50 Favorite Songs of 2011 (Part II)

Okay, here we go with Part II, the other half of my favorite songs of 2011....

"Somebody That I Used To Know" - Gotye (from the album "Making Mirrors")

I first heard this song when a friend of mine posted it on her Facebook page a couple months ago. I love the sound of this tune, almost reminds me of Sting singing over a Manu Chao beat.

No you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know





"No Church In The Wild" - Kanye West & Jay Z featuring Frank Ocean (from the album "Watch The Throne")

My favorite track off the "Watch The Throne" collaboration. Good combo, Kanye, Jay Z, Frank Ocean..... instant success.

Human beings in a mob
What's a mob to a king? What's a king to a God?
What's a God to a non-believer who don't believe in anything?
Will he make it out alive? Alright, alright, no church in the wild





"Non-Populus" - Matthew Good (from the album "Lights of Endangered Species"

A repeat artist from my first list of 25, this was absolutely one of my favorite albums of the year. I could have found two or three more songs to put on this list but kept it at two. An excellent album that's worth picking up if you like the two songs I've posted in the list. Here's a great live performance of this song from last month.....

What you escape
Let it be done to you
What you take away
Let it be done to you
For what you war
Let it be done to you
What you ignore
Let it be done to you
Oh, let it be done to you






"Santa Fe" - Beirut (from the album "The Rip Tide")

I'm a big fan of this band, love their albums and they always put on a great live show. This track really stood out to me on their latest album.

Your days in one
This day undone
(The kind that breaks under)
All day at once
(for me, for you)
I'm just too young
(And what of my heart)





"Blood & Guts" - Middle Brother (from the self titled album)

Another song from Middle Brother, this was an album that I just had on rotation all year. This song in particular actually didn't really make a huge impact on me until I saw the band perform at the Music Hall of Williamsburg early in the year. Taylor Goldsmith just completely owned this song, extremely powerful to hear in concert.

I decided to post a version below that I saw at the Newport Folk Festival this summer, great performance with members of Dawes and Deer Tick as the backing band. I love at 4:35 when you hear the crowd come in and pick up the vocals. Amazing tune.

The older we get, the older we are.
I woke up this morn driving my car
And that is not how it's supposed to be.

Am I killing time or is it killing me?

And I wanna sing with blood and guts
So someone will know that I'm here
I wanna sing with blood and guts





"This Old Dark Machine" - James Vincent McMorrow (from the album "Early In The Morning")

I was sent this album during the summer and spent some time giving it a good listen over the last few months. This is a really chill album, very listenable from start to finish, nice to just throw on and let it play through. I think fans of Fleet Foxes would really dig this album.

near the town where we were living
was an old abandoned farm
every year we’d plant an orchid
in the shelter of it’s arm
to protect us from the madness
of the future still to come
it will be like this forever
i will keep you safe from harm





"Perth" - Bon Iver (from the self-titled album)

Another great song from this album. So many ways to go with this album but this was one of the songs I listen to most. I grew up playing in big bands (school bands) and every time I hear this song I think how fun it would have been to play something like this. So many layers, the horns, the strings, the percussion..... I love the structure. I've attached a live version because I think it gives a better sense of all the pieces coming together.

still alive who you love





"Baby Missiles" - The War On Drugs (from the album "Slave Ambient")

I saw these guys at the CAMEO GALLERY at the same show with Caveman, what a great bill, especially for such a tiny venue. This is one of my favorite driving songs of the year, has a great beat, great energy.

He wanna leave but he don't know how
He wanna drive but he don't know why





"Down By The Water" - The Decemberists (from the album "The King Is Dead")

Listening to this song I almost feel like I'm back in high school listening to REM......

So knock me down, tear me up
But I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup
Down by the water and down by the old main drag





"St. Peter's Cathedral" - Death Cab For Cutie (from the album "Codes & Keys")

This was an album that I haven't seen mentioned on many "best of" lists this year but I think it's real solid and has some great songs. This was my favorite of the bunch, especially love the ending (from 3:20 to the end).

It's either quite a master plan
Or just chemicals that help us understand
That when our hearts stop ticking
This is the end
And there's nothing past this





"Tarantula/Holding On" - Delay Trees (from the self-titled album)

The Delay Trees making their second appearance on my list. Like I said in the first half, I've really enjoyed this album and it's been in a solid rotation for me most of the year. If you like the two songs posted, you'll love the rest of the album.

Through every morning
Through the fields of sleep
I'm always found in a corner
But I'm holding on





"Words" - Givers (from the album "In Light")

A friend of mine sent me this album a couple months ago and I've been listening ever since. Real good album, reminds me a bit of Vampire Weekend.

The waves high, slow tide, see them, go
You’ll see them again, you’ll see them again
And if the waves ride high, then so will I
Before you know, before you know, before you know, you’ll know
You’ll see them again, you’ll see them again





"Truth" - Alexander featuring RZA (remix from the self titled album)

You might not recognize the name "Alexander" but this is a side project of Alex Ebert from the group Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. One of the first songs I was sent this year, listened to it constantly, never got old. Love the guest appearance from RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan.

I've grown up some
Different kind of fighter
And when the darkness come let it inside you
Your darkness is shining
My darkness is shining
Have faith in myself
Truth






"Fire Away" - Dawes (from the album "Nothing Is Wrong")

Another favorite off of Dawes' latest album. You can probably hear the influence as Jackson Browne lends backup vocals on this track.

this ones going out to you
if you ever start to slip
and you learn to read between these lines you've drawn

when what is wrong and what is right
seem more like just the ocean and the ship
and the straight line that you've followed here is gone




"Act On Impulse" - We Were Promised Jetpacks (from the album "In The Pit Of The Stomach")

I love the energy in WWPJ's music and this song falls right in line.

