Friday, June 27, 2008

Sound of Da Police

Growing up, I was a big fan of NYC hip-hop. The Beasties, Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and Black Sheep. However, I was not a fan of Lawrence Krisna Parker, err, KRS-One. I found him to be slightly to preachy and off putting. I liked what he had to say...but, that's all he said. But, I did always kinda like this joint. And, I was pleasantly surprised when the RZA's DJ played it during the intermission a couple weeks ago. Anyhoo, enjoy.

MP3: KRS-One - Sound of Da Police

Weekend Concerts in The D

The resurrected Stone Temple Pilots are playing this weekend at Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie (The GP). I can't wait to read the review on Monday to see if Weiland will hold it together and give a good show. All the reviews I've read to date have not been good for the band.

I don't have anything against STP, I have their first two albums, oh and the fourth. But, I just wouldn't pay good money to see them. But, who knows, right? Only the toes my friend, only the toes.

MP3: Stone Temple Pilots - Interstate Love Song

That's right, the boys who have the summer jam "Found Out About You" and "Hey, Jealousy" will be playing the Glass Cactus at The Gaylord thing in Grapevine. Will I be there? No. I only like that one song and that's about it. But, if you do go, have fun and drink up. You might need to.


MP3: Gin Blossoms - Hey, Jealousy

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Toadies at The Palladium

Dallas has a pretty rich musical history and a lot of great acts have come out of the D. Edie Brickel, Erykah Badu, the greatness of The Reverend Horton Heat, Steve Miller and even Stevie Ray Vaughn. You can add the greatness of the Toadies to to that list. Even though they are actually a Ft. Worth band, they are still very much a Dallas band.

Anyhoo, they will be playing a show a the Palladium Ballroom on August 22. Tickets are $25 and go on sale June 28.

I really wanted to bring you their new song "No Deliverence." But, you can listen to the stream here.

MP3: Toadies - Where Is My Mind? (Pixies Cover)

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

2008 Dallas Observer Music Awards

This is the 20th anniversary of the Dallas Observer Music Awards. A few of my favorite bands are up for some awards this year.

Dove Hunter is up for Best Band, Best Song and Best Indie Act.
100 Damned Guns is up for Best Country/Roots Act.
The Granada is up for Best Venue. However, I can't believe that The Cavern or The Loft aren't up for this award as well.
CD World and Good Records are up for Best Record Store. I honestly love both of them.
Sarah Jaffe is up for Best Solo Act.
Bridges and Blinking Lights are nominated for Best Indie Act.
Mom are up for Best Electronic/Experimental Act.

MP3: 100 Damned Guns - Skies Are Never Gray
MP3: Dove Hunter - Cyclone Stare
MP3: Sarah Jaffe - Even Born Again
MP3: Bridges and Blinking Lights - Half Way Home
MP3: Mom - Skipping Stones

The DOMA 2008 Showcase will be on July 19. However, I'm not sure of the venue yet. I'll let you know when I find out.

Wayne Explains Reason For Christmas on Mars

Wayne Coyne, Oklahoma (City) icon, rock and/or roll icon...all around excentric dude. He explains why he did Christmas on Mars. (Oklahoma Rockblog)


Tuesday, June 24, 2008

My Morning Jacket Bonnaroo Live

Sure, Bonnaroo is sooooo last weekend. But, thanks to the good folks at You Ain't No Picasso you (and I) can hear My Morning Jackets entire show. It's a bootleg with pretty decent clarity. Enjoy! Oh, you can gets it here.

MP3: My Morning Jacket - Home Sweet Home (Motley Crue Cover Live @ Bonnaroo)

Kings of Leon Set Release Date For New Album

The Kings of Leon will release their fourth album, Only By The Night, on September 23rd. I can't wait! (Spin)

Friday, June 20, 2008

Grand Archives Sunday! Sunday! SUNDAY!

The Seatlle Sub Pop-pers will be playing and early show, 630p, at The Cavern this Sunday. Denton's Sara Jaffe will be the first act, followed by the lovely Sera Cahoone. It should be a good one, their debut album is awesome.

