Tuesday Tribute: Holiday Songs

I know it's not Tuesday, but it's the holiday season dammit, so grab some nog, curl up by the yule log and check out some of the spirit I'm about to cast your way. When you think of the holiday season, the one thing that many loathe is hearing the constant holiday cheese on every single radio station the minute Thanksgiving is over. While it's complete overkill year after year, there are a handfull of tunes that personally, I don't mind getting down to. As a matter of fact, I would have to say that Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas album is one of my favorite piano-jazz albums of all time and I have no shame in saying that I have listened to it in July many times. Just like everybody has a sweet-spot for the holiday season, everybody has a sweet-spot for certain holiday tunes, no matter how embarrassing they may be. Here are my picks, but I would love to hear yours, even if only to make me feel like less of a loser.

First up is the classic "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses. The same group that brought you the snide 80's classic "I Know What Boys Like," brings you one of Christmas' funkiest bass lines mixed with the nonchalant vocals of the now deceased Patty Donahue.



2009 has been a year of remembrance of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Keeping up with funky basslines, we go back to the times of the Jackson 5 (before they were exploiting Michael via reality show) for their rendition of "Santa Claus is Coming To Town." Many have done it, The Boss did a good one, but I'm partial to the Motown sounds of the Jackson 5.



Next up is the Mariah Carey classic that even the most hopeless singers croon along to in the car. I wish this song wasn't so damn catchy, because every year it hits a weak spot inside of me that compels me to put it on every playlist I make in the month of December.



James Brown passed away on Christmas a few years ago. I remember it clearly because my dad was basically depressed the whole day and it made for one of the more awkward Christmasses in memory. Regardless, his James Brown's Funky Christmas album is a classic and so is its first track "Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto."



Last up is the legendary Vince Guaraldi and his unforgettable "Linus and Lucy." Before there was Ritalin, apparently the kiddies would dance there crazies out because these kids can really go. This is only a short clip from the movie, so I included another tune from the album, "Skating," featuring a very makeshift homemade video. Enjoy and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Groundation 10th Annual Bob Marley Tribute Tour

I had heard of Groundation a few years ago, but not until I enrolled in college last year did I realize just what kind of following these guys have, especially on the west coast. A scene that some would argue was spearheaded by Sublime over 15 years ago and has since been upheld by bands such as Slightly Stoopid and SOJA has really taken off over the past few years. White-boy reggae has proved to be just as catchy, especially among the college-aged, party animal youth. It doesn't take a genius to realize the tremendous impact that Bob Marley's music has had on the same demographic, so it is only appropriate to think that Groundation doing Marley's music is a spectacular concoction. This winter, Groundation will embark on their 10th annual Bob Marley tribute tour. While the nine-piece collective is by no means hard on original material, they set aside a short tour every year to celebrate Marley's extremely influential catalog of music. If you anticipate hearing only a greatest hits set, think again. This traditional tour is meant to bring to life many of Bob Marley's deeper cuts that may not have been on regular rotation in his heyday. If you are a fan of either party involved, catch a date of Groundation's 2010 Bob Marley tribute tour.

Groundation 2010 Bob Marley Tribute Tour:
02/02/10 Tue Flamingo Cantina Austin, TX
02/04/10 Thu Howlin' Wolf New Orleans, LA
02/06/10 Sat The Plaza Theatre Orlando, FL
02/07/10 Sun Freebird Live Jacksonville Beach, FL
02/10/10 Wed The Pour House Charleston, SC
02/11/10 Thu Grey Eagle Asheville, NC
02/12/10 Fri Recher Theatre Towson, MD
02/13/10 Sat Sullivan Hall New York, NY
02/14/10 Sun Harpers Ferry Allston, MA
02/17/10 Wed Kinetic Playground Chicago, IL
02/19/10 Fri Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom Denver, CO
02/20/10 Sat Boulder Theater Boulder, CO
02/21/10 Sun Aggie Theatre Fort Collins, CO
02/23/10 Tue The Independent San Francisco, CA

groundation.com

The Shins' James Mercer and Danger Mouse Form Broken Bells

The Shins' frontman James Mercer and collaborative genius Danger Mouse have teamed up to form a new group called Broken Bells. The two first met face to face backstage at the 2004 Roskilde Festival in Copenhagen and decided to write some songs together. The two are planning to release their first self-titled full-length album on March 9th. Mercer will supply vocals, guitar, and bass, while Danger Mouse will be on drums, organ, synth, piano, and bass duties. Some songs will also feature a full string ensemble arranged by Daniele Luppi. Lets wait and see, Broken Bells could be 2010's Gnarls Barkley.

brokenbells.com

Jazz Fest Lineup and Dates Announced

New Orleans' premiere music festival is returning for its 41st year and the lineup already looks incredible. Jazz Fest has always had one of the largest and most diverse lineups, ranging from different styles of music to other various kinds of New Orleans culture and entertainment. It seems as though year after year the lineup seems to 1-up itself and this year is no different. Taking place April 23-25th and then April 29th-May 2nd, this year's headliners include, but are not limited to The Allman Brothers, Drake, Pearl Jam, P-Funk, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, and B.B. King. Discount packages and weekend passes are currently on sale at the Jazz Fest Website.