We act alone
We act on impulse




"Turn Around" - Chamberlin (from the album "Bitter Blood")

This was actually the first Chamberlin song I heard and I fell in love with it instantly. I immediately got my hands on this album and like I alluded to in Part I, this quickly became one of my favorite albums of 2011.... and stayed there all year.

please don't make me lie
the loyal are the left behind
and I won't turn around





"Heartbeat" - Childish Gambino (from the album "Camp")

You may know Childish Gambino better as actor Donald Glover from the tv show "Community". The guy is obviously really talented, this is an album worth getting your hands on if you don't have it yet.

I come around when you least expect me
I'm sitting at the bar when your glass is empty
You thinking that the songs coming on to tempt me
I need to be alone like the way you left me




"Book of James" - We Are Augustines (from the album "Rise Ye Sunken Ships")

Powerful song lyrically, equally powerful video.

I guess your either headin' somewhere or endin up somewhere..
cause I tried the bible, tried the bottle, tried the needle, tried to
love people
And in the end there ain't nothing to say
And in the end there ain't nothing to say anyway
And i stand here in my shoes, unable to move
my hat in my hands, at the bottom of the ocean.





"Hold On" - Alabama Shakes (from the self-titled EP)

Another great tune from the Shakes, their full length album in 2012 cannot come out fast enough.

So, bless my heart
bless my mind
I got so much to do, ain't got much time




"Can't Keep" - Eddie Vedder (from the album "Ukulele Songs")

This is actually an older song, previously released by Pearl Jam on the album "Riot Act". I always loved this song and it isn't played live all that much but I think it's a great tune. Vedder redid it a bit for his Ukulele album and I think I even might prefer this version better (and it's a damn cool video). Definitely worth sharing......

I won't wait for answers
oh you can't keep me here






"Lonely Boy" - The Black Keys (from the album "El Camino")

Not only a super catchy song but this has to be the video of the year. Amazing.

Oh, oh-oh I got a love that keeps me waiting





"Chains of Love" - Ryan Adams (from the album "Ashes & Fire")

Probably wouldn't be a complete list for me without including a Ryan Adams song, one of my favorite artists. This latest release is solid the whole way through but this track stands out to me.

Clouds moving over the house
I think about those days
Wish I had something to relax my mind
Send me off to heaven I've got nothing but time





"Novacane" - Frank Ocean (from the album "nostalgia, Ultra")

This was actually the first track I heard from Frank Ocean and it immediately caught my ear. I made sure to download everything I could shortly thereafter and have been listening to all his material since. Can't wait for his next album.

Met her at Coachella
I went to see Jigga
she went to see Z-trip
Perfect




"Go Outside" - Cults (from the self-titled album)

Just think this is a catchy tune.

I think it's good to go out
cause if you don't you'll never make a memory that will stay
I think that you should wake up
I think I want to live my life and you're just in my way




"Million Dollar Bill" - Middle Brother (from the self-titled album)

This song actually appeared on both this album and the Dawes album this year. I prefer this version because I like each singer taking a verse and then I love where the harmony kicks in at 2:25, reminds me of Crosby, Stills & Nash.

When it hits me that shes left me alone
When I finally move on with my life
Her goodbye written into stone
And her shadow moving through the night




Well, that does it for my 2011 list. Thanks for reading and listening and a special thanks to everyone that's emailed, texted, tweeted or passed along the list to others, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Hopefully you were able to find some stuff you hadn't heard previously and can enjoy over the holidays and into 2012.

50 Favorite Songs of 2011 (Part I)

Last year I spent some time putting together my 50 favorite songs of 2010. I got a lot of great feedback from the project and I figured I'd put together another list this year. I actually started a bit earlier this time around, tracking songs since about July and just adding to my list throughout the year. I'm sure many of you will know a good portion of the songs but I'm hoping you can find some gems in there that you haven't heard until now. I was also able to see many of these bands throughout the year so you'll see some links to recaps/videos/pictures that I took throughout 2011 at various venues in the writeups for each song.

I've split the list into two days of 25 songs, you'll find some repeat bands over the entries from my favorite albums of 2011 (I mean your favorite albums of the year should have at least 2-3 of your favorite songs, right?) Anyways, probably easiest said, this list represents the soundtrack to my 2011. A little something for everyone, a little something for every mood. Almost everything is available on Itunes so you'll be able to pick any of these up if you like something you hear. Hope you enjoy this, as always thanks for reading/listening along! In no particular order, I present to you the Tremagazine favorite 50 songs of 2011 (Part I)........


"Rolling In The Deep" - Adele (From the album, "21")

This is a fantastic album, what a tremendous talent Adele is. Hoping I can finally see her live in 2012.....

Throw your soul through every open door
Count your blessings to find what you look for
Turn my sorrow into treasured gold
You'll pay me back in kind and reap just what you sow




"Swim Good" - Frank Ocean (From the album, "nostalgia, ULTRA")

If you don't have this album, you have to get it today. One of my favorites from 2011, you can simply search for it on google and find a free download as Ocean actually released this over the internet. I just got to see him perform at the Bowery Ballroom a few weeks ago and loved the show, the guy is a real talent. Expect big things from him in 2012.

I'm about to drive in the ocean
I'mma try to swim from something bigger than me
Kick off my shoes and swim good, and swim good




"The Honest Truth" - Typhoon (from the EP "A New Kind of House")

I had this EP sent to me very early in the year and I can honestly say that it's something that never left my rotation in 2011. This is easily one of my favorite songs of the year. Really interesting band with double-digit members, percussion, horns, etc. Caught them at the MERCURY LOUNGE and it was everything I hoped for. Look forward to catching them again in 2012.

