4/22/11
Wild At Heart movie review - Princess of Montpensier
Wild At Heart I am not overly familiar with director Bertrand Tavernier, except for a wonderful crime drama entitled “The Clockmaker” (1974) so I didn’t know what to expect from this French period film “The Princess of Montpensier”, inspired by the eponymous short story by Madame de La Fayette.
What I got was a beautifully shot period drama set against the savage Catholic/Protestant wars that ripped France apart in the 16th century. In brief, the film centers around the love of Marie de Mezières for her dashing cousin Henri de Guise whom she expects to marry. Her father's political ambitions force her into a loveless marriage with the well-connected Philippe de Montpensier, who she has never met and is unwilling to try to love. When Philippe is called away to fight, she is left in the care of Count Chabannes, an aging nobleman that is hated by both sides of the war. Her beauty captivates many important people but she remains true to her love of Guise that is not in the stars.
One pleasant aspect of the films is the realistic recreation of the middle ages with stunning exteriors, interiors and costumes that never distracts from the story and avoids the many clichés that some period pieces tend to overdo. The film is well acted though I never warmed to the fate of the husband Montpensier (Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet) whose slights are the main impetus of the film. I enjoyed the rest of the cast though the love story seemed to be almost dragging the film down. I would have rather been told the story of Count de Chabannes (Lambert Wilson) and his path from noble crusader to undesirable count or the fighting heroics of Henri de Guise (Gaspard Ulliel) in the wars (maybe there is a chance to revisit this era for the director).
Despite the inherent weakness of the love triangle (pentagon), the movie does have enough to sustain in into a worthwhile film though maybe a trimming of its 139 minutes could be managed. It is a film that truly allows us to disappear into this era and enjoy what is happening.
My grade for this film is a B.
This film opens today at Maple Art Theatre.
4/21/11
Joan As Police Woman interview - Crofoot Pike Room TONIGHT!!!!
Wild At Heart I had the pleasure of seeing Joan As Police Woman in a small club in downtown Buffalo. The club was in the basement of a church which reminded my of Clutch Cargos and St Andrews. The crowd was small as it seems the people in Buffalo were more into watching the Sabres play than going to a show. There was no opening band because they couldn't find one that didn't want to watch the game (which Buffalo won BTW). When brought up, she admitted she had no idea even what sport the fans were talking about, though one fan did have updates for the crowd. The set consisted of a lot of new material with Joan playing both the guitar and keyboards (and sadly no violin which she says she might if she tours with a bigger band someday).
1) You played some mean violin with the Dambuilders like on “Teenage Loser Anthem”, etc so can we expect to hear some violin on your new album or maybe future projects?
There is some violin on this record but not a whole lot. I use strings only when the song needs strings and i wasn't feeling all that much of it on this record.
But I use the violin all the time. Being able to play is a delight for me... the years of practicing paid off! I just recorded a talk talk cover and the multi-tracked strings I did pretty much made the song for me. I will always play the violin because I can!
2) After they disbanded, you had a very interesting musical journey where you played with Antony and the Johnsons, Black Beetle and the great Rufus Wainwright. How did performing with these artists inspire you and influence your solo career?
Black Beetle was a band that was formed with 2 of the remaining members of Jeff Buckley's band, Michael Tighe and Parker Kindred. It was an attempt to stay alive after Jeff's death. We recorded a record and then promptly broke up. It was somewhat of an experiment. This was the first time I was singing and playing guitar. It was alternately harrowing and joyful. I began playing with Antony in the midst of the Black Beetle. His voice alone did a lot to heal my soul. His band was one that was entirely nurturing and Antony, himself, was a great inspiration to go out on my own. Black Beetle had broken up and I had begun to play out solo and had made an EP. It was then that Rufus asked me to tour with him and to open the shows. Because I was not only playing my own material, I was doing it solo and for Rufus' crowd, so I felt that I really had to get my act together. I learned a lot from his crowd- what worked and what didn't. I began recording my first full-length release, Real Life, on the time off from touring with Rufus. It was released in june of 2006 and I have been exclusively making my own music and touring with it since. I am forever grateful for all the experiences I have been able to have with every musician I have played with.
3) How have you grown as a songwriter/musician since your debut album “Real Life” (which received a lot of great acclaim) and how has that affected your work on the new album?
Well hopefully I am getting better! I certainly work at it. I am constantly trying to devise the most direct way to get the feeling i am looking for. This is why songs are successful in my opinion. and I don't mean lucrative, i mean they work as a song. Before I made this record, I made an album of covers. This helped me engender a more pop sensibility into this most current record. I like creating songs that make people move. I feel like I am doing my job when people move (or in the case of a ballad, cry).
