SOTD: "Halloweenhead" - Ryan Adams

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

I think this is appropriate......

SOTD: "Hold On" - Tom Waits

Another Bridge School artist, Tom Waits gives us this gem.

"Sleeveface: Be the Vinyl"

I was reading SPIN this month when I came across an article about a guy named Carl Morris who has put together a book basically bringing album covers to life by having people pose with them in various positions. An interesting concept, some funny results.......see here:

http://www.sleeveface.com/?p=108

Ryan Adams: Cafe Select 10/28/08 (Secret Show)

Yesterday afternoon I got a tip that Ryan Adams was going to be performing a secret show in a cafe downtown. I looked up the place quickly on my computer and high-tailed it to the subway, I only had about a half hour to get there. Much to my surprise when I walked up, I easily got in and there were probably only 30 people or so in the cafe (some of which were clearly just there for lunch). I got a spot at the bar, settled in, and waited for Ryan to show up a half hour later.

Sure enough he and his band showed up and put on an 8 song acoustic showcase, mostly songs from his release yesterday but a couple oldies thrown in. Here's the setlist:

"Born Into a Light"
"Evergreen"
"Fix It"
"Magick"
"Natural Ghost"
"If I Am a Stranger"
"Cherry Lane"
"Let Us Down Easy"



The show probably went just over an hour and I'd say at capacity had about 50 people there. It was extremely intimate and the crowd seemed to consist of many friends and some fans. Ryan actually hung out for a bit after so I was able to speak with him for a couple of minutes before he took off. As a huge fan of his stuff, this was a really cool experience for me.......Ryan was very personable and it turned out to be a great surprise for a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Gotta love living in NYC. Here's a few pics.......

Venue shot, tough to see Ryan but he's right under the blackboard




Ryan Adams




Me & Ryan

SOTD: "Kids" - MGMT

Many of you have most likely heard of this band from Brooklyn but if not, definitely check out this song. They have several standout tracks on their album but this is my favorite. My buddies and I saw them at Coachella this year and this was one of the most fun songs of the whole weekend, the crowd was going nuts. They're playing a couple shows this week in NYC, tough ticket but it's a fun show if you can go......

Album Recommendation: Tom Gabel, "Heart Burns"

This was actually a tough call this week as there are several interesting releases. I decided to go with Tom Gabel's "Heart Burns". Tom is the lead singer of Against Me and released this solo album yesterday. It's a seven song EP, executive produced by Butch Vig. I was kind of surprised how much I liked this album but it's a great listen (albeit a bit short). I especially like track 3, "Cowards Sing At Night".


Honorable Mention:

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - "Cardinology"

Bloc Party - "Intimacy"

Rodrigo y Gabriela - "Live in Japan" (Double Disc CD/DVD) import

SOTD: "Disarm" - The Smashing Pumpkins w/ Josh Groban

Sticking with the "Bridge School" theme of today, I found this clip online. I guess Josh Groban came out and sang "Disarm" with the Pumpkins this past weekend at the festival. I'm not sure what I think about it yet but I have to give some credit for the creativity. Pretty interesting, take a listen.........

In The Rearview Mirror: Bridge School Benefit '07

Exactly one year ago, I traveled out to San Francisco for Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit. This is the review I wrote last year so some of you may have seen it but if not, here you go.....

The weekend kicked off with a Friday night dinner at Neil's house. From what I understand, this is an annual tradition, Neil has the bands to his house for a big dinner before the weekend festivities and everyone basically mingles together and it's just a really cool, laid back environment. Meeting Neil was definitely a highlight, only spoke with him for a minute or two but he was very kind and gracious. Many of the bands showed up and it was really an amazing experience, truly one of those times when you put your camera away and just soak up the environment. That said, I hope the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame opens up a wing for Neil's memorabilia someday, he's got some amazing stuff in that home. As for the show itself......

I was lucky enough to be all-access for both days which meant I could literally go anywhere in the whole arena I wanted to, without a hassle from anyone (well, except for that time I hid in Metallica's bathroom and got my ass kicked, but that's a story for another time). I spent some time with John and the crew but spent most of the days just talking to a lot of the other performers and people backstage, just taking in all the performances. I saw everyone between the two days, some of the acts twice and came away really impressed by the performances and sincerity of the groups.

