Tonight watch indie rock singer/songwriter Laura Marling on Last Call with Carson Daly on NBC at 1:35 AM.
This one goes out to everyone in Richmond dealing with the inchworm invasion over the last week. This song always makes me kind of sad.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Black Girls, Perpetual Groove, The Naked and Famous
Black Girls return to Richmond after opening for The Head & the Heart on a national tour. They'll be at Balliceaux on Friday night at 10:30. Cover charge is $5.
Over at The National on Friday night is jam band Perpetual Groove. Tix are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9 with opener The Shack Band. Here's Perpetual Groove in 2008 at their annual Amberland festival, which they'll be continuing this May.
Monday night at The National, indie electronic band The Naked and Famous will perform. Tix are $15. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:30 with openers Now, Now and Vacationer. Here's TNAF's video for "No Way":
That's it for this week. Consider this the calm before the storm because the concert scene will be picking up considerably over the next month!
Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Late Night Pick: Naked and the Famous; People's Blues of Richmond @ Camel; 30 Most Hated Bands
Tonight on Last Call with Carson Daly, you can check out indie electronic band The Naked & The Famous, who will be at The National on Monday night. More on them in tonight's weekend preview blog. Last Call is on at 1:35 AM on NBC.
At the Camel tonight, People’s Blues of Richmond will headline w/ Toy Soldiers and Apache Radio opening. Show starts at 9:30 PM. No one's site says that there is a cover, but they don't say there isn't a cover either. Guess you'll find out when you get there.
Spin Magazine has printed their list of the 30 Most Hated Acts of All Time. I like the way they have both a case for being hated and a case against since everyone will find they may like some of these bands and there will, of course, be ones you hate. I don't like that they have only 2 acts per web page. That's kind of annoying. Anyway, HERE is the link.
At the Camel tonight, People’s Blues of Richmond will headline w/ Toy Soldiers and Apache Radio opening. Show starts at 9:30 PM. No one's site says that there is a cover, but they don't say there isn't a cover either. Guess you'll find out when you get there.
Spin Magazine has printed their list of the 30 Most Hated Acts of All Time. I like the way they have both a case for being hated and a case against since everyone will find they may like some of these bands and there will, of course, be ones you hate. I don't like that they have only 2 acts per web page. That's kind of annoying. Anyway, HERE is the link.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Donovan
I'm gonna go with some e-lec-tric-al banana tonight and recommend Donovan on Conan at 11 PM on TBS. Also on the show will be Dana Carvey (where the hell has he been?) and Mayim Bialik (children of the 90's know her as Blossom, children of the 10's know her as Sheldon's girlfriend on Big Bang Theory). Donovan is getting inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Late Night Pick: Andrew Bird; Gregg Allman misses ABB show
Late Night Pick of the Night tonight is indie singer/songwriter Andrew Bird on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Late Night is on NBC at 12:35 AM.
Gregg Allman was forced by a bulging disk in his back to miss the last show of the Allman Brothers Band annual Beacon Theater run in NYC. (Which is getting some flak due to the high ticket prices). The band trooped on anyway and HERE is the story of the show from Rolling Stone.
Gregg Allman was forced by a bulging disk in his back to miss the last show of the Allman Brothers Band annual Beacon Theater run in NYC. (Which is getting some flak due to the high ticket prices). The band trooped on anyway and HERE is the story of the show from Rolling Stone.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Black Dub
Tonight's late night pick of the night is Black Dub on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Black Dub is made up of producer, guitarist and songwriter Daniel Lanois (U2, Neville Brothers, Robbie Robertson), bassist Daryl Johnson (Rolling Stones), drummer Brian Blade and vocalist/keyboardist Trixit Whitley (daughter of Chris Whitley).
Friday, March 23, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Mastodon; Bob Weir webcast
Tonight's late night pick of the night is progressive metal band Mastodon on Last Call with Carson Daly. Last Call is on NBC at 1:35 AM.
Bob Weir, members of The National (the band), other musicians, politicans and policy wonks will be teaming up for a webcast that will mix music and politics. The webcast will be at 9 PM ET on Saturday night from Bob's TRI Studios. For more details on the show, HERE is an article from Rolling Stone.
Bob Weir, members of The National (the band), other musicians, politicans and policy wonks will be teaming up for a webcast that will mix music and politics. The webcast will be at 9 PM ET on Saturday night from Bob's TRI Studios. For more details on the show, HERE is an article from Rolling Stone.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Wheeler Brothers, Schoolboy Q, Cults, Ed Sheeran
Another all music show from Carson Daly gives him the nod again tonight. Watch rapper Schoolboy Q, Americana act Wheeler Brothers (they were voted best New Band in Austin by the readers of the Austin Chronicle), indie-pop band Cults, and British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran on Last Call tonight at 1:35 AM on NBC.
Suckers, Kurt Vile, Zac Brown Band, Church Hill Irish Fest
It looks like a busy weekend so let's jump right into it.