MP3: Grand Archives - Sleepdriving
MP3: Sera Cahoone - Only as The Day is Long
MP3: Sarah Jaffe - Even Born Again

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Snoop Loves Johnny Cash

I saw Snoop D-O-double-G on Larry King a while back professing his love for Johnny Cash. However, I didn't realize that he would express it in song.

He and Everlast have gotten together on this joint "My Medicine." I guess he thinks it's country? Or, does Whitey Ford think it's country? I'm not sure either way. It's not bad, not great. Interesting none the less.

MP3: Snoop Dogg ft. Everlast - My Medicine

Dove Hunter CD Release Show

The phenomenal Dove Hunter will be playing the Double Wide this Saturday for it's CD release party. Once you pay to get into the show you will receive a free copy of their debut CD The Southern Unknown. (DC9)

MP3: Dove Hunter - Cyclone Stare

Kid Rock Urges Us To Steal

I've never been a big fan of Mr. Richie's music. But, I do think he's funny. Not as funny as Dave Grohl, but, funny none the less.


The Boxing Lesson "Dance With Meow" Video

This one of the most truly entertaining videos I've seen in quite a while. The Boxing Lesson, from Austin, Tejas, blend some pop sensibilties into their own brand of psychedilia. They don't have the drone and darkness of local brethren The Black Angels, and they aren't as poppy as The Flaming Lips. But, they pull off a sound that is uniquely their own.


They begin a summer tour in a few days. If you can see them, check them out.

6/21/08 - The Boxing Lesson & The Loyalty Firm Present "First Day of Summer Festival" @ Guero's Oak Garden - Austin, TX (Hosted by KUT & Sponsored by NORML and FREE)
6/23/08 – Los Angeles @ Viper Room
6/24/08 – Long Beach, CA @ The Prospector: Pull Your Pants Up Night
6/26/08 – Fresno, CA @ Tokyo Garden
6/28/08 – Merced, CA @ Club Infinite
6/29/08 – San Franscisco, CA @ Make Out Room
6/30/08 – Silverlake, CA @ Spaceland
7/1/08 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Beatles Revolution Lounge - The Mirage
7/2/08 – Albuquerque, NM @ Atomic Cantina
7/5/08 – Austin, TX @ Exit Music Festival
7/18/08 – Austin, TX @ Emo's
7/26/08 – Tulsa, OK @ D-Fest: Continental Stage
9/20/08 – Austin, TX @ Pecan Street Music Festival

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Method Man Comic?

I'm sorry, graphic novel. But, Mr. Meth recently had a Q&A with Entertainment Weekly where he discusses his new graphic novel called, cleverly enough, Method Man.

He also digs at Ghostface and RZA for doing their own comics because he says they don't know anything about comics. Fair enough.

But, he also dishes that he and Redman are teaming up again for another album, Blackout 2. You can read it all here. (EW)

Live Kings of Leon

Thanks goes out once again to I Am Fuel, You Are Friends. She posted some sweet tracks from KOLs set from Sydney, Australia's JJJ Radio Show.

As I told you the other day ago, a new album should be out this fall. I'm kinda hoping KOL has gotten away from their U2 phase and back more to their rootsy stuff. But, if bands don't progress they die, right?

MP3: Kings of Leon - The Bucket (Live)

Exile in Guyville Documentary

I was still a young pup when Elizabeth Clark Phair released he debut Exile in Guyville. Since it's release I don't think I've ever heard one of her songs. However, it's apparently a landmark album, I don't know.

Long story short, ECP produced and directed a documentary about her debut CD. Isn't that kind of self-indulgent and dumb? Shouldn't those kind of things be left up to others? I'm not necessarily making fun of her. I just think it's kind of odd.


Tuesday, June 17, 2008

New RZA Joint

I'm still riding high on the RZA show last week. Here is RZA as Bobby Digital and David Banner.

MP3: RZA as Bobby Digital ft. David Banner - Straight Up The Block

"W.M.A." Live at Bonnaroo

Here is "W.M.A." from this past weekends Bonnaroo Festival. Sure, they changed up the arrangement...a lot. But, I guess that's what happens when one of my favorite songs hasn't been played since 1995.

