SOTD: "Time Shows Fools" - Justin Townes Earle

Here's a new video for a track from Justin's upcoming album, "Single Mothers". Justin will head out on a US headlining tour in September in support of this new album, tour dates listed below.

SEP 05, 2014
FRIDAY Chattanooga , TN
Track 29

SEP 06, 2014
SATURDAY Cincinnati, CA
Ohio River Throwdown

SEP 07, 2014
SUNDAY Columbus, OH
Bluestone

SEP 09, 2014
TUESDAY New York, NY
Stage 48

SEP 10, 2014
WEDNESDAY Boston, MA
Royale

SEP 11, 2014
THURSDAY Ardmore, PA
Ardmore Music Hall

SEP 12, 2014
FRIDAY Rocky Mount , VA
Harvester

SEP 13, 2014
SATURDAY Durham, NC
Carolina Theatre

SEP 14, 2014
SUNDAY Charlottesville , VA
Jefferson Theatre

SEP 16, 2014
TUESDAY Alexandria , VA
The Birchmere

SEP 17, 2014
WEDNESDAY Alexandria , VA
The Birchmere

SEP 18, 2014
THURSDAY Pittsburgh, PA
Mr Smalls

SEP 19, 2014
FRIDAY Rochester , NY
Water Street Music Hall

SEP 20, 2014
SATURDAY Cleveland, OH
Downtown Festival

SEP 21, 2014
SUNDAY Detroit, MI
The Majestic

SEP 23, 2014
TUESDAY Chicago, IL
The Vic

SEP 24, 2014
WEDNESDAY Madison , WI
Barrymore Theater

SEP 25, 2014
THURSDAY Minneapolis , MN
First Avenue

SEP 26, 2014
FRIDAY Lincoln, NE
The Bourbon Theatre

SEP 27, 2014
SATURDAY Boulder , CO
Fox Theatre

SEP 28, 2014
SUNDAY Salt Lake City, UT
The State Room

SEP 30, 2014
TUESDAY Portland, OR
Wonder Ballroom

OCT 01, 2014
WEDNESDAY Seattle, WA
The Neptune

OCT 04, 2014
SATURDAY San Francisco , CA
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

OCT 05, 2014
SUNDAY Napa, CA
City Winery Napa

OCT 06, 2014
MONDAY Los Angeles, CA
El Rey

OCT 07, 2014
TUESDAY Solano Beach , CA
Belly Up

Pettyfest 2012: NYC & LA Dates

Pettyfest is almost upon us. Some info from the press release.....




PETTY FEST CONFIRMED FOR WEBSTER HALL OCTOBER 24

PETTY FEST LA CONFIRMED FOR THE EL REY NOVEMBER 14 & 15

- The Best Fest Sponsored by Jameson Takes to New Stages in 2012/ 13 -


New York, NY (October 12, 2012) -- On October 24, Webster Hall will host Petty Fest NYC: A Night To Celebrate Tom Petty. The first ever Petty Fest LA will be held at The El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on November 14 & 15. The Best Fest is proud to be sponsored by their favorite spirit, Jameson® Irish Whiskey. This new collaboration will help The Fest see its vision of celebrating its musical heroes while giving to those in need come to fruition.

The New York show features special guests Justin Townes Earle, Karen Elson, Father John Misty, Adam Green, Nicole Atkins, Devendra Banhart, Jesse Malin, Delta Spirit, Sammy James Jr. of The Mooney Suzuki, Cory Chisel & Adriel Denae, Steve Schiltz of Hurricane Bells, Ryan Miller of Guster, Har Mar Superstar, Johnny T, Andrew W.K., Matt Sweeney, Danny Clinch & The Tangiers Blues Band, Justin Long, Petter Ericson Stakee of Alberta Cross, Jody Porter of Fountains of Wayne, Caveman and many more surprise guests.

The Los Angeles show features Pat Carney of The Black Keys, Nick Valensi of The Strokes, members of Eagles Of Death Metal, Harper Simon, Nicole Atkins, Har Mar Superstar, Bijou Phillips, Ryan Miller of Guster, Justin Barha, Jenny O., Rodrigo Amarante, Adam Busch with more guests to be announced.