Thursday kicks off with three bands at The Camel with headliners Suckers (remind me a little of Talking Heads or Vampire Weekend) and Andrew Leahy & the Homestead and Dead Fame. Door open at 8, show starts at 8:30, tix are $8 and the 8th person in the door get the 8th key to the 8th gate of hell. Here's Suckers with an acoustic performance of their song "Chinese Braille" from their new album "Candy Salad" that they did while they were down in SXSW with every band in the known galaxy:
Friday you can hit an early show at Strange Matter with Kurt Vile and the Violators, Supreme Dicks and Sore Eros. Doors open at 5 PM, show starts at 6, it's $12 in advance, $15 at the door, show should be over by 9. Kurt hails from Philly and I really like this dreamy, acoustic song from him called "Baby's Arms":
Also Friday acousticy/bluegrassy/jam band Railroad Earth will play The National. Tix are $20 in advance, $22 at the door, doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8 with opener Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun. Here's Railroad Earth doing "Been Down This Road":
And as an added bonus, here is Phil Lesh joining Railroad Earth the other night (3/10) at The Fillmore in SF to perform "Terrapin Station":
Also on Friday, outlaw country icon David Allan Coe will be at the venue formerly known as Hat Factory and now known as Epic Theatre. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9, no opener is listed. Here's DAC performing on Austin City Limits doing "You Never Even Called My By My Name", the perfect country & western song:
On Saturday (10 AM - 7 PM) & Sunday (10 AM - 6 PM), the Church Hill Irish Festival goes down on Church Hill (N 25th St between Broad & Franklin). It covers four blocks and there will be Irish musicians, local band (usually Americana/blues), beer, food, a good kids area with bouncies and games, and Irish crafts. There is a $2 donation at the gate and all the proceeds go to St. Baldrick’s Society, St. Francis Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Church Hill Crime Watch, Child Saver’s Clinic of Richmond, St. Peter’s Meals Program, The Conrad Center, Stone Circle of Friends, Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center at Bon Secours, St. John’s Church, Prevent Blindness Virginia and many other neighborhood causes, and St. Patrick’s Church, “a little church with a big heart,” built in 1859 by Irish immigrants. There is free shuttle parking from 16th and E Broad St. A tip for parents with little ones: this is always a crowded event so I advise to either leave the stroller at home or enter from the 24th and Broad entrance and park the stroller in the kids area. I'm hoping to hit this one up with the kids on Sunday as it's always a good time.
Saturday night at The National, acclaimed guitarist Buckethead will play. He's called Buckethead because he wears a KFC bucket on his head. And he also wears a Michael Myers mask. Really. That 1 Guy (really good solo performer who plays a lot of weird homemade instruments) and Wolff & Tuba will be opening. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $20 in advance, $23 at the door. You may see all three acts perform together. In fact, here's Buckethead and That 1 Guy performing together as The Frankenstein Brothers at the gig in Oxford MS on 3/6 so you can get a little taste of both. If you like Primus, this is right up your alley.
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and member of seminal rock band The Byrds, Roger McGuinn, will be at University of Richmond, Camp Concert Hall, Booker Hall of Music on Saturday night. The show starts at 7:30 and tickets range from $10 to $36 depending on your demographic. Here's Roger and The Byrds in 1970 doing a song that would become a hit for the Doobie Brothers, "Jesus Is Just Alright":
The Milkstains, The Lonely Teardrops and Boney Loner will do a gig at Emilio's Tapas Bar in the Fan on Saturday night for those of you who like surfy, 60's garage rock. The show starts at 9:30. It's $5 to get in. Here's The Milkstains:
Up and coming Americana band Sons of Bill will do a FREE show at Capital Ale House downtown on Saturday night. Show starts at 10 PM. SOB are doing a series of free show around VA (they are from C'ville) to celebrate the release of their new album "Sirens". Here's a track from that album "Santa Ana Winds". If you like Tom Petty, Drive-By Truckers, or The Silos, check this out.
If you are at home Saturday night, check out Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead/Ratdog on a free webcast when he plays with members of The National (the band). Should be interesting to see what kind of spin they put on those Dead songs. The webcast will be HERE from Weir's TRI Studios starting at 9 PM ET.
Zac Brown Band will be at Richmond Coliseum on Sunday night. The show starts at 7 and tix range from $54 to $76. Good seats are still available. I haven't quite figured out Zac Brown Band yet. One song they sound like Jimmy Buffett. On the next, they sound like MOR country. On the next they become a pretty good jam band. There's something there but they never quite put it all together for me but they are growing on me slightly. On this one they do get some nice Eagles harmonies going. This is "Sweet Annie":
That's if for the weekend. Hope to see you at Irish Fest, probably on Sunday.
Tony Jordan
Thursday kicks off with three bands at The Camel with headliners Suckers (remind me a little of Talking Heads or Vampire Weekend) and Andrew Leahy & the Homestead and Dead Fame. Door open at 8, show starts at 8:30, tix are $8 and the 8th person in the door get the 8th key to the 8th gate of hell. Here's Suckers with an acoustic performance of their song "Chinese Braille" from their new album "Candy Salad" that they did while they were down in SXSW with every band in the known galaxy:
Friday you can hit an early show at Strange Matter with Kurt Vile and the Violators, Supreme Dicks and Sore Eros. Doors open at 5 PM, show starts at 6, it's $12 in advance, $15 at the door, show should be over by 9. Kurt hails from Philly and I really like this dreamy, acoustic song from him called "Baby's Arms":
Also Friday acousticy/bluegrassy/jam band Railroad Earth will play The National. Tix are $20 in advance, $22 at the door, doors open at 7 and the show starts at 8 with opener Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun. Here's Railroad Earth doing "Been Down This Road":
And as an added bonus, here is Phil Lesh joining Railroad Earth the other night (3/10) at The Fillmore in SF to perform "Terrapin Station":
Also on Friday, outlaw country icon David Allan Coe will be at the venue formerly known as Hat Factory and now known as Epic Theatre. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9, no opener is listed. Here's DAC performing on Austin City Limits doing "You Never Even Called My By My Name", the perfect country & western song:
On Saturday (10 AM - 7 PM) & Sunday (10 AM - 6 PM), the Church Hill Irish Festival goes down on Church Hill (N 25th St between Broad & Franklin). It covers four blocks and there will be Irish musicians, local band (usually Americana/blues), beer, food, a good kids area with bouncies and games, and Irish crafts. There is a $2 donation at the gate and all the proceeds go to St. Baldrick’s Society, St. Francis Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Church Hill Crime Watch, Child Saver’s Clinic of Richmond, St. Peter’s Meals Program, The Conrad Center, Stone Circle of Friends, Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center at Bon Secours, St. John’s Church, Prevent Blindness Virginia and many other neighborhood causes, and St. Patrick’s Church, “a little church with a big heart,” built in 1859 by Irish immigrants. There is free shuttle parking from 16th and E Broad St. A tip for parents with little ones: this is always a crowded event so I advise to either leave the stroller at home or enter from the 24th and Broad entrance and park the stroller in the kids area. I'm hoping to hit this one up with the kids on Sunday as it's always a good time.
