Conglomeration Fabrication

One more for this decade: Best Shows of 2009

2009-12-31T21:42:00.003-06:00

So why not post a top 10 list? Here ya go...my top 10 shows of 2009, in no order, all of them taking place in Murfreesboro or Nashville. Here's to the past year of amazing music and to 2010 being a year of a new scene, new tunes and new friends. Hope you all have a great start to the new year and stay healthy, safe and happy!

-Jenny

1. Jay Z at Vanderbilt: This was only my second time seeing hip hop live and the first time seeing such a big act in an arena setting. This one was only about a month ago, but it definitely was one of the best shows I’ve seen in years; I still stand behind the thought that everyone needs to see this man put on a show- he knows how to do it (catch the original review of the show here).

2. The Decemberists at the Ryman: I’d been saying for a while that the next venue the Decemberists needed to tackle in Nashville was the Ryman, and tackle it they did. Going into the show I wasn’t too sure what to expect from the “Hazards of Love” album being played the whole way through, but within a song or two, I was floored. Seeing the storyline performed by the band and extra characters of Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) and Becky Stark, it was amazing. Seeing the whole album performed live literally brought it to life and made me want to return for more listens afterwards. Plus the final song made me cry, granted I have a tendency to cry at the drop of the hat, it was an experience.

After the intermission the band returned to play what could be called a greatest hits set, complete with much banter about summoning the ghosts of the Ryman and the invitation to the masses to join the band onstage to sing the chorus of “Sons and Daughters”: “Let all the bombs fade away”. It was amazing, to say the least. I’ll even go as far as to say it was better than the first time I saw the band a few years back at City Hall.

3. Heypenny at Next Big Nashville, Mercy Lounge: I think if you read my review of the show, you can get the jist of how much this performance was one of my favorites. I've talked quite a bit about it before, so I’ll spare a repeat. I do, also, stand by the statement that they are the best live Nashville band. So there.

4. Lucero at Next Big Nashville, Cannery Ballroom: I know it’s probably not fair to split up NBN shows, but specific ones just stood out, so here’s the second of NBN that I loved, Lucero. I’ve been waiting to see the band play, having missed their live show 3 or 4 times I was pumped to see them finally. Of course, they didn’t disappoint. They played for 3 hours and didn’t let on any sense of being tired. Just read the review for a full rundown of the awesomeness here.

5. Glossary, HP Witchcraft, Henry Daggs & Soul Mama at Temptation Club, Murfreesboro: Ok, so I may be a little biased seeing as this was my going away party a few weeks back and I did happen to book the bands, but it was an amazing show and everyone who played made this girl so very happy. Besides that, how many people can say they have seen Glossary and HP Witchcraft at Temptaiton Club? Yeah, not many besides the 80 or so people who showed up. If you don’t know who these folks are, don’t worry: you eventually will.

6. The Only Sons, And the Money Notes, The Orange Opera & Lauderdale, The Boro Bar & Grill: I admittedly only went to this show to see the Only Sons play (aka Ribbonpigeon), plus it was something to do on a week night, if I recall correctly, yet the line up wound up being one of the best ones I’ve seen in Murfreesboro all of this year (scene politics aside, it’s easy to say the town is in somewhat of a music scene-lull at the moment, with a few exceptions). I hadn’t heard the other bands besides TOS, seeing as it was a really well put together tour of And the Moneynotes & Orange Opera (who seem to have played everywhere in this town with so many stickers everywhere). They all put on awesome sets and I don’t remember the hairy details, but I do know that their stuff was good enough everyone should check them out- and I’m still waiting for the Moneynotes to come back to town.

7. Caitlin Rose, 1970’s Night at Nashville Cream’s 8 off 8^th, Mercy Lounge: The bloggers brag a little bit about their series of covers in the 2009 music wrap up issue of the Nashville Scene, which was what actually got me really thinking about this list (so props to you all), and I have to say that the 1970’s cover night was the best by far (fine, I only went to two of them, but the 70’s were just more sincere). The costumes were killer all around and the performance from Caitlin Rose was the best I have ever seen from her. Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young covers (the latter with her father) helped point out where her influences lie and how much she knows about music history. There's a video of the amazing performance Ms. Rose did with her father, so watch it here.

Did I mention the girl played 3 songs and it made my top shows of the year? Yeah. It was that good.

8. Kindercastle, Dent May and the Winter Sounds, Mercy Lounge: Going into this show, I thought Dent May was headlining. Well, he didn’t and it’s pretty nice I dug Kindercastle (RIP, amigos). Let me restate that: I’ve been into Dent May since I first heard about him and picked up his album not long after it’s release this summer. I was way excited to hear that he was going to be in town, let alone playing, arguably, my favorite venue in Nashville.

9. Har Mar Superstar, Exit-In: I found out fairly last minute (about a week before the show) that Har Mar was going to be in Nashville again, and after the first show I was determined to get there. The first time around was at the same venue, not knowing exactly what I was in for. By the time the show was over and Har Mar was performing half his set off the show, I spent quite a bit of time near the back of the venue, farther away than the length of his mic cord (if you haven’t ever seen Har Mar Superstar, he disrobes throughout the set and hangs out in the crowd, making sure everyone is into the tunes, especially those who look bored). All in all, it just turns into a big dance party and, well, it’s kind of obvious those are my jam. You can check out the full review here and a few shots that I got at the show here. Let’s just say I’m counting down the days til Mr. HMSS comes back to town and I can dance again (Original review here).

10. Happy Birthday Amy and Cheer Up Charlie Daniels, Next Big Nashville, Foobar: This show was one of the best because of many different factors, along with the music. It was packed out with awesome friends I had made throughout the year in Nashville, along with being nice and cozy in Foobar's back room, plus I really wanted to see HBA play again and couldn't wait to check out Cheer Up Charlie Daniels. There were a few more bands playing that night, but given the night, only those two were mainly checked out, but I know a great time was had by all at this last minute venue addition to NBN (You can read the show review here).

Slight Slow Down...

2009-11-22T14:24:00.000-06:00

If you haven't noticed, things have slowed down a little bit here at Conglomeration Fabrication. Simply stated, life is happening and changes are happening (such as a move and other things coming up very soon), so the updates have slowed quite a bit. Keep an ear/eye out and there should be some stuff posted soon...especially about the first show that I've ever booked in Murfreesboro- details soon!

Thanks for reading-
Jenny

Show Review: Jay Z at Vanderbilt

2009-11-17T18:37:00.000-06:00

It doesn't take a genius to see that I don't listen to a whole lot of hip hop, but I have picked up to listening o a little, particularly since finding out about the Jay Z show at Vanderbilt this past weekend.

My little brother had never been to a show before this one and I knew he'd kick me if he missed out, so I passed along word right before tickets went on sale and -next thing you know- we were sitting in expensive seats in Vanderbilt's Memorial Gym, second balcony, able to see the stage fairly well, yet unable to see most of the large video screens once the curtain dropped and Jay came through the floor.

But first things first: Wale opened for the show and I will admit, I freaked out when I read the Nashville Scene and saw he was playing before the main event. I'd only really heard of Wale through his work with Mark Ronson and I dug the stuff, so I was pumped. Evidentally Wale dropped his album, Attention Deficit that past Tuesday and even did a meet and greet in Antioch before the show, so it's easy to say people are into it what he's doing.

His set was a good one and by the last two songs or so, he even had the higher up sections moving around, hands in the air. My overall thoughts on the set revolve around one statement: I really hope he comes back to town and plays at a smaller venue, headlining. It would be a killer show.

Once Jay Z hit the stage, obviously, the crowd freaked out, to say the least. He puts on quite an awesome show, complete with lights, the aforementioned screens and all kinds of big show goodness (you'll have to excuse my getting excited over such things...I rarely attend large, arena sized shows). In some instances, I would have worried a little about one person running such a large show by themself, but this guy knows how to do it. He came complete with a full band, including horns, and plowed through most of his radio hits, along with some lesser known songs.

The coolest part, though, was getting to see my little brother experience his first show and see the excitement of hearing the songs he had been singing along to for a long time, in real life. I'm proud to say, yes, that was my brother in the first balcony that was singing along so loud to those songs you could hear him over Jay at moments. The whole experience reminded me why music is amazing live and why people do it- to elicit responses like my brother gave- I can't help but think he "gets" music more now. Thanks, Jay.

Overall, this was probably one of my top 2 shows of the year (perhaps a list will appear later on the blog). I highly suggest seeing Jay so you can get the triangle symbol out of your system, also so you can see how charming of a dude he is (the statements about the "pretty ladies" in the audience were in slight abundance, but in a totally adorable way). This man knows what he's doing, he knows you want to know what he's doing and, well, it's worth the money to see what he's going to do next.

All Hallow's Weekend Shows

2009-10-30T11:55:00.000-05:00

It's time to trick or treat...or check out some shows in costume, whichever you prefer. Here's a few shows that I think are worthy of some checking out this weekend, even if you don't want to dress up for anything....

As for tonite (Friday), there's a pretty sweet show going on at the 5 Spot in E. Nash, for which you can see the flier above. It's the Heartbeater cd release show and I did happen to hear that Hammertorch is actually not on the bill, due to a scheduling conflict. However, the rest of the bill looks pretty good- especially those folks in Powerbrrrrrrrrrrd (emphasis on all the "r"s mine). It's only 5 bones and if you're around or looking for something good to do, I suggest you check it out.

Saturday, ie Halloween, brings a show that I've been looking forward to ever since I saw the line up a few months ago: you can catch Hammertorch if you're missing them from tonite's show, plus Cuttlefish and The Only Sons [aka Ribbonpigeon from a year or so back].

This is one of the best shows in Murfreesboro in a long time, so try to make it out to the Boro if you want to see some awesome sets. I spent the last halloween at the Boro and am looking forward to just as much of a good time as last year; not bad for only $5.

If those bands aren't quite your speed, there's also shows going on in the Boro at the Temptation club with some of the noise bands in town and also the Hellbellies (who I've been told are a treat to see) and some other folks at Wallstreet, complete with the Kitty Kitty Bang Bang burlesque ladies hanging out, sharing info about their up and coming burlesque troop.

And if you're down for a short roadtrip, the Protomen are playing at the Pond in Franklin. I spent last hallow's eve seeing them, in full Protomen make up myself, and, well, if you know anything about them, they're always a party.

Whatever you choose to do and wherever you party, do be safe...you don't want to get a DUI wearing your fake blood covered costume, do you? I didn't think so...

Review: Heypenny "Cop Car" EP

2009-10-27T13:47:00.001-05:00

Heypenny [Photo by Laura Dart, from their facebook]

After all of my talk about Heypenny and their amazing live shows (such as their NBN performance), you might be wondering, what about their recorded stuff?
Well, it's pretty good. I ran into a copy of their "Cop Car EP" at the NBN show and have since been listening to it quite a bit. As for a run down on the EP, here it is track by track...

The first 2 tracks, "Cop Car", followed by "Oh No", have the feel of a live show by the band; they have the funky, party vibe going on. On the track "Oh No", I'm somewhat reminded of Middle TN's own SELF, due to the xylophone and playfulness, yet it varies enough with the horns and fast paced "it'd be hard to kareoke to the verses" lyrics. Personally, I think the hard to decifer lyrics add to the almost non-sensical feel of the songs (did I mention they are in robot costume mode these days? Check out the video below for a visual...).

The third track, "Emperor's New Clothes" is a different story, however. The song is a slower one with no real danciness, but that's nothing to fault anyone about. Yet, between the Bowie-esque vocals and Elton John-esque piano, it is quite easy to pick out where Ben Elkins & crew possibly gather inspiration. The vocals during the verses of the song sound less natural, but when Elkins hits the chorus, it sounds more like the rest of their songs. I know it's only one song (and I have heard it live and had no issues), so I'd be very interested in hearing some more slower tracks on their forthcoming full length (you can catch updates from the band on their twitter to stay up to date).

The final track is a demo version of "Cop Car", which I can only deduce is a trick to make sure teh song stays stuck in your head forever- it sounds pretty similar to the final version.

That being said, I do indeed love Heypenny. It's nice to finally have a hard copy of some of their tunes instead of sitting around, repeatedly listening to the myspace (seriously folks, you can't listen to this songs just once). The EP is definitely a good way to tide people over until the full length, yet I have a feeling people are counting down the days til the LP is all tidy and finished.

My advice is if you dig the band and their live show, pick up at a show (or order at their website) the EP. It even comes with a coloring book. Yes, a Heypenny themed coloring book.

And I will rephrase my blanket statement about how I feel about them, after sitting on the cd and also a live show: This band is the best live show in Nashville right now and one of the most creative groups that I have ever had to the pleasure of listening to and seeing live.

Heypenny - "CopCar" from Paper Beats Rock on Vimeo.

An Interview with Dent May

2009-10-25T14:22:00.001-05:00

[Note: I've been planning on starting including interviews on the blog for a while now, and since it's "take it serious, oh crap I'm graduating very soon" time with this stuff, I figured it's time to do it up right. So, I bring you the first of what will hopefully be quite a few interviews. Thanks for reading.]

Dent May [photo yanked from his myspace]

Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele came through Nashville earlier this year and played one of my most anticipated shows in recent memory. Little did I know before I arrived at the show, the Mississippi native was not even going to headline that night, leaving that duty to another Nashville band that has since disbanded. There were a handful of folks on hand, admittedly mainly girls, that were up front while the man & his uke played, singing along to the words, and the set seemed very short, more than likely due to the fact that his voice was starting to go out a bit.

Well, he's coming back to town and it's something that I hope more folks are interested in this time around. He'll become your favorite crooner with his charm and wit - check out what he had to say to some questions via email below, listen to some tunes, then try to deny it....

Conglomeration Fabrication: How did you get hooked up with the Paw Tracks folks to release your full length earlier this year?

Dent May: I met the guys in Animal Collective, who run Paw Tracks, when they were recording their latest album in Mississippi. We hit it off and kept in touch, and they ended up asking me to release music on their label. It's kind of a boring story, really. But I'm super honored to be on the label. I've been a fan of Black Dice and Ariel Pink for a really long time, so being in their company is still crazy to me. And touring with Animal Collective was so dreamy.

CF:You’ve been touring all over the place this year. What are some of your favorite places that you’ve gone so far?

DM: That's a really hard question. We had a day off in Barcelona and were really blown away by what we experienced. There's an energy to the people and the lifestyle there that is so exciting and inspiring. We checked out all the Gaudi architecture and swam at the beach. Other places we've fallen in love with include Berlin, San Francisco, the Czech Republic, and pretty much everywhere in France.

CF: You live in a small Mississippi town- is this where you grew up? How does this environment influence your songwriting?

DM: I grew up in Jackson, which is the biggest city in Mississippi, but now I live in Taylor. Population there is about 300, so it's quite a bit smaller. For one thing, I have a lot of space. I live on 2 acres, and we have a big garage for music recording. My roommates are also artists who played on my record but are too busy with their own stuff to tour with me. Michael Bible is a writer and he started a literary magazine called Kitty Snacks. Konrad Bevilaqua has a new project called Flight, which is amazing. So it's kind of the best of both worlds, living in a super chill place where I have complete freedom, yet still being surrounded by lots of creative people.

CF: You wrote the song, “At the Academic Conference” about faking being an English major (and being not the greatest English major myself, I love it), do you have any suggested reading?

