Anna Calvi, Cuckoo Chaos @ El Mocambo, Toronto (May 27, 2011)

  Anna Calvi @ El Mocambo: photo by Michael Ligon

Update [June 14/2011, 11:14 pm]: Review now up.

One of the more anticipated draws of this year's Canadian Musicfest this past March was suppose to have been UK artist Anna Calvi who was suppose to have played a hotly tipped showcase at Wrongbar but when she cancelled the show plus a string of others due to an unspecified injury I'm sure it some disappointed. Ever since then I'd not even got around to sampling her wares but still was somehow compelled(based purely on the buzz surrounding her) to purchase a ticket to her show at the El Mocambo which took place a several weeks ago. Although press on Ms. Calvi from the local media and blogs seemed to be at a low rumble leading up to the show, the packed house did indicate otherwise that Toronto fans (or at least a segment of them) were still intrigued to check out the Toronto debut of this ingenue.

San Diego five-piece Cuckoo Chaos had the task of opening the show and were overall semi-successful. Admirable but not entirely revelatory, a modern point of reference would be Vampire Weekend as Cuckoo Chaos display at times a similar afro-beat means indie sensibility, although with less smugness and a bit more volume. The band's west coast origins also appears to have rubbed off in their music with at least of an ounce of a surf vibe in the band's African-influenced guitar melodies. The band in actuality are probably more influenced by the Talking Heads (rather than the Heads-influenced Vampire Weekend) even recounting them gushing over David Byrne who happened to take in their show at the Bowery Ballroom a few nights before - although Cuckoo Chaos vocalist Jackson Milgaten grinninly pointed out that Mr. Bynre was very likely at the Bowery to check out Miss Calvi. Cuckoo Chaos further into their set displayed more straightforward punk tendencies on at least one song which seemed to come from left-field but did show the band's versatility.

It's seldom these days it seems that I come across a new artist that leaves me awestruck but Miss Calvi did just that. Anna came onto stage with her hair tied back and wearing black pant suit and heels displaying a visual resemblance that reminded me of German actress/singer Marlene Dietrich. Along with her was a drummer and multi-instrumentalist/percussionist to fill out the sound. Her bandmates aside, it was Calvi's vocals and electric guitar which were front and centre. Playing songs off her debut self-titled album out through Domino Records, there was a myriad of influences that seemed to infuse her songs ranging from a southern gothic, twangy, guitar sound to the torch-song quality that infused her vocals. And if I had to pick her musical peers it'd probably be PJ Harvey and Nick Cave.

The beginning of her set, such as on her song "No More Words" in particular, started out with whispered vocals, brittle guitar, and lightly tapped drums and percussion quite a subtle display which at the same time made it quite apparent to the crowd of the hard-rocking band playing on the second floor. But soon, Calvi would cut loose with her expressive vocals and brash guitar playing on songs like the adrenalin-rushed "Blackout" or the gender-role reversal, early PJ Harvey-sounding "I'll Be Your Man". It was songs such as these that the crowd gravitated the most. On the other hand I was quite taken by the quiter, less-harsh material such as the romantic, grand-sounding "First We Kiss" or Calvi's twangy, southern gothic rendering of Elvis Presley's "Surrender". Nary a word from Miss Calvi between songs, but it didn't matter anyway because she'd already grabbed a hold of our attention with her music. Her one-song encore, an urgent rendition of Edith Piaf's "Jezebel", practically bowled the crowd over, as Anna passsionately uttered "Jezebel" as the drums and guitar came to a stop-on-a-dime conclusion. Utterly wonderful show.

Photos: Anna Calvi, Cuckoo Chaos @ El Mocambo, Toronto (May 27, 2011)
MySpace: Cuckoo Chaos
MySpace: Anna Calvi

Source: http://mligon08.blogspot.com/2011/06/anna-calvi-cuckoo-chaos-el-mocambo.html

Mystery Jets Final Fantasy The Sounds Shop Assistants

Noel Gallagher Reveals Jason Donovan Confusion

Noel Gallagher has revealed he once mistook Jason Donovan for his roadie.

The former Oasis guitar plucker says he was out shopping with his roadie, also called Jason, when the faux pas happened.

Speaking to an Aussie radio station by phone from Los Angeles where he is promoting his new solo album, Noel said the confusion arose because he and the former Neighbours' star were both driving black Range Rovers in London.

Noel, 44, said, "I was out one night doing late night shopping.

"I was with my roadie in a black Range Rover, his name is Jason, and he went to park the Range Rover in a car park.

"He was coming to meet me outside the shops, so I'm waiting outside the car park and out pulls this black Range Rover that I think is my roadie, Jason.

"He drives straight past so I shout, 'Jason, what the f**k are you doing' and this black car pulls up and it was Jason Donovan.

"He thought I'd just seen him in the street and was shouting 'Jason' like a fan.