Saturday night at The National, acclaimed guitarist Buckethead will play. He's called Buckethead because he wears a KFC bucket on his head. And he also wears a Michael Myers mask. Really. That 1 Guy (really good solo performer who plays a lot of weird homemade instruments) and Wolff & Tuba will be opening. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $20 in advance, $23 at the door. You may see all three acts perform together. In fact, here's Buckethead and That 1 Guy performing together as The Frankenstein Brothers at the gig in Oxford MS on 3/6 so you can get a little taste of both. If you like Primus, this is right up your alley.
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and member of seminal rock band The Byrds, Roger McGuinn, will be at University of Richmond, Camp Concert Hall, Booker Hall of Music on Saturday night. The show starts at 7:30 and tickets range from $10 to $36 depending on your demographic. Here's Roger and The Byrds in 1970 doing a song that would become a hit for the Doobie Brothers, "Jesus Is Just Alright":
Up and coming Americana band Sons of Bill will do a FREE show at Capital Ale House downtown on Saturday night. Show starts at 10 PM. SOB are doing a series of free show around VA (they are from C'ville) to celebrate the release of their new album "Sirens". Here's a track from that album "Santa Ana Winds". If you like Tom Petty, Drive-By Truckers, or The Silos, check this out.
If you are at home Saturday night, check out Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead/Ratdog on a free webcast when he plays with members of The National (the band). Should be interesting to see what kind of spin they put on those Dead songs. The webcast will be HERE from Weir's TRI Studios starting at 9 PM ET.
Zac Brown Band will be at Richmond Coliseum on Sunday night. The show starts at 7 and tix range from $54 to $76. Good seats are still available. I haven't quite figured out Zac Brown Band yet. One song they sound like Jimmy Buffett. On the next, they sound like MOR country. On the next they become a pretty good jam band. There's something there but they never quite put it all together for me but they are growing on me slightly. On this one they do get some nice Eagles harmonies going. This is "Sweet Annie":
That's if for the weekend. Hope to see you at Irish Fest, probably on Sunday.
Tony Jordan
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem
Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem, the band of Muppets and the Muppets band, will be on Jimmy Kimmel tonight on ABC at 12:05 AM. Dr. Teeth & the band, of course, came out of the late 60's - early 70's SF scene and played at Woodstock, Altamont, & Monterey Pop and influenced dozens of puppet bands in the US and UK. Their highest profile gig was as the house band for "The Muppet Show" which worked out nicely because they are, in fact, Muppets. The band is still going strong after all these years, surviving the breakup of the relationship between Janice and Floyd in the late 70's and Animal's substance abuse and anger management issues.
Here they are peforming in the Muppets version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" which has over 25 MILLION hits on YouTube:
Here they are peforming in the Muppets version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" which has over 25 MILLION hits on YouTube:
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Tennis, Gary Clark Jr., Kendrick Lamar
Tonight, Last Call with Carson Daly has another all music show, I beleive from SXSW. This time he's got alt-pop group Tennis, blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr., and rapper Kendrick Lamar. Last Call is on NBC at 1:35 AM.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Thee Oh Seas
Tonight on Last Call with Carson Daly, check out garage punk band Thee Oh Seas. Last Call is on NBC at 1:35 AM. That is all.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Fitz & The Tantrums
New old-school indie soul band Fitz and the Tantrums will be on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight at 12:35 AM on NBC so if the late basketball game is a blowout, tune on over. Or DVR it and watch it when you get up. I can't remember who I was talking with about the "Live at Daryl's House" web shows recently but click HERE to see Fitz and the Tantrums visit to Daryl Hall's house.
Elton John, Bomb the Music Industry, The Head and the Heart, Shamrock the Block, GWAR, Marionette
Helooooo! Way to go tonight, VCU! An exciting win. Hopefully, we'll see another big run. Before we get to this weekend's shows, remember to check out my review of the Jane's Addiction concert from Monday below. Also, remember that FuseTV is broadcasting live from SXSW and you can see the blog from Wednesday for that info.
Friday night at The National, hometown horror heroes GWAR will be doing a special benefit show for their late guitarist Cory Smoot. Here's the details: "Slave Pit and GWAR are proud to announce the next phase in a
series of events being held to honor the life of recently passed GWAR guitarist
Cory Smoot and support the Smoot Family Fund. On Friday, March 16th, GWAR,
Municipal Waste, Ghoul will play a special Cory Smoot memorial show at
Richmond's National Theater, the proceeds from which shall be donated to the
fund established for his wife Jaime and their unborn child. Just like the CD
release party, there will be tons of raffles and special items available to
show your love for an incredible musician and much-loved man who may have left
us much too soon, but left behind a musical legacy that can never be silenced." Door open at 7, the show starts at 8 with openers Municipal Waste & Ghoul. Its $25 to get in. Here is some recent GWAR. Remember its GWAR, its really NSFW or any other place. And if you're easily offended, please don't watch. Really, don't blame me if you watch this. You clicked it.
Local experimental rock band Marionette will be at Strange Matter on Friday night. Doors open at 9, show starts at 10 with openers Canary Oh Canary and Ocean vs. Daughter (who are here all the way from the Czech Republic). Here's the video for Marionette's "Orchid":
Saturday night, Sir Elton John comes to Richmond Coliseum. There are still tickets available though it looks like it sold pretty well so they may not be great seats. Tickets are either $48 or $151 after all the ticket charges and fees are thrown in. The show starts at 8 and there does not appear to be an opener so get there on time. I really hope Elton comes out dressed as a leprechaun. Here's Elton on the Muppet Show doing "Crocodile Rock":
Also on Saturday, Shamrock the Block will be rocking Shockoe Bottom for St. Pat's Day. The event runs from noon until 6 PM. It looks like there will be summer-like weather and maybe even a thunderstorm but hopefully that holds off until after 6. There will be beer and bands of the local variety. Click HERE to see the band lineup. This event is FREE to attend, though you gotta pay for your beer and food of course. They do have a kids area so you can bring them along.
