A couple of photos of Centro-Matic

I don't like to take photos of national acts unless I get explicit permission first. Centro-Matic, who played Local 506 last night, directed me to go through their publicist for a photo pass, and the publicist never responded. So, you're stuck with this cell-phone photo. Of course there were other people there with real cameras snapping away, so some better photos may surface. 

Regardless, I was totally blown away with Centro-Matic. My BF introduced me to their music about three years ago, and I fell in love with their music, so we were both excited that they were coming back to the area. They put on a great show, and their bass player was very friendly when we spoke to him afterward. 

When I got home last night I put out a Facebook challenge to Kings, Slim's and the Pour House to book these guys. Chris from the Pour House responded that he'd get right on it. I hope he wasn't joking around because this is a band that needs to play around here more often. 

This week's cool shows: Pink Flag and more!

This week's Show of the Week is the CD-release party for awesome all-female trio Pink Flag, happening this Saturday, June 18, at Motorco. Check out the title track from the CD, "King of Scene."

Also happening that same night Annuals with Luego, Saturday, June 18, at Kings; and the split-7 inch release party with Jennyanykind, The Moaners and Pinche Gringo at Cat's Cradle. AND, if you're still confused after Pussy Mountain added all your friends on Facebook, you can find out who they are on Saturday at The Cave.

Video from Jack the Radio!

I've been hearing great things about Jack the Radio for a while. Finally on Friday I got a chance to check them out at Slim's, and found out that the accolades are justified. Great songwriting, great playing,     and a large, enthusiastic fan base. It was also my first chance to check out my brand new camera, a Nikon D3100! I'd heard that Nikons are better in low light and Canons are better with video. I have to say I was fairly happy with the photos (though it's hard to tell because of the blue lighting) but thought the audio wasn't as good as what I could have captured with the G9. Will try to adjust the audio on the camera. If that doesn't work, I might just have to take two cameras to future shows. See more photos. 

Jack the Radio - "Change" from Mann's World on Vimeo.

Cool upcoming shows: The Rosebuds and more!

The Rosebuds' "Loud Planes Fly Low" was released today on Merge, and you can see them this Saturday at Kings. Surprisingly, this show is not currently sold out, but I feel certain it will be before the day of show, so get your tickets now. They won't be around here again until their July 29 show with Bon Iver at Raleigh Amphitheater. And as a side note, thanks to Frank Heath for booking that show, and The Decemberists show, also this Saturday, at the amphitheater. I truly hope both of these shows are major successes, and the city of Raleigh will finally understand that you can make money booking something besides washed-up classic rockers.


Other notable shows this week include Jack the Radio, Friday at Slim's, Make at Nightlight on Wednesday, and the CD-release party for Tom Maxwell's new CD, "Kingdom Come," Friday at Motorco.

There are also two non-show happenings you should know about: First, tickets for Kyuss' Sept. 25 show at Orange Peel in Asheville go on sale this Friday at noon. Second, The Independent Weekly is set to announce a new round of bands for Hopscotch tomorrow at 10 a.m.!

New music of the Week: Rosebuds, Pontiak and more

Spin has a stream of The Rosebuds excellent new Merge album, "Loud Planes Fly Low" here. 

Pontiak's "Comecrudos" will be out in a few weeks on Thrill Jockey. Here's "Comecrudos Part III," and a link to the preorder. Also check out video of this song and "Shell Skull" live from SXSW.



LIVE! from Trekky House II: Phil Cook & His Feat from Trekky Records on Vimeo.

Finally, the most recent episode of LIVE! From Trekky House features Phil Cook & His Feat playing in the upstairs bathroom of the Trekky House!