"He wound the window down and went, 'G'day mate how's it goin? Are you alright?? and I was kind of thinking, 'what the f**k is going on here?'

"About ten seconds later my Jason pulled up behind him in an identical car.

"I was like, 'this is so f**king weird'.

"I was thinking, 'Did he think I'd just stood on the street going there's Jason Donovan?'

"Not cool."

Noel's new solo album is called High Flying Birds.

He was speaking to the Triple M's Grill Team radio show.

Source: www.nationalledger.com

Source: http://stopcryingyourheartoutnews.blogspot.com/2011/09/noel-gallagher-reveals-jason-donovan.html

Steve Adey Ladytron Magneta Lane Look See Proof

The Wild Swans "The Platinum Collection"

THE WILD SWANS are a Post-punk band from Liverpool, England, which was originally formed back in 1980 whose core members had all been key players on the legendary Liverpool Eric's club scene. The band first came together when their vocalist, PAUL SIMPSON left the Teardrop Explodes with whom he had been playing keyboards in late 1979. Simpson formed THE WILD SWANS few months later with keyboardist and pianist GED QUINN, and JEREMY KELLY with whom he had spent a year previously rehearsing in an untitled and unrecorded local band. One great band that PINOY NEW WAVERS really love. THE WILD SWANS were first introduced here in MANILA by NU 107 back in 1988 with the song "BRINGING HOME THE ASHES". The band immediately click on the taste of Pinoy Music Enthusiasts back in the 80s because of the haunting and cool vocals of Paul Simpson. YUP!! The man who made also a mark here in MANILA because of his previous band "CARE". The next MANILA hit was "WHIRLPOOL HEART" which was also introduced by NU 107. Actually, the whole "BRINGING HOME THE ASHES" album made it big here in MANILA and a must-have for all PINOY NEW WAVERS since all tracks had their airplay from NU 107, POWER 105 DZBM, and 99.5 RT. We will get through the details of each hits when I will feature the album itself here on my blog so just stay tune for that. THE WILD SWANS' next album which was "SPACE FLOWER" didn't made that much impact comparing to "Bringing Home The Ashes" and the song "MELTING BLUE DELICIOUS" was the only song that got airplay here in MANILA which was also introduced by NU 107 back in 1990. In the past years, there were already a lot of rumors circulating about the possibility of THE WILD SWANS coming over here in MANILA to do some concerts. Up until now, all of this remained as an imaginary thought.



THE WILD SWANS "The Platinum Collection" was originally released only here in the Philippines back in 2006. Everyone I knew who loves this band was just excited as I am to know this CD released in our local record bars. Wheeeew!! I just missed buying music materials in the record bars. Nowadays, you just can't seem to get a good buy anymore if you visit the record bar here in the Philippines. Recently, there was this news about the Top 5 business around the world that will get extinct for the next 5 years and sad to say "RECORD BARS" are included. This CD compilation collects all 10 tracks from "Bringing Home The Ashes" as well as 8 of the 10 tracks from its follow up "Space Flower". The two tracks from "Space Flower" which were both not included were "Tangerine Temple" and "Vanilla Melange". I will feature both albums of "The Wild Swans" here my little blog "The Doctor Is In" in the future. Definitely, this CD is another must-have for PINOY NEW WAVERS and it's very affordable. The Wild Swans were only intermittently active through the 1980s. The band's first split occurred very soon after their debut of "Bringing Home The Ashes" and resulted in Kelly starting up The Lotus Eaters with co-founder Peter Coyle. Simpson followed suit with the Care project, teaming up with Ian Broudie. Space Flower was produced by Ian Broudie with participation of Chris Sharrock on drums and Ian McNabb on additional guitars and vocals of the Liverpool three piece. THE ICICLE WORKS appeared as guest musicians. Broudie contributed on both guitars and organ to fill in the vacuum created by departed members Quinn and Kelly. Simpson refers to this latter version of the band as simply, 'himself and a few friends'. I guess that's well said!! Just in case you still don't have a copy of this CD and you wanted to have one, I made the CD available for download for your listening pleasure. Most of you may have the original CD already and that's good because my blog still encourage you guys to buy the original materials. Paul Simpson released a material as THE WILD SWANS last 2006 with "LIQUID MERCURY". The Wild Swans will also release a new album this year 2011 entitled "The Coldest Winter for a Hundred Years" which will be accompanied by a U.K. Tour and a probable concert here in MANILA . That would be cool and awesome!! Of course with a different line-up. ENJOY THE MUZIC!!


THE WILD SWANS "The Platinum Collection"
TRACKLIST:

01. Bringing Home The Ashes
02. Young Manhood
03. Bible Dreams
04. Whirlpool Heart
05. Northern England
06. Mythical Beast
07. Melting Blue Delicious
08. Chocolate Bubblegum
09. I?m A Lighthouse
10. The Worst Year Of My Life
11. Butterfly Girl
12. Space Flower
13. Magic Hotel
14. Bitterness
15. Now And Forever
16. Immaculate
17. Archangels
18. Sea Of Tranquility


DOWNLOAD MY CD HERE:


PASSWORD: http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/


Personally, I'm still hoping that THE WILD SWANS will finally perform Live In Manila in the near future. Let's just cross our fingers KABAYANS. THANKS for dropping by!!