So be kind to all of your neighbors
Be kind to all of your neighbors
‘Cuz they’re just like you
They’re just like you




"Fools" - Chamberlin (from the album "Bitter Blood")

Another band I got into early in 2011, I was fortunate to catch them at the Communion Showcase at PUBLIC ASSEMBLY in Brooklyn this year. As much as I love this album, I thought their live performance was even better. In my opinion, one of the most underrated bands around right now. People definitely need to check these guys out, the album is fantastic and these guys are just a really talented group.

Came across pain face to face,
With what I lost




"My Way Back Home" - Dawes (from the album "Nothing Is Wrong")

Following up their tremendous debut album "North Hills", Dawes put out another great album in 2011. I got to see these guys a few different times this year (most recently at MAXWELL'S) and they never disappoint. At about 4:30 of the clip I've posted, you find the lyrics I listed below. Beautiful harmonies from the Goldsmith brothers, love this.

I admit that these answers that I seek
Are all to questions I’ve never known
But I pray to keep on looking for as long as I can roam
And when the world finally fulfills me
I will not forget my way back home




"Cassette 2012" - Delay Trees (from the self-titled album)

I was sent this album earlier this year and I've really gotten into it. Hard to find a lot of information on these guys as they're from Finland and I don't believe they've played the US. They were scheduled for SXSW in 2012 but I just checked their homepage and it looks like that's been cancelled unfortunately. I'm hoping Delay Trees makes it over at some point but for now I'll keep enjoying this album.

"World ends in 2012" - headlines straight from hell
But don't lose your belief
Don't lose your belief, not now




"Blue Eyes" - Middle Brother (from the self-titled album)

I've written about this collaboration at length but for those that don't know, Middle Brother is made up of the lead singers of three bands: John McCauley of Deer Tick, Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, and Matt Vazquez of Delta Spirit. Another group I was lucky enough to see a couple times this year. I'm a big fan of all three of their bands so it's no surprise I love this album but it's one of the best of the year, the harmonies throughout the album are outstanding. I had a hard time picking songs as I felt I could have gone five or six different ways but you'll see three that made my list and here's the first..... (and while you're at it, check out THIS live version I recorded this past summer in Newport, Rhode Island at this tiny club called the Newport Blues Cafe).

Just a look at you make my heart skip
And to think of you does jumping jacks
Told myself that you're the one
And I told myself I could get you back
When I came back you still werent mine
Then I left again and you still werent mine
I'm back again so just be mine
I am so tired of runnin'




"Grown Ocean" - Fleet Foxes (from the album "Helplessness Blues")

Sometimes a song just hits you from the first time you hear it and that's how this song was for me. Absolutely loved it the first time I heard it and it's still my favorite track on the album.

In that dream I could hardly contain it
All my life I will wait to attain it




"No Silver" - Chris Bathgate (from the album "Salt Year")

One of the singer-songwriters I was introduced to in 2011, thought this song had a great feel to it. Really enjoy the backing strings and percussion.

I ain't got no silver, I ain't got no gold
In dead street daylight, and shadow
And in a dark so cold, and calm
I'm all callow and gone




"Get Away" - Yuck (from the self-titled album)

The first time I heard this album, I felt like I was back in the mid-90s and was pretty surprised that this was a young band from London. It reminds me so much of that "alternative" sound, definitely hear some Sonic Youth influence in there.

not even the pain kicks in
tell me when the pain kicks in

oh i can't get away




"Stamp" - The Rural Alberta Advantage (from the album "Departing")

Just a great rock song, the tempo and drumming is fantastic. Saw these guys perform at Coachella earlier this year, if you want to check out the live video I shot HERE.

And the hardest thing about this love is that it's never gonna last.
And the hardest thing about this love is that you're never comin' back.




"Down in the Valley" - The Head & The Heart (from the self-titled album)

These guys have really taken off during 2011. I got into them early in the year and got to see them at the Newport Folk Festival over the summer but they've become very popular over the last few months. I think they've got some of the most well written songs that you'll find on this list. Add that to some tremendous harmonies and you've got an easy combination for success.

Down in the valley with
Whiskey rivers
These are the places you will find me hidin'
These are the places I will always go




"Calgary" - Bon Iver (from the self-titled album)

What a beautiful album this is, Calgary is one of my favorites but again another album in which I probably could have gone in five different directions. Over the last few years, Bon Iver has put out two of my favorite pieces of work. I got to see them perform this summer at the Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn and it great to hear the majority of this album live. Lead singer Justin Vernon added numerous instruments this time around and this album really showcases the backing band.

Don’t you cherish me to sleep




"The Day Is Coming" - My Morning Jacket (from the album "Circuital")

My Morning Jacket has become one of my favorite bands over the past few years, one of the best live acts around right now. This is my favorite track off their latest release....

Bang bang, on the door
You opened, not knowing what for
If opportunity, rears its head
Will you answer, or stay home in bed




"Helena Beat" - Foster The People (from the album "Torches")

I first heard of these guys right at the beginning of 2011 when my buddy Chris emailed me from California saying that this band was starting to get a lot of airtime out there. From that point I started following them and caught them a couple times both at Coachella and later in the year in NYC. "Pumped Up Kicks" was obviously a huge hit for them this year but there's about 3-4 songs I prefer. Really fun album, a lot of energy.

Yeah yeah and I’m alright.
I took a sip of something poison but I’ll hold on tight.




"How It Goes" - Matthew Good (from the album "Lights of Endangered Species")

I've been a huge fan of Matthew Good's music for years now, and really enjoyed his latest release from 2011. He mostly toured throughout Canada during the later months of 2011 but will return to the US early this year, I plan on seeing him in NYC in early March. This is definitely one of my favorite albums of the year and here's my top track....

Pushing against the waves, keelhaul years of the same program
Some of the faces change but not the game and not the tune
Because you know how it goes




"Dead and Gone" - The Black Keys (from the album "El Camino")

Just got a chance to see The Black Keys at their record release party for their latest album at WEBSTER HALL. This song jumped out at me and I've been listening to it constantly since the show. Fantastic album overall and this is one of the highlights.

