Monday, July 30, 2007

Bowerbirds chosen as NPR song of the day

Here's what the folks at Burly Time Records sent out:

bowerbirds' "in our talons" has been selected as the song of the day on npr. here's the link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12347042

we're selling through the first and only hand-numbered pressing of hymns for a dark horse (ditto for horseback's impale golden horn) pretty quickly, so pick it up fast at www.burlytime.com. birds going on tours with john vanderslice and the mountain goats in august, september and october, followed by a horseback tour in november.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Needham's Neighbor at Sadlack's


I caught part of Needham's Neighbor last night at Sadlack's. Somehow I was under the impression that they were much harder, and more rock 'n' roll, instead, they had a kind of mellow alt-country vibe with some jammy elements. Here's their version of Doug Sahm's "Give Back the Keys to My Heart."

(Video removed)

Friday, July 27, 2007

The T's with Richard Bacchus & the Luckiest Girls

You know, I didn't think I'd find a club in this town that has worse lighting for shooting bands than Slim's, but, lo and behold, White Collar Crime surpasses them. To be fair, WCC isn't normally a band club, it's a watering hole, and a pretty nice one at that. The bartender was very friendly, the living-room-type set-up was comfortable, and the torch-lit patio was nice and moody. Plus, their shows are free. And I know the real issue is my equipment. It's hard to believe I've been shooting shows around here for more than two years with the same little Nikon Coolpix, which doesn't even have a manual setting. Once I get my upcoming trip out of the way, I'm going to start saving up for something nicer. So, basically that's a long-winded way of saying that these pictures and movies suck. Richard Bacchus (pictured top; formerly of DGeneration) was great in a drunk-bar-rock-meets-snotty-old-school-punk kind of way. The T's (Lutie is pictured above)were just plain great. I talked to a co-worker who was there and we agreed that the only description you can give to them is "rock 'n' roll." They're not this kind of rock, or that kind of rock. They're just rock 'n' roll. More bad pics. (videos removed)

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Goings-on this weekend ...

And most of it's free! Beginning tonight: Thursday: I have it on good authority that Goner are going to cover AC/DC's "Downpayment Blues" tonight at Tir na nOg. The Loners are also going to be there. No word on whether they'll be doing "Riff Raff." FREE Friday: I've never seen Needham's Neighbor, but they've been talked-up so much to me that I will be there at Sadlack's at 7 p.m. to see them. Also, The Backsliders are playing Saturday along with Nightranger (??) at Moore Square. But if you don't feel like braving that crowd, they will also be at Slim's the night before. Don't know the cover, but not likely to be more than $3. Saturday: The aforementioned Nightranger/Backsliders show at Moore Square. Actually, "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" is one of my favorite songs from the '80s, so I might try to make it out for this one. Nightranger is at 9; Backsliders at 7. Free! If you happen to be over in Chapel Hill this weekend, there are two good shows to catch: John Harrison (North Elementary) Brooklyn's Ghosts I've Met (feat.Margaret White) and Regina Hexaphone are at The Cave and The Comas (whose new album, "Spells," I'm digging) will be at Local 506 with Wembley and Great Northern. Sunday: Free show at The Pour House featuring Shotgun Romance (6pm; Super Secret Special Guests (7:30pm); Olympic Ass Kickin Team (9:30pm); Patty Hurst Shifter (11:30pm). Free!

Rock the vote -- local style

Fox50.com has a contest going where readers can vote for their favorite from among six local bands: Big City Reverie, Brite Boy, Delorean, Pull, OAK Team, and Untold.

Go there and vote for your favorite!