It's Wilder than
THE WILD SWANS!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD

Source: http://docmuzic.blogspot.com/2011/04/wild-swans-platinum-collection.html

The Pooh Sticks NeverShoutNever! Thriving Ivory The Pillbugs

Of Birthdays & Farewell

 Birthdays

Attended a few birthday celebrations of my buddies in the last couple of weeks

Thong Kai a.k.a botakai

 

Jason Goh a.k.a smashpop

 

Jason Ong a.k.a mynjayz

Nelson's Farewell

 

Our last meal before Nelson goes off to Taiwan to further his studies.

Good thing we took a pic before the drinking session starts

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Now you see why...

My best wishes for you guys in all your endeavours!

Source: http://baldwinchua.blogspot.com/2011/04/of-birthdays-farewell.html

The Mood Statistics Starlight Mints Lois

Win A TunesTube From Theory Of A Deadman

Theory of a Deadman and the Carnival of Madness tour (currently making its way across North America; click here to find a show near you) are giving away 12 TunesTube speaker/MP3 players at random! All you have to do is click here and "Like" the page on Facebook to be eligible to enter.

Source: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/story.aspx?newsitemID=23349

The Trolleyvox Immaculate Machine Tahiti 80 Talulah Gosh

Empty Space Orchestra - El Viento

"Empty Space Orchestra certainly knows how to fill a room. The Bend, OR quintet of impeccable musicians crafts a symphonic, melodic sound that seamlessly weaves together elements of space rock, prog-metal, noir jazz, post-rock and afro-punk all in one massive blast of energy".

-And I finally realised, I listen to far too much music - Fantastic.

Learn More And Buy
Free Downloads

Source: http://mojophenia.blogspot.com/2011/03/empty-space-orchestra-el-viento.html

Lights Ida Maria The Shins Throw Me the Statue

Vicious Rumors ? Razorback Killers (2011)

Vicious Rumors - Murderball

Source: http://4metal.blogspot.com/2011/07/vicious-rumors-razorback-killers-2011.html

Joan Of Arc Saturday Looks Good to Me Television Personalities The Fiery Furnaces

Lene Lovich - Malibu 1983

This is Lene Lovich live in Malibu back in 1983. Lene Lovich was born Lili-Marlene Premilovich in Detroit, Michigan, to an English mother and a Serbian father. After her father had health problems, her mother took her and her three siblings to live in Hull, England. Lovich was 13 years old at the time.

She met the guitarist/songwriter Les Chappell when they were teenagers, and he became her longtime collaborator and life partner. In autumn 1968, they went to London, England to attend art school. It was there that Lovich first tied her hair into the plaits that later became a visual trademark, though at first she did it to keep her hair out of the clay when studying sculpture.

In 1975, Lovich joined The Diversions, a funk group that put out five singles and an album on Polydor Records without success. In 1976 she released a 7" 3-track "maxi-single" in the UK under her own name, aimed at the Christmas market: "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus/The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)/Happy Christmas" (Polydor 2058 812)

In 1977, Lene Lovich, along with recording engineer Alain Wisniak, provided lyrics for "Supernature", a song featuring music composed by French percussionist and disco music performer Cerrone. The song, with its surreal lyrics describing a world in which nature has risen to fight against desecration and destruction by humanity, is indicative of Lovich's interest in animal rights issues. In 1978, disc jockey and author Charlie Gillett presented her recording of "I Think We're Alone Now", a cover version of a song originally performed by Tommy James and the Shondells, to Stiff Records boss, Dave Robinson. Robinson immediately proposed to release it as a single on Stiff, for which Lovich and Chappell had to write and record a B-side at short notice. They came up with "Lucky Number", which was then released as an A-side and became a Top 3 hit in the UK.

Invited by Robinson to participate in the forthcoming Be Stiff Route 78 Tour in 1978, Lovich quickly recorded her first album for Stiff, Stateless, which contained "Lucky Number" and another Top 20 hit, "Say When". Lovich's musical style combined her own quirky inventions with contemporary punk rock and new wave styles. She then recorded the albums Flex and No-Man's-Land for Stiff over the next few years, as well as an EP titled New Toy, the title cut penned by touring band member Thomas Dolby, and a cover of the Devo song Be Stiff. She also recorded vocals for 'Picnic Boy' by The Residents as "Sandy Sandwich".