DM: Oh, definitely. I've also worked in bookstores on and off for a while now, so literature is super important to me. As a Mississippian, I have to recommend Barry Hannah first. Check out Ray and Airships. He's kind of like a southern Beckett, and his language is beautiful but still a bit filthy. Some of my other favorite writers are Donald Barthelme, James Tate, Amy Hempel, Charles Simic, Etgar Keret, and of course my hero Samuel Beckett. Oh, and William Faulkner is pretty legit too.

CF: What’s the plan for the near future? More touring, writing and recording soon?

DM: I'm trying to take a break from touring, but it keeps piling up. I'm going to Australia and New Zealand in January, and I can't wait. I'm working on new stuff, which has a little more of an analog electronic feel. A big influence is the ELO record Time, which a lot of people think sucks but doesn't. It'll be similar songwriting, just with a more expanded musical palate. There won't be much, if any, ukulele on the new stuff. I wanted to come out with another record in 2010, but it's increasingly looking like it might be the following year. I'm also about to record an EP with my country-western band Cowboy Maloney's Electric City.

-----

To Get an even better idea of what Dent's all about, this video for the song "Howard" speaks volumes...

Dent & his crew are hitting the End in Nashville this Monday (Oct. 26th), with Bows & Arrows opening, for only $6 at the door.

What to do in the Boro: SWAG party

2009-10-22T14:22:00.000-05:00

So I don't know if anyone's noticed, but this girl likes to dance (for a slight bit of proof: here and here).

Well, there's a reason to do so this Friday night in Murfreesboro at 527 (and not a typical "drink or drown" rap music night)- the folks who put on Happy Valley dance parties in Nashville are getting a new monthly party going on, and from just looking at the flier, it looks like a good time.

This week it's Justin Kase & Coach running the show and I hope a good lot of you happen to make it out to this party and get it going the right way. Check back for a review of the event and the related going-ons on Saturday!

Ahh...Fall Break ( a recap: Keep On Movin' Party/Har Mar Superstar)

2009-10-21T18:36:00.002-05:00

Even though I feel as though college fall breaks aren't quite as nice as lower levels of school breaks (example: my mom and dad are on the way to Tybee Island, GA right now, seeing as she has a whole week off, being a high school teacher and all), I enjoyed my 2 days off by taking in some awesome tunes.

First on the list was the 5 Spot's weekly dance party, hosted by Electric Western. Reno Bo and the gang never disappoint, and with Jacob Jones doing his solo music tour thing, that's been leaving an open third spot on Monday nights lately. I was extra excited, and with good reason, to catch Doyle from Grimeys throw down an awesome set of funk and soul, adding to the already fun mix of 50's & 60's rock and roll, funk, soul, garage rock and more. If you dig any of these genres and like to get down, check out the party one Monday night and just try not to get addicted to them. If dancing isn't your thing, still check out what all the guys and gals at the 5 Spot have going on...it's easily one of the best places in town to hang out, catch a show and get to know your neighbors on the east side (or practically adopted neighbors, if you're like me and don't live in the city...).

Har Mar Superstar

For the second half of what can only be called a tease of a fall break, the Har Mar Superstar show I had been looking forward to for a few weeks, was on Tuesday night.

After seeing Mr. Superstar a year or two back, I was pumped to find out he dropped a brand new album last week and was coming through town on the earlier part of his tour. If you haven't listened to any of his music, it's very pop and dance oriented- ie a party. The lyrics tend to be over sexualized, as is his on stage performance, but it will make you dance, even if you back away a few feet from the stage when he jumps into the crowd and starts dancing.

Yes, he has the charisma of an ace performer and uses almost the whole venue as a stage (there was a big circle in the middle of the underwhelming crowd for almost half of the set, along with a song or two taking place mostly at the bar). Basically, Har Mar's goal is to make you move. If you aren't moving, he will do everything he can to make this happen.

Personally, I love stuff the dancey, poppy/electro stuff and can't get enough of it; my main complaint about this show was I wished it had gone on for longer. He played for a little over an hour and went through a mix of new and older tracks, including the songs with Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs ("Cut Me Up") and Beth Ditto from the Gossip ("Powerlunch"), their vocals on the backing tracks that were used throughout the set, along with live guitar, bass and drums.

Some of the gags that he used were the same as the last time he hit Nashville (such as when he closed with an acapella song that was the same as the first time), but that's the only thing I have to say bad about the show, which wasn't even a terrible thing, it just lacked the punch of the first time around.

All I really have to say is that Har Mar has got it going on- he's got the skill, the gimmick, the charm and the talent to get it all across- when someone gets on stage and says "Scream because I'm awesome", then everyone does (and means it), that's a feat.

If you don't think this man can do it, check him out live- you might could learn a thing or two.

[Check out a few more Har Mar photos here]

NBN Saturday Night Wrap Up

2009-10-13T23:47:00.002-05:00

Saturday night started out a little faster than the rest of the week, as I was already feeling cozy and more at home at the 5 Spot, first stop of the night, on the one night of venue hopping.

We arrived right before Hands Down Eugene started playing (missing Bows and Arrows, who I’m excited tosee open for Dent May at the end of the month), running into a few Murfreesboro alum (HDE is from here and has done some stuff with Grand Palace records) and just chilling to their new songs, which have a similar vibe to the earlier tunes. I was slightly let down to not hear any songs I recognized after listening to their full length quite a lot, but change is a good thing and they need to put an album out asap. That aside, they haven’t played out a lot lately, so I was very happy they did play and I got to check it out.

Next up at 5 Spot was And the Relatives, who I finally got to check out after a close friend wouldn’t stop twittering about them. Well, those tweets were right. There’s a definite taste of Dinosaur Jr. in the songs(but not too heavy or crunchy) and just an overall good rock and roll sound. Once they played a few songs, with Caitlin Rose singing on a few different ones, most of the folks who were at the show, really for the music, were on their feet and in front of the stage. Keep an eye on And the Relatives, folks.

I was admittedly a little excited about the next concept: riding the shuttle, which I never was informed was going to be at 5 Spot, to Mercy Lounge. Of course, as NBN is never boring, neither was the ride across the river. Let’s just say there were guys dancing in the middle of the bus and a group sing along to the song “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. I won’t be forgetting that one anytime soon…

Once we unloaded in front of Mercy Lounge, Kyle Andrews was in his last few songs and I made my way to the front to scope out a spot for the Protomen set (I know how their crowds tend to work- they’re younger and hardcore). I was right to go ahead and get up front, seeing as the flood of X-ed up (on their hands, folks) were up front pretty quick.

Protomen

I got in the normal spot I nab at Mercy and was very pleased by the new tunes and new guys in the band, who I hadn’t seen play since both of them, Cobra T. Washington and Sir Robert Bakker, joined the band as of late. The new songs sound awesome live, especially Dr. Wiley’s vocals on “The Hounds” (you may or may not be able to link him back to another band, say, Cheer Up Charlie Daniels…).

The boys and girls closed out their set with a new cover, the Roy Orbison (Celine Dion covered) “I Drove All Night”, which somewhat confused the audience, but they’ll adapt. A valiant effort was presented by the band and they continue to be some of my favorite people in all of Middle Tennessee.

Hey Penny closed out the night and officially blew my mind. I had never gotten to see them, always opting out to leave shows early or missing them for a random reason here or there, but- man- I’m glad I saw them finally. I’d checked out some of their vimeo videos but that doesn’t do them justice: this band is a party.

The kind of party you see on tv that can’t really happen in reality (or, they could be compared to the kind of party from “The Office” last season or two, where they have the party room and they go down and dance…I think that kind would be fun). Hey Penny brings the funk but not in an overwhelming way, but you will dance if you see them live (or if you even just listen to their “Cop Car” EP), and then their songs will get stuck in your head. And then you’ll notice their little quirky, awesome touches, such as their stage set up of backdrops and old tvs with choreographed static and deers mouthing along to the words.

See, you don’t believe me. But trust me- check it out for yourself. They were absolutely the best band to close out NBN at Mercy and as soon as everyone thought they were done- they kept going.

Hey Penny's Encore

The trio moved over to a “side stage”, where a string quartet was set up and singer Ben Elkins, along with the awesome back up singers of the band, led the audience in Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”, while passing a strand of Christmas lights over their heads (see the photos to get the jist). Ben sang one more song, via megaphone, with the string quartet and then a projector (old school, 3rd grade style) turned on, projecting the lyrics to Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” onto a white backdrop. Guitarist Kevin Bevil jumped on top of something with an acoustic guitar and a venue wide sing along was begun.

After witnessing the lengths these guys went to, to entertain and showing all the creativity they have, I have to say whole heartedly: they are the best band in Nashville.

And with that, dear friends, another year of Next Big Nashville was in the books. All of the folks at NBN put together amazing shows, the bands who played them were amazing and I have to say, I can’t say that I can’t wait until 2010’s edition of the fest- I’m still trying to recover from this weekend.

Give it a few more days, though, and I know I will be saying “isn’t it time for NBN again?”

NBN Friday Night Wrap Up

2009-10-13T23:23:00.003-05:00

Lucero [Yes this is a terrible photo. It is the "I Was There" photo. Just so you know.]

It probably won’t come as a surprise that Lucero’s Next Big Nashville appearance at Cannery Ballroom was my most anticipated show of the festival (especially after my thoughts of their new album, “1372 Overton Park”). Their two hour set took up most of my night, besides catching a little of Ricky Young’s set in Mercy while waiting for them to take the stage downstairs.

Lucero brought with them two openers on their “Ramblin’ Roadshow and Memphis Revue”, Cedric Burnside and Lightin’ Malcom, along with Amy LaVere. Admittedly, most of their sets were spent socializing and going in between the venues that were connected for the night (through the magical red doors that are to the left of the Mercy entrance. Awesome call, folks at Cannery/Mercy- that made it so much easier than having to go in and out and be checked for a hand stamp or pass every time you wanted to see what else was going on).

The crowd for the Lucero show was one of the bigger, more intense ones that I’ve seen as of late, and they were excited to see the band take the stage at 10:30. They opened with “Sounds of the City”, off of the new album, which was a perfect choice; the refrain “I’m falling in love to the sounds of the city” rang throughout and it was clear the boys were ready to put on an amazing show, that night being the first on the road date of the tour (obviously Memphis was the night before). The horn section was one of the most awesome parts of the set, making for more of a party mood than I would’ve thought beforehand. The set did seem to get a little long, an issue relate back to seeing bands play for 30-45 minutes all weekend, so it was a change, but they were on it. They knew the new songs well and the set wound up being a greatest hits-esque show, with most of the new album stirred in.

Some of the highlights of the set were finally getting to hear “I Can Get Us Out of Here Tonight” live, “Last Man Alive in the West”, which I had only ever heard solo on the “Revival Road” project with Chuck Ragan and Tim Barry, along with “Darken My Door”, arguably one of the best tracks from the new album. Singer Ben Nichols addressed the audience quite a few times, obviously excited about how they were singing along all night and showed a sense of being a genuinely good guy, which was cemented after I randomly ran into him a little while after they played.

Lucero definitely did not disappoint with their show and I highly suggest that you see them live if you have even an inkling of interest in the band and they come near you- I’m already wanting to see them play live again and thinking about possibly traveling to see another show on their tour.

Yeah, they’re that good.

NBN: Thursday Night Wrap Up

2009-10-13T23:18:00.002-05:00

It seemed like a normal night at Foobar on Thursday until you walked into the back room where the bands were playing.

I have to say that I am very glad the venue was added to Next Big’s line up last minute, seeing as I don’t think these bands would’ve gone over as well if they weren’t on the east side- they seem to be a little more accepting to the quirkier acts over there.

By the time we arrived, the first two bands, Goodbye Sons and James Wallace and the Naked Light, had already played and Happy Birthday Amy was finishing setting up.

Perhaps it was the crowd, or Raul Panther of Protomen on a few songs’ background vocals, Chris Click of Ascent of Everest on tuba or maybe the venue, but something in the air made this HBA set extra enjoyable. Also, after seeing the quite a few times the past 3 or 4 years, it was one of the best sets of theirs that I have seen.

Cheer Up Charlie Daniels was admittedly the reason I decided to take a chance on the one NBN night at Foobar (plus I happened to be staying with friends on that side of town). I’d only seen them play at the 1970’s themed 8 off 8th and randomly met the singer, Neil, a few nights before as he was flyering for the show; his personal appeal to me worked once I started seriously planning the night.

The band’s set was really good, tunes with a pop rock sound, a few other pinches of stuff thrown in, including stuff that you almost shouldn't like but kinda have to, pending on when you grew up (example: the Steely Dan cover). They put on quite a show, including a guitar getting busted during the set (I somehow missed this and figure I was next door or something…the remnants were on the floor near the end of the set). Simple costumes and fake facial hair were also in full effect, with the fake ‘staches available for the crowd if they so chose.

Cheer Up Charlie Daniels is quite a fun band to see live with some pretty good songs, so I’m really excited to hear their new release and also see how it sounds on record (yes, it’s coming out on vinyl- yum). Keep an eye out for an album review as soon as I can get my hands on the music.

Umbrella Tree played after CUCD, but I got a little distracted and the next thing I knew, their 40 minute set was over. I will say they are one of the most original acts in Nashville, though, and that says a lot.

By the end of the night one thing was clear to me- Foobar is a fun place to see a show and I hope there are more that are going on and people find out about- it could easily turn into the spot to be if the cards are played right.

NBN Wrap Up: Thursday-Saturday

2009-10-13T23:12:00.000-05:00

So as a newbie to the blogging world (in a serious manner, atleast), I didn't realize how much Next Big Nashville could take out of a person, and updating is kind of difficult when sleeping on couches instead of driving back to Murfreesboro and running around town.

Alas, I did get the chance to check out some awesome bands and meet some pretty rad people, so here's a run down of what went down in the next few posts at NBN '09...

Album Review: "1372 Overton Park" by Lucero

2009-10-09T09:15:00.001-05:00

Somehow it snuck up on me: Lucero released another album.

“1372 Overton Park” was released this week and it is good.

The album isn’t as dark as the last record, 2006’s “Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers” but still definitely has that Lucero sound. Ben Nichols’ gravely voice that can be picked out in any situation sounds a little more produced this time around, at moments, but the familiarity is sill there. The production is done by Ted Hutt, who also produced Chuck Ragan and the same sound is audible, so if you dig "Feast or Famine", the same feel is on the album.

Lyrically, most of the songs are about a lost love, along with some story songs, such as the opener, “Smoke” and, as the title suggests a story to go along with it, “The Devil and Maggie Chascarillo”. The latter even has a Hold Steady feel with the story about what can only be described as a crazy night.

“Darken My Door” is one of the heartbreaking tracks near the end of the album that particularly stands out, reliving how “there’s no finer mess to be found”. The relationship issues carry their way through the rest of the album on songs “Can’t Feel A Thing” and “Half Way Wrong”, which lets it be known “Too many nights of fighting/it ain’t worth it anymore/Too many nights of chasing you around downtown/ Too many night of me not even being around”.

The quick, fast review I have on this record: There's lots of horns on the record. The record does what, I feel, is crucial to having a productive music career: steps are taken to do something new with the music still sounding like the same band. Good call, guys.
--------
If you want to check out the new Lucero tunes live, tonite (Friday) at Next Big Nashville they're playing at Cannery Ballroom. It's $15 in advance or at the door or free with any wristbands/NBN passes. Hope to see you there!

NBN: Wednesday Review/Thursday Preview

2009-10-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

Wednesday Review
Night one was a slower start to get acclimated to what is NBN, which was totally cool with me. No show hopping was done by this party, seeing as the End was a good place to be.