April 23rd-21st (1st Weekend)
Lionel Richie, Allman Brothers Band, My Morning Jacket, Anita Baker, Dr. John, Darius Rucker, The Black Crowes, Steel Pulse, Jonny Lang, Band of Horses, The Levon Helm Band, Drake, Keely Smith, Baaba Maal, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, Imagination Movers, Ledisi, King Sunny Ade & His African Beats, Better Than Ezra, Blind Boys of Alabama, Elvin Bishop, funky Meters, Sax for Stax featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, and Jeff Lorber, Marcia Ball, Shawn Colvin, Pastor Smokie Norful, Terence Blanchard, Cowboy Mouth, The Campbell Brothers, Chocolate Milk, Sam Bush, The Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, Joe Lovano Us Five, Donald Harrison, Lena Prima, Tab Benoit, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bonerama, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Deacon John, Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters, Davell Crawford and One Foot in the Blues with special guests Dr. John and Jon Cleary, The Bounce Extravaganza feat. Big Freedia, Sissy Nobby, Katie Redd, Magnolia Shorty, and DJ Poppa, Bob French & the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band 100 Year Anniversary Celebration, Jon Cleary: Piano, Bass & Drums, Irma Thomas’ Tribute to Mahalia Jackson, The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong feat. Wycliffe Gordon, James Andrews, and Victor Goines, Papa Grows Funk, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Theresa Andersson, Jewel Brown with the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, Joe Krown Trio feat. Walter Washington & Russell Batiste, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, The Radiators--Pre-War Blues, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Grayson Capps, Kenny Neal, Treme Brass Band, Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark, Jeremy Davenport, Maurice Brown Effect, James Andrews & the Crescent City Allstars, Storyville Stompers Brass Band, Glen David Andrews, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars, Honey Island Swamp Band, OTRA, Leah Chase, Bill Summers & Jazalsa, Savoy Center of Eunice Saturday Cajun Jam, Mia X, Cheeky Blakk, and Ms. Tee, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, Rotary Downs, The New Orleans Bingo! Show, Little Freddie King Blues Band, Andrew Duhon & the Lonesome Crows, Rumba Buena, Spencer Bohren, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Louisiana LeRoux with Tab Benoit, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Red Stick Ramblers, Guitar Slim, Jr., Kipori Woods, Kim Carson Band, Ivoire Spectacle feat. Seguenon Kone, The Revealers, Shades of Praise, Lionel Ferbos & the Palm Court Jazz Band, Sammy Rimington, The Electrifying Crownseekers, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Betty Shirley, Germaine Bazzle, and Leah Chase, The James Rivers Movement, Leo Jackson & the Melody Clouds, Susan Cowsill, David Egan, Panorama Jazz Band, George French & the Storyville Jazz Band, New Orleans Night Crawlers, Midnite Disturbers, Ninth Ward Navajo Mardi Gras Indians, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers’ Tribute to Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr., Frankie Ford, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Reggie Hall & the Twilighters, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, Mas Mamones, Lil’ Buck Sinegal Blues Band, Jesse McBride presents the Next Generation, Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Septet, Michael Ward, Bleu Orleans, Mahogany Brass Band, Untouchables, Furious Five, and Big Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Creole Wild West and Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants, Gospel Soul Children, Blessed, Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries, Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Clive Wilson’s New Orleans Serenaders feat. Butch Thompson, N.O.C.C.A. Jazz Ensemble, Judy Spellman, Leroy Jones, Olympia Aid, New Look, and The First Division Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Comanche, Golden Blade, and Wild Mohicans Mardi Gras Indians, Free Agents Brass Band, The Wiseguys, Jambalaya Cajun Band, Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, D.L. Menard & the Louisiana Aces, The Revivalists, Rockie Charles, Robert “1 String” Gibson, Beth Patterson, Patrice Fisher & the Honduran Connection, Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Tommy Sancton Quintet, UNO Jazz Allstars, Smitty Dee’s Brass Band, Comanche Hunters, Semolian Warriors, and Black Feathers Mardi Gras Indians, Willis Prudhomme & Zydeco Express, Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys, Marc Stone Band, Betsy McGovern & the Poor Clares, Alexis Marceaux, Julio y Cesar, Sonny Bourg & the Bayou Blues Band, Chris Clifton, Miss Sophie Lee, June Gardner, The Guitar Woodshed feat. Steve Masakowski, Todd Duke, and Jake Eckert, Mount Hermon BC Mass Choir, Tonia Scott & Anointed Voices, Resurrection Baptist Church Mass Choir of Schertz, TX, Brass Bass Ensemble, Jai Reed, Loyola University Jazz Ensemble, Real Untouchables Brass Band, Divine Ladies, Dumaine Gang, and Ladies of Unity Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Young Pinstripe Brass Band, Johnette Downing, Kat Walker Jazz Combo, Guardians of the Flame, Single Ladies, Keep N it Real, and Nine Times Men Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Voices of Distinction, Nineveh BC Mass Choir, Kevin Thompson & the Sensational Six, Red Hot Brass Band, Lindsay Mendez, God’s House Westbank Cathedral Choir, The Gospel Stars, Da Souljas Brass Band, Single Men, Family Ties, and Big Nine Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Delgado Community College Jazz Ensemble, Natasha Richard of Canada, Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Ensemble, Jacquelyn Mayfield, Golden Voices Community Choir, John Lee & the Heralds of Christ, Greater Antioch Full Gospel Mass Choir, Black Mohawks, Seminoles, and Red, White & Blue Mardi Gras Indians, Archdiocese of New Orleans Mass Gospel Choir, The Bester Singers and the Dynamic Smooth Family Gospel Singers, New Orleans Young Traditional Brass Band with the Heel to Toe Steppers, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Mass Choir, Carrollton Hunters Mardi Gras Indians…