I've been wondering why they haven't played it on the last few tours. I mean, it's socially and racially conscious. And, it kind of speaks to a lot of things we still deal with everyday.


Fleet Foxes Remix

I was leary of a remix of "Winter White Hymnal" when I saw it. However, once I listened to it, it wasn't to bad. You wouldn't really figure the Foxes would get a remix treatment since they are of the folk rock genre. But, what do I know?

The Fleet Foxes will be at The Loft, my newest favorite venue, on July 3rd.

MP3: Fleet Foxes - Winter White Hymnal (Black Dominoes Remix)

Monday, June 16, 2008

Don't Fuck With Josh Homme

I believe I will let the man speak for himself thank you very much! This happened this weekend at a festival in Oslo.

Pearl Jam Bonnaroo Review

The set Pearl Jam performed at Bonnaroo this weekend has been getting glowing reviews from just about everything I read. It seems like every time they play a show the review article seems to have a “they still have it” attitude. But, to the fans that never left them they know it’s always that way at every show.

You can read the Rollingstone review here, the Yahoo! review here and Stereogum’s review here.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Grand Ole Party Tomorrow Night

Grand Ole Party will be at The Cavern tomorrow night. They have a late set, midnight...ouch, but I will be there enjoying the good tunes and good times.







Grand Ole Party - Look Out Young Son (mp3)

Oh, and enjoy the "Aural Ambush" from the good folks at DC9 at Night.



.

Live Wu-Tang

Since I'm very much in a Wu-Tang Clan mood this morning. You can get a short live set the Wu did in '93 at a Hot 97 show here. (Captains Dead)


Wu-Tang Clan - Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nothin' To Fuck With (live/mp3)

Mash-Up Friday

It's Friday, you ain't got nothin' to do today.

Y'all know that BFD likey the good mash-ups. Well, this mash-up from Athen, GA's Immuzikation is an inspiration. It takes two classics from my troubled youth and, well, mashes them up. "Free You Unbelievable Mind" takes EMFs "Unbelievable" and mixes it up with En Vogue's "Free Your Mind." It's a nice way to start off a Friday as we get ready for tonight and the rest of this weekend..

The RZA Review

I had the distinct pleasure last night to witness the greatness that is the RZA. To start off with, I was confused about who exactly the opening group was. I do know, meh, they weren’t that great. To me, it was just three dudes rhyming over popular beats. (Including “Nothin’ But a “G” Thang) But, they gave it their all, and as one of the guys told the crowd “He is Wu-Tang.”

The second group, Stone Mecca, was an excellent R&B band. They have a very 70’s funk/R&B feel that doesn’t feel dated, tired or worn out. I was very impressed by the way they worked the crowd and kicked out the jams.

While I was outside on the patio, by the rail, smoking, waiting for the show to start I noticed the RZA exit his tour bus and enter the venue. The show was about to start so it was time to head inside. I wasn’t quite sure what the RZA’s show was going to be like, but, I was beyond impressed with his show. In lieu of working with a solitary DJ, the RZA was backed by the top-notch Stone Mecca. From the beginning to the end, the RZA had the very active crowd eating out of his hand. To me, if the crowd sucks and isn’t into the show, then the show kinda sucks. But, that wasn’t the case last night.

Stone Mecca had heads bobbin’ all night long with their crack beats and booming bass. Many a concert goer had their hands in the air making the Wu “W.” I would say the first 1/3 of the show was dedicated solely to tracks off the new RZA/Bobby Digital album Digi Snacks (Yap!). If they album sounds anywhere near as good as it did live, then it should be an impressive album.

I was surprised by RZAs showmanship, James Brown ain’t got nothin’ on the RZArecta. Not only is he a top notch showman, but he was one of the best front men I’ve seen in quite a while. And the RZA worked the crowd all night long. His call and responses with the crowd were amazing, the crowd kept up with every word and knew almost intuitively when and when it was time for their response.