After getting stuck on I24, with traffic down to one lane, I arrived to catch pretty much all of Caitlin Rose's set and I have to say she owned that crowd. Post Cailtin, a lot of the night was spent talking to people (meaning Alberta Cross' set was heard from outside. Not a bad feel to it, though), until Phosphorescent came on.

They had the hype, they lived up to it; this band is one to see. They had somewhat of an ethereal sound to their longer songs, but they still rocked with them. My favorite moment (before cutting out early and being told later I missed the Willie Nelson covers) was on a particular song that was probably 7 or so minutes long, played out really soft, then went into loud noise and controlled chaos. Love it. This band is the next big thing, I can tell.

Thursday Night Preview

Tonite looks like the Elliston is going to be my area again. Exit In has a sweet show lined up including headliner David Vandervlede, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Shoot the Mountian and the Dexateens which is catching my eye, plus the chance to run across the street at any sign of boredom to the End to check out folks like El Cantador and Futurebirds.

On the east side, Foobar has one nite of music going on with the likes of Cheer Up Charlie Daniels, Happy Birthday Amy and Umbrella Tree. It is on the other side of the world, in relation to the rest of the fest, but I could very easily be swayed to take a trek over and check out these more up and coming bands.

The afterparty tonite is a Mashville party (hip hop/etc.) that sounds like a pretty fun time, but if I were you, I'd save up the afterpartyign til tomorrow when Electric Western (the creators and weekly hosts of the Keep on Moving dance party at the 5 Spot- I'll surely ramble about that some more at another point).

Regardless, be safe, have fun, keep an eye out for the scavenger hunt and let me know if anything's really awesome that I have missed.

NBN Scavenger Hunt

2009-10-07T12:02:00.000-05:00

    So it's that time of year again- ahhh yes, the age old questions to ponder: Will the shuttle show up already? Do I really want to leave my spot up front to go pee? Is it really possible to make it from Exit-In to Mercy Lounge in the 10 minutes inbetween these two bands?

This is my third NBN, second that I can legally get into all of the venues and first with a VIP pass, also my first hitching a ride between venues with the shuttles the fest has for folks who have wristbands, so it's much more intense this year. Due to this mobility and possible not trekking all the way back to Murfreesboro every night, I've decided to embark on a game for the duration of the festival: a scavenger hunt. I'll be taking photos of what I see, when possible, and will be sure to report on said findings when no photo is available.

   Also, it is important to note that this game is presented in honor of the folks over at Nashvillest, an awesome local blog, and their "CMApocalypse Bingo" that's been two years running now. Thanks for the inspiration, ladies.

   Now- onto the list...feel free to play along and let me know if you witness something that I might happen to miss....

1)Sparkly leggings, worn as pants (not worn by a member of a band)

2) College kids killing a party's free buffet and booze, due to the cheap student discount on VIP passes

3) Anyone, anywhere dressed in a bear, gumby or other random furry suit

4) Someone in a dark venue, trying to read an NBN guide, by cellphone

5) Overhearing someone asking a shuttledriver if it goes to the 5 Spot (it doesn't)

6) Someone with a notepad, feverishly scribbling notes, who doesn't have a southern accent

7) Hey Penny in costume before playing their set (See their Vimeo page for instructions on how to participate in their show Saturday night)

8) Mas Tacos truck somewhere not on the east side (crossing my fingers for this one)

9) Spotting 4 or more Nashville Cream writeres at a non-Nashville Scene party together

10) 10+ people smoking outside of Exit In, at one time

11) Someone just wasted, sprawled out in the middle of foot traffic in a venue or outside

12) Seeing someone you don't know but wind up recognizing by the end of 3 of the 4 nights

(More to come after I get a chance to get out and see what all's going on...I'm sure there's plenty of stories to tell.)

My Next Big Nashville Picks : Wednesday

2009-10-07T00:49:00.002-05:00

Caitlin Rose

The opening day of Next Big Nashville is upon us and all I know is it's about to get crazy.

The main action, I'm thinking for the night, is the Phosphorescent, Alberta Cross & Caitlin Rose show. It's going down at the End at 8 (check the NBN schedule to plan your weekend and see specific set times). It's $10 at the door if you don't have a wristband for the festival already and I suggest if this is the case that you a) go ahead and buy a wristband or atleast b) get there early because- come on, you know how small the End is (tiny) and it's a big deal show.

If you haven't heard much about Phosphorescent, he's a solo artist who tours with a full band (from what I've been gathering) and recorded an album of Willie Nelson covers that I can't seem to quit hearing good things about.

Pair that with Caitlin Rose and her old school country approach to songs, that have a good heaping of pop influence (in a good way, nonetheless). Let's put it this way: if you live in the Nashville area and haven't heard of this girl, check out her tunes and check out a live show. She's a talented one.

So, I hope to see you out at the End or that you atleast make it out to some of the other awesome events going on at NBN, including the Ten Out Of Tenn show which should also warrant a good time with so many talented folks getting involved. Take Wednesday to ease into the madness that is NBN, get warmed up and get really ready to go on Thursday, with the panels, tons of shows and extra awesomeness that is NBN.

Stay tuned for the Thursday edition of my suggestions and be safe out there, folks.

Free Shows are the Best

2009-10-04T11:36:00.006-05:00

Want to see an interesting cross section of people in Nashville? Free shows going on around town are the way to go to check out what's going on and who all is into it. Here's a rundown of some of the events that have been going on lately and also what's coming up in the (very) near future. :

Live on the Green Series

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings (photo by Lance Conzett)

Last week I got the chance to finally catch a Live on the Green show that featured the always fun and on it Dynamites featuring Charles Walker and the amazing fireball that is Sharon Jones, with the Dap Kings (who worked on Amy Winehouse's record and are buds with producer extraordinaire Mark Ronson).
The series takes place in front of city hall in downtown Nashville and has a green slant (hence the name) and booths, plus free bike parking and environmental tips that abound from the speakers (suggesting show goers carpool, etc.). The sets start early, with the headliner going on around 9, stage changes are prompt and it is one of the coolest things I've seen in Nashville, ever.
This Thursday (10/8), Courtney Jaye, Ricky Young and Citizen Cope are set to play the last event of the series. All I know is Lighting 100 and all the other sponsors are pretty awesome for getting this going and I can't wait to see who they get lined up for next year's series- I don't know if they can outdance Sharon Jones, but it's going to be fun seeing if they do.

2) Grimey's Rocktober Outdoor Concert Bash and Sale

Grimey's can never do wrong, in my eyes. This weekend proved the same, once again. Even though this fall's outdoor show and sale seemed to yield fewer people than Record Store day did in the spring, there was still a good crowd on hand when I arrived a little before 3 pm. I had missed the chance to see Brooke Waggoner and Oblio play earlier in the afternoon, but arrived in time to hear some metal tunes and Heavy Cream bust out a short set of their Infinity Cat garage jams about lava lamps (these ladies and gent play all over town and I suggest you see them atleast once).
Of course the vinyl and cds were flowing outside for $1 each and sales were upstairs too, so people walked away happy and with their musical thirsts quenched. As with most free shows, there was the interesting cross section of people represented, my favorite being the little boy wailing on a water bottle like a guitar.
At the close of the tunes, a mention was made of the next outdoor show on record store day in April, and that, dear friends, is when the muscles are really flexed. Regardless, the Grimey's folks know how to throw a party and how to get everybody there. And for that I love them.

3) Next Big Nashville FREE Shows

Yes, you read right- FREE shows at NBN this week! On Friday night, the festival is taking over some of the honky tonks downtown. There's no need for a wristband to get into these shows and they could very easily be some of the best entertainment of the whole festival. The line up for Tootsies alone is one you might want to show up early for: We Were The States, Black Diamond Heavies AND the Clutters. Follow that up with what I've heard is a great country artist, Willie Heath Neal and that's a good night with just those four bands. More info on Next Big Nashville can be found at their website and keep an eye out for a big post highlighting what I'm deeming the can't miss list in the next day or so. Starting resting up for it, though- Wednesday night the shows start!

Fall Music Update

2009-09-23T15:33:00.003-05:00

As far as sporadic bloggers, I'm back for a little bit & getting my head wrapped around all the amazing live music coming up in the next few weeks in the Nashville area... forget school, it's awesome concert season.

Looking for some suggestions, eh? You know I've got them....

1) This Sunday (27th), The Decemberists visit the Ryman with the last leg of their "Hazards of Love" tour, in which they play their latest release in full. The show isn't sold out and decent tickets are still available, plus you could possibly find your way into a ticket from the Nashville Cream caption contest. Check out the Ryman's twitter for up to date info.

I lucked out and found a friend who has an extra ticket, making for my second trip to the Ryman, second time seeing the Decemberists, also. If it's anything like the first time, with the epic "Mariner's Revenge Song" encore that lasts for 15 minutes, it'll be an amazing nite.

2) Dent May & His Magnificent Ukelele are coming back to Nashville October 26th at the End. I'm hopeful he and his crew will actually be headlining this time, as opposed to when they played at Mercy and went on second. According to the End's myspace, the show's with Bows and Arrows and is only $6. That, friends, is something worth seeing- trust me.

3) Grimey's Big Outdoor Sale & Party (or whatever they're calling it this time around) is coming up next weekend, October 3. Most of the info hasn't been released yet, but keep your eyes peeled to their website for what has traditionally been my favorite events to go on in Music City

4) The end all be all of Nashville's music scene- Next Big Nashville- it's coming soon! If you haven't experienced this juggernaut of a festival for local and regional acts (including out of town folks such as Lucero & Phospherescent), try your darndest to make it out. The price of a wristband may sound a little steep ($40 plus fees, which only came out to $45 & some change), but consider how many acts you can see, how many of your friends you can hang out with at numerous shows a nite, and yeah... if you're reading this, chances are you've already checked it out.

There's a lot of other rad shows going on, but this is the quick, "I haven't blogged in ages" version. More album reviews and thoughts and comments on local and national music will be posted at points in time when I find I'm more excited and not run down with school work (graduation in 3 months...eep!).

Hope to see you out at some shows, Nashville.

Trying my hand at writing artist bios

2009-06-15T12:52:00.002-05:00

I spent a little bit of the weekend writing a bio for my new friend Erik, who records under Ewok/Ten High (well, will be in the near future). I'd never really heard his stuff but really dug it and thought I'd pass it along, as well as the little bio and let you guys judge for yourself.

"Stop living your life for someone else" is the rally cry of Ten High's anthematic "We're All Alone Now" and you can tell that it is a sentiment truly meant.

The current incarnation of Ten High is Erik Hendrickson, Nashville transplant from the suburbs of Minneapolis. He grew up with artists that never get old- The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Springsteen; all that listening meshed with the likes of Paul Westerberg and the Replacements and Ryan Adams and his work with Whiskeytown form the current sound. Listening to Ten High's songs, it's clear that the genre in question is alt country, a version of the genre with a definite rock sound and a touch of twang present. Bands such as Lucero and a less steel guitar laced "AM" era Wilco come to mind.

Even with all these comparisons and influences, Ten High's reasoning for making the music is a simple one, according to Erik,"everything's been done and trying to be original is a waste of time, but the music can still be fun and high energy and important to people, so that makes it worth playing".

You can check out the tunes at Erik's myspace and if you have any thoughts/questions/want to give me some practice writing, shoot me an email (jannephotography[at]gmail[dot]com).

The Delicious Show/EP Review

2009-06-10T00:24:00.007-05:00

The Delicious

Show Thoughts/"Postcard to my Sewing Circle" EP Review

Touring bands can be hit or miss sometimes- and let's face it, sometimes at a house show you just want to talk to your friends instead of giving a new band a chance (don't lie to yourself, we all have those nites).

Last weekend was thankfully not one of those weekends for me. Before too many people showed up at House Pride, here in Murfreesboro, one of the guys from the Delicious introduced himself and I went on to meet all of the other guys in the band. When I asked them if I could dance to their tunes, one of them told me I would indeed dance, then they would change the beat up on me.

Well, it's been proven before, if I can dance to it, I'm in.

I was glad to be in, too. The boys from Bloomington put on a fun set, giving what htey had promised- danceable with some change ups in the songs (that totally worked).

Listening to the band's 2008 EP, "Postcards to my Sewing Circle", I'm once again glad to have taken notice to the tunes. The EP opens with "Hokusai" and Dave Woodruff's vocals that bring to mind a certain "emo glasses" wearing and "El Scorcho" singing dude (yes, Rivers Cuomo).

The other 4 tracks on the EP carry out the smart pop rock feel, bringing to mind the previously noted Rivers/Weezer comparison, plus a very visible link to bands like the Format; they always seem to get their songs stuck in your head. The lyrics also bring to mind Athens, GA band Russian Spy Camera, using a more obscure style of language, but nothing intimidating (Example from track 3, "Cryptozoological Allstars": "They're clawing their John Hancocks into grainy half toned photo transfers taken from blurry super eight film stills/ No, don't put it past them"). That being said, the lyrics compliment the music in the best way possible.

Seeing as this is just an EP and I haven't heard the band's full length, the one beef I have with the EP's lack of full out instrumentation. After seeing them live, the boys made it very clear that they know their instruments well and it's not put in the forefront as much on the 5 songs. This is especially noticed in the fact that keyboardist Matt Romy isn't heard from as much and his playing was one of the things that I really dug, seeing them as somewhat of a curveball from a typical pop-rock sound.

Alas, seeing as this is my only complaint about the work, I have to say that's not too shabby. These guys know how to put on a fun show that's comfortable enough to things you already know but with a twist- give them a listen at their myspace and find out even more about the band (including how to buy their records) at the Joyful Noise recordings site.

Bonnaroo Preview

2009-05-25T13:08:00.002-05:00

2009 Bonnaroo Preview
[Image from setlist.com]

Want to know who's playing where at Bonnaroo when? Check out Janet's newest blog project, Out The Other previewing every, yes EVERY artist that is playing this year.

Janet's rallied the troops and gotten some guest writers (including my flattered self) to give the artists a spin and tell the world what they're about before they hit the festival gates. Other awesome folks throughout Nashville are contributing to the list, such as Seth Graves from Nashville Cream & Lance Conzett, Belmont newspaper aficionado and photographer extraordinaire. You can check out the full run down here, including mp3s from the artists.

And I have to throw in a little plug for the article on Those Darlins, seeing as I would have never thought I'd see my writing on a blog that was represented on the SXSW panel this year (and we all know that's some fancy stuff).

Show Review: The Tits CD Release Show

2009-05-08T12:36:00.004-05:00

The Basement wasn't quite as full as I had expected for a Thursday nite CD release party, but the folks that were there came for the right reason: to see a rock show.

The nite started out with the Clutters, who busted out quite a few new songs. I only caught three songs, thanks to my inability to maneuver Nashville interstates, but the last three were new tracks that still had that Clutters sound. The first one that I walked in to hear was more straightforward rock and I feared that synth sound they embrace had been kicked to the curb. My fears were proven wrong by the next song being keyboard heavy. From the sounds of it, when these folks drop a new record, it's going to be another great one.

Howlies were next up, my immediate attention drawn to drummer/vocalist Aaron and the sling on his arm. He quickly tore off the sling and a few songs into the set it was revealed that he had a broken collarbone, as he praised the name of strong painkillers. Of course you couldn't even tell there was anything wrong with him and the show was just as strong as ever. Those boys always bring it and the most I can say is that I highly suggest everyone see them play live or atleast pick up their record.

The headliners, the Tits, finally hit the stage and it was obvious much of the crowd had been waiting for them to go on. Folks that I'd never had expected to see at a punk show were singing along to every word as the band played straight through their record; at one point, the band had someone from the audience grab one of the cds they were still giving away for free so they would know what song to play next. After playing through the record the band busted out a few covers (MC5, Stooges, etc.), played a new song and had half the crowd come on stage with them for the last two songs.