On Monday at The Camel, ska-punk band Bomb the Music Industry, along with Hold Tight, Close Talker (love the Seinfeld reference), and Amateur Thieves will perform. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 and its $7 to get in. Here's Bomb the Music Industry's "Everybody That You Love":
The Childish Gambino/Danny Brown show that was scheduled for The National on Tuesday night has been rescheduled for July 29 because Childish fractured his foot at Saturday's show in Tampa.
Wednesday night at The National, The Head and The Heart will play for you. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $17.50 in advance and $20 at the door. Be sure you get there by 8 so you can support Richmond band, Black Girls, who have been on tour this month with TH&TH. Another Richmond connection is that former Prabir & The Substitutes drummer Tyler Williams is the drummer for TH&TH. Drew Grow & The Pastors Wives will play in between Black Girls and TH&TH. TH&TH are an Americana band are catching some buzz right now, playing at all of the big festivals and scoring some opening dates with Dave Matthews Band, The Shins, & Justin Townes Earle. Here's TH&TH doing an acoustic version of their song "Down in the Valley":
Local fave Susan Greenbaum will be at Ashland Coffee & Tea on Wednesday night. The show starts at 7 and its $5 to get in. Susan will also be at Positive Vibe Cafe on Friday night (3/16) from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
That's it! Have a great weekend! Drink lots of green beer! Don't let your cat eat a leprechaun!
Tony Jordan
Local experimental rock band Marionette will be at Strange Matter on Friday night. Doors open at 9, show starts at 10 with openers Canary Oh Canary and Ocean vs. Daughter (who are here all the way from the Czech Republic). Here's the video for Marionette's "Orchid":
Saturday night, Sir Elton John comes to Richmond Coliseum. There are still tickets available though it looks like it sold pretty well so they may not be great seats. Tickets are either $48 or $151 after all the ticket charges and fees are thrown in. The show starts at 8 and there does not appear to be an opener so get there on time. I really hope Elton comes out dressed as a leprechaun. Here's Elton on the Muppet Show doing "Crocodile Rock":
Also on Saturday, Shamrock the Block will be rocking Shockoe Bottom for St. Pat's Day. The event runs from noon until 6 PM. It looks like there will be summer-like weather and maybe even a thunderstorm but hopefully that holds off until after 6. There will be beer and bands of the local variety. Click HERE to see the band lineup. This event is FREE to attend, though you gotta pay for your beer and food of course. They do have a kids area so you can bring them along.
On Monday at The Camel, ska-punk band Bomb the Music Industry, along with Hold Tight, Close Talker (love the Seinfeld reference), and Amateur Thieves will perform. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 and its $7 to get in. Here's Bomb the Music Industry's "Everybody That You Love":
The Childish Gambino/Danny Brown show that was scheduled for The National on Tuesday night has been rescheduled for July 29 because Childish fractured his foot at Saturday's show in Tampa.
Wednesday night at The National, The Head and The Heart will play for you. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $17.50 in advance and $20 at the door. Be sure you get there by 8 so you can support Richmond band, Black Girls, who have been on tour this month with TH&TH. Another Richmond connection is that former Prabir & The Substitutes drummer Tyler Williams is the drummer for TH&TH. Drew Grow & The Pastors Wives will play in between Black Girls and TH&TH. TH&TH are an Americana band are catching some buzz right now, playing at all of the big festivals and scoring some opening dates with Dave Matthews Band, The Shins, & Justin Townes Earle. Here's TH&TH doing an acoustic version of their song "Down in the Valley":
Local fave Susan Greenbaum will be at Ashland Coffee & Tea on Wednesday night. The show starts at 7 and its $5 to get in. Susan will also be at Positive Vibe Cafe on Friday night (3/16) from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
That's it! Have a great weekend! Drink lots of green beer! Don't let your cat eat a leprechaun!
Tony Jordan
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
FuseTV webcasting live from SXSW
FuseTV is webcasting live from The Fader Fort stage at SXSW all week. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/user/fuse . Today's broadcast already started. There is no set schedule but Santigold & Danny Brown will be on later. Looks like they are starting at 2:30 PM tomorrow and also broadcasting on Friday and Saturday. I guess they don't show who will be performing on the Fuse YouTube channel until that day. But your intrepid reporter found the schedule for the stage here: http://www.atxmusicmag.com/the-fader-fort-sxsw-2012/ . Thursday highlights look like awesome blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr at 5:15 CT/6:15 ET and Zola Jesus at 7:30 CT/8:30 ET. Friday look for The War on Drugs at 3:40 CT/4:40 ET. Saturday some special guests will close the show at 8 CT/9 ET. Hopefully they are truly special.
Late Night Pick of the Night: Danny Brown
Tonight on Last Call with Carson Daly, check out underground rapper Danny Brown. Danny will be opening for Childish Gambino at their sold out show at The National this Tuesday night.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Andrew Bird & White Denim
Tonight, watch singer-songwriter Andrew Bird on the Colbert Report at 11:30 on Comedy Central. As an added bonus, watch the repeat of White Denim's appearance on Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35 AM on NBC. If you want to see a cool web site design, check out White Denim's site. As you scroll down, pieces of crumpled up paper unravel to reveal the next page. Neato!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Review: Jane's Addiction at The National, March 9, 2011
Jane's Addiction was very good on Friday night at the National. They opened with "Underground" from their latest album, the stage backdrop revealing the large statues of two naked women and also two real, almost naked women who were on trapezes high above the band, moving their giant flowing white dresses in time with the music. Also came the first appearance of the masked mime artist that I found quite creepy and reminded me of The Gimp from "Pulp Fiction".