April 29th-May 2nd (2nd Weekend)
Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Widespread Panic, The Neville Brothers, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Irma Thomas, Gipsy Kings, The Dead Weather, Elvis Costello & the Sugarcanes, Teena Marie, Allen Toussaint, Gov’t Mule, Average White Band, Jose Feliciano, Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Kirk Franklin, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Gil Scott Heron, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Clarence Carter, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band, Tye Tribbett, Juvenile & DJ Mannie Fresh, Take Six, Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players, Galactic, Stanley Clarke Band feat. Hiromi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Richie Havens, Marcus Miller, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Pete Fountain, The Radiators, Blues Traveler, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Anders Osborne, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Rebirth Brass Band, Sonny Landreth, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Martin Sexton, Bernard Allison, Ruthie Foster, Jimmy Johnson Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Cyril Neville & Tribe 13, Dee Dee Bridgewater – A Celebration of Lady Day, Ellis Marsalis, Buckwheat Zydeco, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Louis Prima, Jr., Henry Butler, The Roots of Music Marching Crusaders, Selvy Singers of Arkansas, Aaron Neville, Chris Thomas King, Dala, Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, The Davell Crawford Singers, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, Inspirational Souls of Chicago, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, John Mooney & Bluesiana, subdudes, Iguanas, DJ Captain Charles, The Dixie Cups, Sherman Washington & the Zion Harmonizers, The Jon Batiste Band, Nicholas Payton, The Four Freshman, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Russell Batiste & Friends feat. Jason Neville, Pine Leaf Boys, Eric Lindell, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Banu Gibson with Swing Out & Tap!, Tribute to Juanita Brooks feat. Wanda Rouzan, Barbara Shorts, and Topsy Chapman, John Boutté, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Luther Kent, Astral Project, Germaine Bazzle, Soul Rebels, New Birth Brass Band, Big Chief Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias, Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, PJ Morton, New Orleans Spiritualettes, The Johnson Extension, Orange Kellin’s New Orleans Deluxe Orchestra, Bobby Lonero’s Tribute to Louis Prima, Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders, The Allen Toussaint Jazzity Project, Charmaine Neville, MyNamesIsJohnMichael, Kirk Joseph’s Backyard Groove, Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show, Bobby Lounge, Big Al Carson, Lynn Drury, Vivaz!, Nova NOLA feat. Sasha Masakowski, Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony, Coco Robicheaux & the Swamp Monsters, Fredy Omar con su Banda, Loose Marbles, Heavenly Melodies, Betty Winn & One A-Chord, Kent Jordan, Shannon Powell’s Organ Combo feat. David Torkanowsky and Charlie Gabriel, Forgotten Souls, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, TBC Brass Band, Westbank Steppers, Valley of Silent Men, and Pigeon Town Steppers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Apache Hunters, Wild Red Flame, and Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Jockimo’s Groove feat. War Chief Juan and Billy Iuso, Elysian Fieldz, Feufollet, Creole Zydeco Farmers, The Hadley J. Castille Family & the Sharecroppers Band, GROUPA – Nordic Folk Fusion, Tin Men, R. Scully Rough 7, Creole String Beans, Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes, Margie Perez, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone & the XL Band, Kristin Diable, Jimmy Robinson, Kenny Bill Stinson & the ARK-LA-Mystics, Mem Shannon & the Membership, Bamboula 2000, Kora Konnection feat. Morikeba Kouyate of Senegal and Thierno Dioubate of Guinea, Papa Blue Viking Jazz