All the Bobby Digital tracks were superb, but, the true highlights of the night were the raucous versions of Wu classics “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nothin’ To Fuck With,” “CREAM” and the RZAs version of ODBs “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.” The crowd went absolutely bananas for these three songs. Honestly, I haven’t seen anything more amazing as 200 people bouncing up and down chanting “WU-TANG CLAN AIN’T NOTHIN’ TO FUCK WITH!!”





So, Digi Snacks (Yap!) is out on June 24. You can pre-order it here.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Pearl Jam Review

The good folks at Rock & Roll Daily gave the greatness of Pearl Jam a good review for their first West Palm Beach show that kicked off their short summer tour.

They played what they called their "deep cuts" like "Dissident," "Sad" and "Faithful." But, fans call them their faves.

Again, I wish they would come back to Texas. But, I would think it's not going to happen until the failed businessman in the White House is out of office. (Rock & Roll Daily)

The RZA...The GZA...

The Wu is set to invade the greater Dallas area tonight. Well, not the whole Wu, but, at least it's the mastermind behind the Wu. RZA will be playing the Palladium Ballroom as his alter ego Bobby Digital...a definite must see.


In related Wu news GZA/Genius is going to be in town performing his classic Liquid Swords in it's entirety. I'm sure the guys at Gorilla vs. Bear are amped about that one. (Ultra8021)


GZA Tour Dates:
8/21/08 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey
8/22/08 Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe's Alley
8/23/08 Petaluma, CA @ Phoenix8/25/08 Portland, OR @ Berbati's Pan
8/26/08 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
8/27/08 Vancouver, British Columbia @ Richard's on Richards
8/29/08 Salt Lake City, UT @ Palladium
8/30/08 Denver, CO @ Cervantes
9/01/08 Dallas, TX @ Palladium
9/02/08 Houston, TX @ Warehouse
9/03/08 Austin, TX @ Emo's
9/04/08 Minneapolis, MN @ - Cabooze
9/05/08 Grinnell, IA @ Grinnell College
9/06/08 Madison, WI @ SoCo Music Series
9/07/08 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
9/10/08 Baltimore, MD @ Ram's Head
9/11/08 Atlantic City, NJ @ House of Blues
9/12/08 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

What Made Milwaukee Famous

The Cavern is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to see a show. Small, intimate...nice looking bartenders.

But, Austin's What Made Milwaukee Famous will be playing there on 6/26.






What Made Milwaukee Famous - Resistance St. (mp3)
What Made Milwaukee Famous - Mercy, Me (mp3)

Pearl Jam Boots

As a die hard Pearl Jam fan I was "over the moon" when I heard they will be bringing back the official bootlegs for the summer tour. I was ever "more over the moon" when I read the article further and it stated actual, physical CDs will once again be part of this years boots.

Last year it was only FLAC or MP3 boot that were available. So, I'm super pleased to hear this one. (Yahoo)




Pearl Jam - I Believe In Miracles (Live/mp3)
Pearl Jam - Hunger Strike (Live/mp3)

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Nas Mixtape

So, Nas apparently bowed to the corporate pressure to rename his new CD from Nigger to something else. So, while we wait for the as yet untitled album, we have a mixtape to chew on.

Nas and DJ Green Lantern have released The Nigger Mixtape. You can get it for free here...just follow the links. (Nah Right)

New Kings of Leon!

In September. Yeah, I know, it's a little misleading. But, the good news is the Brothers Followell have something coming out soon. I just hope it's better than Because of The Times. It was a solid record, but, not their best.


Oh, and Caleb and Nathan got into a fight, that Nathan won, and Caleb hurt his arm. I'm wondering if this one will blow up and make them household names? You can read the little-bitty interview with them here. (Rock & Roll Daily)

Monday, June 9, 2008

Wu Documentary

As a big fan of music documentaries, and documentaries in general (it's better than reading!) I can't wait to see this one, "Wu: The Story of The Wu-Tang Clan."

I'm a big fan of the Wu and I hope this movie will be insightful and honest. I want to see all the dirt and hi-jinx the Clan have done over the years and up until now. The movie will premier at the 12th annual Urbanworld Film Festival. The festival runs September 10-12. Then the movie will be out on BET and then on DVD.

