this little story. Courtney has sold off even more of Kurt to Converse who have made some limited edition shoes that are decorated with his writings and drawing taken from his journal book Journals. Such a sad idea. Way to be a money grubbing whore with extremely bad taste Courtney. (Spin)

Racon-TOUR!

So, we find out yesterday that Jack White demanded that the new Raconteur album be released now. And today we find out the boys are going on a short little spring tour, I think that was Brenden Benson's demand. The good part is they're hitting the House of Snooze here in Dallas. (Rock & Roll Daily)

4/20/08 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
4/21/08 Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s
4/22/08 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
4/23/08 San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club
4/25/08 Indio, CA @ Coachella
4/26/08 Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint
4/28/08 Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium
4/29/08 Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theatre
5/1/08 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
5/2/08 Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ
5/4/08 New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival6/13/08 Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo

Top 10 Raps Songs White People Love

You've seen it happen before: You're at a wedding reception, the DJ drops drops a hot rap tune and all of a sudden your whitest friend or relative thinks they're Turbo from "Breakin'". Embarrassing? Yes. But, you can't beat the good laugh you get when your brother Lane is trying to do the Wop and your friend Bryson is doing the running man.

I personally like most of these songs. But, that's just because I'm cool. I can do without Pos K though and numbers 5 and 4. Thanks to I Am Fuel, You Are Friends for turning me onto this! (Cats and Beer)

10. Positive K - I Got A Man
9. Digital Underground - The Humpty Dance
8. Biz Markie - Just A Friend
7. Young MC - Bust A Move
6. Rob Base and DJ Easy Rock - It Takes Two

For the rest go here.

Teach Me To Rock, Won't You?

Drexel University has the greatest course ever taught on the face of the planet! The university owns and the students run MAD Dragon Records.

Now, when I was in college the coolest class to take was American Popular Music. This class beats the hell out of that! There are over 600 applicants yearly for only 54 openings.

I wonder if any of the freshman students think of the declining records sales and massive layoffs at record labels when they enroll in this course. Don't get me wrong, I'd still do it, people love music and always will. I'm sure they will figure out how to make the model work again for the music biz. (Yahoo!)

Portishead "Machine Gun" Video

What you see there is Beth Gibbons from the new Portishead video "Machine Gun." The kids at Portishead announced it just this afternoon and it's already on Youtube. 

Is it just me or do the electronic drums sound like and industrial version of the drum intro to "Bizarre Love Triangle?" Seriously.

*Update - here is the video for "Machine Gun."

Via Audio Tour

Boston, er, New York, where ever they want to claim Via Audio are a great little indie-pop band. And, not only that but they are going on tour starting today!

There newest album saysomethingsaysomethingsaysomething is available here.

Via Audio - Developing Active People (mp3)

Via Audio - Presents (mp3)



3/18/2008 Houston, TX @ The Mint
3/22/2008 New York, NY @ The Mercury Lounge
3/29/2008 Hamden, CT @ The Space
4/12/2008 Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
4/14/2008 St. Louis, MO @ The Bluebird
4/15/2008 Indianapolis, IN @ Locals Only
4/16/2008 Chicago, IL @ The Empty Bottle
4/18/2008 Toronto, Ontario, FA @ El Mocambo
4/20/2008 Allston, MA @ Great Scott
4/21/2008 Brooklyn, NY @ Union Hall
4/22/2008 New York City, NY @ Mercury Lounge
4/23/2008 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny's Brenda's
4/24/2008 Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstage
4/26/2008 Charleston, SC @ The Map Room
4/27/2008 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
4/29/2008 Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone Café

Raconteurs Release Album

So, allegedly Jack White takes the master copy of the new Raconteur album, Consolers of The Lonely, into labels office this week and told them they wanted it to be released next week. And guess what, it will be.

The new album will be available in digital, vinyl and CD formats.

(Rock & Roll Daily)

Dave Grohl + Will Ferrell = Awesome!

I think that Dave Grohl not only earned his tag as "Nicest Guy In Rock," but, he should also have "Funniest Guy In Rock" tag as well. Even his interviews in print are funny!