Band of Sweden, Onward Brass Band, Dukes of Dixieland, Tim Laughlin, Val & the Love Alive Fellowship Choir, Jo “Cool” Davis, Zulu Male Ensemble, Phillip Manuel, Roderick Paulin, SUBR Jazzy Jags, Pinstripe Brass Band, Original Prince of Wales and Original Lady Buckjumpers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Orleans Indian Rhythm Section, Fi Yi Yi & the Mandingo Warriors, 101 Runners, Evan Christopher & Tom McDermott, New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra, Pfister Sisters, Walter Payton with Snapbeans and Filé Gumbo, Brother Tyrone, Driskill Mountain Boys, Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Thomas “Big Hat” Fields, Mark Adam Miller, Benny Grunch & the Bunch, J. Monque’D Blues Band, Mia Borders, Lars Edegran & the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, Classie Ballou & the Family Band, John Rankin, Jonny Frishberg & Bayou DeVille, DJ Soul Sister, Zion Trinity, AsheSon, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Kumbuka African Drum & Dance Collective, Donnie Bolden, Jr. & the Spirit of Elijah, Ebenezer Mass Choir, Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band, Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Voices of Peter Claver, Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, Mario Abney Quintet, Lady Rollers, Original C.T.C. Steppers, and Nine Times Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Baby Boyz Brass Band, Geronimo Hunters, 7th Ward Creole Hunters, and Young Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians, Lafayette Rhythm Devils, Joe Hall & the Cane Cutters, Eddie “ChopChops” Paris, Hot Club of New Orleans, Connie Jones & the Crescent City Jazz Band, Young Tuxedo Brass Band, Lady Jetsetters Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Ladies Sing the Blues feat. Gina Brown, Angela H. Bell, and Tereasa B., Julliard Jazz Ensemble, Craig Adams & Higher Dimensions of Praise, McDonogh #35 High School Gospel Choir, O. Perry Walker Charter High School Gospel Choir, Warren Storm, Willie Tee & Cypress, McMain High School Gospel Choir, Blodie’s Jazz Jam, Xavier University Jazz Band, Tulane University Jazz Ensemble, Pinettes Brass Band, Scene Boosters, Ole & Nu Style Fellas, and Secondline Jammers Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, New Wave Brass Band, Red Hawk, Black Seminoles, and Black Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, Dwight & Connie Fitch with the St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Choir, N’Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, Marisa y Mariachi Agave, Grupo Sensacion, Dee-1, Lucky 7, Franklin IV, Mardi Gras Indian Orchestra, Ray Abshire, Bonsoir, Catin, Dillard University Jazz Ensemble, Jamil Sharif & the Jazz Professors, Rocks of Harmony, Some Like it Hot, Kid Simmons’ Local International Allstars, The Wright Brothers, Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers, St. Joseph the Worker Music Ministry, Heritage School of Music Band, New Generation, Undefeated Divas, and VIP Ladies Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Highsteppers Brass Band, Trouble Nation and Wild Apaches Mardi Gras Indians, David & Roselyn, Paulin Brothers Brass Band, Morning Star BC Mass Choir, Arthur Clayton & Purposely Anointed, Gloria Bell & the Revelation Gospel Singers, First Emmanuel Baptist Church Choir, White Cloud Hunters and Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians, Tornado Brass Band, Lyle Henderson & Emmanuel, Pastor Terry Gullage & the Greater Mount Calvary Voices of Redemption Choir, Gospel Inspirations of Boutte, Ayla Miller, Original Four, Original Big 7, and Bon Temps Roulez Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, Golden Sioux and Cherokee Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, Nashville Children’s Choir, Claudia Baumgartner, Saltimbanqui Puppet Theater of Mexico, Stephen Foster’s Foster Family Program, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers, N’Kafu African Dance presented by Young Audiences, O. Perry Walker Kuumba Players, Jazz Fest Residency Showcase feat. Seva Venet and KIDSmART…