Lene Lovich co-wrote with Chappell and Chris Judge Smith and performed Mata Hari, a play/musical at the Lyric Hammersmith, London, October/November 1982. During this time she was having disputes with Stiff. The success of the show and pressure from Epic, her US label, persuaded Stiff to release and promote No Man's Land. Following her departure from Stiff, Lovich released "Don't Kill The Animals," a single with Nina Hagen, with whom she had previously appeared in Cha Cha, a film that also starred Herman Brood; together, the three created the film's soundtrack.

Source: FM broadcast.

Sound Quality: Good stereo mp3@128kbps

Genre: New Wave.

Set: Full set.

Set List:

1. Savages
2. Sister Video
3. Joan
4. It's You, Only You (Mein Schmerz)
5. Maria
6. Say When
7. New Toy
8. Blue Hotel
9. Lucky Nuber
10. Angels
11. Rocky Road

Website: MySpace HERE.

Download link in comments below.

Source: http://www.beehivecandy.com/2011/05/lene-lovich-malibu-1983.html

Thomas Tantrum Memphis Los Planetas Hidden Cameras

Poly Styrene - Generation Indigo.

Generation Indigo resists being a nostalgic Punk by-product and has happily not succumbed to total Pop degeneracy. Assessing Poly`s marvellous monotone vocals is pure pleasure - This is a lady who summarised an entire youth movement and helped revolutionise Seventies counter culture ahead of changing musical styles. The twelve track release pokes around Pop standards with clever dub arrangements and non-commercial dance beats, the production gives a perfect vessel for her fascinating, yet non-cynical look on life. Obviously still caring, anti-war and very much socially aware, this fresh and exciting long player finds Poly Styrene hitting exactly the right balance without portraying a completely transparent and false image - A New Wave icon still remains an icon to the Day-Glo generation.



Any planned shows arranged with the promotion of this record are currently on hold .We hope you`ll join us in wishing Poly a very speedy recovery while currently undergoing treatment for cancer, a huge shock for anyone. Let`s hope a little love shown will help with the healing process.

Learn More And Buy
Future Noise Music

Source: http://mojophenia.blogspot.com/2011/03/poly-styrene-generation-indigo.html

The Pooh Sticks NeverShoutNever! Thriving Ivory The Pillbugs

Intelligent Television is an Endangered Species

Becky and I have been working our way through the one and only season of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip thanks to Netflix and our Roku box. We missed this show when it was actually on the NBC airwaves back in 2006-2007, so it's brand new to us and we're really enjoying it. I've particularly noticed the snappy, intelligent writing that doesn't pander to the lowest common audience denominator. We often ask each other what was just said because it goes so fast. There are also plenty of nuances and inside-jokes that are insanely funny and are subtle enough to be easily missed, but catching them is part of the fun. Of course, this show failed to attract an audience and was summarily canceled by NBC after one season. NBC, instead, put their money on stuff like Deal or No Deal and Celebrity Apprentice and The Biggest Loser - shows that don't require writers at all and attract far more viewers than S60 ever did.

To be fair, NBC has really stuck by their Thursday night, laugh-track-free comedy block ever since The Office premiered. What's funny is that one of those shows is also about a sketch comedy show: 30 Rock. Both 30 Rock and S60 debuted in the same year, had similar premises and even had numbers in their name. 30 Rock survived and has been a modest hit for 4 years and S60 is a distant memory.

Now, having watched 30 Rock since the beginning and now watching S60 for the first time, there are some really interesting themes explored on both shows. One common theme is some criticism of NBC itself (or NBS as S60 calls it). 30 Rock had a season 2 episode about NBC putting a show on the air called "MILF Island". Tina Fey's character was appalled that the show was being aired, but it was getting great ratings so the network was not going to budge on it. In an early episode of S60, programming head Jordan McDeere hears a pitch from a reality show guru about a new show about couples breaking each other up on an island. She rejects it as being tasteless and insists that they pursue intelligent shows to attract an intelligent audience. Of course, the decision is not popular, but she gets her way (unlike Tina Fey in 30 Rock).

Now comes word that real-world NBC has given a green light to produce a show called "Love in the Wild" which is basically the same show that was rejected on S60. It puts singles on a remote island, gives them "challenges", eliminates... I'm bored already. Although I'm sure this show will produce ratings for NBC when it makes it on air.

The problem is that it seems like intelligent, well-written shows don't attract audiences and therefore end up canceled. We've seen it with half-hour comedies (Arrested Development) and with hour long dramas (Freaks and Geeks).

But this rule seems to apply almost exclusively to the big four broadcast networks. It seems that cable has become the home of intelligent and sometimes risky programs. From my personal viewing experience, Mad Men comes to mind as a show that must have sounded somewhat risky when pitched (HBO turned it down as a replacement for The Sopranos) but has become one of the best written and acted shows on television. AMC used the momentum from Mad Men to greenlight other intelligent hits like Breaking Bad and now The Walking Dead. Sure, cable allows for more graphic shows, but good shows don't need to be violent or sexual. Why don't the broadcast networks take a risk and order up a "challenging" show or two and see what happens if they stick with it for a couple of years?