Overall, I was quite impressed with the band and the show that they put on. I'm even two listens in to their album, "Jesus Says Relax" and I'm going to need a few more listens before I am ready to move onto something else besides this 20 minutes of music. I might get some people hating on me for saying this, but this band will be some of the biggest competition for Infinity Cat bands likes Meemaw or JEFF the Brotherhood.

Watch out Nashville, you have been warned.

Thursday Nite Preview: The Tits/ The Features/JEFF the Brotherhood

2009-05-07T14:54:00.005-05:00

After filling your belly with some ice cream with the Protomen tonite, there's a few mighty good show options in Nashville and (first time in a while) Murfreesboro. Check out the options...

1) If you're sticking around the 'Boro tonite, head up to 527 and check out the sweet bill of The Features & How I Became the Bomb (& Dexateens more than likely, the opening act has been posted differently different places-you know how that goes). The cover is a little steep at $10 but you can feel good about dropping that much cash to do some dancing to some of Murfreesboro's finest since it's a benefit for Chuck & James who were involved in that car jacking a few weeks back. An extra bonus for this show? It's 18 and up and those are rare in this town.

2) JEFF the Brotherhood and the Screaming Females at the End. I'm not too up to date on this show, but I'm sure if you dig JEFF you were already planning on being there.

3) The Tits CD Release show is at the Basement tonite with a $5 cover for some of the best rock and roll that can be found in the southeast. Howlies and Clutters open the show and if that's enough to get this girl out of Murfreesboro and skipping 2 of her favorite bands to see, it's a pretty sweet line up. According to the Clutters twitter, they play first tonite and are going to play new songs for half of their set. As for The Tits, I have yet to actually hear their stuff, which you can get for free at Grimeys or even on their website, plus anyone who shows up tonite gets a free copy of their new record. They're getting their name out there in a strong way, so they have to be pretty good, one would think (and hope).

I won't lie though, the reason I'm heading up I-24 is for Howlies. I've caught them 3-4 times now, all starting at Grimeys and the first outdoor sale I attended in Fall 2007. If you dig surfy/garage rock with some awesome harmonies going throughout, check it out. Their full length has been out a few months on vinyl and cd, plus the 7" for "Sea Level" is a great one. All my gushing aside, come to the show and see them for yourself.

Thursday Nite Preview: Protomen Icecream Social

2009-05-06T19:06:00.005-05:00

This Thursday is quite a day around my parts, seeing as MTSU's finals are done today, plus it's a Thursday and that's almost the weekend. And to start the summer/weekend off right, there's a few things going on in the Boro and Nashville that I'll get behind (and have had a hard time choosing between attending).

First off, the Protomen Ice Cream Social is at the Hillwood Strike & Spare up in Nashville. The party is being thrown thanks to their win a few weeks back at the 8 off 8th Road to Bonnaroo and here's the info via the group's myspace:

As promised, if we were given the opportunity to perform at Bonnaroo thanks to you, we are having an ice cream party. This might as well serve as our birthday party also due to the fact that the first battle was 5 years ago on April 22. Details:

Thursday May 7th, 2009

Hillwood Strike & Spare

3710 Annex Ave Nashville, TN

If you use a GPS device, it will NOT take you there. Google Maps works.

FREE ICE CREAM 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. $1 per game bowling 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Roller skating, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars, Games, food and beverage for little kids and big kids AND THE ROCK-AFIRE EXPLOSION!!!!! (showbiz pizza animatronics). A moment in history shall be made.

-P-

Moustache May

2009-05-05T19:24:00.005-05:00

Photo Credit: artvandelay

Before hitting the Shakespeare paper and studying, wanted to make sure everyone knows about the Moustache May website. Mr. Michael Eades who runs yewknee & also is part of we own this town has the site up and running for gents {and ladies if they so wished and harnessed the power to grow said moustache} to boast about what's above their lip through out the month. The site has theme days in which the guys can participate in, such as show us your work [place, that is], formal friday and more. As to not condone cheating, registration was cut off slightly before May 2nd hit and the boys are going strong thus far.

Alas, seeing as today is Cinco de Mayo, some of the guys went all out on the theme and deserve being seen somewhere besides the main website...

Photo Credit: chadmcclarnon

Photo Credit: Burney

There's plenty more of where these came from, so check out the website and get to know the moustaches near and far.

[And I vote the artvandelay for moustache mayor tomorrow, Mr. Eades]

Getting by with a little help from your friends...

2009-05-01T23:31:00.003-05:00

Last week there were a few carjackings in Nashville & turns out that two of the guys who are crucial to Grand Palace screenprinting/records/etc. & the overall music scene in Murfreesboro were caught up in this spree. They both wound up with injuries, alas the medical bills are now ensuing and GP guy Andrew Jacks has sent around the following memo if you want to help out these awesome guys:

Chuck and James, my friends who were shot in the attempted carjacking last week, are in need of financial help to cover their medical bills. You can help. Go to www.paypal.com, click on send money and enter the email address helpchuckandjames@grandpalace.us

They are both severely hampered in their ability to work at this time. Forward this to friends and give whatever you can afford. Every little bit helps. There will also be a benefit show soon, keep an eye out for that.

http://www.wsmv.com/video/19275488/
Channel 4 Nashville story about the carjacking

An abbreviated concert calendar

2009-05-01T22:55:00.006-05:00

Here's what's coming up- if you know of anything else crucial that needs to be posted, leave a comment or shoot me an email [jannephotography(at)gmail.com].

May 2: -The Lake, We Were the States - The Boro- $5

-Ghostfinger, The Bohannons- House Pride-Free but donations being taken (located on Memorial Blvd. in Murfreesboro)

-Jazzfest on the square in the Boro- noon-? - FREE!

-Free Comic Book Day at Great Escape

May 5: Cinco De Mayo party- Lez Zeppelin, hosted by Music City Burlesque & more- Mercy Lounge- $12

May 7: The Tits cd release show with The Clutters & Howlies- The Basement- $5

-The Features, How I Became the Bomb, Dexateens- 527 Main Street ('Boro)

-Protomen ice cream party -Bowling alley on Charlotte Ave. (to celebrate The Road to 'Roo 8 off 8th win- more info soon)

May 9: Parachute Musical, Madi Diaz, Tyler James- Mercy Lounge- $5 [Wear the green, red, yellow or blue and get some free swag off of PM or something like that..]

-Kent Goolsby (The Only Sons), Jason Yeary (Hammertorch)- Acoustic show- The Pigeon Hole [727 E. Burton St. 'Boro]

May 11: Steve Cross' 8 off 8th- Line-up Here- Mercy Lounge - FREE!

May 15: The Winter Sounds, Kindercastle, Dent May- Mercy Lounge- $7

May 20: Road to Bonnaroo 8 off 8th - Mercy Lounge- FREE!

-The Middlemen- Temptation Club- $5

May 27: Camera Obscura- Mercy- $14

May 30: Ghostfinger, And the Relatives, Uncle Skeleton- Moustache May party- Mercy Lounge- $5

And a little farther off....

June 11-14: Bonnaroo- Manchester, TN

July 12: Deertick, Dawes- The Basement

July 28: M. Ward- Cannery- $18

8 off 8th: the Best part of Monday nites

2009-04-27T22:09:00.004-05:00

It's Monday nite, you dig the local scene in Nashville & you're looking for something to do, you can go one of three ways:

1) New Kids on the Block Karaoke at Foobar
or
2) Dance party at the 5 Spot
or
2) 8 off 8th at Mercy Lounge

8 off 8th shows have been going on for as long as I can remember hearing about shows in Nashville that I was too young to go to (about 2 years or so) and are, as far as I'm concerned, one of the greatest things Music City has to offer.

The concept is simple: 1 nite, different hosts each week, 8 bands, 3-4 songs each, no cover charge

Pretty brilliant. Seeing as the event is 21 and up, it has finally become my time to hit the weekly musical smorgasbord. Thus far, a few trips to Nashville have warranted me the chance to see bands that I probably wouldn't have seen live yet, a few of my favorites and also introduced me to quite a few people who I might not have been able to meet at the various rock shows around town.

The event has showcased so many different bands, sometimes established, sometimes up and comers to the point of catching the attention of the Bonnaroo folks. Two Monday nites have now sent middle TN bands to play Bonnaroo, based on audience voting; the first nite the Features took top honors with one vote being the deciding factor, the Protomen taking the second nite and there's still one more nite of bands battling it out for the 'Roo stage. It's just like Drew, manager of Mery Lounge, said while mc-ing at last week's showcase, you're in a 500 person club choosing acts to play at the biggest music festival in the world. Think about that one a minute...(I'm not sure if it's really the biggest in the world, but it is up there..).

There's one more Road to Bonnaroo 8 off 8th on May 20th, including folks such as Glossary, Shoot the Mountain, Kindergarten Circus, Heypenny and 4 other bands. Simply show up at 9 pm (you know you want to see them all play, right? They changed the rules so you don't have to stay the whole time, but why waste time elsewhere when there's free entertainment going on?), get a ballot when you enter (it looks quite similar to the picture above) and have a great time. Circle who you want on the ballot & your email address, leave it with the folks at the door & wait impatiently until noon the next day to see who took the top honors.

Besides the last of the Road to 'Roos coming up, Steve Cross (of Steve Cross Photography) has pulled a pretty sweet line up for the May 11th with the likes of the bands that follow: The Nobility (who haven't played in quite a while), Mean Tambourines, Carter Administration, Codaphonic, Cuttlefish, The Only Sons, Paper Navy & Kelly Kerr & the Distractions.

Maybe Steve will even take your photo if you luck out...

Renaming Ribbonpigeon & Cuttlefish shows

2009-04-03T19:00:00.004-05:00

(way old photo nabbed from myspace)

Heads up: the band formerly known as Ribbonpigeon has a new name: The Only Sons. According to the myspace blog about it, Kent has this to say:

"So we adopted the name THE ONLY SONS. Makes more sense to me, seein' as we are all only sons. I've got a half-brother back in Putnam County but he won't mind. I asked him. Sophomore Lounge Records is putting out STEEL HEARTS in June with the new name attached to it. I believe there's a good chance Young Lungs will be pressed around that same time our new name. Doesn't get any easier than that. Besides that uh, new merch, new website (theonlysons.net) and bunch of other stuff coming down the rails, along with more tour dates in May and beyond. It's looking good."

They've got a show at the Boro with the Bohannons this Saturday and an all ages YEAH show at the Vine on Friday of next week, April 10th [more info about YEAH can be found at their website. Check out what they do. It's one of the groups I fully support and volunteer my time to]. As always, if you haven't downloaded the Only Sons (going to have to get used to that one..) record for free from their website, do it before it gets taken down and you have to pay to give it a listen...(you can find my review of the record here).

Also, as a last minute plug, Cuttlefish, The Avery Set & Heartbeater are playing at the Boro this evening (Friday). It's a free show, so check out what they've got to offer.

One of the other Cuttlefish shows coming up is at Springwater in Nashville, with Slithering Beast & Hammertorch next weekend (April 11th), so you have no excuse to miss all of these guys play when it's all said and done.

The Only Sons "Steel Hearts" Review

2009-03-16T02:49:00.015-05:00

**EDIT: The band has changed their name to The Only Sons (from Ribbonpigeon), in concurrence with a physical release of this record. Hopefully that clears up any possible confusion.**

It's the way bands should always make albums: record one sounds similar to record two, yet record two isn't quite the same as the first, growth is visible but the band still sounds the same. "Steel Hearts" achieves this with ease.

Genre-wise, it's still safe to call the band an Alt-country act but there's more obvious rock influences, from the guitar on some of the songs and a Springsteen-esqe quality more recognizable in singer Kent Goolsby's vocals. The 12 tracks flow well through the entire record, with even catchier lyrics this time around and an overall more upbeat tone. Don't get me wrong, Mr. Goolsby still gets his harmonica and slower song in on the record, songs like "Stranger Here Myself" & "Taking Your Time with My Love", but overall the release is one for rocking out by yourself or friends...it could very easily be my personal "hanging out on porches" soundtrack for the upcoming spring and summer nites here in Murfreesboro.

The band's touring all over [including a ton of shows locally], with a lot more road to be covered this summer, I'm sure. You can check out their myspace or go straight to the source to get download your copy and then pass it around to your friends. Try listening to the closing track, "We Will Get By", and not have to take another listen...

The Middlemen- Post Script

2009-03-05T18:15:00.002-06:00

The Middlemen- Post Script

I think this blog is getting a case of the alt countries- case in point (again): The Middlemen's debut record "Post Script". But don't take that as a complaint, these guys are another example of awesome talent to come out of the southeast, combining a rootsy twinge into straight on rock and roll. Add to that some of the best songwriting I've heard in a while and you've got the Middlemen.

The record seems to have more tracks than most of the local groups in the Nashville/Murfreesboro area, but by no means does it mean that the record plays long. The 13 songs move along at a quick pace, starting out with a kick in the track "Afraid", dipping the tempo down a few songs later, but never slowing it completely. By the time the somewhat epic-final track "The Other Way" is reached, there's a good chance that you'll want to hear the record again. A few f these tracks that stand out and bear extra listens are "Most Beautiful Thing" (if you're a girl and like sweet songs, this one is a particularly sweet one), "Silver Screens" for a good rock out and "Stars" for a three minutes of singing along.

Having seen the guys play live a few times lately, it goes without saying that one needs to see them live if at all possible and you can appreciate the record even more. Singer Bobby Gray goes for it in live performances and you can't help but be pulled in (trust me, I was almost impaled with the neck of his guitar a few weeks ago at a house show). The band's on tour on a bit, so check out their myspace for dates, songs and live videos.

Daily, eh?

2009-03-03T22:33:00.003-06:00

I know, it's a joke to say this could go daily, as of current things [namely midterms].

Next week is spring break and I've got a list of stuff to get up here so keep an eye out. It's gonna be a good spring, folks...you just wait..

Until then, come out Friday to Wallstreet here in Murfreesboro for an awesome nite of music from the Bohannons, the Middlemen, We Were the States & new local Boro faves, Norene....

House Pride, Murfreesboro

2009-02-11T22:21:00.002-06:00

House shows come and go on my radar all the time, many factors playing a role in actually attending them (and by that I mean I make it out a lot fewer than I would like)- yet after the other nite, I've found a spot I will be making it to plenty more times.

The guys in Zombie Bazooka Patrol just moved into a new house in the Boro (previously the Go Show's house), the new House Pride. It comes complete with a stage, killer tree house, huge yard and a location with less likely hood cops will break up shows.

Monday nite the house was christened with a smaller acoustic night, Cody Blaine and Kent Goolsby (of Ribbonpigeon) along with two other traveling acts playing short sets. After the sets were over, most of the people who were in attendance for the show skirted outside to the unseasonably warm February nite around a bonfire. If all shows ended with a bonfire, just talking to all kinds of people you know & don't know til you start chatting, the world would be one amazing place (until then it's pretty nice, though).

This Friday there's another show over there, featuring the Zombie boys, The Middlemen & Today the Sun, Tomorrow the Moon [Atl, I do believe]. Alas, check out the flyer, come out to House Pride, have a good time & help the local scene continue growing.

More Dance Parties!