All of the performers will be backed by the legendary Cabin Down Below Band and one hundred percent of ticket sale proceeds will go to benefit Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and the Musicians Cancer Fund.

Over the next eight months, The Best Fest and Jameson will produce a series of landmark shows, beginning with Petty Fest NYC on October 24 at New York's Webster Hall, to Petty Fest West in Los Angeles on Nov 14 & 15 at The El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles and on to San Francisco in 2013.

Over the past decade, The Fest has welcomed global superstars like Kings of Leon, the Black Keys, the Strokes, Norah Jones and the Killers alongside developing artists including Dawes, Delta Spirit, Alberta Cross, the Sheepdogs, Cory Chisel and Nicole Atkins. It has also embraced actors and comedians such as Kristen Wiig, Will Forte, Jason Sudeikis, Michael Cera and Alia Shawkat.

"The Fests are the perfect embodiment of everything a Jameson night should be - great friends coming together to celebrate and raise a glass to our musical heroes. With Jameson already a huge part of the rehearsals and performances, we are truly excited to have their support to grow the Fests nationwide," said Alex Levy, Fest founder. "And for the first time, 100 percent of the ticket proceeds will go to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund to help struggling musicians."

"The FESTS started in the same close-knit NYC East Village and Lower East Side bartender/musician community that adopted Jameson as their drink of choice back in the early 90s," said Jeffrey Moran, Vice President, Public Relations, Events and Lifestyle Marketing. "Jameson is looking forward to supporting and preserving this event and ensuring it is taken to more cities, musicians and Jameson fans."

More info: http://www.bestfestever.com/

Newport Folk Festival or Bust......

Just arrived in Newport, RI for the 2012 Newport Folk Festival Weekend (w/ three nights of Deer Tick & Friends at the Newport Blues Cafe). Going to be an epic weekend...... a few pics I took last year to kick off the festivities....

DELTA SPIRIT

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE

DAWES

MAIN STAGE CROWD

MIDDLE BROTHER

HEAD & THE HEART

ME & JOHN McCAULEY (of DEER TICK)

JOHNNY CORNDAWG & THE BOYS

SOTD: "Forever" - Haim

I actually posted this song a couple months ago but Haim just released the official video for "Forever" so I thought I'd re-post this one.

If you haven't downloaded their 3-song EP yet, you should do so at their site HERE. The tracklisting is Better Off, Forever & Go Slow.

Also, Haim will be joining Mumford & Sons, Dawes, Justin Townes Earle, Gogol Bordello and several other bands on the upcoming "Gentlemen of the Road" dates listed below

8/4 - Portland, ME - The Eastern Promenade*
8/11 - Bristol, VA/TN - Off State Street in Downtown Bristol^
8/18 - Dixon, IL - Page Park#
8/25 - Monterey, CA - Monterey County Fairgrounds#

*w/ Mumford & Sons ,St. Vincent, Dawes, The Maccabees, Apache Relay, Simone Felice
^w/ Mumford & Sons, Dawes, JEFF The Brotherhood, The Very Best,
Justin Townes Earle, Apache Relay, Simone Felice
#w/ Mumford & Sons, Gogol Bordello, The Very Best, Grouplove, Two Gallants, Apache Relay

SOTD: "Baby Drugs" - Tristen

Here's the latest single from Tristen and you'll also find her upcoming tour dates opening for both Justin Townes Earle and Minus The Bear listed below.



Upcoming Tour Dates:

* = w/ Justin Townes Earle
All JTE Dates On Sale Friday 2/3 at 1pm EST
-Except Chicago Feb 10th, on sale Saturday 2/4
-And Little Rock 3/15 On Sale Now
# = w/ Minus The Bear

FEBRUARY
07 - Nashville, TN - Exit/In
24 - Charloote, NC - Trentmont Music Hall #
25 - Norfolk, VA - The Norva #