4) I have only heard the song “The Magic” on the new album which I thought had a hint of some 70’s R&B flair (maybe a hint of Stevie Wonder or the like) in the background. Can you tell us a little bit about the song?
"the magic" is about getting out of my head and "doing" rather than "thinking"
It's a plea for the magic formula to allow me to get out of my obsessive mind and live, rather than thinking about living. This is not "hinting" at 70's r&b, this IS my version of it. It's the music I always come back to and consistently love.
5) The new album is called “The Deep Field”. How did you come up with the title and what does it reflect about the songs on the album?
It is named after a part of the sky. I saw an image of this section of space as a series of square photographs that were taped together to form the larger region. It looks like a scatter of golden shapes against the black of the sky. it is truly astounding to think that this is really what's happening above us.
That scientists had so poetically named it "the deep field" when they could have named it RSDIE29859043984 made me feel very romantically towards it.
The fact that we, humans, continue to search for the answers whether it be in the sky or in our minds with no reason to believe we'll ever get any concrete answers is a beautiful thing. we can't help but continually look into the deep field.
6) For those who have never been to a live Joan As Police Woman show, what can the fans expect when you appear in Detroit?
Power trio comprised of The Professor, The Hurricane and The Police Woman.
7) When not writing or performing music, what gets your blood pumping and your juices flowing?
Making eye contact, racing around on my old broken-down english 3-speed in brooklyn, making whoopee, listening to old gospel vocal groups, swimming in the ocean
8) Is there anything you would like to relate to your Detroit fans?
Rock city! Here we come!!!!!
JOAN PLAYS TOMORROW AT THE CROFOOT PIKE ROOM
MCB IS THERE
TONIGHT: Kickoff of Detroit RAWK at Hard Rock Cafe Detroit 7pm
TGIF - come on out tonight for some great live detroit music, a few down and dirty djs spinning motorcity special before it is released on 5/21 at Lager House for our 1 year anniversary show
Hard Rock Cafe Presents Detroit RAWK!
Kickoff event with Motorcity Special highlights local bands & record labels
What do you get when you mix Hard Rock Café Detroit and Detroit record labels?
Detroit RAWK!, an ongoing showcase of Detroit’s finest rock artists, live at Hard Rock.
Motorcity Special kicks off this ongoing live music series at Hard Rock on April 21 at 7 p.m. with Detroit Music Award-winning artist Carolyn Striho and Detroit rockers The Handgrenades. DJs Blon D. Troit and CASH4GOLD will be spinning all kinds of Detroit vinyl in between sets, including the soon-to-be-released Motorcity Special #4 – Detroit Ladies Live, recorded live in Hamtramck on Feb. 12 2011.
Hard Rock has plans to make Detroit RAWK! an ongoing event, showcasing talent from labels all across metro Detroit.
Hard Rock Cafe Presents Detroit RAWK!Kickoff event with Motorcity Special highlights local bands & record labels
What do you get when you mix Hard Rock Café Detroit and Detroit record labels?
Detroit RAWK!, an ongoing showcase of Detroit’s finest rock artists, live at Hard Rock.
Motorcity Special kicks off this ongoing live music series at Hard Rock on April 21 at 7 p.m. with Detroit Music Award-winning artist Carolyn Striho and Detroit rockers The Handgrenades. DJs Blon D. Troit and CASH4GOLD will be spinning all kinds of Detroit vinyl in between sets, including the soon-to-be-released Motorcity Special #4 – Detroit Ladies Live, recorded live in Hamtramck on Feb. 12 2011.
Hard Rock has plans to make Detroit RAWK! an ongoing event, showcasing talent from labels all across metro Detroit.
4/20/11
FREE TICKETS: Up In Smoke - TONIGHT - Magic Bag Ferndale
Tonight and its totally FREEEEEE!!!!
Wednesday Night Brew & View at The MAgic Bag Ferndale!!
April 20 - Doors 8pm – Film 9:30pm – 21+ - Free Admission!
CHEECH & CHONG’S UP IN SMOKE
http://www.cheechandchongfans.com/
Come celebrate 420 the right way, with the best stoner movie ever made!
Cheech & Chong’s Up In Smoke lights up the big screen with a heavy helping of hemp-filled comedy!
Free Admission!!!
THE MUGGS to release 3rd album BORN UGLY
The Ugliest Band in the World is back with enough plastic soul to bag up the whole city! Our hometown heroes have been working hard to bring you their latest: BORN UGLY releases on April 29th. I'm the luckout that got to listen to it over the last couple of weeks and can say that it has set the bar out of sight.