So, here he is with starting to get on my nerves Will Ferrell singing the Stevie Nicks/Don Henley classic "Leather and Lace." Tidbit: Did you know this song was originally intended for Waylon Jennings and Jessie Colter?

You can get the mp3 of the song here. (I Am Fuel, You Are Friends)

Justin Townes Earle

You know what happens when your dad is known as a great musician and a "hillbilly commie?" You get to play in his band and then release a great album. This is what Justin Townes Earle has done, and he's the son of Steve Earle. Songs like "Ain't Glad I'm Leavin'" have an old country feel to them while songs like "Yuma," from his self-released Yuma EP have a purely folk sound; and the song "Who Am I To Say," off of his new album The Good Life, sound like good traditional country. It seems the only thing he shares with his dad are great songwriting skills. His voice is no where near that of his dad's. But, that's not meant to be a knock on him, he's got a great voice.

Justin Townes Earle - Who Am I To Say (mp3)

Check him out when he plays with Old Crow Medicine Show on 4/23 @ The National in Richmond, VA.

03/17/08 Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy and Harriet's
03/18/08 Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
03/20/08 San Francisco, CA @ Cafe Du Nord
03/21/08 Portland, OR @ The Doug Fir
03/22/08 Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
03/23/08 Boise, ID @ Boquet
03/24/08 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
03/25/08 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
03/25/08 Denver, CO @ Twist and Shout
03/27/08 Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
03/28/08 Minneapolis, MN @ 400 Bar
03/28/08 Minneapolis, MN @ Electric Fetus - 6:30 in-store
03/29/08 Madison, WI @ University of Wisconsin, Madison
03/31/08 Grinnell, IA @ Grinnell College
04/01/08 Chicago, IL @ Schubas
04/02/08 Louisville, KY @ St. Francis of Assisi
04/02/08 Louisville, KY @ Ear X-Tacy - 5:30 In-Store
04/03/08 Nashville, TN @ Grimey's - 6pm in-store
04/03/08 Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
04/04/08 Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree
04/05/08 Knoxville, TN @ Disc Exchange - 4pm in-store
04/05/08 Knoxville, TN @ Barley's Taproom
04/06/08 Decatur, GA @ Eddie's Attic
04/06/08 Atlanta, GA @ Criminal Records - 4pm in-store
04/07/08 Raleigh, NC @ Berkeley Cafe
04/08/08 Norflolk, VA @ The Boot
04/10/08 Arlington, VA @ IOTA Club and Cafe
04/11/08 Philadelphia, PA @ The Chapel at First Unitarian Church
04/12/08 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
04/15/08 Cambridge, MA @ TT The Bears
04/16/08 New London, CT @ The Oasis
04/18/08 Pittsboro, NC @ Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival
04/19/08 Whitesburg, KY @ Summit City
04/23/08 Richmond, VA @ The National
04/25/08 Indianapolis, IN @ Spencer's Stadium Tavern
04/26/08 Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe
04/27/08 Morgantown, WV @ Mountain Stage at WVU/Creative Arts Center
05/16/08 Bloomington, IL @ The New Lafayette Club
05/17.08 Nelsonville, OH @ Nelsonville Art and Music Festival
05/29/08 Saint John, NB @ Loyalist City Folk Festival
05/30/08 Saint John, NB @ Loyalist City Folk Festival
05/31/08 Saint John, NB @ Loyalist City Folk Festival
06/11/08 Winnipeg, MB (CA) @ Winnipeg Folk Festival
06/12/08 Winnipeg, MB (CA) @ Winnipeg Folk Festival
06/13/08 Winnipeg, MB (CA) @ Winnipeg Folk Festival
08/02/08 Portland, OR @ Pickathon
08/03/08 Portland, OR @ Pickathon

Spoon "You Got Yr Cherry Bomb" Video

This is easily my favorite cut off of Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, but, it's not my favorite video. But, hey, the tune still rocks!

The Watson Twins

You may be familiar with the Watson Twins, they helped out Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis on her solo debut. Now the spot light is all on them as their wonder twin powers activate on their debut Fire Songs on Vanguard Records.