The Bridge School is something that I've wanted to go to for a long time, and it's really an awesome experience when you see the kids and their families and how they react to the performers….pretty special.

These are long days, Saturday started at 2pm and finished around 12:15am……but as a music lover, it's a ton of fun. Anyways, here are my thoughts, pretty much in order of the performers:

Regina Spektor: Regina kicked off both days with a bang. Wow, GREAT voice in person, very powerful. I had seen her earlier this year at Coachella and didn't love her set but I thought she was awesome both days out here. She was solo with her piano, not easy to perform like that in an ampitheater but she more than held her own.

A couple side notes…..I got to spend some time talking with her because she was hanging around the first day watching the other acts. She was seriously one of the nicest people I've ever met, she just has a great vibe about her and seems like a genuine person. I really enjoyed talking with her and will be following her career closely for many years to come. Also, after her set the second day, she came back and took a bunch of pictures with the kids and their families and you could really see how excited the kids were, a very cool moment to watch.

Tegan & Sara: This was my first time seeing these twin sisters from Canada, I only knew one of their songs but I really liked a bunch that I heard. They're a five piece band with a guitarist (Ted), bassist (Shaun) and drummer (Johnny). I would say that I probably hung out with these guys the most over the weekend, they were just around a lot watching the other acts, and I spent a bunch of time talking to them. Good performers and a great group of people….really damn cool. Since I've gotten home, I've bought a bunch of their stuff and really listened to it quite a bit. I've been fortunate enough to stay in touch with them since the show and will be seeing them next week in NYC.

My Morning Jacket: I had seen these guys once before but wasn't a fan so I didn't know most of their material. A few weeks before the show, I picked up their live album and found myself loving it, just listening to it over and over. They're a five piece band from Louisville (2 guitars, bass, drums and organ/keys). I have to tell you how impressed I was with these guys both days……awesome set, awesome sound, really, really good band. I'm pissed I hadn't gotten into them before because I'd love to see them in a club setting. Anyways, probably my favorite act of the weekend. I got to spend a little time speaking with them and they seem like good guys, just really laid back and cool.

(As a side note, these guys took the spot of Eddie Vedder who had to back out a week earlier. As disappointed as I was about that, at least I got to see a real good band who I hadn't spent a lot of time listening to before).

John Mayer: He played with Robbie and DRH, the harmonies were really cool, "Free Fallin'" was a surprise and got the crowd going. I thought John playing Gravity to the kids behind him was really damn cool.

Tom Waits: I wasn't all that familiar with a lot of Tom's stuff, but what an *interesting* performance. I don't really know how to describe him but it's kind of an intense show. Wish I could explain more but it's hard to even compare anyone to him, really unique. I do LOVE one song by him, it's called "Hold On", you should check it out.

Neil Young: Neil played a lot of newer stuff which I wasn't that familiar with but he kicked off the show on Saturday with "Sugar Mountain" so that was pretty cool. I've liked Neil for many years and have seen him once before, with PJ in Toledo a few years back. The guy is a legend, pretty fun to stand 20 feet away and watch him do his thing.

Jerry Lee Lewis: I think Jerry Lee is about 137 years old now but damn can he still bring it on that piano. Probably the most "fun" set of the weekend, I was having a great time rockin' out. If I can be having as much fun as he was when I get that old, I'll say life is pretty damn good.

Metallica: Although I'm not a huge Metallica fan, I am really into some of their stuff, especially the black album, one of my favorites….I've also seen them twice in concert so I thought I knew what to expect. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't disappointed in their sets. They did a bunch of covers and really didn't play many favorites. The saving grace was that they closed with "Nothing Else Matters"….of of my favorite songs of all time. Saturday night ended for me, singing along with the MMJ guys pretty much as loud as I could. That'll probably be one of my favorite memories of the weekend. I would have loved to hear "Fade To Black" or "One" but I guess I'll just have to see them next time they're around.