With tales of new journeys and mysterious midnights, BORN UGLY sounds different from past work yet still delivers that unmistakable Muggs sound. They school the average Detroit "Kid" on bluesy-rock by nailing it every time without pouring on the cheese. Recorded with Jim Diamond at Ghetto Records, Danny and Tony have polished their skills and solidified their sound with new drummer Todd Glass. All The Muggs you'd expect + more horsepower.
Born Ugly has an epic, heavier sound than previous albums. While On with the Show was about getting on with life, this album seems to be about where life went after that. Since this Great American Band has opened for several established musicians, survived a near-death experience, acquired a new drummer after a decade with the same lineup, AND toured Spain, they've got a lot to sing about!
Upon my first listen I noticed a new level of intensity that adds drama to the usual Muggy lightheartedness. Title track "Born Ugly", and "Sturm Und Drang" are both moody and brooding with the kind delicious discontent that belongs in Rock n Roll. "Hats off to Mr. Beardsly" reminds us that these guys grew up in the good old days and haven't forgotten about Metal; so heavily seasoned that it sprinkles some fresh black into the blues. Danny truly has the chops to be featured in "Guitar Hero". This album, as with the others, is a collection of his guitar skills from start to finish. If you haven't yet, you have GOT to see this kid climb onstage in corduroy and murder his guitar.
"Blood Meridian" and "Losing End Blues" are very classically Muggs flavored and give you what you're looking for from these boys. Tony's unique brand of keyboard bass has become the factor that makes The Muggs so distinctive; I've come to listen for and enjoy the difference he makes. The Muggs have maintained their specific sound over three albums without getting stale, and seem to have the ability to make an edge out of any obstacle. Time and pressure have served them well since it appears to have only strengthened their talents and determination. The song "Home free" wanders easily from solid rock to airy lightness and showcases the wide range that the band has cultivated over the years.
"World Around" is a rare ballad for The Muggs, a short & sweet palate cleanser cleverly set right before they hit you with everything they've got in their "Kitchen Sink Blues". "Last Words" is a fitting finale-jam for a well-rounded album that provides plenty of reasons to leave your seat. 13 tracks in all; several have made me dance in my kitchen and sing in the car (how I gauge the greatness of any album). Money-maker tested, Moneypenny approved! With perfect timing for bonfires and beers, BORN UGLY is a staple for the summer soundtrack.
If you're like a lot of Detroiters and prefer your sounds preserved in wax, CHECK THIS!!!
The Muggs seem to be gearing up, not winding down. I predict many great shows in the upcoming months. Misery sure loves company...and Ugly Muggs! Bring yours to the Magic Bag on Friday, April 29th and join us for the release of BORN UGLY! See you there!
Cheers,
Moneypenny
Born Ugly has an epic, heavier sound than previous albums. While On with the Show was about getting on with life, this album seems to be about where life went after that. Since this Great American Band has opened for several established musicians, survived a near-death experience, acquired a new drummer after a decade with the same lineup, AND toured Spain, they've got a lot to sing about!
Upon my first listen I noticed a new level of intensity that adds drama to the usual Muggy lightheartedness. Title track "Born Ugly", and "Sturm Und Drang" are both moody and brooding with the kind delicious discontent that belongs in Rock n Roll. "Hats off to Mr. Beardsly" reminds us that these guys grew up in the good old days and haven't forgotten about Metal; so heavily seasoned that it sprinkles some fresh black into the blues. Danny truly has the chops to be featured in "Guitar Hero". This album, as with the others, is a collection of his guitar skills from start to finish. If you haven't yet, you have GOT to see this kid climb onstage in corduroy and murder his guitar.
"Blood Meridian" and "Losing End Blues" are very classically Muggs flavored and give you what you're looking for from these boys. Tony's unique brand of keyboard bass has become the factor that makes The Muggs so distinctive; I've come to listen for and enjoy the difference he makes. The Muggs have maintained their specific sound over three albums without getting stale, and seem to have the ability to make an edge out of any obstacle. Time and pressure have served them well since it appears to have only strengthened their talents and determination. The song "Home free" wanders easily from solid rock to airy lightness and showcases the wide range that the band has cultivated over the years.
"World Around" is a rare ballad for The Muggs, a short & sweet palate cleanser cleverly set right before they hit you with everything they've got in their "Kitchen Sink Blues". "Last Words" is a fitting finale-jam for a well-rounded album that provides plenty of reasons to leave your seat. 13 tracks in all; several have made me dance in my kitchen and sing in the car (how I gauge the greatness of any album). Money-maker tested, Moneypenny approved! With perfect timing for bonfires and beers, BORN UGLY is a staple for the summer soundtrack.