Friday, June 6, 2008

I Love/Hate Lou Reed

I've never been a fan of Lou Reed. The only thing he's done I've ever thought was cool was the lines he quoted from Hamlet on the old MTV commercials. To me, he and Bob Dylan are the same type of guy. They are both lauded for the advancements they individually made in music. But, now they seem to be like the old guy down the street shaking his fist at you for walking in his yard.

However, Lou Reed went off on a report that makes me like him a little more, and reaffirms my crochety old man theory. When asked if he held stock in Sirius Radio during a press conference for his show on Sirius he said the following:

Sirius's impending merger with XM is anticipated to boost earnings. Do you own any stock in the company?

What are you, a fucking asshole? I'm here telling you the truth about music and you want to know if I have stock in the fucking radio? You fucking piece of shit. What did I do to deserve that?

Moving on. You've got a film out, you've got your radio show, you've got a new book of photography coming up — is there a new album in the works?

No. Nothing I feel like talking about. Good-bye.


Oh, sweet Lou...you can be awesome. Is that Ben-Gay I smell? (via Rock & Roll Daily)

Chrismas on Mars: Dumb Art

Those are Wayne's words, not mine. But, I actually can't wait to see this movie. It took a long time, it was shot in OKC and I'm sure it's really weird since it's Wayne's pet project.

Regardless, you can read an interview with the main Lip himself about the making and meaning of the movie here. (EW)

Tonight's Shows




The Helio Sequence are playing at The Loft. Doors at 8:30, $10/12. I highly recommend this one.

The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead (mp3)
The Helio Sequence - Everyone Knows Everyone (mp3)
The Helio Sequence - Can't Say No (mp3)







The Easy Cure, nee, the Cure are playing at American Airlines Center. Or as Randy Galloway calls it, the ADD. Won't be seeing this one tonight...should be a great one though. I saw them last time they were in town.






The Cure - Just Like Heaven (Live/mp3)

The Watson Twins - Just Like Heaven (mp3)

Thursday, June 5, 2008

More Free NIN Stuff!

I think Trent Reznor has quickly picked up what Radiohead started. Sure, he has perfected the "Radiohead model" of selling your wares online. But, he actually gives them a reason to buy something. He's quickly turning into a promotion genius.

His latest venture is Lights in The Sky, which consists of bands opening up for him, er, Nine Inch Nails. If I were part of Does It Offend You, Yeah? I would be super-stoked about this. It's a great way to expose new artists to his older fans.

The best part is it's for free, y'all! You can get it here. (Ultra8021)

Tracklisting:

A Place To Bury Strangers - To Fix The Gash in Your Head
Does It Offend You, Yeah? - We Are Rockstars (mp3)
Crystal Castles - Crimewave (Crystal Castles vs. HEALTH)
Deerhunter - Like New
Nine Inch Nails - Echoplex

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

My Morning Jacket on Black Cab Sessions

Jim James and Carl Broemel sing "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt. 2" for the Black Cab Sessions.

I like Jim's electronic instrument thingy he plays with. Does anyone know what that thing is?

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Fleet Foxes

I can't really tell you how into this band I am.  Almost as much as I'm into SSLYBY.  But, that's for another time.  

I got this album last week in the mail and I've been listening to it non-stop ever since.  I listen to it while playing Madden, on the back patio drinkin', driving around town running errands...non-fucking-stop.  

If you were excited about the promise their Sun Giant EP held, then you will love the new LP.  It runs the gamut from folk-rock, to southern rock-ish type numbers to straight-up folky tunes.  Love it!

Yes, the My Morning Jacket/Band of Horses comparisons are going to come.  But, they pull off better harmonies than Jim James has ever attempted.  I can't wait to see them live and see if it's studio magic or if they got the chops!

The Black Keys at The Granada

Is anyone as excited about the Keys playing Dallas as I am?  I missed them the last time they were in town.  But, I won't miss it this time!  

They added this show recently before their ACL stop, so, be there or be square!

9/26/08 Dallas, TX - Granada Theater