Perry Farrell was in great spirits throughout the show, jumping, dancing and shaking hands with the crowd. After "Underground", came the crowd favorites "Mountain Song" and one of the highlights of the night for me, "Just Because". "Been Caught Stealing" was next and there seemed to be some confusion amongst the band getting together on rhythm so it seemed a little jumbled. They got it together in the middle but kind of lost it again at the end. Not a total crash & burn but noticeable but the only musical misstep I heard all night. Otherwise, they were pretty tight. The sound mix in the theater was good for the instruments though I thought the vocals seemed mixed a little low. Not sure if that was just due to where I was standing. Perry did mention that he had a cold so he may have been mixed low purposefully though he sounded in good voice throughout the show.
"Ain't No Right" followed and then they took their first step into psychedelia with "Ted, Just Admit It...". This brought the dancing girls back to the riser toward the rear of the stage to mime S&M related activities while movies of 60's S&M played on the video screens. The whole effect captured the song's feeling of titillation vs. upsetting violence well.
Speaking of upsetting, the next song, the new "Twisted Tales" brought back The Gimp for a disturbing performance art piece during the song in which The Gimp, all in a white tux with tails now and face still covered, alternately caressed and smashed baby dolls before "hanging" himself next to a hanging doll. The videos on the screen seemed to be about some outsider, punk types. The result was more confusing than clarifying and perhaps when I know the song better it'll all come together. Judging by the rather polite, golf clap after the song, I think the rest of the audience was just as confused.
Next came an acoustic set that featured "Jane Says" and Perry pulling on a bottle of Jefferson's Vineyards wine and commenting how good it was. They played my favorite Jane's song, "Three Days", which brought all the requisite power and majesty that the song deserves. "Stop" led us to the encore, which consisted of another new song "Words Right Out of My Mouth" which also brought back the dancing girls (good) and The Gimp in a weird, bird-like suit (still distubing). They closed the show with one of their earliest songs, "Whores" and then we were out into the night. I think they played about 90 minutes but I don't think they were ever a marathon show type band so that seems about usual for them. Overall, I'd give the show an A- / B+.
Perry Farrell was in great spirits throughout the show, jumping, dancing and shaking hands with the crowd. After "Underground", came the crowd favorites "Mountain Song" and one of the highlights of the night for me, "Just Because". "Been Caught Stealing" was next and there seemed to be some confusion amongst the band getting together on rhythm so it seemed a little jumbled. They got it together in the middle but kind of lost it again at the end. Not a total crash & burn but noticeable but the only musical misstep I heard all night. Otherwise, they were pretty tight. The sound mix in the theater was good for the instruments though I thought the vocals seemed mixed a little low. Not sure if that was just due to where I was standing. Perry did mention that he had a cold so he may have been mixed low purposefully though he sounded in good voice throughout the show.
"Ain't No Right" followed and then they took their first step into psychedelia with "Ted, Just Admit It...". This brought the dancing girls back to the riser toward the rear of the stage to mime S&M related activities while movies of 60's S&M played on the video screens. The whole effect captured the song's feeling of titillation vs. upsetting violence well.
Speaking of upsetting, the next song, the new "Twisted Tales" brought back The Gimp for a disturbing performance art piece during the song in which The Gimp, all in a white tux with tails now and face still covered, alternately caressed and smashed baby dolls before "hanging" himself next to a hanging doll. The videos on the screen seemed to be about some outsider, punk types. The result was more confusing than clarifying and perhaps when I know the song better it'll all come together. Judging by the rather polite, golf clap after the song, I think the rest of the audience was just as confused.
Next came an acoustic set that featured "Jane Says" and Perry pulling on a bottle of Jefferson's Vineyards wine and commenting how good it was. They played my favorite Jane's song, "Three Days", which brought all the requisite power and majesty that the song deserves. "Stop" led us to the encore, which consisted of another new song "Words Right Out of My Mouth" which also brought back the dancing girls (good) and The Gimp in a weird, bird-like suit (still distubing). They closed the show with one of their earliest songs, "Whores" and then we were out into the night. I think they played about 90 minutes but I don't think they were ever a marathon show type band so that seems about usual for them. Overall, I'd give the show an A- / B+.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: The Horrors
Tonight, check out pop/rock band The Horrors on Last Call with Carson Daly at 1:35 AM on NBC. The Horrors are ripping it up in their homeland, the UK. Their album "Skying" recently won Album of the Year at the NME Awards.
Jane's Addiction, Lemonheads, Lotus, Mary Gauthier, Susan Greenbaum, Cosmic Charlie
Friday night, I'll be at Jane's Addiction at The National and hopefully you'll be too. If you didn't get tickets within the first hour they went on sale, well, you better know someone, because they is sold out. Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8:30 with opener Black Box Revelation. Here's Jane's doing perhaps their greatest song, "Three Days":
To keep the 90's Lollapalooza vibe going, The Lemonheads will be at The Canal Club on Friday night. It's $17 to get in. Doors open at 7:30 and the show kicks off with The Vacant Stairs and The Shining Twins. Here's The Lemonheads biggest hit, "Into Your Arms" (disregard the brief glimpse of Alison Moyet in the beginning):
Saturday, jam band Lotus will be at The National. Tix are $22 in advance, $25 at the door. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9 with opener The Malah. Here's a glimpse of Lotus' sold out show on February 4 at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver:
If you like the jam bands but of the more traditional type, check out Grateful Dead cover band Cosmic Charlie at The Canal Club. Tix are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Doors open at 8:30 and it doesn't look like there is an opener. Here's a mini-documentary on the band:
Also Saturday, the Susan Greenbaum Band will be at Ashland Coffee & Tea. Tix are $10 at the door. Show starts at 8 with no opener. Here's Susan performing "Here No More" just about a year ago at Ashland Coffee & Tea:
Wednesday night at Ashland Coffee & Tea, you'll find singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier. Tix are $15 in advance, $20 day of show and the show starts at 8 with no opener. Her latest CD, "The Foundling" had much acclaim including being named the third best album of 2011 by the LA Times. Here's Mary performing "Wheel Inside the Wheel" with Tania Elizabeth on violin on 3/2 in Dallas:
If you're interested in the 10 most offensive songs in history, well Flavorwire put together a list HERE. This may not be safe for work depending on who looks over your shoulder and whether you choose to actually play any of these songs and, if so, how loud. These songs will be good if you are ready for everyone to get out of your house this weekend when the party is over.