One other thing that I thought was cool was that Kirk showed up early on Sunday, way before Metallica took the stage and was checking out the other bands. It's not a big deal by any means, I just think it's cool when the bands watch each other.

Well, I guess that about wraps it up. It was a hell of a weekend, something I'll surely remember forever. Everything was really well run and it was so much fun just to float around for two days and see everything from a different perspective. This is truly a Class A event, I was honored to be there.

Here's a few pictures:

Me & Regina Spektor




My Morning Jacket




John Mayer playing to the kids




Metallica's gear




Metallica

SOTD: "Wiser Time" - The Black Crowes

Always good to see these guys back in town........a great version of this song.

NYC Area Concerts week of 10/27

10/27 - The Black Crowes @ Hammerstein Ballroom
10/27 - Counting Crows @ The Wellmont Theatre
10/28 - Matthew Sweet @ Webster Hall
10/28 - The Black Crowes @ Hammerstein Ballroom
10/29 - Counting Crows @ The Wellmont Theatre
10/30- The Black Crowes @ Hammerstein Ballroom
10/30 - Counting Crows @ The Wellmont Theatre
10/30- Justice (DJ set) @ Webster Hall
10/30- MGMT @ Webster Hall
10/31- Ryan Adams & The Cardinals @ The Apollo Theater
10/31- The Black Crowes @ Hammerstein Ballroom
10/31- MGMT, Amazing Baby, Violens @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

SOTD: "Jane Says" - Janes Addiction

I heard these guys played a reunion show in LA last night......

In The Rearview Mirror: Villanova Junction

Back when I was in high school, some friends of mine had a band called Villanova Junction. The group included: John Mayer (Guitar/Vocals), Joe Beleznay (Guitar/Vocals), Rich Wolf (Bass), and Tim Procaccini (Drums/Percussion). They would play around town at various venues.....clubs, churches, the beach, barns, even our high school graduation.

The band released one album on cassette, probably because that's how we listened to most of our music at the time. I think there were about 300 copies made or so, not sure how many are still left out there. I think I've seen a few online over the years but I can't imagine there are a ton of originals left. One other interesting piece of merchandise was their t-shirt which I found awhile back at my parent's house. I've never seen one of these online and there were only a handful made so it would be tough to find one nowadays. Anyways, here's what they look like if you wanted to get a glimpse......


Villanova Junction Cassette




Villanova Junction T-Shirt (Back)




Villanova Junction T-Shirt (Front)

Busted Ipod

So I dropped my ipod last week. Didn't think it was a big deal since it was only about a two foot fall to the floor in my apartment, but I was obviously wrong. As soon as I picked it up, I went to listen again and there was just this staggered clicking sound.....but no music. What really threw me off was this strange error message though....couldn't they be a bit more subtle?

SOTD: "Cath" - Death Cab For Cutie

This is my favorite song from the latest Death Cab album.......

Pearl Jam - Vote For Change Tour - Video Update

Well I thought this was going to be released as a DVD, and maybe it will in the future. In the meantime, the full video has been posted on REM's site here:

http://www.remhq.com/vfc2004.php

I'm not exactly sure why it's posted on the REM site and not the PJ site, but at least it's up somewhere. It runs just over an hour and documents Pearl Jam's 2004 tour across the US for a Vote For Change. The video contains interviews and show footage from each stop along the way......places such as Toledo, Asheville, St Louis. The setlist is pretty varied and has some great guest appearances from the tour. I don't want to give away too much but I think it's an hour well spent and especially enjoyed the segments towards the end.

SOTD: "The Ghost of Tom Joad" - Bruce Springsteen w/ Tom Morello

This is a pretty cool clip for several reasons:

- The Boss & Tom Morello (of Rage Against The Machine) on the same stage
- Tom Morello singing
- The last 2+ minutes......Morello's solo is amazing.

CMJ Day 1 (10/21/08) Recap

I was able to see several bands yesterday.....long day but a lot of fun. My ears are ringing and my throat is scratchy, but this festival is really great, something for everyone. Over the day, three bands in particular stood out to me and I think they're all worth a listen.