MARCH
12 - Nashville, TN - The Basement

SXSW Dates TBA

15 - Little Rock, AR - Rev Room

MAY
03 - Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's*
04 - Austin, TX - Antone's*
05 - Dallas, TX - Club Dada*
07 - Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theatre*
08 - Madison, WI - Barrymore Theatre*
10 - Chicago, IL - Park West*
11 - Columbus, OH - The Bluestone*
12 - Toronto, ON - The Opera House*
14 - Northampton, MA - Pearl Street Nightclub*
16 - Somerville, MA - Somerville Theatre*
17 - New York, NY - Webster Hall*
18 - Alexandria, VA - The Birchmere Music Hall*
19 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts*
20 - Annapolis, MD - Rams Head Tavern*
22 - Richmond, VA - Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens*
23 - Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle*
24 - Knoxville, TN - The Square Room*

Newport Folk Festival 2011 Preview

This weekend I'll be heading up to Newport, RI for their annual Folk Festival. If you're unfamiliar with the Festival, you can read about it's extensive history starting all the way back in in 1959 right HERE.

I've been invited by my friend Todd a couple times as he's been a regular attendee but I just haven't been able to pull it off until this year. Some of my friends were able to join him last year and they came back raving about the weekend, I knew I had to make it happen this year.

I'll be heading up with a big crew to take in the weekend at Fort Adams State Park and I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to cover the festival. When I first saw the lineup a few months ago I knew I had to make it up there as it was a great mix of bands I had seen, bands I dug but hadn't yet seen, and some bands I had just read/heard about recently. Add in a great venue on the water and it seems like a perfect weekend to take in some great music.

I figured I'd give some recommendations of bands that I've seen or plan on seeing over the weekend. With so many great options, it's impossible to hit everything but Newport Folk Festival has assembled a tremendous lineup and it's pretty difficult to go wrong at any point this weekend. One word of advice, I'd wear some comfortable shoes because you're going to want to move around quite a bit to see some great acts. Okay, here we go......





SATURDAY

12:35 - TYPHOON (Harbor Stage): Tough call here with Typhoon playing basically the same time slot as The Felice Brothers but I'll be staked out at the Harbor Stage. I first found out about Typhoon early in 2011 when I was sent their EP "A New Kind of House". From the first listen, I thought it was as good as anything I had heard in a long time. I tried researching the band a bit but they weren't on tour and things were pretty quiet at the time. They ended up getting invited to SXSW and the reviews I read said they were fantastic. I've literally been trying to see this 11-piece band for about six months so I'm thrilled to catch them in Newport (and again in NYC next week). Check out "The Honest Truth" below.




1:40 - FREELANCE WHALES (Quad Stage): I've been following these guys for a couple years now and definitely plan on catching their set. Even if you don't think you know them, chances are you've heard the Freelance Whales' song "Generator^First Floor" in a recent Starbucks Ad. Their album "Weathervanes" came out a bit ago and is definitely worth getting, some great songs on there. I finally got to see them at Coachella earlier this year and they were excellent. Here's a video of their song "Hannah" that I recorded at the show.




2:00 - GOGOL BORDELLO (Fort Stage): If you haven't seen these guys (or even if you have), they are a MUST SEE. One of the best live bands I've ever seen. Few bands match the energy of Gogol Bordello in concert, just a really unique experience. I've written a lot about them over the last couple of years, and even met lead singer Eugene Hutz one night in NYC a couple years ago. I'm just a big fan and think that anyone making the trip this weekend should make sure they catch at least part of this set. Here's a clip of "Wonderlust King" I took at Coachella earlier this year.




2:55 - DELTA SPIRIT (Quad Stage): Lead singer Matt Vazquez will be pulling double-duty performing with Delta Spirit along with his other project, Middle Brother. I had heard a bunch of their material and finally got to see them at Coachella this year. Here's a clip of "St Francis" that my buddy Chris took at the festival.




4:15 - TEGAN & SARA (Quad Stage): I'm a fan of these sisters from up north. I first saw them in 2007 out at Neil Young's Bridge School Festival in California. I had friend playing the weekend so I was lucky enough to tag along and meet these ladies and a bunch of other bands. They're extremely talented and I also thought they were just damn nice people, really enjoyed speaking with them and have followed their career since that time. I think they have some great songs, and particularly love their album "The Con". Here's a clip of my favorite song by them, "Dark Comes Soon".... I'd imagine their set will be something like this.