When you cancel a promising show based solely on ratings, you often get burned on the other side. Freaks and Geeks launched the careers of a number of big stars (Judd Apatow, James Franco, Seth Rogan, Jason Segal) and S60 showrunner creator Aaron Sorkin is getting Oscar buzz  for writing The Social Network this year. I'd say NBC would kill to have that kind of star power on their airwaves now. I think NBC (in particular, but all the networks generally) should listen to Jordan McDeere and try picking up a show that would otherwise go to cable and give it some run. We don't want any more clones of the latest fad shows, we want creativity and originality.

Click here for my homepage and thanks for reading!

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Source: http://iguitaround.blogspot.com/2010/12/intelligent-television-is-endangered.html

Neon Indian Karkwa Mighty Mighty Lucky Soul

Arrica Rose & The ...'s - Let Alone Sea

Arrica Rose & The ...'s - Let Alone Sea
2011, pOprOck Records

You might say that performing is in Arrica Rose's bloodline.  Her great uncle, Lou Monte, was responsible for such novelty hits as "Pepino The Italian Mouse", "Dominick The Donkey" and "Lazy Mary".  Her father was a character actor in a series of mob films, including Mario Puzo's The Godfather.  Arrica Rose first picked up a guitar at the age of fifteen, cutting her musical teeth in L.A. area punk rock band Uxby and sharing the stage with acts such as Commander Venus, Still Life and Jimmy Eat World.  A detour through film school found her delving more into sound production and scoring, but Arrica Rose was destined for the stage.  Upon graduation, she formed her new band (the Dot, Dot, Dots).  Rose has continued to develop her sound.  The latest step in that development on August 22, 2011, when Rose's own pOprOck Records releases her third full-length album, Let Alone Sea.

Let Alone Sea blends ethereality and melancholy in pulsing doses of sound, with Arrica Rose's unique voice undulating across the soundscape like a wayward shooting star.  Sonically she's an intriguing blend of Tori Amos and Kate Bush, but stylistically she has a great deal in common with Hope Sandoval.  Rose shows a definite pop sensibility on the opening track, "Everybody", while offering up a pouty, sometimes sexy vocal line.  Her alto voice is both formless and distinct, undulating like a wave form coming in and out of phase.  This effect within the song's lush arrangement is intriguing.  "Sail Away" is a pretty ballad, set in the tones of an oil painting with ethereal brush strokes of sound set as highlights.  "If The World Won't Bend" is either a distinct show of faith or a disturbing subservience, dashed off in a pretty, languorous melody over yet another lush landscape of sound.

Rose changes pace with "Summer's Gonna Burn Me (So Are You)", blending elements of jazz, folk and ethereal pop.  This is the most intriguing work on the album, with Rose's blend of smooth sound and rough textures keeping the careful listener on edge throughout.  "Riverbed" flows like its title implies, while "Nothing Nada Nothing" and "Pot Of Gold" give solid structure to the back end of the album without standing out on their own.  Arrica Rose wraps up with a contemplative and halting medley entitled "Video Killed The Radio Star (Wonderful World)", which intermixes passages from The Buggles 1980's hit with Louis Armstrong's signature song.  It's an odd marriage that works almost in spite of itself.  Rose's voice is at its most enchanting here, and the gorgeous arrangement makes the whole affair seem like a dream you'll try to recapture once you wake.

Arrica Rose isn't going to appeal to everyone, but those who listen deeply and appreciate her almost other-worldly sound will be absolutely enchanted.  Let Alone Sea shows a musical vision that is far from highways and byways of pop radio, yet retains a deep pop sensibility that's inescapable.  Let Alone Sea is an album you can listen to a hundred times, each time picking out new layers and textures to discover.  You don't want to miss this one.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Arrica Rose & The ...'s at www.arricarose.com or www.myspace.com/arricarose. Let Alone Sea drops on August 22, 2011.  Keep checking Rose's website for availability.

Source: http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2011/08/arrica-rose-s-let-alone-sea.html

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Young Galaxy This Providence The Flatmates

Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks - New Direction

Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks - New Direction
2011, Maria Rose

Flint and Ypsilanti, Michigan are the co-homes of electro rock n soul trio Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks.  Led by the powerful and soulful voice of Maria Rose, The Swiss Kicks power their way through an intriguing though sometimes muddled stylistic m�nage on their debut EP, New Direction. 

Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks get things started with "Velvet Cabaret", a musical biography of a strppr with dreams of owning her own French Caf�.  There's a morbid sort of pull to this song, as we hear the story of someone struggling to break free of a hard life.  It's never clear if our heroine will succeed, even though she's on the verge of her dream.  Maria Rose gives the whole affair a soulful and gritty read with a voice that will stick in your mind.  "Pineapple Wine" is a quirky folk/pop Boss nova; a sexy and sensual invitation to let down your hair and enjoy the moment.  "Angel Face" is a maudlin ballad that's half-hearted and vaguely depressed in sound.  There's a distinctive disconnect between the lyrics and the tone of the music presented here, enough so that it's distracting to the listener.