2009-02-09T16:50:00.006-06:00

1) Left Can Dance :Just dug up on the internet: Left Can Dance is djing at Aerial on Feb. 27th at a Happy Valley party... that's all it says, but you can see it for yourself at the LCD myspace

Also found a video of the Robot Rock II Left Can Dance party at the End a few weeks back..it's mainly an interview with the folks that run it and doesn't feature me dancing stupidly (thankfully).

Check it out at NashvilleCream.

2) Jensen Sportag, Fly Golden Eagle, Make-up and Vanity Set & Fan Fiction: Performing at Mercy Lounge Wed. Feb. 18th. It is hump day, but that doesn't mean you have to take a break from dancing...given the line up it will definitely be worth the trip up to Nashville- plus it's cheap! Only $2 for 21+. More info on the facebook event.

3) The 5 Spot Monday Nite Parties: If anyone knows me at all, they will know how much I LOVE the 5 Spot- it has inspired me to move to East Nashville at some point [next summer if my life went ideally]. It's just a nice, cozy venue with awesome people who don't ever seem to look down on people, moreso just smile at them invitingly (seriously, one nite this guy just smiled at me and didn't give me the "what are you doing here?" look). Every Monday nite they have dance parties & I hear they're getting pretty big these days...I've yet to get up there for one, but any place I can run into some friends who moved out of the Boro & where they play songs I actually own inbetween bands (not crap, that is), plus see awesome bands and shake my booty, that's my place.

Songs of Spring

2009-02-09T10:06:00.005-06:00

Thanks to global warming & some not so usual weather effects, middle TN is experiencing a gorgeous stint of weather (case in point: today's high is 70!). I hear it's supposed to rain some tomorrow, but after riding around, windows down, tunes turned up yesterday, I got to thinking of spring/summer songs.

We only rode out to the Cracker Barrel across town, but the trip rocking out to the Protomen and all their epicness made me want to really hit the road and enjoy all that nature & the pavement have to offer together. Alas, here's some of the folks I have a feeling will be dominating the stereo & ipod during the warmer months:

1) Vampire Weekend: They just make me think of beach, happiness, sun and fun.

2) Matt & Kim: They exude happiness, sunshine & make me dance. I mean, the single off the latest record is called "Daylight" and opens with the words:

"We cut the legs off of our pants

Threw our shoes into the ocean

Sit back and wave through the daylight"

3) Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele: Light, airy, springy & includes a song titled"Meet me in the Garden". Plus he's just adorable and the album art whips me into a vintage spring afternoon mood...

4)MGMT- I might be late to jumping on this train, but I'm alright with that. Mainly the possibility of seeing them at Bonnaroo & the fact I came into the song "Kids" after the rest of the world played it out, I like what they're going for (minus the totally shtick of the tribal paint deal).

5)Ribbonpigeon- The boys have a new record coming out via the interwebs, for free, fairly soon. They recorded it up at Grand Palace here in Murfreesboro & I have a feeling it's going to be another really good release for windows down, driving around. More info when it is posted...

What are your summer artists/songs? Hope the sun comes out & warms you wherever you are!

How I Became the Bomb [comings/goings/videos/records]

2009-02-07T09:51:00.002-06:00

After seeing some videos on youtube, the guys in How I Became the Bomb have been on my mind again. Forget the fact that they've released 2 eps in the last 6 months to the internet for free [the newest installment hitting the pages of the interwebs at the Ides of March], I was thoroughly entertained by a video of them at a festival in Madrid from 2007. That's not really the news that matters though, so just check it out here.

(photo yanked from the band's site)

More recently, it came to light that everyone's favorite curly coiffed guitarist is leaving the band, a replacement on their way asap but I have a completely different concern: that photo right behind Denis.

Yes, you might have to look closely, but it's there. Everytime I've seen the band around Murfreesboro/Nashville it has been there and I am concerned that I may never get to see it again.

However trivial that is, I know I am not the only one with this thought, so here's to hoping if the photo does indeed go something else comes to take its place with the new guitarist.

And for making it through what might be deemed an unnecessary post [which I find to be totally necessary], check out their newest video for "Mothership" HERE (sorry my linking/html/blogspot skills are lacking...I'm working on this).

Kid Chicago [Nashville Dance]

2009-02-06T20:53:00.003-06:00

Kid Chicago is a dj duo from Nashville & they know what's up. Granted, I am a little biased in knowing one half of the venture, but the mixes they post to their blog make it impossible to stand still and that is the calling card of a good dj [I highly suggest going back to January's mix. It's great for an hour long car ride]. They were part of a dance party that went down a week or so ago and I hear it was a sweet time [it's awesome being sick when good things are going down] and there's another shindig happening on Valentine's day. Personally, I think that it sounds like a good anti-vday party just for the fact of a kissing booth & free break ups. Good times.

So if you like to dance, make sure to come out for that one at Little Hamilton in Nashville...you can get a little more of a feel for these folks via their myspace.

Few quick notes...

2009-02-04T11:24:00.009-06:00

Three quick things:

1) 4th Anniversary party @ The Basement- FREE, 8 PM

The line up has changed some and here's what's going on, according to Nashville Cream:

Howlies
Madi Diaz
Miles Nielsen
Ricky Young
Those Darlins
Jason Jones and the Shelby Street Revival
The Ettes

The Ettes are heading overseas to tour with Kings of Leon, so come out to the show and see them for free instead of having to shell out $20 or something pricey to see them live when they get back to the states...

And in regards to the show being free: if you went to any of the shows the week that Mercy Lounge celebrated 6 years old a few weeks back, you'll know to come early and stay late (Mercy had to stop letting folks in around 11 on that Friday nite & it's a bit bigger than the Basement, if that gives you any idea...)

2) Howlies instore at Grimeys- 6 pm, Free (of course)

I know, I can't shut up about how awesome these guys are, but they're one of my favorite live bands in the entire southeast. Their surf-punk sound is catchy to the max and easily provokes thoughts of the 50's rock...don't listen to me though- the band has been the Band of the Day on spin.com & also band of the week on Paste magazine's site, so just check out what they have to say about the boys from Atlanta.

Their record dropped on Tuesday (with vinyl coming in March- def. worth the wait after hearing their "Sea Level" 7" ) and a brand new video for the track, "Angeline" is up on their youtube page, along with a few other gems worth checking out.

More info/shows on the band's myspace.

3) Bonnaroo 2009

The line up is here- I know you've probably seen it already, but just incase check it out...

Not sure how the hippie crowd feels about it, but this indie snob finds it to be a very good line up with a few of my favorite bands [Okkervil River, Decemberists, Jenny Lewis, etc] on the roster. Hopefully it'll work out and I can go this year...we'll keep our fingers crossed!

Thoughts on these events coming up?

Music City is Alive & Well

2009-01-21T14:58:00.005-06:00

Since making the pilgrimage back to Murfreesboro [for school, of course] a little less than 3 weeks ago, I've been reminded why I love this part of the world: There is almost always awesome live music.

2009 is shaping up to be an even better year than the last for the Nash/Boro scene, as proven by what's already happened and what's up next....So here's a recap and a look at the next few months...

1) Left Can Dance: The second nite I was back in town, this was happening. Of course, LCD was the main reason I headed back before classes started up. The party was Robot Rock II [the first one being late summer 2007 when Make Up & Vanity Set released his Protomen remix record] and I had to make it to the second since the first was my only experience at LCD.

The party at The End turned into a big 80's dance party, with lovely projections going all nite, including a Wham documentary or something of that nature (as pictured below). These are always an awesome time to just let go and dance and hang out with friends. So, if you like to dance, keep your eyes and ears open to their myspace for future parties.[Photo by the rad Steve Cross of Myself and Heather. And George Michael.]

[Justin from Protomen]

2) The Protomen: I can't escape them lately. Caught the boys and girls twice last week and enjoyed every minute of it. Their performances are so energetic and fun, you can't help but headbang and just move around. Never thought I'd be one to dig a band that you headbang to, but it's the most voluntary response that I have and I know it is the same for others [plus quite a bit of fist pumping]. Trust me on this one, just give them a listen or go to a show and try to stand still- pretty sure it's impossible. Here's a few shots that I grabbed while at the shows- and there's plenty more where they come from on the flickr:

3) Free Shows: I love it when venues have anniversaries, particularly when that means free shows. Case in point, Mercy Lounge turned 6 years old last week and had 6(ish) bands playing each nite, no cover, Monday- Saturday. Do the math and that's quite a few bands before the week was up. I wound up trekking up to Nashville for the Friday nite show, catching Protomen [the 2nd time that week seeing them], How I Became the Bomb, Hot Pipes, Eureka Gold and a few others. I'd never been to Mercy except for a very much smaller show or two, but by the time we got there around 10:15, I saw just how many bodies the venue would hold. On top of that, around 11-ish they cut off letting people in due to capacity. [Not any photos from there yet, but should be some when the disposable camera gets developed. I was too busy dancing during the sets].

Last nite the free-ness continued with "Funaguration" at the Basement, lead by the very patriotic Hey Penny. The nite came complete with a president of the party, cabinet members being named (who got banners) and a long line up bands (such as Parahute Musical & Tommy & the Whale). Even though it isn't my normal "scene" and the crowd was a bit different than the ones I normally go to shows with, it was still a good time. There's something about hearing the Star Spangled Banner, "USA!" being chanted throughout the song by the crowd, and a sweet cover of "Born in the USA" that just makes something be epic. Did cut out a little early due to being exhausted from work/school, but it was still worth the trip and I look forward to getting to catch Hey Penny play sometime very soon (their single, "Parade" is a little addictive).

4) Not forgetting about Murfreesboro: You know a line up is awesome when it doesn't matter the temperature outside. Try 10 degrees. In Tennessee. It doesn't get that cold here- ever- yet the Velcro Stars, Glossary & The Features had a large turn out. Truly one of the most solid line ups that I've seen in the past few months.

Shows Coming Up:

Friday, Jan. 23: "3 Bands and a Baby" house show (Murfreesboro): The Middlemen, Blastoids & Moonlight Bride - @ Scotty's Basement (Ewing St.), 9 pm

Saturday, Jan. 24: Los Campesinos!- Grimey's Instore: 2pm/ Full show: Exit-In

Friday Jan. 30: Lucero- Mercy Lounge// YCAC all ages show: We Were The States, The Lake and Kindergarten Circus @ The Vine (Mufreesboro: fundraiser for YCAC. Give them your money.)

Saturday Jan. 31: Lucero- Mercy Lounge

Friday Feb. 6: The Basement 4th Anniversary party: Howlies, Those Darlins, DangerBear, Ricky Young & TBA (FREE!!)// The Features- Mercy Lounge

Friday Feb. 13: Meemaw, The Tits, The Fork Hunts- The End

Saturday Feb. 14: Dr. Dog, Drug Rug - Mercy Lounge// Grimey's Instore- Drug Rug -5 pm

Check out the shows, support local and touring bands, let me know if there's anything important I missed & keep an eye out for some more reviews and photos coming soon [inbetween Shakespeare & british lit, that is!).

Slithering Beast- "Midnight Royalty"

2008-12-14T20:24:00.004-06:00

Slithering Beast- "Midnight Royalty"

"You like country, right?" It's not quite that easy. As with any genre of music, it can be splintered off into many different subgenres, so the basic question of "do you like country?" is a loaded question.

"Do you like Slithering Beast?", now that isn't quite as loaded. The band is of an alt country genre, highlighted by lap steel, harmonica and singer and songwriter Nick Dittmeier bit of a southern drawl. The 10 songs clock in at just over 32 minutes, a quick ride through Dittmeier's words and easily leave the listener wanting to listen to the record again from the starts.

Personally, the first listen felt like it took a little longer to take in, but when I went for listen number two some of the catchier numbers (such as "Honestly" and "Bad Soul") were already becoming stuck in my head and I knew the lyrics to an extent. Granted I had seen the band play in Murfreesboro two months or so before receiving the record, I was more concerned with socializing and complaining about the amount of smoke in the venue, digging what I heard but not falling completely in love.

After listening to the record quite a few times over Thanksgiving travels and beyond, I can't wait for another show in town. Given the number of alt country bands in the southeast [even Murfreesboro/Nashville alone], such as Glossary, Hammertorch, Ribbonpigeon, Lucero, etc., Slithering Beast is in great company. They've got a good set up at Sophomore Lounge and I really think that the destiny of the band is something really big- I could easily see the band hitting it big.

Sound Opinions Top Records of 2008

2008-12-14T19:45:00.002-06:00

I really am loving getting little nuggets of musical goodness in the "Only rock and roll podcast", Sound Opinions. The show is based out of Chicago, on Chicago Public Radio [alongside my fave, "This American Life"]. The guys who host the show write for Chicago papers and here's their list of top albums they've been personally digging this year...

Greg's List:

6) Parts & Labor-"Reciever"

5) Q-Tip- "The Rennasiance"

4) TV on the Radio- "Dear Science"

3) Vivian Girls- "Vivian Girls"

2) Torche- "Meanderthal"

1) Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds- "Dig!!!! Lazarus, Dig!!!!"

Jim's List:

6) Local H- "12 Angry Months"

5) Brazillian Girls- "New York City"

4) The Knux- "Remind Me in 3 Days"

3) Vivian Girls- "Vivian Girls"

2) David Byrne and Brian Eno-"Everything That Happens Will Happen Today"

1) Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds- "Dig!!!! Lazarus, Dig!!!!"

If you wanna give the show a listen, you can always download the podcast from Itunes for free. Yay radio shows via the interwebs.

Review: Ribbonpigeon's "Young Lungs"

2008-07-27T12:22:00.010-05:00

Ribbonpigeon's "Young Lungs"

**Editors Note: The band recently changed their name to The Only Sons with the release of their second album,

Murfreesboro is clearly a good spot to start if you want to be in an alt country band.

[photo by Andrew Morton]

From being introduced to the sound of a more rocking version of country music in the latter years of high school, via Ryan Adams, to moving to Murfreesboro and finding a love for bands like Lucero & locals Glossary- I dig the southern comfort feel. Be it the fact I can relate to what these artists are singing about, or atleast I can picture where their life is (possibly) set, I love it. Ribbonpigeon, being newer to the Murfreesboro/Nashville music scene has definitely caught my eye (and ears).

Kent Goolsby's vocals are similar to Ryan Adams ("Heartbreaker" era) & Ben Nichols of Lucero at the grittier moments, but still stay true being original. The very well executed usage of lap steel (played by Mike Burgess) and fiddle (played by sole female of the band, Rebecca Ryan) are some of my favorite parts of the album, which clocks in at nine tracks and just over 30 minutes.

After listening to the record quite a few times, on repeat a bit & picking it up again , a week or so later, I really, really dig it. Of course, it all seems to be one cohesive unit of music, not the 9 different songs. I can hear the songs separately but they don't separate in my mind.

That being said, I love the music and can't wait to hear it live very soon. If you are at all into the bands previously mentioned make sure to check out the Ribbonpigeon record. You can check out on their myspace and find tour dates for all kinds of venues around Murfreesboro, Nashville & beyond that are coming up soon.

Also, to get a taste of a live set, check out this video from the Basement:

SGRRC [Day One]

2008-07-14T23:31:00.002-05:00

This year's day one of Southern Girls Rock & Roll Camp went on amazingly from all sides that I can attest to.

The day started early, as usual, arriving around 8:30 am, changing into our sweet volunteer shirts [props to Screamin' Jacks member Heather Moulder and her amazing rockabilly inspired logo for our tshirts this year. She does love some Wanda Jackson you know...] and heading to the Sweet Hang [ie volunteer suite] for a redbull and coffee before cheering at Morning Assembly. Got together with the crew of ladies who showed up to lead the cheers [tomorrow starts the songs, too] that 'wake up' the girls. Morning Assembly wound up being awesome, seeing as the girls actually got up and did the cheers.