6:05 - THE DECEMBERISTS (Fort Stage): Here's a pretty big band that I have not seen in concert before. I know some of their stuff but honestly haven't listened to them a ton. I know a lot of people that really like them, they seem to have a big following an will be playing one of the headlining slots on Saturday night. Here's one of their songs that I really dig, "Down By The Water" (and I wouldn't be surprised to see Gillian Welch hang around after her set to join these guys).





SUNDAY


11:30 - BROWN BIRD (Harbor Stage): Here's a band I've only recently heard about but I definitely like what I've listened to. They've got one of the first slots on Sunday so it's a great opportunity to get out there and check out some early sets. Take a listen to this track, "Ragged Old Town"




1:40 - TRAMPLED BY TURTLES (Quad Stage): I just started listening to these guys at the end of 2010 so I haven't had a chance to see them yet. Definitely looking forward to seeing them as I really like the songs I've heard. Check out the track, "Wait So Long"




3:00 - JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE (Quad Stage): This is definitely one of the sets I'm most looking forward to over the weekend. I've really gotten into Justin's stuff over the last year and am looking forward to finally catching one of his live sets. My favorite song is probably a tune called, "Midnight at the Movies" but I'm also hoping for some more up-tempo songs, something like "Harlem River Blues".




4:20 - MIDDLE BROTHER (Quad Stage) vs THE HEAD & THE HEART (Harbor Stage): This would be my "steel cage match" of the weekend, two acts I'd really like to see playing at the same exact time. Middle Brother is made up of three lead singers of other bands; John McCauley (Deer Tick), Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes) & Matt Vazquez (Delta Spirit). I've seen Deer Tick & Dawes numerous times, love both bands and saw Middle Brother perform in Brooklyn earlier this year. Here's a video I took of their song "Blue Eyes".



The Head and The Heart are getting some major buzz. They recently played the Mercury Lounge in NYC and the tickets sold out in the blink of an eye. I think they'll have a big crowd for their set and I'm going to try to swing between the two and hopefully catch a bit of both. These guys have some great songs, one of my favorites is "Down In The Valley".




4:45 - ELVIS COSTELLO (Fort Stage): As if Middle Brother and The Head & The Heart wasn't enough of a tough decision, Elvis Costello takes the stage about half way through their sets. I'm going to do my best to run over and catch the tail end of his set. Regardless, if you like music, you've got some amazing options between 4pm and 6pm, great acts all over the venue. Here's one of my favorite Elvis tunes, "Pump It Up" (still sounds great!)




5:40 - M WARD w/ DAWES (Quad Stage): This should be another great set, M Ward with Dawes as his backing band. I like M Ward's stuff but he's another act that I haven't seen in person yet. I'm also hoping that they find a way to mix in some Dawes tunes, easily one of my favorite new bands from the last couple of years. If you don't have their two albums, go buy them immediately, fantastic albums. Here's a recent clip of "Big Bird" with Dawes backing M Ward.



Well, think that about wraps it up. As you can see, there's a ton of great options that should keep any music lover busy throughout the weekend. There's a bunch of good bands I didn't even get to mention but I have to give a ton of credit to the Festival organizers for putting together such a strong lineup. I'll have some pictures, videos, and hopefully a slew of stories upon my return next week. As always, thanks for reading!

Justin Townes Earle - "Harlem River Blues" on Letterman

Such a cool performance by Justin Townes Earle on Letterman last night.....

Subway Shuffle: 9/20/10

SUBWAY SHUFFLE 9/20/10

Track #1: City & Colour: "Sleeping Sickness"
Track #2: Sean Bones: "Sugar In My Spoon"
Track #3: Pearl Jam: "Footsteps"
Track #4: Justin Townes Earle: "Midnight At The Movies"
Track #5: Phoenix: "Girlfriend"

A bit all over the place with this mix but some great songs in here (and a few you might not know).......

"Sleeping Sickness" - The first time I saw City & Colour was actually by accident, I caught him (Dallas Green) opening for Tegan & Sara at Terminal 5 and he caught my ear. This is one of my favorite songs off the album "Bring Me Your Love" and also features Gordon Downie of The Tragically Hip.