Don't call me, I'll call you
Is what you say, I'll obey




"Yesterday Was Hard On All Of Us" - Fink (from the album "Perfect Darkness")

To be honest, I don't remember when I first came across this song. I think this album showed up in my inbox one day and I finally started listening to it a few months ago. This song really stuck out to me, almost reminded me of an old Ben Harper tune.

Where do we go from here
Where do we go
We’ve got nothing we can trust and nothing we can sell
That’s for sure





"My Time" - Caveman (from the album "Coco Beware")

One of the cooler bands I came across this year, this song is just super catchy. I got to see Caveman perform at the tiny CAMEO GALLERY in Brooklyn earlier this year.

And you would say that you'd never
Found a way for all the others
It's my time, my time, my time, my time




"Chapel Song" - We Are Augustines (from the album "Rise Ye Sunkin' Ships")

If you're listening to this song and recognize the lead singer's voice, it's probably because you've heard the band Pela which Billy McCarthy fronted for many years. Pela has since disbanded but Billy carries on with Eric Sanderson and Rob Allen as We Are Augustines. I had really dug Pela and even saw them a couple times so I was excited when this album was released in 2011. Some great songwriting on this album and Mccarthy's vocals are as powerful as ever. Highly recommend picking this one up if you like this tune.

Well there goes my girl
Into the chapel
Now she's walking down the aisle
And it feels just like a mile




"Natural Disaster" - City & Colour (from the album "Little Hell")

Another solid showing from City & Colour (Dallas Green), this song's a bit more upbeat than his usual C&C stuff but it's my favorite from the album.

Whether a natural disaster ripped it from it's foundation
Or an economic tragedy tore apart it's family
They're all empty.




"A Conversation About Life & Death On New Year's Eve" - Scattered Trees (from the album "Sympathy")

There are several good songs on this album but this is the track that constantly stands out to me. "Sympathy" deals with some pretty heavy material if you get into the lyrics but it's a well written album and I've enjoyed it throughout the year. I got to see these guys perform at BROOKLYN BOWL back in August and liked the show quite a bit.

that everybody's falling apart
you said it doesn't haunt you like it haunts me
that everybody's falling apart
you said i'll be there when you wake up from this dream
when you turn your life into a story




"Make Believe" - Deer Tick (from the album "Divine Providence")

I write about these guys all the time, one of my favorite current bands. Saw them several times this year both in Rhode Island and in NYC, always a fun show. This is a catchy song, I liked it from the first time I heard it and have had it in constant rotation this year.

Well, you, I think you know what I mean
That I'm not gonna stand around and play make believe




"Stuck In My Id" - Reptar (from the album "Oblangle Fizz Y'all)

This album was sent to me and has been on my playlist for awhile now, definitely some catchy songs.

yeah, i been missing hanging with you
there's nothing keeping me alone




"I Found You" - Alabama Shakes (from the self-titled EP)

Only started listening to these guys recently but what a find they've been. Some great music here, the Shakes only have an EP out right now but all four songs are fantastic, I'm in love with this one in particular. Can't wait for their full length album in 2012, for now this will have to hold us over......

I remember them days I waited so patiently
for god to bring someone who's gonna be good to me
and then he blessed my soul




That wraps up Part I, Part II to follow later this week....

SOTD: "Never Be Your Lover/Jam" - Typhoon

Here's a great video of a new tune from Typhoon live at the Mississippi Studios.....

Typhoon - Never Be Your Lover / Jam (live) from Matthew Ross on Vimeo.

SOTD: "Hold On" - Alabama Shakes

I've been listening to these guys quite a bit over the last couple of weeks. You can pickup their only release on Bandcamp HERE but they recently got picked up by ATO Records so hopefully we can get a full length album in April. Great sound...

The Head & The Heart: Spring 2012 Tour

The Head & The Heart has announced some upcoming dates for a Spring 2012 tour. Presale will be on Wednesday 12/14 with a regular on-sale to follow on Friday the 16th. Dates, cities and venues listed below....

The Head and The Heart - Spring 2012 Tour

Sun, Mar 04
Lawrence, KS
The Granada

Mon, Mar 05
Urbana, IL
Canopy Club

Tue, Mar 06
Louisville, KY
Headliners

Thu, Mar 08
Chicago, IL
Vic Theatre

Fri, Mar 09
Indianapolis, IN
The Vogue

Sat, Mar 10
Columbus, OH
Newport Music Hall

Sun, Mar 11
Pontiac, MI
The Crofoot Ballroom

Tue, Mar 13
Toronto, ON
The Opera House

Wed, Mar 14
Montreal, QC
La Tulipe

Thu, Mar 15
South Burlington, VT
Higher Ground Ballroom

Fri, Mar 16
Portland, ME
State Theatre

Sat, Mar 17
Philadelphia, PA
Union Transfer

Sun, Mar 18
New York, NY
Terminal 5

Tue, Mar 20
Baltimore, MD
Ram's Head Live

Wed, Mar 21
Richmond, VA
The National

Fri, Mar 23
Athens, GA
40 Watt Club

Sat, Mar 24
Nashville, TN
Cannery Ballroom

Sun, Mar 25
St. Louis, MO
The Pageant

Dawes @ Maxwell's 12/7/11

Last night I ventured over to Hoboken , NJ to meet up with some college buddies for the Dawes show at Maxwell’s. This was only my second time at this venue (last time was almost exactly eleven years ago, 12/9/00, for Evan Dando of the Lemonheads) and I had forgotten just how great this venue is. Maxwell’s is a bar/restaurant with a tiny performance space in the back, the type of room that actually feels like you’re hanging out with a bunch of friends in your parent’s basement. The room was packed but if I had to guess, it only holds about 200 to maybe 250 and we were jammed in there.