"Gypsy Of NYC" is another musical bio, this time of a young lady with quasi-magical qualities.  The arrangement and instrumentation is unique and compelling for pop music, even if the production does muddle the sound a bit.  "Wildcard" is catchy and intriguing; showcasing Maria Rose's voice in compelling fashion.  This is one of those songs that eat at you, growing on you slowly, over time.  The EP closes with "New Directions", an unfortunately apt tune that sounds something like Tori Amos and includes an unfortunate and non-committal rap.  This one just doesn't work all that well.

Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks make a solid impression with New Direction, although the production on the album sounds incomplete at times.  The band skates the middle ground between acoustic band and full sound.  Unfortunately this half-measure doesn't seem to suite them well.  For whatever flaws New Direction might have, however, Maria Rose's voice can't be counted among them.  Rose will make you forget your troubles when she opens her mouth to sing.  The songwriting here is still developing and uneven, but the future looks bright for Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks.

Rating: 3 Stars (out of 5)

Learn more about Maria Rose & The Swiss Kicks at www.mariarosekicks.com or www.myspace.com/mariarosemusic.  New Direction is available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.  The album is also available via iTunes.

Source: http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2011/08/maria-rose-swiss-kicks-new-direction.html

Tilly and the Wall Rogue Wave Mystery Jets Final Fantasy

Dream Theater Giving Away VIP Package On Twitter

Dream Theater are giving away a meet-and-greet package good for one winner and one guest. The package includes:

• One reserved ticket located within the first 5 rows of the stage
• Exclusive meet and greet with the members of Dream Theater
• Personal photograph with the band
• Autographed 8X10 photo
• Specially designed concert shirt
• Collectible tour poster (limited, numbered)
• Set of Dream Theater guitar picks (with case)
• Official meet and greet laminate
• Dream Theater tour gift item

To be entered to win, you have to follow @rrusa and @vipnation on Twitter. Good luck!

Dream Theater's North American tour, with Trivium in support, begins September 24 in San Francisco. Click here to find a show near you!

Source: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/news/story.aspx?newsitemID=23334

One Night Only (band) Chris Walla The Silly Pillows Metric

Bj�rk Pushes Back ?Biophilia? Release Date

Bj�rk was set to release her highly anticipated new album, ‘Biophilia‘, on September 27. Now…

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rockonthestreetsnews/~3/36-bRmZxWw4/

Pony Up! The June Brides The Wedding Present Hello Operator

Bon Iver-Holocene (31 Songs In 31 Days)

Day 23: 31 Songs In 31 Days (Best of 2011...so far): 

Justin Vernon continues a winning streak with several heartfelt melancholy tunes on latest effort. "Holocene" may be the most earnest/human song of the year and the video just makes me want to go explore Iceland some more.

Source: http://www.jhostation.com/2011/08/bon-iver-holocene-31-songs-in-31-days.html

The Like my little airport The Vines Liquid Blue

Bethany Sayers - This Is Me

Bethany Sayers - This Is Me
2011, Bethany Sayers

Bethany Sayers is a twenty-four year old singer/songwriter hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee.  A performer at heart right from the start, Bethany made her stage debut with a solo performance at Disney World.  Performances at various venues along the East Coast and nationally for corporate clients helped Sayers build her stage presence, and additional training through Belmont University and with professional vocal coaches in Nashville developed her technical precision.  Sayers has been writing songs since her teens; she has now taken the natural next step, recording a collection of ten original songs entitled This Is Me.

This Is Me kicks off with the title track, a statement of self based in faith, belief and human imperfection.  "This Is Me" is a solid pop/rock ballad with a big radio-friendly sound.  Sayer's alto voice is sweet, and delivered with a bit of flair.  "Being A Girl" is a song of empowerment, exploring the things that make being a girl difficult as well as the things that make it wonderful.  The pop arrangement here is solid and ready for radio, while Sayer's message is the sort parents will be happy to have their young daughters hear.  "Change Your World" is a swan song, sung from the perspective of someone facing their final goodbyes.  The message is one of love for a spouse of child, and stands out in stark contrast to the material that came before.

"Head First" is a catchy expo on taking a chance on love.  Sayers displays a wonderful presence here in a fun tune.  "Miss Magazine" decries the images women contend with in magazines.  Sayers talks about true beauty and the struggle to be yourself, encouraging those who listen to simply be who they are.    The song is incredibly well-written and positive in attitude and approach.  "Kiss My Goodbye" is a firm kiss off tune that skips the vitriol common in pop music and sticks with honest emotion.  Sayer's salts all of this with a tremendous pop chorus.