Yes.
I am H.A.P.P. YYYY.

After that I spent an hour and a half in the financial aid office [clearly not part of camp] & in a sour mood moved along afterwards to lunch at the cafeteria. Let's just say, putting 90 campers, plus all of the volunteers and directors, plus a few random MTSU people in the JUB cafe, well, it gets crowded. Made some new friends at lunch [pics soon. Also soon for morning assembly since they're disposable camera] and enjoyed meeting my new friend, Mia, one of the girls in our *SEVEN* piece band and some other volunteers.

After lunch the Screamin Jacks rocked it out and were amazing, especially their brand new song that I can't wait to hear again & again & again. It was also pretty cool to see some of the girls from last year singing along with the song they recorded during camp last summer [and thanks to Joshua Walker, drummer extrodinare, for playing drums for us during morning assembly, too!].

Heather rocking out

Later on we rocked out some intro to photography stuff in the workshop & got to know some of the new campers. They're way rad girls.

Then it was on to choosing bands, with everyone congregating in the huge room in the music building. Alexa and I planned to band manage together and found an interesting crew of 7 rockers who are already on an amazing start to the uber awesome song [it's a suprise til showcase! Guess you have to show up now...]

[working hard in band practice]

Afetr some time in practice and getting quite far for the first day, the day was over and I am currently exhausted.

Now it's time for bed and sleep til about 8 am. Woohoo.

As a bonus, here's also a photo of HT blowing some bubbles, her birthday officially commencing today, July 14th! Happy birthday, HT!

Check back tomorrow evening for another update on the awesomeness that is Rock & Roll Camp!

-jenny

SGRRC [pre-camp]

2008-07-14T00:24:00.004-05:00

I am in Murfreesboro, awaiting Southern Girls Rock and Roll camp to start tomorrow, around 8 am. After chilling at mi amiga, Ht's, workplace for a while, head on over to Wright Music Hall for the pre-camp informational meeting. Saw quite a few old friends and new faces and learned our tshirts are purple, the guidebook looks rad, and we have 90 campers, with some on a waiting list, for both camps [there's also a Memphis camp later on this summer].

And now, with about 8 hours til camp in the morning, I believe it's time for bed. Spent a good chunk of the evening chillin on HT's porch, just taking it easy and talking with a few friends. Her birthday's coming up soon and the following picuture is after she opened up her bag of random goodies I gave her for this momentous occasion of her birth, in a few days...

Alas, keep an eye out for more daily posts about SGRRC & plenty more photos once camp gets rolling- I know it'll be over before I know it!

Shows & Camp Rock [real & fictional]

2008-07-10T13:45:00.001-05:00

I just downloaded and installed a Lastfm. I know I'm about 20 years behind in just now doing so, but I figured I'd do something different than Mog, just because. Must say I am impressed with the new service, seeing as there was a page set up for an older, more obscure Jens Lekman song.

1)

My Morning Jacket is playing Nashville Riverfront on August 15th. Tickets are on sale, via the interwebs, now. They're a little steeper but look who the band is...I mean, they're kinda amazing.

[I won a pair of said tickets from Janet on Out The Other, a pretty rad show on WRVU, Vanderbilt's radio station. Rad stuff..]

For any doubters about how awesome an MMJ live show is, you can download their Bonnaroo set from this year over at You Ain't No Picasso.

Also, here's the promo video for their latest record, "Evil Urges". It's really well put together and has nice 8 mm shots, too. I've just been getting too excited about them. Don't fear, I will post plenty more about these gents between now and the show and afterward.

2) The Avett Brothers signed to American records and are recording with Rick Rubin. They have an official announcement up on their website Given what they have to say, these guys are in it for real and know where their hears and fans are, not willing to give that up. For that, I have the utmost respect.

3)

"Camp Rock" is a Disney channel film featuring Demi Lovato & The Jonas Brothers. Excuse my moment of being 13 again, but it's some good stuff.

As the name suggests, it is set at a summer camp for teenagers who are into music- all genres, which coincidentally brings to mind the highlight of my summer (See 4, immediately following this tangent).

I gave in and purchased the soundtrack to the film the other day and have been on a listening binge.

Those songwriters are genius.

The theme of being yourself and following your dream and passions pulled me in. So don't hate...just let the guilty pleasure take over.

It's all about the message, man.
"The louder we got the better we sound"

4) Speaking of rock camp, Southern Girls Rock and Roll Camp is next week! I'm uber pumped to be helping in photography class, waking the girls up during morning assembly & asking the tough questions during artists/guest panel. Oh, did I mention I'm a band manager this year, too? It's gonna be crazy busy and crazy worth it.

I'm planning on posting daily blogs, filling everyone in on the amazingness that goes down, daily.

So until then, it's all catching up on sleep and thinking of stuff I need to pack.

For a taste of what's to come, you can check out my photo from last year's camp. Also, it's never too early to plan your attendance at the showcase, where all the girls rock out, taking what they learned from the week at camp. It's pretty much the stuff.

Review: Good Night & Good Morning's "Studentin"

2008-07-04T17:00:00.002-05:00

Good Night & Good Morning : "Studentin" EP

Sometimes you want to rock out, sometimes you want to dance and sometimes you just want to chill. Giving Good Night & Good Morning's newest EP a spin is one of the quickest ways to achieve the latter.

The band hails from Champaign, Illinois & is comprised of Ryan Brewer [vocals & guitar], Pat Elifritz [piano/bells/visuals] & Roisin Maguire [harp/un-awkwardness] (band duties listed as stated on the their myspace).

After randomly hearing the tunes online, I had to let them know how blown away I was. A few weeks later, a copy of their EP "Studentin" hit my mailbox. The first time that I listened to the record I just lazed around in bed, taking in the calm, ambient tracks.

Overall, the songs are gorgeous and make full use of the skills these guys and gal obviously house. The lyrics are somewhat 'emo' at times (particularly the song "Lune") and get a little repetitive, but given the lush instrumentation, it is easily looked over.

These folks are currently on tour in the midwest and will hopefully venture more towards the southeast by the end of the year. The vibe they give off (and is seen by the friends they keep-Toby Foster, RedBear,The Awful Truth are in their top 8) point to the d.i.y. underground house show scene. As you might've picked up by now, it's one of my favorites. I love how they're just different enough from the typical acoustic guitar artists but they definately still fit in with that whole crowd.

You can check out some tunes by Good Night & Good Morning on their myspace, which has a few downloadable songs- I suggest you give them a listen. Then order a record. Particularly if you live in the southeast (then they'll have to come, right? Of course!).

The band recently did a video interview with smilepolitely.com. And for your viewing pleasure here is said video....

Bright Eyes/Parchute Musical/Etc.

2008-06-18T22:01:00.001-05:00

Been working hard at working and counting down the days til I get a little bit of time in the Boro. Til then, here's a few things that warrant some words written about them...

1) Bonnaroo is over. I didn't go and my friends that went survived. They enjoyed it & I've lived vicariously thru blogs a little bit. And that's enough for me. The coolest thing, besides hearing that My Morning Jacket (who I'm planning on falling in love with soon) played for three hours, was the fact that Metallica played at the Basement the nite before playing the festival. Gotta love secret shows- I def. respect the band a whole lot more because of this.

Bright Eyes is playing Nashville twice in the coming months. The first show is going to be at Mercy Lounge on August 8th with Evangelicals and then at the Ryman with none other than amazingness herself [ok I'm biased], Jenny Lewis on September 21st. I will buying my ticket as soon as they go on sale. She's been working on her new solo record some [possibly in Nashville, seeing as my friend Zach had a J. Lewis sighting when he was up around music row] and it should probably be out at that point. Anyways, expect to see me there. [Via Pitchfork]

3) I got a book from author Tao Lin in the mail today. Pretty sweet. You can check out his blog about books, Britney Spears stickers [just read it. You'll get it] and possibly hampsters, maybe grapes. After I read thru the book I will share more thoughts. I went to starbucks today try and read it, but wound up writing a while in my journal instead. Oh well...we'll get around to it soon and I'll fill ya in.

4)

Parachute Musical is playing their cd release show tomorrow nite [Thursday the 20th of the fair month of June] at Mercy Lounge in Nashville. Check out some of the tunes by the boys on their page and check out the show- I wish I could. They're a fun group to see live, particularly if you like good piano rock. I know some people hate that term, but check out the sounds before you make up your mind. I'll be putting up a review of the record that was a year in the making after I get my hands on a copy- hopefully sooner than later!

5) If there's anything cool going on in the Boro someone under 21 can get into on June 27th, let me know. I know that the Velcro Stars are playing at Wallstreet, but seeing as it's 3 days before I turn 21 I can't see them play their brand of pop that I really really dig. I figure there might be a house show going on somewhere..maybe..?

Thanks for checking out my words- got any comments? Let me know via a comment. They kinda make me smile...

Nashville shows & Musical suggestions

2008-05-30T22:30:00.000-05:00

Today I've been uploading some new stuff to the Itunes I got off a friend a few weeks ago. Pretty much classic stuff: the Beatles, Zeppelin, Television, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.; along with some newer stuff like the Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins wonderfulness that is "Rabbit Fur Coat" & The National's earlier work, before "Boxer" hit quietly huge.

1)

As far as concerts that are coming up, a few months down the road:
- Gracing the presence of Music City in the near future is She and Him, the project of M. Ward & Zooey Deschanel that I'm sure everyone is aware of [and possibly sick of hearing about]. They'll be at the Mercy Lounge on July 30, with tickets already on sale [more info on their myspace with links to ticket sales via the event info]. I'm not too sure how I feel about the project, to tell the truth. I've dug a track or two but don't know how the whole record will sit with me, whenever I get some time to hunt it down and give it a spin. So far I'm thinking I'd rather just hang out with Zooey around town and do some shopping at somewhere like Local Honey. You know that's the kinda place she'd dig. And I'd probably quote "Almost Famous" a few times, then I'd reference J.D. Salinger's "Franny and Zooey" some. And that is why I won't be shopping with Zooey Deschanel...

[At Grimey's, oh snap. taken by Mike Withers]

- Dr. Dog is playing at 3rd & Lindsley on September 7th. There isn't anything on the venue's site yet, only the even listed on the band's myspace, along with the note it is an all ages show and pricing it at $10. Once these tickets go on sale, snatch them up. I know it'll go fast.

If you can't wait to check out the Dr. Dog live show experience, they will be performing at Forecastle Festival in Lousiville, KY, July 27th [alongside one of my favorites, Catfish Haven!] The Forecastle site says tickets for that Sunday only are $18/$21, along with Murfreesboro's All We Seabees having a set that somewhat overlaps Catfish. Looks like something that would be worth checking out...

[Thx to HT for the Nashville heads up!]

2) Now for those tunes to check out...

[taken by Laura Goodwin]

-Kyle Andrews writes awesome pop songs. I first ran into his tunes on the mixed cd set that changed my listening ears, 3 years ago. At that point he had moved away from Nashville, leaving me as though I had missed out on my good opportunity to see him play live. As fate would have it, he moved back to town probably around a year ago. This guy plays around town quite a bit, two shows coming up soon even [one June 6th and the other July 26th, some touring inbetween] and I have still yet to see his live show! I am purposing that come this fall the issue of somehow always missing the shows is gone.

You can find this fella also on facebook, where he has up a few new tracks for your listening pleasure, both quite enjoyable. Basically, if you want to know much I dig his guy's work, my top songs on itunes says it all: the track "Sushi" tops out all time listens at 37, followed by the next song having 30. So yeah, I dig the tunes.

- I'm not sure why I'm jumping onto what these folks are putting out there, but I'm on it- Good Night & Good Morning travel the same circles as some of the folks I'm diggin these days from the midwest, but they have a twist: a harp. So far they're mainly sticking to the midwest/north for shows but I've already let them know that Murfreesboro would be a great place to see them bust it out at a house show [think Baby Teeth Thieves with the quiter vocals similar to Dustin Gamble].

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As I posted the other day, the new Okkervil River record comes out September 9th and the tour dates for immediately after the release have been posted. Imagine how much shock I was [not] in when I saw Nashville not on the list, but I think a trip to Athens, GA might be in the cards to see the boys live again. If not, it'll probably be February [if I was guessing] that they come to Music City again. If you'd be interested in a road trip, let me know between now and October. The more the merrier.
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The Features & some awesome opportunities

2008-05-28T17:21:00.000-05:00

The Features

(taken by Tom Burns, via the band's myspace)

I will freely admit these days the bulk of tunes I listen to these days can easily be grouped as "pop music". Give me a band with a good hook or groove in their tunes and I'm hooked.

The Features are one of these bands that easily won me over. Besides the fact they are Murfreesboro based (tough this has been debated) and that does make me a little bit biased, their albums and live show are some of my favorites- ever.

Even though I entered into the realm of the Features fandom well after the release of "Exhibit A" and missed the first chunk of their career (stories of the Red Rose and something to do with Hawaiian shirts, etc. are mythically passed around), I can still appreciate the old songs too.

I know the love/hate argument is a strong one with the Features. You either love the guys or can't stand the poppiness- half of my Boro friends don't even dig the synthy goodness. One of them even suggested that either you love the Features or Kings Of Leon. I would like to actually dispel this theory and go on record saying that I do indeed love them both. Granted the Features hold a special place in my heart solely because I've been into them for so long (not to say I wouldn't love to see KOL live and party with the band. Yes, please).

The band has recently posted some songs on their myspace page from the forthcoming record, "Some Kind of Salvation" that I can't seem to find a release date for, though I know atleast one person who has an advanced copy. From what's been posted on their page, the record sounds more mature than the previous records, not quite as poppy and outwardly synthy, but still with the Features edge that everyone's dug on the past releases. Of course, as it is a little more mature than the previous releases that gives me great hope for the entire record; good artists usually don't usually sound the exact same on each progressive record.

The boys have a show on June 7th at Mercy Lounge with Pico Vs. Island Trees and The Selmanaires, where you can the new songs live and in person.

Last fall when I saw the boys they busted out a few new tracks, specifically "the Gates of Hell", which was on their myspace but has been replaced by three newer tracks. Even thought it was a little slower and calmer than the older material, you could still enjoy bobbing around to it, hence passing the test.

Regardless, if you can, check out the coming up show, enjoy the perfect sounds for some booty shaking and enjoy the nite- the real world can wait a few hours.

Here's some of the Hawaiian shirts for reading thru all of this......

[Part 4/6- "Thursday"]
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YCAC is an amazing organization in Murfreesboro [the folks who are incharge of Southern Girls Rock and Roll Camp]. They worked their tales off trying to become a non-profit organizations and now that they are they've moved into a building on the square in town and are holding all ages shows and workshops to create many different things. This weekend there's a FREE workshop on making recycled art. If you're 12-17 or know some 12-17 year olds, check out the below on getting involved in the free workshop and check out their site for even more workshops to create things from totebags, tshirt alterations and more!

Upcoming Classes:
All classes will be at the Tall Grass Dance Studio 25 N Public Square

on the Murfreesboro Downtown Square.

Recycled Art Workshop:

Sign up at the DOOR!
Make sure a parent is present to pay and sign forms!

FREE!!!

Ages 12-17

May 31st, Saturday

1pm-3pm

Have you ever had some wrapping paper you just couldn't part with or bottle caps you thought might be nice to keep? Turn your "junk" and other discarded materials into art in this Recycled Art Workshop.

All supplies are included except any scraps you just can't part with.