Friday, July 20, 2007

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Neu Neu Romance

Message from Chico:

After 10 long months of hibernation Neu Romance is once again open for pleasure. Every Sunday night for 3 1/2 years the DJ's, bands, bartenders, and bar-dancers spiced up downtown Raleigh with their own unique collection of music, food, and revelry. Kings Barcade, the original home of the weekly show, is gone (for now), and Neu Romance has been quietly looking for a new home ever since. Starting this Sunday (July 22nd) Tir Na Nog Irish Pub will be that home. A surprising choice to some, but a perfect fit for others, this downtown Raleigh landmark provides a wonderful opportunity to once again celebrate diversity and inclusivity through music and food, and through the making of new friends and the reuniting of old ones. Kings was special, and will always hold a sacred part in the hearts and minds of the Neu Romance faithful. Tir Na Nog will be the next chapter, and within it will be born new adventures, new memories, and new loves. As always New Romance is free, with the exception of special events. Madcow, Castro, Drew Diggle, Le Bag, Kiko, Mark T., Krazerock, Esotic, Cut-Less, and all the old school favorites will be regular residents on these upcoming Sundays. "Yo's Jams IV" is already scheduled, and "Pink Beats VI" is in the works. Also there will be free food at the Irish pub after their kitchen closes at 10pm, as well as drinks specials just for Sunday. It will probably feel a little odd at first, but don't forget that in the beginning of Neu Romance @ Kings there was hardly anyone there at all. The proof is in the eating of the pudding, they say. And I say, "Let's eat!"

$500 Reward For Stolen Gram Parsons Painting



This is from Marianne at The Hideaway:

Sometime the beginning of last week, someone stole the painting of Gram Parsons by Cris Krow that hung over the soundbooth at Hideaway BBQ. There is a lot of sentimental value attached to that painting and we would really like it returned.

There is a $500 reward for the return of the painting. NO questions asked.

Please keep your eyes out on ebay, craigslist, pawn shops, your friend's house, and everywhere else for this painting. There is a picture of it on our myspace page and one below.

Email me at mtaylormusic@aol.com, if you have any information about the stolen Gram Parsons painting.

If you would send this bulletin out to all of your friends and acquaintances, I would appreciate it.

Thank you for your help.

Marianne

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Guitar heroes headed to The Cradle

Just an FYI: Adrian Belew will be at the Cradle on Aug. 21, and Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush will be there this Monday, July 23.

Local metal band to donate show proceeds to Nielsen fund

Folks,
I'm sure you've all heard about Jenna Nielsen, the 8-months-pregnant newspaper carrier who was killed as she delivered USA Today last month. Her killer has not been found, and a fund has been set up to keep awareness of this case in the public eye. Local metal band Pivot is going to play a benefit show this Saturday at Volume 11. Kudos to both Pivot and Volume 11 for doing this.


From the press release:

A personal note from Jenna's father:
I am the father of Jenna Nielsen who was murdered in Raleigh on June 14, 2007.
We were approached last week by a local Rock Band named Pivot that practices around the corner from where Jenna was murdered. They asked us if they could donate their proceeds from their show at the Volume 11 Tavern on Saturday July 21st to the Nielsen Family Fund. Needless to say I was amazed that a young bunch of guy's would want to do something as great as this to help a family they don't even know.
I wanted to bring this to your attention. I just thought that something like this should be shared because throughout this terrible time the community around us just keeps steeping up and helping out. Truly amazing!
Thank you,
Kevin Blaine

Here are more details from the press release:

Justice 4 Jenna Benefit Concert planned for
Saturday, July 21


Volume 11 Tavern and Pivot team up to support Justice 4 Jenna


Raleigh, NC – July 17, 2007 – Volume 11 Tavern and the progressive rock band Pivot will hold a “Justice 4 Jenna” benefit concert for the family of Jenna Nielsen on Saturday, July 21 at 8:00 p.m.


Pivot, a progressive rock band from Raleigh, Transient, also from Raleigh, and Agents of the Sun out of Baltimore will be performing. Volume 11 Tavern is located at 658 Maywood Ave in Raleigh.


Brian Kelly, lead singer of Pivot, approached the Nielsen family with the idea to shift the focus of the July 21 event, which had been planned for months, from a regular Saturday night concert into a support/fundraising event that has been titled the “Justice 4 Jenna Benefit Concert.”


“Myself and the rest of the band wanted to know how we could help,” said Kelly, “This incident happened in our back yard so to speak. We rehearse and record at Volume 11 Studios located off Maywood Avenue, and this is the best way we can think of to show our support in this time not only for family and friends, but for the community.”


Kevin Blaine, Jenna’s father, was excited about Pivot’s plan, “This could work out to be very beneficial for all,” said Blaine, “Most importantly giving the family a way to keep our efforts in the media with the hopes that someone will recognize the person of interest and call the police so that we can get this killer off the streets.”