Dawes came on around 10pm and played a great mix of songs from both their albums, their debut “North Hills” and their latest release, “Nothing is Wrong”. Highlights for me were “Peace In the Valley” (which has quickly become my favorite live song to hear from these guys), “That Western Skyline”, “My Girl To Me” and the encore “Fire Away”. Kind of an interesting set in that “When My Time Comes” was actually played about halfway through with the crowd taking over the last verse. Pretty cool setting to have a couple hundred people singing together while the band played along.

Instead of leaving for the encore, the guys stayed on stage with lead singer Taylor Goldsmith saying something like, "this is where we usually leave for a few minutes, and then you all cheer and we all come back up...... but we're just going to stay right here." He then went right into "Fire Away" and let all of us take over the vocals at end as he stepped off the stage and made his way through the crowd while the band finished playing, a really cool way to end the show. The only disappointed fan was probably the guy in the back that kept yelling, "Werewolves", obviously referring to Warren Zevon, someone Dawes has been known to cover.

This was my third time seeing the band this year and I seem to become a bigger fan each time. I think there’s a unique quality to their live show in that they seem to really play their tails off every time they hit the stage, probably the biggest reason I’m always recommending people to see them. I’m sure like anybody else they have an occasional off night but I’ve been impressed with their ability to perform at a high level every time I’ve seen them, in a variety of venues (large/small, indoor/outdoor, etc.)

Definitely try to catch these guys if they’re coming your way, you won't be disappointed. Below you'll find a few pictures I took from last night, enjoy!

The Black Keys @ Webster Hall 12/5/11

Earlier today, I was lucky enough to be one of the four hundred people that got a ticket for the Black Keys record release party tonight at Webster Hall. Southern Comfort (show sponsor) released the location of the tickets, Bowery Ballroom, just before 10am and luckily for me it was right by my job. I flew over there as quickly as possible and there had to already be about 150-200 people in line in about 10 minutes. Still, I felt I was definitely within the 400 (they were only giving out single tickets) and had a good shot at getting one. It was a pretty crazy scene with people running in from all directions on bikes, taxis, skateboards, etc.

It was truly a great feeling as I made it into Bowery as I then knew that I was going to get a ticket. Since the show was filmed tonight, they had us sign a waiver and then gave us a ticket, bracelet and show laminate which was pretty cool. I was completely pumped walking out those doors, really excited to see these guys in such a small venue.

Just got in from the show and it was even better than I expected. I knew The Black Keys would be mostly playing new material but they threw in some great old tunes, including opening up with "Howlin' For You" which got the crowd fired up right off the bat. Other oldies included "Everlasting Light", "Next Girl", and "Ten Cent Pistol". I was really impressed by the new songs, sounded absolutely awesome. Highlights for me were "Lonely Boy" and "Gold on the Ceiling", both songs were awesome in concert. Dan and Patrick came out for a one-song encore which was, "I Got Mine".... absolutely blew the roof off, everyone was dancing and singing along to close out the show.

Just really a special experience, feel very lucky to have been able to attend this event. Here's a few pics (didn't bring my camera so you'll have to settle for my crappy blackberry)....

BLACK KEYS TICKET LINE




DAN & PATRICK ON STAGE




EVENT TSHIRT

SOTD: "Main Street" - Deer Tick

The latest video from Deer Tick....

The Black Keys: NYC Show & NPR Interview

The Black Keys will play a new album release show tonight at Webster Hall sponsored by Southern Comfort. They'll be giving away 400 tickets today, announcement on the Southern Comfort Facebook page (HERE) at 9:45AM. Good luck to all of those trying to get tickets.

Also, take a listen to a recent interview with the Black Keys from NPR Music right HERE.

The Black Keys: El Camino Preview

The Black Keys are featuring a five song preview of their upcoming album, "El Camino". Check out their site HERE, (or below), enter your email address and you'll have access to stream the five songs:

"Lonely Boy"
"Gold on the Ceiling"
"Little Black Submarines"
"Sister"
"Run Right Back"

Lauriana Mae: Love Mae EP & Live Clip

How good is this? Wow. Lauriana Mae just released her debut EP which you can pick up at her website, HERE.

Unsung Heroes Album Release Party

If you're in NYC this weekend and a fan of A Capella music, head on over to The Delancey to see Unsung Heroes perform at their album release party on Friday night. For more info on the group, check out their website HERE. Details in the flyer below....

SOTD: "Non Populus" - Matthew Good

Here's a live version of one of my favorite tracks off Matthew Good's latest album.

SOTD: "Big Ghost" - Chris Bathgate

We Are Augustines: NPR Interview

Take a listen to this interesting interview with We Are Augustines' lead singer Billy McCarthy from NPR All Things Considered. Highly recommend picking up their album, "Rise Ye Sunken Ships", one of my favorites of 2011.

We Are Augustines: Old Wounds Inspire Recovery Songs

SOTD: "St. Croix" - Family of the Year

The Kooks On Tour

The Kooks kicked off their US tour tonight in Philly. See additional dates below, including two shows in NYC starting tomorrow. You can try to win tickets to an upcoming show HERE.

The Kooks North American Tour Dates:

11/15 Philadelphia PA Trocadero
11/16 New York NY Webster Hall
11/17 New York NY Webster Hall
11/19 Boston MA House Of Blues
11/20 Washington DC 9.30 Club
11/22 Montreal QC Club Soda
11/23 Toronto ON Sound Academy
11/25 Columbus OH Newport Music Hall
11/26 Chicago IL Vic Theatre
11/27 Minneapolis MN First Avenue
11/29 Denver CO Ogden Theatre
11/30 Salt Lake City UT Club Sound
12/02 Seattle WA The Showbox @ The Market
12/04 Vancouver BC Commodore Ballroom
12/05 Porland, OR Doug Fir Lounge
12/07 Los Angeles CA The Music Box
12/08 Los Angeles CA The Music Box
12/09 Chandler, AZ Wild Horse Pass Hotel + Casino
12/13 San Francisco CA The Fillmore

SOTD: "What Makes A Man" - Dallas Green w/ Pink

Here's an awesome version of City & Colour's (Dallas Green) singing "What Makes A Man" with a guest appearance by Pink from a recent show in LA.