Perry's Pick: The Gilded Splinters

One thing I love about Boston's music scene is its diversity. For such a small city, it covers a very wide spectrum of musical tastes and varieties. For example, if you were to hear any track by Somerville's own The Gilded Splinters, you may initially think you were south of the Mason-Dixon. With twangy leads and sludgy warm grooves, The Gilded Splinters are the northern flannel rock response to a typically southern style. The lead vocals of singer/songwriter Josh Buckley fall somewhere in the realm of Chris Robinson and Neil Young, reminiscent of Brian Harding of the New York band Hymns. The band achieves a sound that sounds like Exile on Main Street era Stones on Vicodin (in a good way). A bit more mellowed out and much less in your face, the band still gets a very full and intricate sound thanks to the keyboards of John Carbone and the lead riffs of Jonas Kahn. The Gilded Splinters struck gold a couple of years ago when producer JP Bowersock, famous for working with such artists as The Strokes and Ryan Adams, attended one of their gigs and decided to produce their debut full-length album January. Tracks such as "Lisa Jack" and "Haunted Child" are upbeat standouts from January and have helped make the band a household name around the Boston area. The Gilded Splinters' touring schedule has been rather thin as of late, but they are also currently in the studio working on the follow-up to January, which as of now is set to release on March 1st. Be sure to give The Gilded Splinters a listen because they are a band that is making music that matters.

myspace.com/thegildedsplinters
joshbuckley.com

Pearl Jam Announce 2010 European Dates

Pearl Jam has announced the first dates in their 2010 European tour. Pearl Jam has had a heavy schedule in 2009 and just recently played the final shows at the Spectrum in Philadelphia on Halloween. Their latest album Backspacer debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. The tour will kick off on June 22nd at Dublin's O2 Arena and will span a couple of weeks. They will be one of the headliners of London's Hard Rock Calling festival and they will have the closing slot at the Optimus Alive festival in Lisbon, Portugal. More 2010 dates are expected to be announced.

Pearl Jam 2010 European Dates:
22-June – Dublin, Ireland @ 02 Arena
23-June – Belfast, Ireland @ Odyssey Arena
25-June – London, England @ Hard Rock Calling Hyde Park
27-June – TBD
30-June – Berlin, Germany @ Wuhlheide
1-July – TBD
3-July – Arras, France @ Main Square Festival
4-July – Werchter, Belgium @ Rock Werchter Festival
6-July – TBD
9-July – TBD
10-July Oeiras, Portugal @ Optimus Alive Festival

pearljam.com

Air: First US Dates in 3 Years

Nicolas Godin and JB Dunckel, together known as French electro-pop duo Air, are returning to North America for their first North American dates in 3 years. Air just released their latest album, Love 2, in October and are preparing for a set of European dates before making their way to the US. The band will do this tour as a trio with the inclusion of Bat for Lashes and Badly Drawn Boy drummer Alex Thomas. Air took the music scene by storm in 1998 with the release of their debut album Moon Safari and has since headlined shows at Madison Square Garden among other large American venues. Opening for Air during this tour is Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist AM.

Air 2010 North American Dates:
03/13/10 Sat The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theater Miami Beach, FL
03/14/10 Sun Hard Rock Live Orlando, FL
03/15/10 Mon Center Stage Atlanta, GA
03/17/10 Wed 9:30 Club Washington, DC
03/18/10 Thu Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA
03/19/10 Fri Terminal 5 New York, NY
03/20/10 Sat Berklee Performance Center Boston, MA
03/22/10 Mon Metropolis Montreal, QC
03/23/10 Tue Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto, ON
03/24/10 Wed The Riviera Theatre Chicago, IL
03/26/10 Fri Fox Theater Oakland, CA
03/27/10 Sat 4th & B San Diego, CA
03/28/10 Sun Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles, CA

aircheology.com

Tuesday Tribute: Pete Townshend

Pete Townshend is both a rock and roll pioneer and an icon for anyone who has ever played air guitar and really meant it. One of the founding members of The Who, Townshend is responsible for writing such songs as "My Generation," "I Can't Explain," and "Substitute." Known for his on stage theatrics, Townshend had a knack for smashing instruments and taking an attack-style approach to guitar, sometimes swinging his left arm around for his signature windmill style. Not only was he an incredible guitar player, but he was the principal songwriter in The Who. Townshend was responsible for creating Tommy, which may be the greatest "rock opera" of all time. He also wrote a second rock opera, Quadrophenia, which featured more experimental guitar styles. In the 1980's, Townshend had a mildly successful solo career with his most popular work being the 1980 tune "Let My Love Open The Door." Nowadays, Townshend still plays with The Who, who now round off their lineup with Pino Palladino and Zak Starkey (Ringo Starr's son) who replace John Entwhistle and Keith Moon. Some criticize Townshend for being too showy, but the fact is he is a pioneer. He may not have stacked up with Hendrix or Clapton as a soloist, but he wrote some of rock's greatest riffs that have only become sweeter with time. Today, we'll take a look at his impressive career.