If you're like a lot of Detroiters and prefer your sounds preserved in wax, CHECK THIS!!!
The Muggs seem to be gearing up, not winding down. I predict many great shows in the upcoming months. Misery sure loves company...and Ugly Muggs! Bring yours to the Magic Bag on Friday, April 29th and join us for the release of BORN UGLY! See you there!
Cheers,
Moneypenny
Recap: Zola Jesus at The Magic Stick
Zola Jesus played at The Magic Stick on Monday, April 18th. Opening for her was Cult of Youth, and Frustrations.
This show was billed as happening at The Magic Stick Lounge, which is the other stage that they set up on the side of the room that has some furniture set out. Instead the show happened on the main stage of The Magic Stick, they just dragged over the furniture to give it a "loungey" feel. The crowd that night seemed to be on the younger side. I don't mean that they were minors who needed a ride from their mother or anything, but I must have been the fourth oldest person there that night, and I'm really not old. I guess the age thing could have been worse, like that time I saw Tegan and Sara perform at St. Andrew's Hall.
Cult of Youth are kind of an experimental folk band, and I just really wasn't feeling it. The singer is an American who tries to sing in a sort of Irish accent. Kind of like those bands we have to hear on the jukebox whenever we go to the bar on St. Patrick's Day.
Zola Jesus has a sound that uses a lot of synthesizers, and I thought that she would have to use some prerecorded stuff for her live show. This was not the case, because her band has three people playing five synthesizers in order to give the audience everything you hear on her albums. My other concern was that her voice might not withstand the rigors of touring. She has a really great voice that belts out strong emotions, and adds a lot of power to the song's crescendos. I don't know if we caught her near the beginning of her tour, or if her vocal chords are just always resilient, but she was spot on.
The crowd might have only been slightly over 100 people there, but when Zola Jesus went on stage, they all scrambled to get as close as they could to the front.
The way the band set up their instruments left Zola a lot of room at the center of the stage, and she didn't quite seem to know what to do with it. Sometimes she would pace back and forth as she was singing. Overall she just always came off as nervous when you watched her, but you wouldn't have known that if you closed your eyes and just focused on the audio. Towards the end of her set, she got off stage and ran amongst the crowd. She even got up to the top of the stair leading to the roof deck.
When her set ended, the 100 people there that night clamored as best they could for an encore. If a crowd would be that loud in unison when it's a full house at the Stick, it would be deafening. Zola came out to do one more song, and the crowd was just as demanding for her to come back out for a second encore.
I know it was a Monday night and all, but if you missed this show, it sucks to be you.
This show was billed as happening at The Magic Stick Lounge, which is the other stage that they set up on the side of the room that has some furniture set out. Instead the show happened on the main stage of The Magic Stick, they just dragged over the furniture to give it a "loungey" feel. The crowd that night seemed to be on the younger side. I don't mean that they were minors who needed a ride from their mother or anything, but I must have been the fourth oldest person there that night, and I'm really not old. I guess the age thing could have been worse, like that time I saw Tegan and Sara perform at St. Andrew's Hall.
Cult of Youth are kind of an experimental folk band, and I just really wasn't feeling it. The singer is an American who tries to sing in a sort of Irish accent. Kind of like those bands we have to hear on the jukebox whenever we go to the bar on St. Patrick's Day.
Zola Jesus has a sound that uses a lot of synthesizers, and I thought that she would have to use some prerecorded stuff for her live show. This was not the case, because her band has three people playing five synthesizers in order to give the audience everything you hear on her albums. My other concern was that her voice might not withstand the rigors of touring. She has a really great voice that belts out strong emotions, and adds a lot of power to the song's crescendos. I don't know if we caught her near the beginning of her tour, or if her vocal chords are just always resilient, but she was spot on.
The crowd might have only been slightly over 100 people there, but when Zola Jesus went on stage, they all scrambled to get as close as they could to the front.
The way the band set up their instruments left Zola a lot of room at the center of the stage, and she didn't quite seem to know what to do with it. Sometimes she would pace back and forth as she was singing. Overall she just always came off as nervous when you watched her, but you wouldn't have known that if you closed your eyes and just focused on the audio. Towards the end of her set, she got off stage and ran amongst the crowd. She even got up to the top of the stair leading to the roof deck.