SOTD: "Beach Holiday" - Fort Lean

SOTD: "Lost In My Mind" - The Head & The Heart (Letterman performance)

This is easily one of the best TV performances I've ever seen, The Head & The Heart owned this performance on Letterman a few nights ago.

SOTD: "Lonely Boy" - The Black Keys

Awesome new song and video from the Black Keys....

The Boxer Rebellion - "The Runner" (Live in London)

The Boxer Rebellion recently posted a video of their performance of "The Runner", Filmed at London's Shepherds Bush Empire On September 29, 2011.

SOTD: "Smoke" - Ben Folds w/the West Australian Symphony Orchestra

Just an amazing version of this song......

Ben Folds @ Apple Store (Soho, NYC) - Thursday 10/20

Earlier tonight, I swung by the Soho Apple Store to see Ben Folds perform. Ben is out promoting his latest release, "The Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective", which features live clips, b-sides, demos, etc. throughout Ben's career as a solo artist along with his band, Ben Folds Five.

I'd guess there were about 200 people there or so and Ben came out and immediately went right to the piano and played "Best Imitation of Myself", "Still Fighting It" (a favorite of mine) and "One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces". I thought he sounded great although it was kind of a strange setting with a lot of background noise as the room was still busy with people shopping throughout the store.

The next part featured Ben and the artist who painted the cover (sorry, I couldn't quite get his name) getting asked a few questions from a moderator. The artist spoke how he actually bought a piano and destroyed it with a sledgehammer to complete his painting (album cover).



He also told a funny story about years ago loving Ben's music and creating a painting for him. He showed up to a concert in Dallas and met Ben's tour manager who brought him backstage after the show to give it to Ben. He said the funniest thing he remembered was that Ben was so excited that he yelled over to his mom (who happened to be on tour at that time) and how the artist was thinking, "wow, this is really backstage at a rock n' roll concert".... that got a bunch of laughs from the crowd.

Ben spoke a bit about putting together the album and how he had salvaged some old tapes from a flood down in Nashville where he had a whole piano damaged in his storage locker along with many tapes (he also mentioned his locker was next to Keith Urban who had a bunch of guitar damage). Ben also spoke about reuniting with his old bandmates Robert and Darren and how all three had written songs for the retrospective. There was a funny moment when one of stereos or sound docks in the store went off as somebody was playing with it, I think Ben made a pretty funny comment like, "that's messed up, we asked for french horns right there." Real funny guy.

After that there was an audience Q&A but I had to take off so I didn't hear that part. Probably the strangest thing that I heard was a woman next to me describing him as "a judge on some music tv show". I guess that's how some people identify him today but it's just weird to me since I've never seen the show and honestly totally forgot he was even on TV. Ben is and has been one of my favorite singer-songwriters since high school in the mid 90s and I've always thought the guy was jus such a unique talent. Going to his shows were almost like going to a Broadway show, something really different and just a very cool experience. This was my first time seeing Ben live in about five years but it was awesome to hear him play again, he's truly a special talent and it was a great opportunity to see him in a small setting.

REM - "Country Feedback" (Later With Jools Holland) 1998

I just had to post this version because I came across it earlier tonight. "Country Feedback" is one of my all time favorite songs and I had read people talking about this amazing version from Later With Jools Holland in 1998, but I never heard it. Looks like somebody recently uploaded the audio to youtube. Incredible stuff, this is just awesome......

Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds East Coast Dates

Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds have announced a couple east coast tour dates, from the DMB Warehouse site.....

Dave and Tim Announce Two East Coast Acoustic Shows
We are pleased to announce that Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds will play on Friday, November 18th at the United Palace Theatre in New York City, NY and on Saturday, November 19th at Toyota Presents Oakdale in Wallingford, CT. The New York City performance will be a charity concert. Fans will be given the unique opportunity to help create a better world, by directing the full value of their NYC ticket purchase to the charity of their choice through davematthews.com/charity.

ON SALE INFORMATION:
UNITED PALACE THEATRE - NEW YORK CITY, NY
Warehouse Ticketing Request Period open WED OCT. 19 at 10am ET through TUE OCT. 25 at 10am ET
Public On Sale ticketmaster.com FRI OCT. 28 at 10am ET

TOYOTA PRESENTS OAKDALE – WALLINGFORD, CT
Warehouse Ticketing Request Period open THU OCT. 20 at 10 am ET through THU OCT. 27 at 10am ET
Public On Sale ticketmaster.com SAT 0CT. 29 at 10am ET

SOTD: "Sirens" - The Pack A.D.

Found out about this group yesterday, pretty cool tune.....

Ben Folds @ Apple Store (Soho, NYC) - Thursday 10/20

Ben Folds will be appearing at the Soho Apple Store in NYC on Thursday night from 7-8pm, here's more info from their site.....

Join us for this special performance as we welcome Ben Folds to the Apple Store. Ben’s sound and sensibility evoke the essence of classic pop, with an infusion of energy and wit. Hear Ben play, and enjoy cuts from his career-spanning album, The Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective. Ben will be joined by Opie Otterstad, renowned artist and designer of Ben’s latest album cover, for a discussion of how the music influenced the cover art. Wristbands required for entry are available at the Apple Store on October 19.

Subway Shuffle: 10/17/11

My ipod's shuffle feature has been on fire lately, here's a taste of what I've gotten to listen to.