The Who had countless memorable singles and one of the best is "Won't Get Fooled Again." It's odd to hear this tune stripped down because it's such a fist-pumper, but here's Townshend doing an acoustic version.



Not many people know that Townshend formed the one-hit-wonder group Thunderclap Newman. Townshend played bass on their single "Something In The Air." Not much of a video for it, but it plays the tune.



Here's a clip of Townshend doing an impromptu version of "The Seeker" with The Raconteurs. The rendition isn't too elaborate, but it is a good example of the influence that Townshend has had on Rock and Roll.



Lastly, we have some later Townshend with his hit "Let My Love Open the Door." This song has been used in commercials and movies alike and proved that Townshend could have a successful solo career as well.

Rivers Cuomo Hospitalized After Weezer Bus Crash

Rivers Cuomo, leadman for Weezer, was taken to the hospital today after one of the Weezer tourbuses crashed while leaving Albany early this morning. While Cuomo was the only member of Weezer on the bus, the vehicle was also carrying Cuomo's wife, his infant daughter, their nanny, and Cuomo's assistant. CNN reports, "The driver said the back end of the bus slid on ice, then went into the median and hit some reflective posts before crossing back over the highway, going over the guardrail and landing in a ditch." Cuomo was hospitalized after complaining of pain in his ribs, and Cuomo's assistant was also hospitalized with fractured ribs and back pain. The band has canceled all of their remaining December tour dates which include Boston, Washington DC, and Camden, NJ. Weezer's webmaster Karl Koch has posted the following message on the band's website.

Karl Koch writes:

Today at 7:18 AM EST, about 40 miles West of Albany on I-90, the weezer tour bus carrying Rivers and his family and assistants lost control as it hit a patch of black ice. The driver employed every ounce of skill he had in fighting to keep the bus upright, as the vehicle violently fishtailed over the highway. And while the bus did indeed go off the road, plunging about 8-10 vertical feet into a muddy ravine off to the right of the Thruway thus coming to a very abrupt stop, it did not flip or roll, despite having plowed right over a guardrail, flattening it. Kudos to the driver for somehow keeping things as level as they could be - surely this story would have been far more tragic if not for his actions.

Nonetheless the damage was severe, and everyone on the bus was either terrified or injured or both. The bus contained Rivers, his wife and daughter, their nanny, and Rivers' assistant Sarah. Both Sarah and Rivers' wife were pitched out of their upper level bunks onto the floor 5 feet below. Somehow Rivers' wife was uninjured, but Sarah sustained 2 fractured ribs and a fractured lower vertebrae. The baby daughter was in her crib unit and was fine, as was the nanny who was sleeping near the floor in her bunk at the time. However in the back lounge, Rivers was tossed around violently, waking up as he landed back on his mattress. He recalled not hitting anything, but later we learned that he must have, as he cracked 3 ribs and sustained some mostly minor but very painful internal damage, as well as hurting his lower leg somehow.

The interior of the bus was a chaotic mess with broken glass, smashed glasses and plates, food and clothing items strewn everywhere, as well as the refrigerator flying off the wall and many drawers coming right out of their slots, spewing their contents everywhere. On top of it the sliding interior doors were fused shut and the bus's electronics were ruined, so no one could get into the back lounge where Rivers lay immobile and unable to speak due to the pain in his ribcage. To top it off, the front door was jammed shut with 5 feet of heavy wet mud up pressed against it so there was no way to leave the bus.

Finally, using the jaws of life to remove a rear window bar, the local EMTs and firefighters got a ladder across the ravine to the rear bus window, where they could get to Rivers, eventually getting him and Sarah out on stretchers and into an ambulance. Meanwhile they dug frantically in the mud at the front of the bus, clearing the front door so everyone else could come out. To access the rest of the bus from Rivers' lounge, the fused sliding door was destroyed by the firefighters.