"You Deserve" explores the sort of treatment a lady should expect in a relationship.  It's not so much a treatise for the men out there, but a reminder to the ladies listening of their value as individuals.  Once again, Sayers manages a positive message in a sweet little pop/rock arrangement worth hearing.    Sayers explores the downfall of a relationship in "Lonely Tonight", noting how things could have been different if only he had treated her right.  It's a blue country ballad with a memorable melody and a sound that could take Sayer miles.  "Whatever You Say" sounds like it might precede "Lonely Tonight" chronologically; giving him one last chance to make things right before she walks out the door.  Sayers closes with "I Look To You", a prayer in song that's solid without breaking any new ground.  It's a proper bookend for the album thematically, but is something of a let down in sound and style.

Bethany Sayers impresses with This Is Me, exploring honest emotions and uplifting themes wrapped around a core of faith, all tied to accessible, radio-friendly pop/rock arrangements that are easy on the ears.  Sayers does lose her breath control occasionally on the end of long phrases or during difficult transitions, but these are minimal and likely manageable with a bit of hard work.  As a songwriter, Sayers manages to convey positive thoughts in uplifting songs without surrendering to clich� or Hallmark-style pastiche.  The end result is a legitimate and honest series of songs written right from the heart.  It would be foolish to ask for more.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Bethany Sayers at www.bethanysayers.com or www.myspace.com/bethanysayers.  This Is Me is available digitally from Amazon.com and iTunes.

Source: http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2011/08/bethany-sayers-this-is-me.html

Thomas Tantrum Memphis Los Planetas Hidden Cameras

Liam Gallagher To Make Personal Appearance In Japan

Liam Gallagher will be at BEAMS SHIBUYA on September 10th from 1pm-2pm (local time).

For more details click here.

Source: http://stopcryingyourheartoutnews.blogspot.com/2011/08/liam-gallagher-to-make-personal.html

The Submarines Jason Mraz Fishboy Luzer

Heavy Metal Week In Review: May 15, 2011

New CD Releases This Week:

1. Anvil - Juggernaut Of Justice (The End)

2. The Gates Of Slumber - Wretch (Rise Above)
3. Hate Eternal - Phoenix Amongst the Ashes (Metal Blade)
4. New Keepers Of The Water Towers - The Calydonian Hunt (Meteor City)
5. Novembers Doom - Aphotic (The End)
6. Portrait - Crimen Laesae Majestatis Divinae (Metal Blade)

Awesome Songs
Drugstore Diet Lyrics Anarbor
All to All Lyrics Broken Social Scene
Electric Chair Lyrics Christina Aguilera
Glam Lyrics Christina Aguilera
Struggle Lyrics Cory Gunz
Lovely Lyrics Deep Side
Hate World Hero Lyrics Firewind
Beware The Beast Lyrics Firewind
Paparazzi Lyrics Greyson Chance
Long Fall Lyrics Jars Of Clay

Source: http://4metal.blogspot.com/2011/05/heavy-metal-week-in-review-may-15-2011.html

Farrah The Good Life shonen knife Phoenix (band)

RhoDeo 1133 Roots

Hello, we're still on that island with a huge place in the global music catalogue, Jamaica. A production hothouse and they say the Weed makes you slow and lazy-go figure. Without the ganja driven reggae music Jamaica would have remained a Caribbean backwater and dare i say would never have given us Bolt, the fastest man in the world.

In the spotlight today Black Uhuru(freedom in Swahili) for a time it looked as if they would takeover the international reggae-crown after the death of Bob Marley. Internal struggles twice over left Black Uhuru all but it's name with which original member Duckie Thompson still tours This when it started so great in the early eighties with the powerbacking of upcoming stars Sly & Robbie the road laid open for global success, it didn't last long until strife ended their first experience with global demand.

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Black Uhuru was founded in the late seventies by the then already established singer Don Carlos and Duckie Simpson ; after a while Michael Rose , who sang in hotels on the north coast of jamaica for tourists joined the group and the trio was complete. It was Michael Rose's rockstone gruff voice and his phrasing of syllables and consonants that made the sound of this vocal trio so distinguishly different from the multitude of other Reggae Trios . Their debut album, Love Crisis, released in 1977, included the anthemic hit "I Love King Selassie." Three years later, the album was remixed and released as Black Sounds of Freedom. With the addition of harmony singer Sandra "Puma" Jones, an Afro-American woman who held a master's degree from Columbia University (former Mama Africa) in 1981, She joined the group in time for their first international distributed album 'Sinsemillia' (Island Records 1980) on TAXI - Productions/Jamaica . This album was a huge success already and some of these songs are still played in bars , coffeeshops and Hippie hang-outs worldwide . They toured and recorded with Michael Rose as Lead vocalist and further releasing the powerful RED album with more militant songs like 'Youth Of Eglington' or 'Sponjie Reggae' (maybe their best song) , A Live album from 1981 called "Tear It Up" , the still solid "Chill Out" the spacy "Dub Factor" and their 1983 album "anthem".