Jenna’s family will be at the event in hopes of raising more awareness in finding the identity of the man in the composite sketch that has been in the news and is posted on flyers all over Raleigh and the surrounding areas. The benefit concert is open to all ages.


The State Fairgrounds along with the State Farmer’s Market will advertise the event on their marquees.


For more information visit www.Justice4Jenna.org

Monday, July 16, 2007

RIP Kelly Johnson, one of my original guitar idols

Kelly Johnson, founding member of Girlschool, and, if memory serves me correctly, the first woman to grace the cover of Guitar Player, died Sunday of spinal cancer. I bought "Screaming Blue Murder" at Rainbow Records in Morehead City when I was 15, and it made me realize that you didn't have to be a man to play guitar. I'm going to get all aging feminist on y'all and say that the girls who are in bands today don't realize how revolutionary it was for women to play metal -- or for that matter, any kind of rock -- back then. Kelly was a true original and will be missed.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Ex-Members have a new EP!




The Ex-Members, which includes David and Shirle from Gerty and Melissa from The Butchies, have released a fine three-song EP full of dance-pop goodness. The also have a show coming up this Saturday, July 21, at Cat's Cradle.




The other can't-miss show this weekend is the rescheduled Big Business show, with Black Skies and Caltrop (pictured above). I really don't know all that much about Big Business, but I love Black Skies, and haven't seen them since they added a new drummer (which has been a while ago). I've never seen Caltrop, but am totally digging the sludgy stuff they've got on their myspace page. They're at Cat's Cradle on Sunday, July 22.

Viva La Venus and Tinfoil Fuse at Volume 11

(Video removed)
I wasn't familiar with Tinfoil Fuse, who opened last night's show at Volume 11 Tavern, but was pleasantly surprised. I thought their vocalist had good metal chops -- could scream and growl with ease.

Viva la Venus from Mann's World on Vimeo.


Viva La Venus played their second to last show with Mary Anne as the bass player. I'm not sure why the lighting was so much better in their set than Tinfoil Fuse's. Automag closed the show, but it's been a long week for me, so I took off early.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Videos of Justin Townes Earle and Jason Isbell

Justin Townes Earle from Mann's World on Vimeo.


(Justin Townes Earle)

Jason Isbell from Mann's World on Vimeo.


(Jason Isbell)


Justin Townes Earle and Jason Isbell (formerly of Drive-by Truckers) both put on fabulous performances last night at the Hideaway in Raleigh. I was able to interview Justin following his performance, and hopefully I can write up a proper story to sell to an actual magazine. But the crowd was clearly there mostly for Jason Isbell, who seems to have inherited the Truckers' obsessive fanbase. The folks I was with weren't so into the show, and so we left before he finished, which was a big mistake on my part because I found out later he closed with Thin Lizzy's "Jailbreak."

Spader video for "Steppin' Out"



I'm not sure how long this has been out there, but someone forwarded it to me today. For those of us who miss Kings, it's a nice trip down memory lane.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Mary Anne leaving Viva La Venus