Instructor:
Brittani Irvin is currently pursuing her Art Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University. She has studied on exchange in Ontario Canada. And served as Co-President for the student chapter of the Tennessee Art Education Association. Her serious love for the community and the arts has lead her to work with the Youth Culture and Arts Center, and she is extremely excited to be a part of it!

---
Ran into this article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press today [of which I am an alumni of the teen reporters, circa 2000-2005]. It's really awesome to see the venues here in town that have folks that have worked really hard behind the scenes get some recognition and share with the world the awesomeness of what they've been up to. Plus it's a great primer for my 33 day countdown to turning 21 and finally getting into some rock shows.

A few things

2008-05-23T14:45:00.000-05:00

So I'm stuck at the house, very little to do this afternoon/evening, besides clean.

I think I'll blog a little first then go into my movie nite/junk food binge...

1) As noted yesterday, Athens Pop Fest line up was announced today. Murfreesboroians (made that term up, thank you), The Velcro Stars are taking part again this year. For all kinds of info, check out you ain't no picasso's announcement.

2) In the same vein as festivals, Bonnaroo has released the times for the shows during this year's festival. Personally, I am trying not to care since I am not going and will be working my butt off that week at work instead (my choice, of course, but it still kinda stings a little to hear about how long the Sigur Ros set will be and I don't even know who will be playing around the Avett Brothers).

3) Found a great video via popcandy, via NY Magazine of yet another great Zach Galifianakis skit, this time bringing Michael Showalter into the mix. I don't think these guys will ever cease to be entertaining...

And that's all until I find more interesting things the world should have shared with them...

Random bits from the blogs

2008-05-22T20:51:00.000-05:00

Ran across a bit of different news from all over the blogs today- figured it'd be good to put them in one compiled spot....so check it...

1) Daniel Johnston is playing Nashville on June 25th at Cannery Ballroom. $20 via online purchase.

If I jumped into some of his stuff, besides the song he does with Okkervil River, I'd be there but we'll see...

2)Speaking of Okkervil River, caught on Pitchfork today the new OR record is coming out in September.

On September 9, Jagjaguwar will issue The Stand Ins, the fifth full-length album from Austin, Texas' Okkervil River. The set is described as a sequel to last year's exquisite The Stage Names LP...

I'm thinking it's a pretty quick follow up to "Stage Names" but, then again, it took me about 6 months or so after it was released to fully jump on board. Crossing my fingers already this sets into motion a tour soon enough after Sept. 9th and there's another show (headlining this time) in Nashville.

3)Also read today that the line up for Athens Popfest is being released tomorrow (Friday). I've never been to the event but know it has to be solid, given the bands that have played it in the past (Of Montreal & Murfreesboro locals, The Velcro Stars). In related festival news, Next Big Nashville will be taking place September 10-14th in Music City and the folks are accepting applications thru this site until June 5th.

I'll def. vouch for the festival as one of the raddest things I have gotten to experience. Last year I only has the joy of making one nite of the eevnt but that's not to say I was not wanting to go back for more (you can get a wristband that is good for the whole thing). This year is going to rock even more, seeing as I can get into all of the different venues throughout town, seeing as I'll be 21. Sweet. I'll ramble on incessantly about NBN as it gets closer. I promise.

4) Evidentally Matt Pelham of the Features played a small, solo gig last week up at the 5 Spot, along with the Chattanooga band Coral Castles. Check out The Spin for a review of the show.

(photo by my friend Steve Cross. It's probably one of my faves he's taken. Ever.)

5) My interview with Tony Stone from 102.9 the Buzz is posted on nashvillerock.net now. Check it out, on the main page. There's another one going up in a few days, too. Woohoo.

6) American Idol winner...eh...who cares.

I'm gonna hit the sack with this gross allergy headache. Thanks for checking out the blog & have a great one, folks.

A few thougths and some updateage

2008-05-19T20:05:00.000-05:00

I caught the last five minutes of tonite's episode of "Gossip Girl". All I gathered was it is a show about snobs and the boys have nice clothes. Case in point:

I'm also watching the season finale of "One Tree Hill" just because. Gavin Degraw was in the opening sequence, singing. Yes, please. The line "stop hiding your heart" was just used. I'm entertained. How does a show go from high school to 24? Yeah. No thanks.

Moving on to some music ramblings...

- got my new issue of Nylon in the mail today. It's the "music issue" that they paired up with myspace to put out.

Lots of artists are mentioned (including my new favorite chick from Wales, Duffy- more about her record later on in this post) and it even spotlights good ole' Music City. I was prety impressed to see mentions of a few different venues. Of course, they left out my favorite dive ever, The End, but I think whence 21 occurs for me, the 5 Spot is going to be one that I enjoy.

Anyways, pick up the new issue of the magazine when it hits newstands if you want to see it (the issue with scarlett johanssn on the cover)....I'll probably want to say something about my Teen Vogue I also got today, but alas I have yet to look at it at all.

-I feel the need to share a bit of internet wonderfulness that I have found as of late. I am on flickr way too much these days and found the electronic duo of Jona and Claire and the photographs of their adventures around the world, spreading their danceable beats. The "Daily YACHT" videos are admittedly one of the first things I look for on Flickr and I do have a tendency to leave comments and questions (which they usually answer on the next day's video). Sunday's was pretty rad, all the way from Stockholm, on a boat. If you watch it, I promise it makes more sense...

- I'm getting into pop music. Bad. It all started with this warming trend called global warming induced summer. Throw in some Miley Cyrus and Robyn and, well, it's just impossible. I have to say there's nothing better than jumping in the car, windows down, singing along to songs you almost feel bad about jamming out to. Almost.
Here's a list of what's been playing really loud:
- "Cobrastyle" - Robyn
- "See You Again" - Miley Cyrus (I have likened this one to crack is so catchy)
- "Mercy"- Duffy
- "Shake It" - Metro Station

It's not top 40 pop or anything but I've come around to the group Stars, finally. At first they seemed kinda boring but then I ran into the track "Take Me to the Riot" on muxtape and it won't get out of my head, in a good way (oh they did play Nashville a month or two back. I was a little slow on this one, as my usual luck).

-To expound on the poppy goodness, I picked up the Duffy record, "Rockferry" last week on its release date. It was a little slow to get into, looking for a few tracks that are more upbeat, as the single is, but between listening to a few songs on the playlist at work and wanting to be like her when I watch the video for "Mercy", I put down $7.99 for the record at the big boy box store.

I'm digging on it more this week and suggest it for anyone that digs older pop, 60's style. I will be yet another person to compare her to Amy Winehouse, but only in the event that she's the closest comparison I can find as of now.
Sorry, Duffy (comments on the comparison are included in the interview in this month's Nylon, fyi).

- Along with the Duffy release day, last Tuesday was also the highly anticipated (I guess) release from Death Cab For Cutie, "Narrow Stairs". After seeing the full 8 minute video for "I Will Possess Your Heart" once, the song had won me over and I had to pick up the record.

I'm liking it more than the last record ("Plans"), seeing as it's more upbeat in areas and gives more to move along to. Of course, the stand out for me is still the single, particularly the first five minutes. I do indeed love Ben Gibbard and his vocals and words (and those total nerd chic glasses), but the way the instrumental builds- I wish it'd never end.

If you're looking for a recommendation or not, here it is: I listened to the record, literally, atleast 6 times all the way through the first day I had it. Go buy it if you have liked any of their stuff. Ever.

-I did an interview for nashvillerock.net with Spat! Records guy, AJ. The label has a ton of releases from punk/metal bands in Nashville and AJ seems like a pretty rad guy, really passionate about what they're doing over there. So yeah...check out the interview and let me know what you think!

- Left Can Dance is back June 21. I won't be there. Kinda wish I could be. Shake it a little for me, Nashville.

SOUTHERN GIRLS ROCK AND ROLL CAMP IS COMING SOON!!!!

(my coffee mug like this broke. feel free to buy me another one. or any of the other years.)

If you like to rock and chill with some rad girls [and guys, counselor wise], check out their site and see what you think about the whole deal. Last year it was the best week of my life, honestly.

It's ok, clear off that schedule for the week of July 14th and change some lives thru rock and roll! If you know any lovely ladies ages 10- 18 that like to rock, let them and their folks/friends/whatever know about this amazing opportunity to build self esteem, make new friends and learn new skills in music and other arts (songwriting, DIY arts and crafts, photography, etc.).

Thanks for sticking it out thru this whole phase of random yet related thoughts. Have a good one, folks!

Show Review: Okkervil River & The New Pornographers

2008-04-22T22:52:00.000-05:00

I do often get excited about concerts, but it takes a really special concert announcement to excite me to the point I make sure that tickets can be in my possession the minute they go on sale. This did take place when it came to being able to see a band I have been listening to since my freshmen year of college (see post "to Whom I Owe Credit"), early 2006.

After quite a few listens of the track "Kansas City" from the mix that was largely the taste maker of what I listen to today, I came across some full length records by the band, Okkervil River, through another friend.

Since then, I've listened to a live show that was broadcasted via NPR and lived vicariously through youtube videos and photographs from their live shows, hoping for a Nashville show to arise before too long.

My hope for a show was answered when my good friend, Zach, imed me one day, saying "hey, that River band you like is playing Nashville soon,' causing a torrential fit of excitement on my end, requesting he order tickets the second they go on sale [even though everyone knows Nashville rarely ever sells out a show]. He also mentioned that the band Okkervil was opening for was the New Pornographers. I had heard the name dropped quite a bit across the internet and all, but had never really listened to their tunes.

Onto the actual show... we arrived about an hour before the doors to find not too terribly many folks already lined up and I found a spot at the front of the stage when we walked through the doors. The Okkervil boys opened up with "The President's Dead", as I was hoping, moving into a set of songs off the newer record, "The Stage Names", half off the earlier records. This being my first time seeing the band and being familiar with most of their catalog, I was quite happy with the mix of songs chosen.

The energetic and well executed set was around an hour long, much longer than I had predicted and was about the perfect amount for the songs that they fit in. There wasn't too much talk between songs but they had a stage presence that made the audience feel like they were a part of the set, not just people standing in a room, listening to what this group of guys had to say.

Some of the songs the band played included "The Latest Toughs", "A Stone" (with only Will (vocals/guitar), Charles (guitar) and Scott (playing trumpet) on stage for a stripped down version that was similar to the record, "Unless It's Kicks" and a killer version of "John Allyn Smith Sails". They ended the set with "Our Life is not a Movie (or Maybe)" and "Westfall". I was very pleased to see the mandolin busted out for "Westfall", as it is on the record ("Don't Fall in Love With Everyone You See"), plus it is pretty much my favorite track the band has released.

When the New Pornographers hit the stage, I was excited to hear their songs, particularly those off of "Challengers", which I bought about a month or so before the show to get a feel of their sound (which I totally dug).

After opening with "All the Things that Go to Make Heaven and Earth", one thing was quite evident, the first few rows of the crowd, including myself, could not really hear any of the vocals. After a few more songs, the crowd let Carl know this, to which he commented that we were in the front and the sound is always the worst there. Personally, I was not a fan of this comment from the singer, particularly since most of the folks at the show were there to see his band and they couldn't hear any vocals. Plus, he had his amp up a tad too loud for my taste, realizing I was at a concert and all, so that left a kinda bad taste in my mouth.

Being Neko Case and Dan Bejar-less, some of the songs weren't quite what they could have been, though I definatly give props to Kathryn for being able to take over on songs such as "Challengers" for ankle injured Neko and doing it justice. Having never seen the band before, I honestly didn't miss Case being there, or Bejar for that matter. Infact, in Dan's absence, Will Sheff of Okkervil was brought onto the stage to sing "Myriad Harbor". I was pretty content with this, seeing as it happens to be my favorite track by NP and I would feel as if something was missing if the song was not in the set. Plus, I am pretty biased toward Okkervil, so a little bit of Will Sheff thrown into the NP mix didn't hurt anything.

Overall, the vibe I got at the end of the nite was Okkervil River is a great band, particularly live (though the records still have it, too) and the New Pornographers are a record band, not necessarily a live act. The connection that Will and the Okkervil guys were able to have with the crowd just did not come across with the New Pornos. They felt much more as they were playing for the crowd, as a opposed to playing on a level that the crowd could relate to- they knew they were a pretty big band, in the scheme of things and people were there to see the New Pornographers play songs, regardless of who else happened to play that nite.

Of course, keep in mind, I have quite a history of listening to Okkervil River and that has biased my opinion.

In the future, I go see Okkervil anytime they got within a feasible radius of my location, the New Pornographers, eh, it would depend on who else they were touring with.

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Any thoughts on the show or any of the shows put on by these folks? Feel free to share your highly opinionated [or not] thoughts!

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The Week in Jenny

2008-04-10T00:13:00.000-05:00

Admittedly I'm borrowing this run down/list style entry from what I've seen on USA Today's actually pretty good blog, Pop Candy

I feel this is ok, because I have many short things to share, which if you are interested, follow the links and see where you end up. (I don't have that many friends I see during the week. I have even fewer of said friends who are interested in the same things I am. Hence, you, small number of blog readers, are the winners of the rundown of things I have heard/learned/discovered this week.]

- The Nashville Scene, one of my favored "alternative" papers in music city has a very much overdue cover story this week, Not Playing Here. Many times have I (and others) made comments about bands skipping Nashville on their tours, opting for Atlanta and other cities that are not necessarily as big as the Nashville market. On top of the story, the cover design is pretty sweet, too.

-There was a casting call for a Hannah Montana film in Nashville this week. My good friend Heather wound up rolling out of the bed really early and trekking it to the Sommet Center to, as she put it, 'stand in line for four and a half hours between some know it all teenagers, just to fill out a piece of paper and give them a headshot.' Hopefully she gets the spot in the crowd of a Hannah concert and can be seen for .39 seconds. I mean, it'd be a reason for me to go see it...(not saying that I secretly might go to the movie or anything anyways. Maybe if the Jonas Brothers make a cameo...).

-The film Juno comes out next week. I never got around to seeing it before it left theaters. Just saw Ellen Page on Leno and according to Zach, she's the most adorable thing ever. I don't know if I'd say ever, but she has a cute sense of style and I dig her sarcastic side.

[photo from Paste Magazine, which includes an article about the band]

- Clearly I'm slacking on my indie cred, never having seen Juno and also I'm just now getting into The National and their record, "Boxer". It was on pretty much at the top of all the top record lists of 2007 and has been sitting on my computer forever, admittedly coming back to mind after seeing the video for "Apartment Story" in American Eagle a few weeks back. I've yet to really get into the whole record, but I'm working on it. I'm about half way through and I'll be sure to post my thoughts when I get them in some organized fashion.

-Jay Reatard is playing Chattanooga. I am not 21 yet (oh, just 2 more months...) and cannot get in the door. If you can and are in town and like good music, show up at JJ's Bohemia on April 29th.

He's playing with Giant Tigers (from Chattanooga- I actually heard about them first through the Grand Palace guys and that's usually a good sign) and Cheaptime.

-Speaking of Grand Palace, my dinosaur enthusiasts friends, Happy Birthday Amy have finally released their full length record. They are touring, like, starting tomorrow, kicking off the jaunt with a house show in Murfreesboro (April 10th) at a house on Greenland.

Check out their myspace for some tunes and if you want to see where they are playing, the exact address of the Boro show or to just buy the record. It should be available in the normal places before too long, I'd assume (ie Grimeys in Nashville, Grand Palace, etc.). Ask for it by name, "Sue".