The other buses pulled up within 20 minutes of the accident, and already a long line of firetrucks and EMT vehicles were on the scene. I threw on my shoes and walked up just as the jaws of life were being turned on, catching a glimpse of Rivers lying inside on his back surrounded by EMTs. I couldnt believe what was happening in front of me, as Rivers lay so helpless, shivering in the center of the chaos, and meanwhile the sun was coming up and revealing an utterly beautiful light covering of snow on the surrounding trees. I dont know how to describe the wave of awfulness that gripped me as I watched, but adrenalin took over and the next thing I knew I was in the passenger seat of an ambulance transporting Rivers and Sarah to the hospital in Amsterdam, NY, about 10 miles from there. That adrenalin would sustain me all day, as everyone's did, from family to band to crew - everyone pitched in to help however they could all day as things unfolded.

Fast forward to now - Sarah was discharged, a 3-4 week period of extreme pain awaiting her as she heals from her injuries the only way possible, with time and gritted teeth. Rivers was transported to a larger area hospital where he remains under observation. He is resting about as comfortably as could be expected now, and we were relieved to hear that surgery is unlikely. Hopefully tomorrow the docs will have more info. You don't fool around with internal injury. Whatever happens, we forsee some gritted teeth in his future too.

We are sorry to say that the rest of the December Raditude Tour has been cancelled - when we can reschedule the dates we will, of course. I have no ticket or refund or whatever info at this time, but stay tuned to this site and the ticketing websites for more info. For now its a waiting game for all of us. Thanks for your kind thoughts and good wishes, we need them!

Perry's Pick: Drink Up Buttercup

Philadelphia seems to bare a regional weirdness. In the past few years, original bands like Dr. Dog and The Teeth have found success coming out of the Philadelphia area and the next one to make waves is Drink Up Buttercup. Psychedelic buzz rock is a good way to describe this band, who isn't exactly radio-friendly, but terribly catchy nonetheless. Drink Up Buttercup takes basic pop melodies and showers them with odd instrumentation and milky vocals. A more hole-in-the-wall Beatles sound, the band finds a good medium between the beautiful harmonies of Dr. Dog and the ferocious rants of Man Man. The choruses of songs like "Sosey and Dosey" and "Gods and Gentleman" are sure to rattle around in your brain long after your first listen. Despite occasionally nonsensical lyrics, Drink Up Buttercup brews up infectious hooks that resonate along with their complimenting catchy choruses. For a four-piece, the band gets an extremely full sound in the studio, which according to widespread critical praise, translates well in a live setting as well. Drink Up Buttercup was a big hit at this year's CMJ festival and left newly acqired fans highly anticipating a full length studio album. While the band is just getting on their feet, they have come out with a bang look extremely hopeful for 2010. Be sure to check out the singles that Drink Up Buttercup has released and don't miss them live if they come to your area.

drinkupbuttercup.com
myspace.com/drinkupbuttercupband

Grammy Noms Are In and They're......Not That Exciting

Wait, I guess I shouldn't say that, because for the first time in a while there are some pretty good names scattered among the nominees list. While year after year it angers me to see some of the more popular nominees get far too much credit (Black Eyed Peas, Lady GaGa, Kanye West---> the dude who made an ass of himself at the last big award show), when you take a look at the big picture, there are some names that deeper music lovers can appreciate. While I personally wasn't fond of their most recent album, it was more than enough to shoot Kings of Leon into super-stardom and in the mix for some of the biggest awards. Considering how much good music that those guys have made this past decade, I wish them the best of luck come February. Dave Matthews Band got a few sweet nominations including album of the year, so hopefully they can walk away with a few as well. Best New Artist has a few cool names including Zac Brown Band, Silversun Pickups, and MGMT, and the award will most likely go to the MGMT, which is very well deserved. While they didn't receive any big time nods, bands like Phish, Bela Fleck, Pearl Jam, and David Byrne & Brian Eno all got Grammy recognition this year. I know it's just a guilty pleasure, but when in doubt, I'm pulling for Beyonce's "Single Ladies" in any category it was nominated. You've heard my two cents, anybody have any input?

For a complete list of Grammy nominees, visit grammy.com

STS9 Winter Tour

Santa Cruz electronic group Sound Tribe Sector 9 have just announced a large set of nationwide dates for this winter which will be in support of the upcoming release of their newest full length album AD EXPLORATA. AD EXPLORATA will be available next Tuesday, December 8th, but the band just released "Oil & Water," the third and final single from the album, on iTunes and 1320 Records. Its good to see these guys loading up their touring schedule again. Last year, they did short tour where they only did PA sets which got mediocre reviews and it has been a while since these guys have been at it full swing. With electronic music quickly taking both the jam scene and the popular music scene by storm, STS9 should bring their A game this winter to stay on top.