SUBWAY SHUFFLE 10/17/11

Track #1: Alexander featuring RZA - "Truth"
Track #2: Ryan Adams & The Cardinals - "Dear Candy"
Track #3: Pearl Jam - "Let Me Sleep (It's Christmas Time)"
Track #4: Matthew Good Band - "Born To Kill"
Track #5: Delay Trees - "Gold"
Track #6: Kanye West - "So Appalled"
Track #7: We Were Promised Jetpacks - "Conductor"
Track #8: Yuck - "Get Away"
Track #9: Arcade Fire - "City With No Children"
Track #10: Empire of the Sun - "Standing On The Shore"

Caveman - "Great Life"

Check out this awesome video of Caveman performing "Great Life" with nine additional drummers.....

Caveman "Great Life" is Yourstru.ly from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

SOTD: "Book Of James" - We Are Augustines

SOTD: "Main Street" - Deer Tick (on Letterman)

Video of Deer Tick's great performance of "Main Street" from Letterman last night...

Deer Tick on Letterman tonight!

Deer Tick will be performing on Letterman tonight, playing "Main Street" from their new album, Divine Providence (Partisan), to be released October 24

Chamberlin: Cabin Covers EP

Chamberlin recently released their "Cabin Covers EP", where they had fans vote on various covers they wanted to hear. The band decided to release the EP with proceeds going to the flood relief efforts in Vermont. Below you'll see a video for one of the tracks, a cover of Passion Pit's "Little Secrets" along with a stream of the EP under that. For more details on the EP and to download your own copy and support this cause, visit the Chamberlin site HERE.



cabincoversep by chamberlinband

TYPHOON: "BFF" Fall Tour & Daytrotter Session

Typhoon has announced the "BFF" fall tour alongside Wild Ones and Youth. Take a look at the video below featuring music from all three bands (Youth - "Everything"; Wild Ones - "You're a Winner"; Typhoon - "Claws Pt 1") and upcoming tour dates (also listed below).

Typhoon.Wild Ones.Youth - BFF Tour 2011 from Matthew Ross on Vimeo.

2011.10.31 | salem, or | ike box
2011.11.02 | sacramento, ca | luigi's
2011.11.03 | san francisco, ca | bottom of the hill
2011.11.04 | santa barbara, ca | the savoy
2011.11.05 | los angeles, ca | the satellite
2011.11.08 | denver, co | hi dive
2011.11.09 | laramie, wy | union ballroom @ u of w
2011.11.11 | missoula, mt | the palace lougne
2011.11.12 | seattle, wa | the tractor tavern





In addition, Daytrotter recently released a session with the band from their fantastic site. Setlist listed below, take a listen right HERE.

1. Welcome to Daytrotter
2. Common Sentiment
3. Cpr/Claws Pt. II
4. Kitchen Tiles
5. Green

Pearl Jam - "Mother" (Pink Floyd)

On Friday night, Pearl Jam covered Pink Floyd's "Mother" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Eddie Vedder & Liam Finn - "Habit" & "I See Red"

Eddie Vedder showed up at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle the other night at Liam Finn's concert to join him on stage for a couple of songs. The first track is "Habit" a great tune off Pearl Jam's album "No Code". The second song is an old tune called "I See Red" by the Split Enz.

Watch this awesome performance below.....

NPR Music: Ryan Adams - "Ashes & Fire"

Head over to NPR Music to stream Ryan Adams' upcoming album "Ashes & Fire". Take a listen right HERE.

Radiohead Roseland Tickets

A reminder that tickets for Radiohead's club shows at Roseland in NYC go on sale at 10am this morning. Tickets will be near impossible but I lucked out last time Radiohead played this venue about 10 years ago so you never know. Good luck (and feel free to take me as your +1 if you're one of the lucky ones).

Radiohead Tickets HERE.

SOTD: "Birdbeat" - Hello Echo

SOTD: "I've Handled Myself Wrong" - Grace Woodroofe

Here's the first single off Grace Woodroofe's debut record, "Always Want", coming out January 24th. Grace will be on a fall tour with Ben Harper starting September 29th in Philadelphia (additional dates & venues below).

9/29: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
9/30: Boston, MA @ House of Blues
10/1: New York, NY @ Terminal 5
10/4: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
10/5: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
10/7: Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle

SOTD: "Medicine" - We Were Promised Jetpacks

Here's a great new song called "Medicine" from We Were Promised Jetpacks. Their first album was excellent and this single is from their upcoming release, "In The Pit Of The Stomach" (due out October 4th). You can also stream the song HERE.

PJ20 Night 1 Videos

Found some great videos from the show last night, a youtube user named JeffgardenConcerts has posted some awesome stuff. See below for a few great clips.....

"HUNGER STRIKE" (w/Chris Cornell)




"BREATH"




"STATE OF LOVE & TRUST"

SOTD: "Better Off Without You" - Summer Camp

If you like this song you can also stream another one of Summer Camp's tunes called "I Want You" right HERE.

Blitzen Trapper: "American Goldwing" Album Stream

Head over to PASTE Magazine to take a listen to the new Blitzen Trapper album "American Goldwing". These guys will be heading out on tour with Dawes starting on October 7th for what should be a great show. All tour dates listed below.....