"Sugar In My Spoon" - I don't even know where I first heard Sean Bones but I really dig his album "Rings". This song is a lot of fun, great summer/drinking tune.


"Footsteps" - Easily one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs. Even though it's considered a rarity, I've been lucky enough to catch it a handful of times in concert. Intense lyrically and musically.


"Midnight at the Movies" - I discovered Justin Townes Earle about a year ago and have been listening ever since. He just finished a great Daytrotter session and this is without a doubt one of my favorite songs by him (found this cool live version).


"Girlfriend" - One of many great songs off the Phoenix album, "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix". If you don't have this album, definitely pick it up..... really good from start to finish.

Alright everybody, have a great night.

25 Songs From 2009 (Part II)

Here's part two of my favorite songs from 2009, five more:

"Silvia" - Miike Snow (from the album "Miike Snow")

And you tell yourself you wont let them touch
Did I say too much did I say enough




"When My Time Comes" - Dawes (from the album "North Hills")

Oh you can judge all the world on the sparkle that you think it lacks.
Yes you can stare into the abyss, but it's staring right back.




"Moving Clocks Run Slow" - We Were Promised Jetpacks (from the album "These Four Walls")

So, you know, you take a little me
And I take a little you
We're all part of the century




"Midnight at the Movies" - Justin Townes Earle (from the album "Midnight at the Movies")

she just sits down beside me
and puts her hand in mine
she's got a gentle way
that keeps me from feelin' so lonely




"Sleepyhead" - Passion Pit (from the album "Manners")

They crowd your bedroom like some thoughts wearing thin
Against the walls against your rules against your skin

Justin Townes Earle Tour Dates

Justin Townes Earle has announced some new tour dates for the winter & spring (see below). More information available at his myspace page HERE.

Jan 13 2010 8:00P
Messiah College Grantham, Pennsylvania

Jan 14 2010 8:00P
The Cafe Sate College, Pennsylvania

Jan 23 2010 8:00P
Landmark on Main Street Port Washington, New York

Jan 26 2010 8:00P
Radio Radio Indianapolis, Indiana

Jan 28 2010 8:00P
Barley’s Knoxville, Tennessee

Feb 4 2010 8:00P
Stubs BBQ Austin, Texas

Feb 5 2010 8:00P
The Mucky Duck Houston, Texas

Feb 6 2010 8:00P
The Granada Theatre Dallas, Texas

Feb 9 2010 8:00P
The Loft at UCSD San Diego, California

Feb 11 2010 8:00P
The Echo Los Angeles, California

Feb 12 2010 8:00P
Crepe Place Santa Cruz, California

Feb 13 2010 8:00P
Great American Music Hall San Francisco, California

Feb 14 2010 8:00P
Doug Fir Portland, Oregon

Feb 15 2010 8:00P
The Tractor Tavern Seattle, Washington

Feb 16 2010 8:00P
The Biltmore Vancouver

Feb 18 2010 8:00P
The State Room Salt Lake City, Utah

Feb 19 2010 8:00P
The Bluebird Denver, Colorado

Feb 20 2010 8:00P
Sheridan Opera House Telluride, Colorado

Feb 23 2010 8:00P
The Mill Iowa City, Iowa

Feb 25 2010 8:00P
Turf Club St. Paul, Minnesota

Feb 26 2010 8:00P
High Noon Salon Madison, Wisconsin

Feb 27 2010 8:00P
Lincoln Hall Chicago, Illinois

Feb 28 2010 8:00P
The Magic Stick Detroit, Michigan

Mar 1 2010 8:00P
Horseshoe Tavern Toronto, ONT

Mar 2 2010 8:00P
The Mohawk Buffalo, New York

Mar 4 2010 8:00P
Great Scott Boston, Massachusetts

Mar 5 2010 8:00P
Bowery Ballroom New York, New York

Mar 6 2010 8:00P
Johnny Brendas Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mar 7 2010 8:00P
The Birchmere Alexandria, Virginia

Apr 1 2010 8:00P
21st Annual Byron Bay Bluesfest Byron Bay

SOTD: "Midnight at the Movies" - Justin Townes Earle

Just recently discovered this artist but he's got some great stuff. I really like this song....