Trey -- the band's drummer, and the only guy in VLV, wrote to let me know that bass player Mary Anne is leaving. The band has two more shows with her coming up, so check them out before she leaves for Australia. Mary Anne, our long-time bassist is leaving the country to pursue new opportunities (love) in the beautiful land of Australia. Her musicianship brought a depth to the music along with her energy, wit, and talent, and she will truly be missed (along with all that jumping around and wiggling on stage). Our last Raleigh show with her is on the 14th of July in Raleigh at Volume 11 Tavern, then one more at MVP’s on the 26th, after that VLV will be on the down-low finishing up our 3rd album. Come out and wish her a farewell. Below is a list of all the shows that I personally played with her since I‘ve been in the band, and it was very much a learning experience for the both of us, as well as Wendy and Susan. We shared the stage numerous times, plus all the recording sessions, rehearsals and road trips, me and her have about as tight a musical bond as a bass player and drummer could have. 8/22/03 - Durham, NC 9/4/03 - Chapel Hill, NC 9/14/03 - Carrboro, NC 10/18/03 - Durham, NC 11/09/03 - Greenville, SC 11/11/03 - Raleigh, NC 11/21/03 - Raleigh, NC 12/2/03 - Chapel Hill, NC 12/13/03 - Durham, NC 1/12/04 - Chapel Hill, NC 2/24/04 - Durham, NC 2/28/04 - Durham, NC 3/5/04 - Greenville, SC 3/6/04 - Greenville, SC 3/13/04 - Wilmington, NC 3/30/04 - Raleigh, NC 4/15/04 - Raleigh, NC 4/17/04 - Raleigh, NC 5/6/04 - Raleigh, NC 9/25/04 - Raleigh, NC 9/26/04 - Carrboro, NC 10/1/04 - Raleigh, NC 10/22/04 - Durham, NC 10/28/04 - Chapel Hill, NC 11/7/04 - Raleigh, NC 12/1/04 - Chapel Hill, NC 12/3/04 - Raleigh, NC 12/11/04 - Raleigh, NC 12/18/04 - Durham, NC 1/13/05 - Clayton, NC 1/22/05 - Smithfield, NC 2/4/05 - Raleigh, NC 3/2/05 - Chapel Hill, NC 5/1/05 - Richmond, VA 5/7/05 - Raleigh, NC 5/13/05 - Durham, NC 6/3/05 - Raleigh, NC 6/4/05 - Durham, NC 6/11/05 - Fayetteville, NC 6/16/05 - Carrboro, NC 6/24/05 - Asheville, NC 6/29/05 - Raleigh, NC 7/16/05 - Sanford, NC 7/29/05 - Chapel Hill, NC 8/18/05 - Greensboro, NC 8/23/05 - Durham, NC 8/27/05 - Clayton, NC 9/23/05 - Raleigh, NC 9/24/05 - Asheville, NC 9/25/05 - Carrboro, NC 9/30/05 - Cary, NC 10/1/05 - Wilmington, NC 10/7/05 - Durham, NC 10/8/05 - Raleigh, NC 10/28/05 - Durham, NC 11/5/05 - Winston-Salem, NC 11/13/05 - Raleigh, NC 12/2/05 - Durham, NC 12/3/05 - Durham, NC 12/8/05 - Raleigh, NC 12/9/05 - Raleigh, NC 12/10/05 - Durham, NC 1/6/06 - Fairfax, VA 1/11/06 - Wilmington, NC 1/21/06 - Durham, NC 1/23/06 - Raleigh, NC 1/28/06 - Smithfield, NC 2/24/06 - Wilmington, NC 2/25/06 - Raleigh, NC 3/4/06 - Raleigh, NC 3/9/06 - Greensboro, NC 3/10/06 - Brooklyn, NY 3/12/06 - Manhattan, NY 3/17/06 - Durham, NC 3/19/06 - Raleigh, NC 4/4/06 - Raleigh, NC 4/8/06 - Fairfax, VA 4/22/06 - Raleigh, NC 4/28/06 - Durham, NC 4/29/06 - Wilmington, NC 4/30/06 - Chapel Hill, NC 5/6/06 - Swansboro, NC 5/7/06 - Raleigh, NC 5/12/06 - Raleigh, NC 5/13/06 - Beaufort, NC 5/16/06 - Raleigh, NC 6/22/06 - Raleigh, NC 6/24/06 - Sanford, NC 6/30/06 - Cary, NC 7/8/06 - Nashville, NC 7/11/06 - Raleigh, NC 7/14/06 - Wilmington, NC 7/18/06 - Manhattan, NY 7/19/06 - Manhattan, NY 7/20/06 – Brooklyn, NY 7/21/06 – Coney Island, NY 7/23/06 – Manhattan, NY 8/4/06 - Carolina Beach, NC 8/5/06 - Raleigh, NC 8/10/06 - Greenville, NC 8/23/06 - Fayetteville, NC 8/25/06 - Fayetteville, NC 9/7/06 - Charlotte, NC 9/21/06 - Cincinnati, OH 9/23/06 - Pittsburgh, PA 9/24/06 - Carrboro, NC 9/28/06 - Durham, NC 9/30/06 - Fayetteville, NC 10/28/06 - Durham, NC 11/3/06 - Greensboro, NC 11/04/06 - Vienna, VA 11/11/06 - Brooklyn, NY 11/17/06 - Raleigh, NC 11/18/06 - Durham, NC 12/2/06 - Raleigh, NC 12/9/06 - Greenville, NC 1/28/07 - Greensboro, NC 2/9/07 - Greensboro, NC 3/3/07 - Winston-Salem, NC 3/6/07 - Raleigh, NC 3/9/07 - Raleigh, NC 3/22/07 - Raleigh, NC 3/23/07 - Durham, NC 3/31/07 - Raleigh, NC 4/12/07 - Raleigh, NC 4/28/07 - Raleigh, NC 5/5/07 - Clayton, NC 5/11/07 - Beaufort, NC 6/2/07 - Raleigh, NC 6/9/07 - Sanford, NC 6/30/07 - Winston-Salem, NC LAST TWO SHOWS WITH MARY ANNE: 7/14/07 - Raleigh, NC 7/26/07 - Raleigh, NC Good times…….It’s been one hell of a ride Mary Anne, thanks for all your time and all the memories. Best of luck to you and we’ll miss you greatly. I’ll never forget you….. Trey.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Jason Isbell instore