I'll see you at Jane's Addiction, if you can get in. Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
To keep the 90's Lollapalooza vibe going, The Lemonheads will be at The Canal Club on Friday night. It's $17 to get in. Doors open at 7:30 and the show kicks off with The Vacant Stairs and The Shining Twins. Here's The Lemonheads biggest hit, "Into Your Arms" (disregard the brief glimpse of Alison Moyet in the beginning):
Saturday, jam band Lotus will be at The National. Tix are $22 in advance, $25 at the door. Doors open at 8, show starts at 9 with opener The Malah. Here's a glimpse of Lotus' sold out show on February 4 at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver:
If you like the jam bands but of the more traditional type, check out Grateful Dead cover band Cosmic Charlie at The Canal Club. Tix are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Doors open at 8:30 and it doesn't look like there is an opener. Here's a mini-documentary on the band:
Also Saturday, the Susan Greenbaum Band will be at Ashland Coffee & Tea. Tix are $10 at the door. Show starts at 8 with no opener. Here's Susan performing "Here No More" just about a year ago at Ashland Coffee & Tea:
Wednesday night at Ashland Coffee & Tea, you'll find singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier. Tix are $15 in advance, $20 day of show and the show starts at 8 with no opener. Her latest CD, "The Foundling" had much acclaim including being named the third best album of 2011 by the LA Times. Here's Mary performing "Wheel Inside the Wheel" with Tania Elizabeth on violin on 3/2 in Dallas:
If you're interested in the 10 most offensive songs in history, well Flavorwire put together a list HERE. This may not be safe for work depending on who looks over your shoulder and whether you choose to actually play any of these songs and, if so, how loud. These songs will be good if you are ready for everyone to get out of your house this weekend when the party is over.
I'll see you at Jane's Addiction, if you can get in. Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Neon Indian, The Men, Emmylou Harris: Late Night Pick of the Night
I fell asleep while lying down with the four-year old last night, waiting for him to fall asleep, so I didn't get to do the full blog. I woke up at 12:45 AM and didn't feel like dragging my ass downstairst and starting it. So here a couple of bands that are playing tonight. I'll do the rest of the weekend review tonight.
Neon Indian will be at The National tonight. Tix are $15. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:30 with opener Purity Ring. Neon Indian are an electronic pop band that remind me of Gorillaz, New Order, and other 80's pop bands. Keeping up the 80's vibe, Cartoon Network's Adult Swim did this cool 80's style animated video for their song "Fallout":
At Strange Matter tonight, you will find garage rock band The Men. I mean, there will be women there too, but the band is called The Men. It's $7 to get in. Doors open at 6, show starts at 7 with openers Hoax Hunters and Lost Tribe. Here's The Men playing Shea Stadium (the night club in NYC which I think is a rather brilliant name) in October:
Tonight's Late Night Pick of the Night is the beautiful and talented Emmylou Harris on the Colbert Report on Comedy Central. That's on at 11:30 PM and then repeats often over the next 24 hours.
Neon Indian will be at The National tonight. Tix are $15. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:30 with opener Purity Ring. Neon Indian are an electronic pop band that remind me of Gorillaz, New Order, and other 80's pop bands. Keeping up the 80's vibe, Cartoon Network's Adult Swim did this cool 80's style animated video for their song "Fallout":
At Strange Matter tonight, you will find garage rock band The Men. I mean, there will be women there too, but the band is called The Men. It's $7 to get in. Doors open at 6, show starts at 7 with openers Hoax Hunters and Lost Tribe. Here's The Men playing Shea Stadium (the night club in NYC which I think is a rather brilliant name) in October:
Tonight's Late Night Pick of the Night is the beautiful and talented Emmylou Harris on the Colbert Report on Comedy Central. That's on at 11:30 PM and then repeats often over the next 24 hours.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Laura Marling
On Last Call with Carson Daly tonight, check out much acclaimed singer-songwriter Laura Marling. Her album "Creature You Know" was nominated for a Brit Award in the best British Solo Female Artist category and she's playing Coachella and Bonnaroo here in the states this year.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Kylesa; Bruce Fever: Catch It!
Tonight's Late Night Pick of the Night is psychedelic metal band Kylesa on Last Call with Carson Daly. Last Call is on at 1:35 AM on NBC. Kylesa will be heading out on tour in April with our local heroes, GWAR.
After hearing the first single ("We Take Care of Our Own") from Bruce Springsteen's new album, "Wrecking Ball" (out today), I was a bit trepidatious about the new Bruce. The song was pretty pedestrian lyrically, especially by Bruce standards, and almost stereotypically Bruceian musically. However, I finally caught Bruce fever again yesterday. I listened to a stream of the album on the Paste Magazine site (up for today only HERE) and found the music to be a cross between "The Rising" and the "Seger Sessions" with lots of folk instruments combining with some more interesting sonic elements. It definitely caught my attention, much more so than his previous album, "Working on a Dream".