CHRIS BATTEN & THE WOODS:

I've known Chris for years but haven't had a chance to see him perform in a long time. Actually, the last time I saw him, Chris was a solo artist trying to jump-start his career. From the first time I heard his music, I really liked Chris' voice and singing style. Now backed by a three piece band (Guitar, Bass, Drums), he's really taken his performance to another level. I saw his 2pm set at Rehab yesterday and I was really impressed by the show. The band is very tight and polished, they sounded like a seasoned rock band that's been together for over ten years. Chris has a good persona as a frontman, you can definitely see some of Springsteen's influence in the way Chris moves around on stage....but that's a good thing, The Boss is as good a performer as there is. The Woods sound is very "Rock Americana", good old fashioned rock and roll. Chris and the guys tour quite a bit and have a couple more CMJ shows this weekend. Get out there and support these guys....

Fri Oct 24 08 08:00 PM | Greenpoint Brooklyn, NY US
Venue: MATCHLESS
Address: 557 Manhattan Ave. (@ Driggs Ave.), Greenpoint Brooklyn, NY, US
Details: CMJ showcase, for festival information visit www.cmj.com/marathon/

Sat Oct 25 08 02:00 PM | New York, NY US
Venue: The Annex
Address: 152 Orchard St, (Between Rivington & Stanton Street), New York, NY, 10002, US
Details: CMJ daytime showcase, more info TBA

Here's their website: http://www.andthewoods.com/











FRIENDLY FIRES:

I saw these guys from England last night at the Bowery Ballroom..........GREAT SHOW, I think they're going to be BIG. I've heard their name and read a bit about them lately so I knew they were getting some buzz. They basically have a lead singer (who plays occasional bass), lead guitar, a drummer and a bassist/percussionist. Their sound is almost like a "dance-rock", kind of hard to classify, but it makes you want to move your feet. The crowd really got into their set as it went along, people were dancing and having a really good time. I remarked to my buddy Robin that I'd love to see them play with a crowd of their true fans, I think they'd blow the roof off. Their lead singer looks like he's watched quite a bit of Thom Yorke over the years, he was flailing around like a maniac....definitely entertaining. From the look of their tour schedule, it seems like they've got a few more NYC shows this weekend and then head out west (Portland, San Fran, LA). I'd definitely check these guys out if you're living out that way.....but bring some comfortable shoes, you're going to be dancing your ass off.

Here's their website: http://www.wearefriendlyfires.com/












LYKKE LI:

Well, I was really excited to see Lykke and she did not disappoint. Armed with a tremendous voice and a great stage presence, she was able to captivate the crowd quickly. One thing that surprised me was her versatility with some cool combinations of songs, even mixing in some Vampire Weekend halfway through her set. Her encore was fantastic.....she started it off with her song "Tonight", which is equally beautiful and haunting, I was really happy to hear it. What came next I think almost nobody expected......a cover of A Tribe Called Quest's "Can I Kick It?", awesome stuff. Lykke is on the same tour with the Friendly Fires, that's just a great double-bill, well worth the price of admission.

Here's her website: http://www.myspace.com/lykkeli

CMJ Music Festival '08

Today is the start of the CMJ Festival in NYC......hundreds of bands to see, so little time. Here's the schedule, you can build your own or just see what's out there (you can search by event, date, venue, etc.)

http://cmj08.sched.org/

I'm off in a few to see Chris Batten & The Woods @ Rehab..........

SOTD: "Borne on the FM Waves of the Heart" - Against Me w/ Tegan Quin

I've been listening to these guys quite a bit lately, digging their stuff. This song features Tegan Quin (of Tegan & Sara).....good collaboration.

Album Recommendation: Various Artists, "All Aboard: A Tribute to Johnny Cash"

This week's album recommendation features several artists coming together to pay tribute to the great Johnny Cash. "All Aboard" includes bands such as The Bouncing Souls, Mxpx, The Dresden Dolls, and The Flatliners. It's mostly a collection of punk artists (with some alternative mixed in), so hopefully you'll dig the bands' interpretations of some Cash classics.