The new album, out June 24th, includes an awesome folkie/country-ish cover of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven."

The Watson Twins - Just Like Heaven (mp3)

My Morning Jacket "Evil Urges" Preview

Rock & Roll Daily has a sweet pickles recap of MMJ's SXSW show which previewed most, if not all, of their new album Evil Urges. (Rock & Roll Daily)

Trent Reznor Starts His Own Film Festival

Trent seems to be a big, big fan of technology. First he has the whole alternate reality game where he left USB drives containing song for Year Zero, had the crazy websites to go along with it. Then he helped Saul Williams release his album online. Then he tweaked the model just a little bit and release his new NIN album online ahead of the traditional release, making a cool mil.

Now he's urging fans to create movies to go along with the music from Ghosts I-IV. Sumbitions are being submitted now on the NIN Youtube channel.

And, as alway, Trent Reznor is Nine Inch Nails. (Rock & Roll Daily)

Portishead - Third

I wouldlove to tell all you readers that I have an exclusive review of the new Portishead album, Third, but I don't. However, Stereogum has trumped us yet again and has a review of their upcoming effort in their "Premature Evaluations" post. (Stereogum)

My Rock and Roll Fantasies

So, I got to thinking the other day about all the women in rock that I have had a crush on at one point or another. Then, as I thought about them all I realized they are all bass players. Weird, huh? So, I thought I would compile a list of my own personal rock and roll fantasies for your, and my, enjoyment.

Kim Deal – Oh how I love thee! I don't know how anyone could not love the Goddess of Thunder! I don’t know what it is about her, she’s a pretty solid bass player and now she’s older and her hair is greasy looking. But, I still have a very special place in my heart for the greatness of the Kim Deal. Or do I love the old Kim more?

Amanda Tannen – My wife introduced me to Stellastarr* when we started dating and I instantly fell in love with them. Then, I found some pictures of the band and I noticed Amanda. Ahhhhh, so pretty, so talented. She's got a great voice for harmony and she's a good bass player. Now if Stellastarr* would just release a new album and go on tour it would be wonderful!

Nikki Monninger – I first saw Silversun Pickups through Subteranean when they aired their video for “Well Thought Out Twinkles” and was hooked instantly. Bought, the album, love it and loved Nikki’s harmonies and her voice in general. Then I saw her in the video for “Lazy Eye” and my crush was now complete. Oh, Nikki…so adorable you are!

Britta Phillips – Now, I was never a fan of Luna, I don’t have anything against them, I just have never heard a song by them. I have friends that like Luna, but, I have still never heard their music. I know, I could probably check them out on Myspace, but, that would take effort. However, I first saw Britta Phillips in a picture of her and her husband Dean Wareham relating to his new book “Black Postcards” which tells of how he had an affair with Britta while she was in Luna and his marriage fell apart. Good time, I know! But, she is my newest bass player crush. And just look at her, can you blame me? Oh, and she was also the voice of Jem on that cartoon.

My Morning Jacket Covers

If you've ever seen My Morning Jacket live then you know that having fun is a big part of what they do. Remember their prom themed show? Or the time Two-Tone's amp went out and he raced around with the bear around the stage? You can throw in the unexpected cover song into the fun bag mix. Well, now thanks to You Ain't No Picasso you can download a bunch of cover songs they've done. These boys from Kentuck sure know how to do it up right!

(You Ain't No Picasso)

My Morning Jacket - I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man (Prince Cover) (mp3)

MMJ Covers zip file pt. 1 here.
MMJ Covers zip file pt. 2 here.

Trent Reznor Nails It!

It seems that Mr. Reznor's grand experiment in self-releasing an album online, price tiered system has worked out pretty well. He is reporting that he made over $1 million buckaroonies by releasing his Ghost I-IV online. He also sold completely out of the "ultra-deluxe" package that cost fans $300. But, hey, at least they got an autographed picture, right? Oh, and as always, Trent Reznor is Nine Inch Nails. (Rock & Roll Daily)