Then I went home and watched Friday's episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon which featured two songs from the new album and also a killer, wall of sound version of "E Street Shuffle" featuring both the E Street Band and the Roots. Tom Morello also played on all three songs. Since the kids were outside playing, I also got to listen to it really loud, which helped. Here's the three songs. "Death to My Hometown" is a rocker. "Jack of All Trades" does what Bruce does best, taking the story of a down-and-out fellow to personalize larger issues. And then the aforementioned "E Street Shuffle".
After hearing the first single ("We Take Care of Our Own") from Bruce Springsteen's new album, "Wrecking Ball" (out today), I was a bit trepidatious about the new Bruce. The song was pretty pedestrian lyrically, especially by Bruce standards, and almost stereotypically Bruceian musically. However, I finally caught Bruce fever again yesterday. I listened to a stream of the album on the Paste Magazine site (up for today only HERE) and found the music to be a cross between "The Rising" and the "Seger Sessions" with lots of folk instruments combining with some more interesting sonic elements. It definitely caught my attention, much more so than his previous album, "Working on a Dream".
Then I went home and watched Friday's episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon which featured two songs from the new album and also a killer, wall of sound version of "E Street Shuffle" featuring both the E Street Band and the Roots. Tom Morello also played on all three songs. Since the kids were outside playing, I also got to listen to it really loud, which helped. Here's the three songs. "Death to My Hometown" is a rocker. "Jack of All Trades" does what Bruce does best, taking the story of a down-and-out fellow to personalize larger issues. And then the aforementioned "E Street Shuffle".
Monday, March 5, 2012
Late Night Pick of the Night: Joe Louis Walker; Satisfaction review
Tonight's Late Night Pick of the Night is multiple Grammny & WC Handy Award bluesman Joe Louis Walker. He'll be on Conan tonight at 11 PM on TBS.
For those of you wondering, the Satisfaction: Rolling Stones Tribute show on Thursday night at The Naional was pretty damn good. They definitely had the chops, with highlights being "Can't You Hear My Knockin'", "Live With Me", and "Miss You". "Mick" (who looked like a cross between Mick Jagger and Jeff Beck) and "Keith" had the looks down and the moves. "Ron Wood" and "Bill Wyman" were great players but the wigs were distracting. I appreciated that the drummer didn't even bother to try to look like Charlie Wattts. But during the show I was reminded that the Stones were one of the first real rock bands I loved, getting into them as I began listening to classic rock in 6th grade. I also enjoyed seeing the songs performed in the stripped down five-man band format, instead of the rather bloated live band that the Stones have become. Other than a few instances (the congas on "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" and some piano bits), the songs hold up just fine without the extra musicians and in many cases are more powerful. And I had a good time dancing. ;-)
For those of you wondering, the Satisfaction: Rolling Stones Tribute show on Thursday night at The Naional was pretty damn good. They definitely had the chops, with highlights being "Can't You Hear My Knockin'", "Live With Me", and "Miss You". "Mick" (who looked like a cross between Mick Jagger and Jeff Beck) and "Keith" had the looks down and the moves. "Ron Wood" and "Bill Wyman" were great players but the wigs were distracting. I appreciated that the drummer didn't even bother to try to look like Charlie Wattts. But during the show I was reminded that the Stones were one of the first real rock bands I loved, getting into them as I began listening to classic rock in 6th grade. I also enjoyed seeing the songs performed in the stripped down five-man band format, instead of the rather bloated live band that the Stones have become. Other than a few instances (the congas on "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" and some piano bits), the songs hold up just fine without the extra musicians and in many cases are more powerful. And I had a good time dancing. ;-)
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Friday Cheers lineup announced, Elvis Costello: Late Night Pick of the Night
The lineup for Friday Cheers, Richmond's best ongoing music series at the best venue in Richmond (Brown's Island) was announced today. Looks like another good one. It'll be $5 to get in for most shows, $10 for some others. You can buy a season pass for $35 before April 1 and then that goes up to $40.
Here's the lineup along with my level of excitement in parentheses, 1 being the highest:
May 4 - Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears with The Preservation - $5 - (2) - great, up and coming funk/r&b/blues band. A fine start to the season.
May 11 - Carolina Chocolate Drops with The Inflatables - $5 - (3) - bluegrass, traditional old-time music. Should be fun.
Here's the lineup along with my level of excitement in parentheses, 1 being the highest:
May 4 - Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears with The Preservation - $5 - (2) - great, up and coming funk/r&b/blues band. A fine start to the season.
May 11 - Carolina Chocolate Drops with The Inflatables - $5 - (3) - bluegrass, traditional old-time music. Should be fun.
May 18-20 – Dominion Riverrock, featuring Galactic, Travelin’ McCourys feat. Keller Williams, and JJ Grey and Mofro. - FREE - not part of Friday Cheers technically so I didn't rank it but will be there with bells on or at least cool, glow in the dark stuff. For more info, see THIS blog entry.
May 25 - RVA Music Night with Three Sheets to the Wind, The Trillions and Photosynthesizers - $5 - (7) - the ranking is not a slight to the bands, it's just that they play in town all the time. Will be a good night to see some great local music all in one place, especially if the weather is nice.
June 1- Chris Young with Honky Tonk Heroes - $10 - (8) - the obligatory pop country band. Will take a week off.
June 8 - ALO with Former Champions - $5 - (6) - ALO is a good jam band and I like local jammers Former Champions, too. ALO just not good enough for me to be super excited about. Will go if weather is nice.
June 15 - Dawes with Sara Watkins - $5 - (4) - Folk rock. I am really liking their song "Time Spent in Los Angeles" lately.
June 22 – Alabama Shakes with Robert Ellis - $5 - (1) - If you only go to one Cheers, make it this one, rain or shine. Alabama Shakes has gathered a huge buzz before they even have an album out (their first comes out soon) based on their live shows and Muscle Shoals blues/Southern rock sound.