One other good thing about this album......Anchorless Records will be donating all the profits of All Aboard: A Tribute To Johnny Cash to the Syrentha Savio Endowment (SSE), a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to underprivileged women who cannot afford the expense of fighting breast cancer.


All Aboard: A Tribute To Johnny Cash Track Listing:

Man In Black: The Bouncing Souls
Country Boy: Fallen >From The Sky
Wreck Of The Old '97: Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music)
Let The Train Whistle Blow: Joe McMahon (Smoke or Fire)
Delia's Gone: Ben Nichols (Lucero)
God's Gonna Cut You Down: The Gaslight Anthem
Cocaine Blues: The Loved Ones
Give My Love To Rose: OnGuard (feat. Jason Shevchuk of Kid Dynamite and None More Black)
I Still Miss Someone: Casey James Prestwood (Hot Rod Circuit)
Hey Porter: MxPx
Cry,Cry,Cry: The Flatliners
Ballad of a Teenage Queen: The Dresden Dolls feat. Franz Nicolay of The Hold Steady
Folsom Prison Blues: Chon Travis (Love = Death)
There You Go: The Sainte Catherines
I Walk The Line: Russ Rankin (Good Riddance, Only Crime)


http://www.anchorlessrecords.com/

SOTD: "Dance Dance Dance" - Lykke Li

Lykke Li is a Swedish singer who released her first album this year. She's in NYC this week performing several shows if you want to check her out. This song is kind of catchy......

NYC Concerts week of 10/20

Here's a list of some good shows to check out if you're in town this week.......


10/20 Lykke Li, Friendly Fires 8p @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
10/21 Lykke Li, Friendly Fires, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Micachu 7p @ Bowery Ballroom
10/21 Chairlift, Age of Rockets, The Silent Years, Princeton, The Cringe, Sub Rosa 7:30p @ Hiro Ballroom at the Maritime Hotel
10/21 The Phenomenal Handclap Band, Jens Lekman (Singing DJ), Passion Pit, Ponytail, Secret Guest, The Sammies, Emmy the Great 6p @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
10/21 Chairlift, Pwrfl Power, Lissy Trullie, Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears, Said the Whale, Pattern is Movement, Emmy the Great, Rumspringa, The Shackeltons, A Brief Smile 12:30 @ Pianos
10/21 Vivian Girls, Cheeseburger, Wild Light, Gringo Star 8p @ Red Bull Space
10/21 Lykke Li, Hayes Peebles, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Lissy Trullie @ Tribeca Grand Hotel(V
10/22 The Teenagers 8p @ The Ben Sherman Store
10/22 Chairlift, The King Left, Bumblebeez, BM Linx, The Pragmatic 7p @ Pianos
10/24 Broken Social Scene @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple
10/25 Minus the Bear, Annuals @ Webster Hall

Pearl Jam - Vote For Change Tour DVD

Anyone ever been to Toledo, Ohio? Four years ago, my favorite band Pearl Jam traveled out on the United States for the Vote For Change Tour. They hit several cities, including Reading, PA, Grand Rapids, MI and Toledo, OH. I ended up driving out with my buddies Benson, Chuck, Melloy, Andy and JR. The six of us hit the road and high-tailed it out to Toledo like it was the last show we would ever see.

The Toledo Sports Arena was unlike any venue I had seen in years. Run down, narrow hallways, fold-up wooden chairs on the floor.....a pretty surreal sight, felt like we hit the "way back machine". Lucky for us we were in great company and were going to have a great night one way or another.....with one of the best bands in the world and for a great cause. Rumors were swirling that Neil Young was in the house and sure enough he showed up during the encore.......one of the best setlists in years......

Long Road, Corduroy, Hail Hail, Save You, American In Me, Cropduster, I Am Mine, Wishlist, Better Man, I Believe In Miracles, Even Flow, Bleed For Me, Alive

Encore 1 acoustic Thumbing My Way, Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town, Black, Harvest Moon

Encore 2 All Along The Watchtower, Act Of Love, Cortez The Killer, Rockin' In The Free World

Not a lot of shows you'll see Uncle Neil and Pearl Jam on the same stage for various songs but we were lucky enough to get one. Not the best city or best venue, but I've never been in better company and it's a memory I'll have forever.