I've known Amy for a few years now and she's a pretty rad lady- and can definitely sing. They work hard for the money and you should drop a little on the record.

-Okkervil River/New Pornographers show countdown: 8 days. Show up. Sing along with me. It's a Friday nite, Nashville never gets good shows (though I will excuse you if you are Rites of Spring, seeing the Avett Brothers), you know you didn't get Raconteurs tickets because they sold out so quickly.

- One more thing- NPR is amazing. Seriously. I've been overlooking my ipod in the car this week to listen to the interviews, news and random things they share with the world. One of the coolest things I've heard so far is a three part story about this "spiritual cult" from the 70's in L.A.
Part One as linked there, has tons of videos and photographs of the whole ordeal. Biblical-like robes and long flowing hair and 100 people+ living in one huge house- you have to be interested. The main guy, Father Yod, had 13 wives. "Spiritual wives" of course, but wives. Check it out if you are at all interested in any of the counterculture of the 1970's.

Elsewhere on NPR's website, just dig around. Search for an artist you like, they might have a live concert or interview with them. The folks that put the radio shows together, they know what's up in the "cultured" world.

Until next time-

Blog Round Up

2008-03-31T14:50:00.000-05:00

I admittedly have too many blogs on my RSS feed- from news sources (Pitchfork, Seterogum- yes, music news) to lolcatz.
In this feature I'm adopting, I'll throw out some blogs that you might want to check out and give a few reasons why you might want to.

-------------------------

Ryan Adams' "Foggy"

Mr. Internet Personality himself (see: his homepage and DJ Reggie and other interesting monikers) is at it again.

He began "fickleblogging", in the words of Pitchfork, a few weeks back, eventually naming the tumblr blog "Foggy".

With multiple posts daily, including quotes, iphoto self portraits and videos of Sunday afternoons on the town and of stuffed animals that upload videos while he's "out shopping at Marc Jacobs", it stands to be an interesting find.

The most interesting aspect of Mr. Adams' work is the notion of the entries on the said blog, it's not very clear on whether they are actual thoughts or random fictitious ramblings from good ole D. R. himself.

Mr. Adams, Warhol stripes & all

Of course, in this world of fickleblogging, the unknown end was due to come before long, and at this point, it has. I woke up this morning to find farewell posts on the blog, making the morning a little bit sadder for me. In his leaving, though, yet another video has been posted and it's a pretty good song. Made me almost forgive the craziness of D.R. (as I now prefer to call him).

Of course, the image of the Declaration of Independence is...random.

Anyways, if you dig the sound of his work, check out this video and check out what's left of the blog...you know it could, literally, all be gone tomorrow...

CROSSED-OUT NAME from Ryan Adams on Vimeo.

***
And next time, hopefully I won't catch the end of a blog, as opposed to when it just starts. So is life, I guess...

The Avett Brothers

2008-03-29T12:01:00.000-05:00

"There's a time [now] and a place [now]"
- from "Color Show"
[much better when hearing the "now"s screamed in the song]

[2 of the 3 boys- by Crackerfarm]

These guys are one bunch that I've been playing a lot lately, particularly in the car, windows down. The various tracks that I've found here and there cover most of their work, the newest being the album . The North Carolina boys also have a few more full lengths and a handful of eps that are floating around the universe. Their well rounded alt. country sound that fuses a love of bluegrass, folk and classic country, complete with a dash of rock that chills out at moments for epic ballads (see: "The Ballad of Love and Hate").

After seeing the list of artists playing Bonnaroo this year, the Avetts made me delve into the band more, my initial find by the boys, the song "Matrimony". The somewhat more agressive and upbeat track became a daily sing along for me (the band also has a song that is preloaded on the newer Zune Mp3 players, as my brother discovered this past Christmas morning).

The Avett Brothers are currently touring , making a stop April the 18th at the Rites of Spring festival at Vanderbilt University in Nashville (same nite as they play the Grand Ole Opry and the Okkervil River show that will be across the town). June 14th they also will touch down at Bonnaroo.

A video introduction to the band:

Website
Myspace
HypeMachine

To Whom I Owe the Credit

2008-03-25T09:08:00.000-05:00

Going off to college usually causes many changes to occur; new friends, settings, etc. showing different aspects of life that one might not notice.

I myself experienced this a few months into my freshman year. I had made a friend who lived in the same building as I did, David. Thanks to his power of a great mix cd, my life was changed.

One afternoon, I was feeling icky and was handed off a 4 cd long mix set of songs, via the stairwell. After receiving the new tunes, I sat down to hear what would be the future of my listening. Lucero, Okkervil River, Ryan Adams (who I had already found a love for in high school and rediscovered), Kings of Leon, The Decemberists, Kyle Andrews (one of my favorite Nashville artists), Guster, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, and even more hit my ears, opening my eyes to what all existed in the world and.

At first I didn't realize what an effect the tracks were going to have on me, but the majority of stuff that I listen to today. He really showed me what was out there and I found my niche in what, I guess, could be called the world of indie (if you simply just pull everything together).

I haven't seen him in quite a while, probably since we moved out of the first year dorm and I never really let him know what an influence that mix had on me, but now I've got my chance:

Thank You, David Jenkins.

***
Speaking of my younger days in Murfreesboro, the possibility of moving back to Murfreesboro is back on my radar. We'll see how that goes, but I'm thinking it might just be the thing to do, seeing as my credits won't all transfer to UTC and I have to take atleast one class at MTSU before I get my minor finished, and I have to get that done (you think I'm wasting the other 13 hours in that field? No way!). We'll just have to wait and see what's going down.

***
Countdown til Okkervil River/ New Pornographers show: 24 Days. Woohoo!

-jenny

Biased Bands and Expensive Shows

2008-03-20T21:02:00.000-05:00

In all of my days as a music listener/fanatic/junkie, there is this one issue that in discovering new music that I’m over: preconceived biases on certain artist or songs. These can be shaped by many different things, of course. Be it because of an ex, too much hype or a number of other possible factors, it just stinks.

Case in point, Dinosaur Jr..

Before even giving the band a chance, a) J. Mascis freaked me out with his hair that’s not possibly naturally that color and b) had a ton of hype I didn’t understand from the twenty-somethings who were in high school when the band was in its heyday. Add to this the massive love for the band an ex had, up until this week I had never really been able to listen to the band’s music.

What did it was Broken Social Scene, particularly Kevin Drew. The song “Backed Out on the…” is one of the greatest I’ve heard in a while- loud guitars, total party vibe, putting it all out there for the listener. After seeing the video for the song, I realized that Mr. Mascis happens to play guitar on the song and also does appear in the video. Knowing he was involved put me off of the song a little bit but I refused to give up. I had to move on and keep rocking out and singing along way too loudly in the car to the chorus. So I tried my best. And my best, surprisingly, did work this time.

It is important to note in my quest to figure out what the big fuss about Dinosaur Jr. is all about, the trek for the answer was a long one (I tell you, I really did want to like them somehow but just had this mental block…). After asking many friends about this greatness, a stranger wound up convincing me to give them a chance, thanks to his passionate run down of seeing Mascis play live. Well, that and the fact that Kevin Drew would jam out with him, too.

Anyways, I was listening to said song by Drew this afternoon and I finally realized why I enjoyed the song: the loud guitars that sound like they’re turned up to 11 and that was thanks to J. Mascis.

So by default, I think I really do like Dinosaur Jr

Evidentally M.I.A. is bringing her sound to Nashville in the next month or so. Holy F*** is opening (oh those profanity named bands. Trend of the year) and I was thinking this would be a pretty good show, but one thing caught me off guard and the thought of showing up left my mind: $28 in advance, $31 day of the show.

That’s quite a chunk of change, particularly when I’ll be seeing her at Bonnaroo in June, anyways. If you suck it up and go, let me know how it is. I’ll be at home, plotting how to use that $30 I saved (plus gas money) for Bonnaroo season.

And for some personal excitement in my life, one of the trends for spring/summer is evidentially the Ray Ban, old school sunglasses. I picked up a pair at Claire’s for less than ten bucks and can’t help but feel a little Dylan-esque when they’re on. Not that I’m complaining- Dylan’s a pretty good guy to feel like.

**speaking of photos- just put up a lot on the 365 project album on my flickr if you want to check it out. Fo Sure.

Racountours "guerilla" album release

2008-03-18T07:39:00.000-05:00

So Jack White and crew just won my heart.

Release a record and only announce it the week before it drops? Put it out on all formats [including vinyl] on the same day?

GENIUS.

I'm pretty sure this method of realease means I'm going to purchase the album the day it comes out, or atleast sometime next week. Of course, solely doing so to support the notion of music being real and not all about press, pre-sales or the money factor.

I knew that Jack kept it real and he has once again proven it.

check out more about the band here and buy the record when it comes out here!

---------------
Two other random thoughts:

-I'm wearing the same thing I did yesterday, again today. I'm really digging the new line for summer from VS Pink. Peace signs, love and bohemia all the way...

- This New Pornographers album, "Challengers" is one I'm glad I picked up last week. It's really growing on me and lets me know that I'm in for a treat come next month's show.

Have a one!

SXSW: as seen from TN

2008-03-17T18:13:00.000-05:00

My thoughts on what I read/saw, via "the blogs"

-I will give Pitchfork props on the photos, particularly the amount of them
[Pitchfork's Culmination of SXSW coverage]

-Nashville Cream- Not as in depth as Pitchfork, but much more entertaining. SXSW without a badge as expereinced by free food and drink taking, couch hopping Seth con Queso is quite entertaining. I'm looking for a wrap up after he recovers.

-Speaking of Nashvillites, The Nobility posted some nice photos on their flickr.

I vote the photo of Caitlin Rose, from their page, pretty much the most adorable thing ever:

-I was suprised to not hear a huge huge fuss about Vampire Weekend. Maybe they're running down a little bit...? I read around that their set was good, but not the hype like has been going on as of late.

-Jens Lekman, the previously mentioned Vampire Weekend, My Morning Jacket, Bon Iver, etc. all have sets on NPR. The party was in conjunction with other stations/independent outlets, such as KEXP and a few other folks. I'm not sure if they're downloadable yet, but I have listened to Jens and part of VW and it was pretty good stuff, great sound. NPR is one of the best sites I know of for live sets, regardless what time of year it is.

- Surprisingly enough, some of the band I would have thought to draw a crowd/press only garnered a little bit of coverage, from what I have seen so far. Some of these bands are Los Campesinos!, No Kids [who I got back into after seeing a few photos and reading a short paragraph on some blog. They're quite eclectic and cover a lot of territory..just check it out.], Okkervil River, etc.

- Bands with profanity in their names, guess they're in this season..

-I can't find the source or the quote, but there was a thought that if you are able to ever see Moby and Justice play a party in a warehouse, go. Personally, if I could ever go to a Justice party, I'd be a pretty happy camper for a while.

-I'm going to hold out on the bands that seem to have gained the most hype due to playing the festival. It's too early to say, at this distance from the actual shows.

And I have to say, I was hating on SXSW but I'll admit it- I deep down wanted to go. And we can call that most of the reason I was hating.

Just don't tell anyone I admitted to that...

Have any thoughts on Austin and their little gathering of artists, journalists and music lovers? Let's compare notes...

Have a great one!
Jenny

-------------

And yes. the Wilco show review is still on its way. I'm trying to get it together to use for a short paper in my art appreciation class, too. I've just gotta sit down and write down what's floating around my head...

What I Want To Do When I Grow Up

2008-03-01T23:28:00.001-06:00

Two and a half years into college I finally had a moment where I know what I want to do when I grow up.

I want to be a journalist.

Of course, the original plan for college was to be a journalist, but after a little bit of consideration and seeing how hardcore the courses sounded at MTSU in the journalism department. Add to that kinda being burnt out on writing after four years of writing stories for the “teen page” of the Chattanooga Times Free Press and it was time for a change.

The other nite I submitted a piece that I’d written for the Murfreesboro Pulse to write for a record label’s website. So far, I haven’t heard anything back but it doesn’t matter. It just worked.

So alas, I’ve gone from one end of the spectrum in Communication Disorders and then back to where I started.

I don’t know where I’m going this fall or what I’m doing but I think I want to be a travel writer. I think. I want to get a degree that’s a culmination of photography, English, journalism, children’s lit., recording industry. That kind of degree doesn’t really exist. But I’m going to try and make do with it.

Going to Boston this summer with the family will be my dry run of travel writing. Unless I do so before then, even. Who knows what will come up in the future…

**
Wilco is rocking SNL. And I’m pretty much pumped for tomorrow nite’s show. It’s not everyday that you can say you are seeing the band that played Saturday Nite Live the nite after they rocked it in NYC. I’ll be sure to post a review/photos (if I can take any)/set list/etc.

Darjeeling Limited and Such...

2008-02-29T22:19:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't blogged in a zillion years. Or Really that much ever...

I finally watched "The Darjeeling Limited" and have to say it has thoroughly inspired me to read or write or do something intellectual. I'm thinking it's one of the better films I've seen lately and probably my favorite Andersen flick. Still have to see a bit of his work, but still.

Granted I have a little issue with Andersen film plot lines being so similar to stories by JD Salinger. Oh well. This film really did it for me though. The colors and characters are awesome, the setting is amazing.

Check it out if you like film at all.

Packing and Parachutes....

2007-08-21T21:58:00.000-05:00

1)
So I'm working on packing for the Boro.

Well, "working" = thinking about it some and having one bag ready to go. Go figure. Anyways.

As you can probably guess, I'm so pumped to get back into the swing of things in the Boro and also trek up to Nashville some more this coming semester, for shows and all. One of the bands I'm really pumped to be seeing coming up really soon [August 29th at Bluesboro] is Parachute Musical.

2)

These boys were a myspace find, my love for their sound being cemented by checking them out at Casa Burrito last spring. They're currently in the studio and post video updates every so often, including the great new song, "New Love". And here's the video, so check it out, along with the band's website...

Hope you folks have a great one-
Jenny

A Hello & A Summer Recap

2007-08-16T17:15:00.000-05:00

With classes starting up again soon at MTSU, I figured I'd start a blog to go along with this semester. I'm starting my junior year & am thinking it's probably [realistically] going to take 2 more to get out of that joint. But it's all good. This semester's going to be lighter, leaving room to have some more fun, so that's def. one thing I'm looking forward to.

Of the many things going on, I'm going to be taking photos for the Murfreesboro Pulse.
Alas, if you have any sort of local show/party/whatever going on in the Boro, let me know.

As far as the summer recap you are just dying for, here it is.

I worked a lot.
Then I went to Southern Girls Rock and Roll Camp to help teach photography. And it was one of the most amazing weeks I've ever had. Let's just say Monday night, after just one day of camp, I couldn't stop smiling and was sure I will be volunteering next year- for sure.
Here's some photographic evidence...

Our Photography Class

Megan and Steve were the lovely folks I assisted teaching class with. I think we had a better time than the girls did at camp, honestly.This is pretty much the greatest photo ever. And the lovely Steve did take the following photo of Megan and I at Left Can Dance that weekend [my first dance party. Finally!]
He takes a TON of photographs and is really good, so check out his website.

Not long after returning from SGRRC, went on a mission trip to Pearlington, Miss. to help paint a church. No AC, no indoor plumbing. Wound up getting sick one day because I was so dehydrated. But it was cool to get out of Chattanooga and take some photos in New Orleans one nite when we headed up there. Here's a little of what I got:

Alas, that's a taste of my summer. Here's to a good summer and the possibility of more great times.

Have a great one!
Jenny

NP: Lily Allen- "Smile" [don't really dig the record all that much, but this is good track..]