June 29 - Trampled by Turtles with Goldrush - $10 - (5) - Progressive Bluegrass or Newgrass, if you will.
We will have more on these bands as we hit the week of their show.
For tonight's Late Night Pick of the Night, we're back to Jimmy Fallon's Bruce Week where Elvis Costello will perform Springsteen's "Brilliant Disguise" with Jimmy's house band, The Roots, backing him up. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is on at 12:35 AM on NBC.
Nelly Kate, Diamond Center, Satisfaction, Black Girls, People's Blues of Richmond, Julia Nunes, Titus Andronicus
Before we get to what's happening in town this week, Phish announced their summer tour today with two shows in VA, both in Portsmouth. Great that there will be two shows, unfortunately, they are in the middle of the week (Tuesday & Wednesday, 6/19 & 20) which means I probably only be able to do one anyway. I can't really miss three days of work (need a day to recover because I'm old now). Also, at $60 a ticket and knowing that Richmond gets tons of bands in May & June when they hit us up in between weekend festival appearances, I want to save some $ for the bands I don't have to travel to see. Here's the usual humorous tour announcement video featuring Fishman:
Phish Summer Tour 2012 Announcement from Phish on Vimeo.
Thursday night, at Strange Matter, it's a four band show that will have doors open at 9 and music start at 10. It's $7 to get in. The bands (in reverse order of appearance): Nelly Kate, Diamond Center, Softspot & The Pharmacy. The first 50 people in get a free download of Nelly Kate's new "ISH ISH" record since this is the record release party. This is also Diamond Center's last Richmond show before they head out on a month long tour of the South, including a number of gigs at SXSW. Here's a few songs and an interview with Nelly Kate courtesy of Raw Music EP:
Also Thursday night, Satisfaction: The Rolling Stones Experience tribute band will be at The National. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $12.50. I don't usually do the tribute band thing, but I got some freebies for this one, so I'll be there. No opener since the band will play two sets. Here's their promo band and it looks like this could be fun. And it will be a hell of a lot cheaper than seeing the real thing (if they tour again).
The CAA Basketball Championships will be happening this weekend here in Richmond at the Coliseum. There will be bands and fun stuff playing in the courtyard next to the Coliseum and that is free to all. I'll be down there Friday night for the games. Here's the lineup for the bands:
On Sunday night, you can watch Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball live from NYC at epixhd.com. Click HERE. That starts at 7 PM. A lot of great comedians, Coldplay, Mumford & Sons and more. Here's the trailer:
A couple of shows on Tuesday of next week. Titus Andronicus and Screaming Females will be getting all punky on your ass at Strange Matter. Diarrhea Planet (yes, that's really their name) will open. This is an early all-ages show so you can bring your little sister. Doors open at 5, show starts at 6. Tix are $12 in advance, $15 day of show. Here's Titus Andronicus playing at Pitchfork.tv's Brooklyn office last month:
Also on Tuesday, YouTube sensation singer/songwriter Julia Nunes will be at The Camel. The show starts at 7:30 with openers The Manifestivus and The Kindling Kind. Tix are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Here's Julia's video for "Stay Awake":
Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
Phish Summer Tour 2012 Announcement from Phish on Vimeo.
Thursday night, at Strange Matter, it's a four band show that will have doors open at 9 and music start at 10. It's $7 to get in. The bands (in reverse order of appearance): Nelly Kate, Diamond Center, Softspot & The Pharmacy. The first 50 people in get a free download of Nelly Kate's new "ISH ISH" record since this is the record release party. This is also Diamond Center's last Richmond show before they head out on a month long tour of the South, including a number of gigs at SXSW. Here's a few songs and an interview with Nelly Kate courtesy of Raw Music EP:
Also Thursday night, Satisfaction: The Rolling Stones Experience tribute band will be at The National. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8, tix are $12.50. I don't usually do the tribute band thing, but I got some freebies for this one, so I'll be there. No opener since the band will play two sets. Here's their promo band and it looks like this could be fun. And it will be a hell of a lot cheaper than seeing the real thing (if they tour again).
The CAA Basketball Championships will be happening this weekend here in Richmond at the Coliseum. There will be bands and fun stuff playing in the courtyard next to the Coliseum and that is free to all. I'll be down there Friday night for the games. Here's the lineup for the bands:
Friday, March 2nd
5:00pm – 6:00pm - William Walter and Tucker Rodgers
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Beast Wellington
Saturday, March 3rd
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Release The Hounds
3:30pm – 5:00pm – Bush League
5:30pm – 6:30pm – DJ Mordecai Group
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Debo
Sunday, March 4th
Noon – 2:00pm – Physcobilly Cadillac
Monday, March 5th
5:30pm – 7:00pm - DJ Mordecai Group
A great show at The Camel on Friday night with local bands Black Girls, People's Blues of Richmond, and The Lawsuits. The show starts at 9 and it's $7 to get in. This is the Black Girls last show in Richmond before they hit the road on a national tour opening for The Head and The Heart in the month of March, including a gig at The National on 3/21. Here's Black Girls video for "South Carolina":
On Sunday night, you can watch Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball live from NYC at epixhd.com. Click HERE. That starts at 7 PM. A lot of great comedians, Coldplay, Mumford & Sons and more. Here's the trailer:
A couple of shows on Tuesday of next week. Titus Andronicus and Screaming Females will be getting all punky on your ass at Strange Matter. Diarrhea Planet (yes, that's really their name) will open. This is an early all-ages show so you can bring your little sister. Doors open at 5, show starts at 6. Tix are $12 in advance, $15 day of show. Here's Titus Andronicus playing at Pitchfork.tv's Brooklyn office last month:
Also on Tuesday, YouTube sensation singer/songwriter Julia Nunes will be at The Camel. The show starts at 7:30 with openers The Manifestivus and The Kindling Kind. Tix are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Here's Julia's video for "Stay Awake":
Have a great weekend!
Tony Jordan
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