The idea of the tour was a "Vote For Change".......4 years too late?....maybe. Anyways, get out there and vote.....one way or another, your vote counts. Please check out this video and I'll be following up with the dvd info.

SOTD: "Each Year" - Ra Ra Riot

I first heard this song about a year ago and I have to say that I've had a hard time getting it out of my head. This band is getting some good buzz lately and I hope they end up doing pretty well. I don't know a lot of their stuff but I like what I've heard. Enjoy and have a great weekend.....

SOTD: "March" - Robert Randolph & The Family Band

About five years ago, my brother Andy and I went to a small club in New Haven, CT called Toad's Place to see Robert Randolph & The Family Band. The place was PACKED, people of all ages, dancing and partying late into the night......and this was a weeknight. It was without a doubt one of my favorite shows over the years.....we had one of the best times I can remember. Today is Andy's birthday so I thought this would be appropriate. Happy Bday bro.

SOTD: "Oh My God, Whatever, etc." - Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams is someone I'll probably bring up multiple times in this blog, he's one of my favorite artists. I think he's one of the best songwriters of our generation and I'm constantly amazed at the amount of music he puts out. I think this is a great clip because one thing about Ryan is that you never know what you're going to get, the guy is full of surprises. I've seen him numerous times and each show has had a completely different vibe......not to mention his albums cross over many different themes and styles.

This track is one of my favorites from his last album, "Easy Tiger"......enjoy.

SOTD: "Notion" - Kings of Leon

A pretty cool song from the latest album, can't seem to get this out of the cd player lately.

I got a notion to say what doesn't feel right
Got an answer in your story today
It gave me a sign that didn't feel right, no
So don't knock it, don't knock it, you've been here before
So don't knock it, don't knock it, you've been here before

I just wanted to know if I could go home
Been rambling in day after day
And everyone says I don't know
So don't knock it, don't knock it, you've been here before
So don't knock it, don't knock it, you've been here before

Got a notion to say what doesn't feel right
I just wanted to know if I could go home
So don't knock it, don't knock it, you've been here before
So don't knock it, don't knock it, you've been here before

So don't knock it, don't knock it
So don't knock it, don't knock it
So don't knock it, don't knock it, you've been here before
So don't knock it, don't knock it, you've been here before

Album Recommendation: Ray LaMontagne, "Gossip In The Grain"

This week's album recommendation is for singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne's latest album. If you haven't listened to Ray before, I'd definitely check out his work. This album features guest Leona Naess on a couple of songs and also some of his touring band. I'm digging the song "Meg White", good stuff. Also, if you don't know his background, definitely read his bio.....very interesting stuff.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_lamontagne#Biography

SOTD: "Graceland" - Paul Simon

As a kid I pretty much listened to two artists consistently......Billy Joel and Paul Simon. One of their cassettes (yes, tapes) was almost always playing in the car and their songs always remind me of going on drives with my dad. Today is Paul's birthday, so I think this is appropriate.....

NYC Concerts week of 10/13

Here's a list of some good shows to check out if you're in town this week.......

10/14-16 TV on the Radio @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple
10/15 Cold War Kids @ Webster Hall
10/16 Ra Ra Riot, Walter Meego, The Morning Benders @ Bowery Ballroom
10/16 Cold War Kids, AA Bondy @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
10/17 Ra Ra Riot, Walter Meego @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
10/18 Frightened Rabbit @ Music Hall of WIlliamsburg
10/19 Ra Ra Riot @ Sound Fix Records

SOTD: "Closer" - Ne-Yo

I like this song......it makes me want to go out on the town.

SOTD: "The Golden Age" - Beck

Beck's in town right now playing a few shows and I realized I haven't listened to his cds in quite awhile. Decided to dust off this tune.......