Quarrels about the status of Duckie Simpson (the Founder) and Michael Rose (the voice of Black Uhuru) lead to internal problems and Michael Rose left and Junior Reid replaced him . This lead to a rejuvinated sound and another highlight in the career of Black Uhuru . 'Brutal' and 'Positive' were good and advanced dub albums and both very successfull, and their tours were (nearly) as successful as before . The same problem occurred again . Junior Reid was the voice and wrote the hit songs , while Duckie Simpson stayed out of focus, his songs were no hits - but he was the head of Black Uhuru . So Junior Reid left as well to pursue a sucessful solo carreer, to make matters worse 'Puma' Jones died of cancer in 1990 .

So Duckie Simpson contacted his old buddy Don Carlos , but this duo didn't have the potential to perform the anthems , that made Black Uhuru the giants they were , so they recruted young singers , who looked good and had the ability to reproduce the songs from both Michael Rose and even Junior Reid for the bread & butter earning live tours . Sad. In recent years Sly & Robbie toured with them as Black Uhuru and at the big Reggae Festivals .


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Released in July 1980, Sinsemilla, named after a type of marijuana, was Black Uhuru's first album to be issued internationally, their third overall. Although the group was nominally a trio at this point -- consisting of Derrick "Duckie" Simpson, Michael Rose, and Sandra "Puma" Jones -- in effect, Sinsemilla was a solo album by Rose, who wrote all the songs and sang lead vocals. In addition to his writing and singing duties, Rose can be credited for bringing in the production team and rhythm section of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, whose Taxi Gang provides the distinctive musical tracks. Rose's lyrical vision is revolutionary and radical, extolling the primacy of Africa, opposing apartheid, and praising the virtues of marijuana. But his sweet tenor and Simpson's harmonies soothe the message, and the music has a spare, rhythmic appeal that is distinctive and forward-looking, suggesting a hard, stripped-down direction for reggae.

Black Uhuru - Sinsemilla ( 80 84mb)

01 Happiness 4:21
02 World Is Africa 5:17
03 Push Push 4:12
04 There Is Fire 5:02
05 No Loafing (Sit And Wonder) 3:59
06 Sinsemilla 5:11
07 Endurance 4:01
08 Vampire 4:34

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Backed by the tight and dancehall-era defining Sly & Robbie band, the Uhuru reels off eight quality cuts here, including classics like "Youth of Eglington" and "Sponji Reggae." Filled with Rose's astute lyrics, the album provides an engaging blend of steppers rhythms and social commentary. Sly & Robbie's ingenious mix of sophisticated roots reggae and a variety of modern touches (synthesizers, electronic drums) not only brought Black Uhuru widespread fame but, also helped define the slicked-up last stand of roots rhythms in the first half of the '80s, foreshadowing reggae's coming digital age.

Black Uhuru - Red (81 137mb)

01 Youth Of Eglington 5:00
02 Sponji Reggae 4:56
03 Sistren 4:34
04 Journey 5:21
05 Utterance 3:47
06 Puff She Puff 5:08
07 Rockstone 4:38
08 Carbine 6:05
Bonus
09 Sponji Reggae (Discomix)10:30
10 Trodding 5:30

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During the period when Black Uhuru featured both Michael Rose and Puma Jones, the group increasingly incorporated elements from outside of reggae tradition into their roots-based music. Thanks to Sly & Robbie's rhythmic presence and studio wizardry, though, the band was successful at pushing the envelope without losing their reggae credibility. Unfortunately, the line was crossed during the production of Anthem. For one thing, the crossover musical strategies deployed on the album are blatant. Since Anthem won the first reggae Grammy in 1984, this strategy served its purpose, but the mix on Anthem pales in comparison to the mix on the short-lived import version. By foregrounding the bass sound and emphasizing more time-honored instrumentation, the import's mix makes reggae powerhouses out of "Try It" and "Botanical Roots" and infuses the import single, "Party Next Door," with a truly infectious and danceable spirit. In this mix, the album's pop innovations do not overpower the music's roots connection.

Black Uhuru - Anthem (UK mix) (84 132mb)

01 What Is Life 4:21
02 Solidarity 4:22
03 Black Uhuru Anthem 5:17
04 Try It 4:59
05 Botanical Roots 4:14
06 Somebody's Watching You 4:32
07 Bull In The Pen 4:08
08 Elements 4:36
09 What Is Life (12" Kevorkian Remix) 6:42
10 Solidarity (12" Remix) 4:11
11 Party Next Door (12" Remix) 5:27

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elsewhere

Black Uhuru - The Dub Factor ( 83 ^ 90mb)

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Source: http://rho-xs.blogspot.com/2011/08/rhodeo-1133-roots.html

Helen Marnie Malcolm Middleton Grandaddy VV Brown