For those planning to check out Jason Isbell (formerly of Drive-by Truckers) Thursday at The Hideaway, he will be playing an in-store at Schoolkids on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh at 6 p.m. that same day.

A contest from The Never

The guys in The Never posted this bulletin on Myspace:

we're announcing ... A CONTEST!!!!

send us pics of the never's name spelled with food material... i.e. chips, salami, mac n cheez, smoked salmon, easy cheez...

the most creative wins a free "the never: fun for the whole family" tote bag!!!!
yayyY!Y!Y!Y!

send all pics to jonny@thenever.org
we'll respond via email to winners!!!
thanks. we're looking forward to seein lots of food...

sincerely,
jonny and joah.

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Soulpreacher at Volume 11

Last night I checked out Soulpreacher at Volume 11, and got one of the oddest pictures I've ever taken -- the singer, with four hands and a little tiny guitar player in front of him. Anyway, the band was good, and I'm happy to report that Volume 11 is still just as clean and nice as the first time I went there. Check out the video.

Soul Preacher from Mann's World on Vimeo.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

I'm listed on The Hype Machine

But I can't figure out why the FKON track I put on my blog earlier today isn't showing up on their site. Anyway, if you love music, you've got to check it out. It's an aggregator of music blogs, and you can seriously find just about anything you want on it.

Check out The Hype Machine.

"Cherry Berry" in the N&O

Check it out here.

Future Kings of Nowhere CD review



Thanks to Kim from 307 Knox Records for passing along this CD by Durham's Future Kings of Nowhere. Thanks also to Kim for putting the bug in my ear that they remind her of Billy Bragg. Musically, I didn't hear it at first, though listening to Billy in comparison gave me an "a ha" moment. More than anyone, though, FKON reminds me of The Jam, with "I Want You" reminding me subtly of "Town Called Malice."

Lyrically, Shayne O'Neill's clever way of dissecting relationships is up there with such Bragg classics as "Must I Paint You a Picture" and "The Marriage."

Sometimes, though, O'Neill can get a little carried away, such as on "10 Simple Murders," a cow-punk western so gory that I just can't listen to it. The song does, however, feature some nice saw playing by Catherine Edgerton, who, along with Kym Register, is also in Midtown Dickens. Any song with a saw is at least half OK.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Cherry Berry

Tha Commissioners


Anyone who's ever been in an elevator in N.C. can appreciate this.

Ex-Members reviewed in Pitchfork

Check it out.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

If you want to know why I love The Trousers so much ...

Check out this video from Friday night's show at Slim's:

The Trousers from Mann's World on Vimeo.

I just like this band more and more each time I see them, which isn't nearly often enough. I got couple of OK photos too.

This second photo is funny because it looks almost like Russ is on stage with them, which wouldn't be unusual considering Russ is in every other band in town.

The Loners from Mann's World on Vimeo.

The Loners were great as usual. I swear, I think they're the most popular band in town now because every time I see them, the place is packed with rabid fans. It was cool to see Eddie quoted in the N&O the other day too.