STS9 Winter Dates:
12/29/09 Tue Gates Concert Hall Denver, CO
12/30/09 Wed Wells Fargo Theatre Denver, CO
12/31/09 Thu Wells Fargo Theatre Denver, CO
01/02/10 Sat Revolution Live Fort Lauderdale, FL
01/03/10 Sun Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL
01/04/10 Mon Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL
01/05/10 Tue Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL
01/06/10 Wed Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL
01/07/10 Thu Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL
01/08/10 Fri Jam Cruise Fort Lauderdale, FL
02/11/10 Thu House of Blues San Diego, CA
02/12/10 Fri The Wiltern Los Angeles, CA
02/13/10 Sat Fox Theater Oakland, CA
02/14/10 Sun Grand Sierra Theatre (Reno Hilton) Reno, NV
02/18/10 Thu The Crystal Ballroom Portland, OR
02/19/10 Fri The Crystal Ballroom Portland, OR
02/20/10 Sat Showbox at the Market Seattle, WA
02/21/10 Sun Showbox at the Market Seattle, WA
02/22/10 Mon The Wilma Theatre Missoula, MT
02/25/10 Thu The Depot Salt Lake City, UT
02/26/10 Fri House of Blues Las Vegas, NV
02/27/10 Sat Marquee Theatre Tempe, AZ
02/28/10 Sun Rialto Theatre Tucson, AZ
03/03/10 Wed George's Majestic Fayetteville, AR
03/04/10 Thu Lyric Theatre Oxford, MS
03/05/10 Fri Cain's Ballroom Tulsa, OK
03/06/10 Sat House Of Blues Dallas, TX
03/07/10 Sun House of Blues New Orleans, LA
03/10/10 Wed The Music Farm Charleston, SC
03/11/10 Thu Amos' Southend Charlotte, NC
03/12/10 Fri The NorVa Norfolk, VA
03/13/10 Sat 9:30 Club Washington, DC
03/14/10 Sun 9:30 Club Washington, DC
03/17/10 Wed Mr. Small's Theatre Pittsburgh, PA
03/18/10 Thu Madison Theater Covington, KY
03/19/10 Fri The Pageant St. Louis, MO
03/20/10 Sat The Pageant St. Louis, MO

sts9.com

Tuesday Tribute: Beck

Beck Hansen, better known simply as Beck is recognized as one of the most creative and multi-dimensional artists of the past twenty years. Growing up in Los Angeles, Beck soaked in influences from the diverse music scene including hip-hop, punk, and latin music. After dropping out of high school and spending time in Europe and New York City, Beck met Chris Ballew, who would go on to form the Presidents of the United States of America, and the two performed regularly together. Beck was eventually picked up by independent label Bong Load Records and wrote his first big hit "Loser." "Loser" made its way up through the college rankings and eventually gained wide mainstream success. Beck signed with Geffen and became an instant 90's sensation. Beck's career is notable because of it's different creative stages. The absurd feelgoodness of Mellow Gold and Odelay as well as the more emotional Sea Change and the experimental Guero and Midnite Vultures have constantly kept Beck fans on their feet and anticipating his next move. He was made famous by his nonsensical white boy raps over funky sampled beats, but has gone on to write sophisticated folk melodies and well orchestrated funk grooves. Beck is an interesting character all around, being both an accomplished artist as well as an outspoken Scientologist. He is able to pull elements from his everyday life and translate them into song concepts as he did brilliantly for his 2002 album Sea Change which stems mainly from a breakup of a long time relationship. Despite the off-color approach of his initial jump on the music scene, Beck has been received very warmly by critics, having had two Rolling Stone Albums of the Year and been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards. With the turn of the decade, it is tough to tell how Beck may once again transform his styles, but today we can take a glance at the past and explore where he has gone thus far.

The first video this week is of Beck performing one of his biggest hits "Where Its At" on the short lived musical TV program Sessions at West 54th. The show, which was hosted by David Byrne, featured some really cool artists such as Phish, Beck, Ben Folds Five, and Keb Mo and a lot of the stuff is up on YouTube, so you should check it out. I love Beck's unusually funky stage presence.



Next up is Beck's later hit "Mixed Bizness" performed live on the show Farmclub in 2000. At this point in his touring career, Beck was using a full horn section and was getting a really solid sound. This tune is a great party starter as shown by the energy the crowd possesses.



When I first saw the video for "Loser" I thought either I was on drugs or the TV was on drugs. I have come to appreciate it as one of the best videos of all time to accompany one of the best songs of recent times. Rolling Stone named "Loser" song number 200 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.



Last up is Beck performing "E-Pro," which is the first single off of his album Guero. This take is from Jools Holland's show and is a good example of how Beck has constantly morphed his musical styles and his live shows. This one features an oddly placed backup dancer/hype man/percussionist.



beck.com