Coachella 2009....April 17, 18 & 19

Over the last two years, I've traveled out to the Indio Valley in California for the 3-day Coachella Festival. I can say that both trips have been amazing....I've gone with great friends, made new ones, seen fantastic perfomances and just pretty much been in my glory.

As the dates draw closer, I'll put up more info, past experiences, advice, etc. This is something I would HIGHLY recommend for any live music fan.

SOTD: "Steam Engine" - Jim James (My Morning Jacket)

For those that didn't hear, Jim James (lead singer of MMJ) fell off the stage last night during a performance in Iowa. I guess he got banged up pretty good and had to cancel a couple of shows. Sounds like he'll be resting for the next few weeks, here's to a speedy recovery!

I absolutely love this song and this version is really cool. The part from 6:35-6:55 kills me......just great stuff.

Album Recommendation: Matthew Good, "Live At Massey Hall"

This week's album recommendation comes from Canadian singer-songwriter Matthew Good. "Live At Massey Hall" was recorded during Matt's 2008 tour and was released yesterday on Itunes. I have to say that Matthew Good is one of the few artists that still makes me run to the computer when I hear that he's got something new out, I think he's an amazing songwriter.

I've gotten to see him twice, years ago with a full band and earlier this year at a solo show. Unfortunately he doesn't come to the States much so it's tough to catch him unless you take a trip up north. Judging from this cd, any trip would have been well worth it. Highlights for me are "Champions of Nothing", "Blue Skies Over Badlands", "She's In It For the Money" and "Strange Days".

I don't think you can go wrong with any of Matt's stuff, but to get a live double-disc is a real treat. Go out and grab this one.

http://www.matthewgood.org/

PT

SOTD: "Stretch" - Ryan Montbleau Band

One thing I'd like to do with the SOTD is to occasionally throw in some new bands or artists that people may not be familiar with. Ryan Montbleau is a singer/songwriter who I think happens to be damn talented. Check out this song....."Stretch".

Tegan & Sara : Terminal 5 (NYC) 10/6/08

About a year ago, I traveled out to San Francisco for Neil Young's Bridge School Festival. Thanks to a friend that was playing, I was able to have all access for the whole weekend and got to meet and watch many bands, really a great experience. One of the bands I met was Tegan & Sara, twin sisters from Canada and their three other band members.....Ted (Guitar/Keyboard), Johnny (Drums) and Shaun (Bass). I was really impressed by their performance over the two days at the Shoreline Ampitheater and immediately downloaded their music when I got back home.

Tegan and Sara returned to NYC this past weekend and I got to see their show last night. Over the last year, I've stayed in touch with Shaun and he put me on the guestlist for the show, which was an awesome bonus. Terminal 5 is one of the bigger clubs in the city with a large General Admission floor and two balconies. Getting a good spot on one of the balconies is key and luckily I was able to get a great one overlooking the left side of the stage.

The band sounded great, highlights for me would be:

"Dark Come Soon"....my favorite song by the band.
"Nineteen"
"The Con"
"Where Does The Good Go"
"Umbrella" (Rihanna cover)

My buddy David and I stuck around for awhile after the show and hung with Shaun for a bit and then said a brief hello to the rest of the band. Good people, good music, good times.

Tegan & Sara will be performing on Letterman tonight so check that out if you get a minute.

PT

SOTD: "Start Me Up" - The Rolling Stones

Song Of The Day.......I'll be attempting to put up a song each day (or most days). Sometimes this song will have some meaning, sometimes it'll be based on the feeling of that day, and sometimes it'll just be a song that may have popped in my head that morning. Either way, it'll be something different to listen to each day.

I thought this would be a good way to start, seeing as this blog is brand new and all.......

Welcome!

Welcome to The Tremagazine......my personal music blog.   I'll be working on many different things in the days to come, some of which will be:

- Song of the Day

- Album Recommendations

- Concert Reviews

- Upcoming Concert Calender

- Guest Columns

- Venue Info.

....along with several other items.  

This is something I've wanted to do for a long time and hopefully you'll find it enjoyable and helpful.  

Thanks for reading!  

PT