October 7th Mystic Theatre Petaluma, CA
October 8th SoHo Santa Barbara, CA
October 9th Belly Up Solana Beach, CA
October 10th Crescent Ballroom Phoenix, AZ
October 13th Club Dada Dallas, TX
October 14th Utopia Fest Utopia, TX
October 15th Manship Theatre Baton Rouge, LA
October 18th Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA
October 19th Mercy Lounge Nashville, TN
October 20th Headliner's Louisville, KY
October 21st Orange Peel Asheville, NC
October 22nd Cat's Cradle Chapel Hill, NC
October 24th The Black Cat Washington, DC
October 26th Webster Hall New York, NY
October 27th The TLA Philadelphia, PA
October 28th Royale Boston, MA
October 30th Opera House Toronto, ON
November 1st Beachland Ballroom Cleveland, OH
November 2nd Calvin College Grand Rapids, MI
November 3rd The Metro Chicago, IL
November 4th First Ave Minneapolis, MN
November 7th Fox Theatre Boulder, CO
November 11th The Neptune Seattle, WA
November 13th McDonald Theatre Eugene, OR
November 15th The Fillmore San Francisco, CA

SOTD: "The Keeper" - Chris Cornell

Great new tune from Chris Cornell......

SOTD: "Lucky Now" - Ryan Adams

Here's the great new single from Ryan Adams' upcoming album Ashes & Fire (out 10/11/11).

Pre-order packages for the album can be found HERE.

SOTD: "This Time" - Chris Trapper

Here's a new video from Chris Trapper (lead singer of the Push Stars). You may recognize the song as it was also performed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the film August Rush. Below you'll find some upcoming tour dates to see Chris in concert. More info available at his site HERE.

Thu Aug 25 Toronto, ON HUGH'S ROOM
Fri Aug 26 Montreal, QC PETIT CAMPUS
Sun Aug 28 Brewerton, NY PRIVATE EVENT
Thu Sep 08 Hermosa Bch, CA SAINT ROCKE
Sun Sep 11 Sacramento, CA HARLOW'S
Wed Sep 14 Portland, OR ALBERTA ROSE THEATRE
Thu Sep 15 Seattle, WA TRIPLE DOOR
Fri Sep 16 Seattle, WA TRIPLE DOOR
Sat Sep 17 Walla Walla, WA CROSSROADS LOUNGE
Sun Sep 18 Pullman, WA BELLTOWER
Tue Sep 20 Salt Lake, UT THE STATE ROOM
Wed Sep 21 Carbondale, CO PAC3
Fri Sep 23 Denver, CO NEIL HOUSE CONCERT
Sat Sep 24 Denver, CO L2 ARTS CENTER
Sun Sep 25 Colorado Springs, CO LUSCZEK HOUSE CONCERT
Mon Sep 26 Santa Fe, NM SANTA FE BREWING CO.
Wed Sep 28 Tucson, AZ CLUB CONGRESS
Thu Sep 29 Flagstaff, AZ COCONINO CENTER
Fri Sep 30 Cave Creek, AZ HAROLD'S
Sun Oct 02 Athens, GA THE MELTING POINT
Mon Oct 03 Nashville, TN THE BASEMENT
Tue Oct 04 Atlanta, GA SMITHS OLDE BAR
Wed Oct 26 New York, NY THE LIVING ROOM
Thu Oct 27 Philadelphia, PA THE GRAPE ROOM
Fri Oct 28 Buffalo, NY NINTH WARD
Sun Oct 30 Syracuse, NY JAZZ CENTRAL

Caveman & The War On Drugs @ Cameo Gallery 8/19/11

Friday night I went to a great show in Brooklyn at Cameo Gallery featuring Caveman & The War On Drugs. This was my first time seeing both acts even though I've been listening to The War On Drugs for a couple of years now. Caveman is a relatively new band out of Brooklyn whose album is due out in a couple of weeks (and you're going to love it, one of my favorites of the year).

Cameo is a small venue, I'd say it held maybe 200 people so we were packed in pretty good but I loved the show. I thought both bands were great and had a blast checking them out in such an intimate venue. If you're not familiar with these bands, I'd suggest checking them out ASAP, especially Caveman..... I think they're in for some big things over the next year.

Below you'll find some pictures and videos I took from Friday night, take a listen and enjoy! (I also recommend checking out Jessica Amaya's GREAT pictures over on BrooklynVegan right HERE.)

CAVEMAN (Pics & Video):







"DECEMBER 28TH"




"MY TIME"





THE WAR ON DRUGS (Pics & Video):







"BABY MISSILES"



"ARMS LIKE BOULDERS"

SOTD: "So It Goes" - The Grownup Noise

Saw these guys a couple months ago during the same showcase as Chamberlin, they've got some good tunes. Take a listen to their latest below......

SOTD: "Holocene" - Bon Iver

Great new video for Bon Iver's "Holocene"....

Scattered Trees @ Brooklyn Bowl - 8/17/11

Last night I made a trip over to Williamsburg, Brooklyn to check out Scattered Trees at Brooklyn Bowl. I've been wanting to get to this venue for awhile now and it did not disappoint. Brooklyn Bowl is a bowling alley/restaurant/bar/concert venue..... sounds like a random combination but trust me, it works. The acoustics were excellent and it's just a great space to see a show.

I got my hands on the Scattered Trees album "Sympathy" early this year and have been listening to it quite a bit since. I've written about them several times over the last eight months or so but this was my first time catching them in concert. The band was the second group on the bill and sounded great the minute they hit the stage. Their set was mostly comprised of songs off their album so I was familiar with the majority of the material and impressed that the songs translated so well in a live setting. The album is pretty mellow but some of the songs really took on a new life in person.

My favorite song off the album is called "A Conversation About Death On New Year's Eve" and Scattered Trees ended up playing it early in the set. Definitely one of the highlights for me along with a song called "Five Minutes". Sympathy is a really solid album, very listenable from start to finish and worth picking up if you don't have it.

I setup on the rail just off to the side of the stage and had a nice unobstructed view all night. I took a video of "A Conversation..." and several pictures which you can find below. I was really impressed with the performance, I think these guys are bound for some big things in the future. I got to speak with a couple of the band members after the show and I can definitely say that they're good people, I'll be rooting for them along the way.


A CONVERSATION ABOUT DEATH ON NEW YEAR'S EVE