When her set ended, the 100 people there that night clamored as best they could for an encore. If a crowd would be that loud in unison when it's a full house at the Stick, it would be deafening. Zola came out to do one more song, and the crowd was just as demanding for her to come back out for a second encore.
I know it was a Monday night and all, but if you missed this show, it sucks to be you.
4/19/11
Recap: The Black Angels and Suuns
The Black Angels played at the Magic Stick on Saturday, April 16th. Opening for them was Suuns and Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapor.
Suuns (pronounced soons) are kind of a no-wave band (I like to think I know what no-wave is) that sometimes crosses over into a kind of noise sound. I showed up right when they started with their song Armed for Peace, which has this hook I really dig. As they verged into some of their more unstructured sounds, the audience seemed to disconnect. About two-thirds of the crowd just didn't seem to be into it. I even overheard one impatient dudebro tell his friends "it's a just an onstage circle-jerk". Whoa, tough crowd. Fans for The Black Angels just didn't seem to make the crossover.
The Black Angels are a psych rock band that don't wander off too much with their sound. They're comprised of four guys and one girl. Usually when a band has just one female member, she's playing bass, but here she was playing drums. And just because she's a pretty blond, don't assume she's accustomed to skating by on her looks, because she could really play. Two stereotypes averted; cred justly earned.
The band had a wavy-zebra stripe backdrop set up, and with a strobe light facing the band from the front of the stage, I managed to get a few decent shots with my point-and-shoot camera without using a flash (which in these lighting conditions, would just highlight the back of people's heads).
The place felt like it was packed, and everyone there was excited to see the headliner. The band seemed to draw a crowd from a rather broad spectrum of ages and scenes. No one "type" of person seemed to dominate the showing. Small world, I recognized the Alpha Drunk from the Obits show from a little while back, but she wasn't a contender for the honor that night. The creepy gangley neck-beard guy who often stood unnecessarily close to complete strangers was a high contender, but also couldn't seal the deal. The Alpha Drunk award would definitely have to go to early 20's hoodie guy who kept trying to mosh when no one else was in to moshing. We all have to expect some of that at shows sometimes, but if only one person wants to mosh, the people immediately surrounding him don't respond to it too well. Security dragged him out during the encore. In this scenario, it's to protect him from the people he's pissing off.
What a weird coincidence, I happened to hear The Black Angels' song Telephone when I saw the movie Hall Pass tonight at dollar movie night at Cinemark in Warren. (What a great way to see a movie that's amusing, but also somewhat forgettable)
Suuns (pronounced soons) are kind of a no-wave band (I like to think I know what no-wave is) that sometimes crosses over into a kind of noise sound. I showed up right when they started with their song Armed for Peace, which has this hook I really dig. As they verged into some of their more unstructured sounds, the audience seemed to disconnect. About two-thirds of the crowd just didn't seem to be into it. I even overheard one impatient dudebro tell his friends "it's a just an onstage circle-jerk". Whoa, tough crowd. Fans for The Black Angels just didn't seem to make the crossover.
The Black Angels are a psych rock band that don't wander off too much with their sound. They're comprised of four guys and one girl. Usually when a band has just one female member, she's playing bass, but here she was playing drums. And just because she's a pretty blond, don't assume she's accustomed to skating by on her looks, because she could really play. Two stereotypes averted; cred justly earned.
The place felt like it was packed, and everyone there was excited to see the headliner. The band seemed to draw a crowd from a rather broad spectrum of ages and scenes. No one "type" of person seemed to dominate the showing. Small world, I recognized the Alpha Drunk from the Obits show from a little while back, but she wasn't a contender for the honor that night. The creepy gangley neck-beard guy who often stood unnecessarily close to complete strangers was a high contender, but also couldn't seal the deal. The Alpha Drunk award would definitely have to go to early 20's hoodie guy who kept trying to mosh when no one else was in to moshing. We all have to expect some of that at shows sometimes, but if only one person wants to mosh, the people immediately surrounding him don't respond to it too well. Security dragged him out during the encore. In this scenario, it's to protect him from the people he's pissing off.
What a weird coincidence, I happened to hear The Black Angels' song Telephone when I saw the movie Hall Pass tonight at dollar movie night at Cinemark in Warren. (What a great way to see a movie that's amusing, but also somewhat forgettable)
4/18/11
PHOTOS: Rush @ The Palace of Auburn Hills April 17/2011
Rush played to a packed house at The Palace last night. MCB photographer, Gene Schilling, was there shooting the first three songs.
Record Store Day-Milwaukee
Record Store Day - Milwaukee
Started the Wisconsin indie Record Store Day at The Exclusive company-Greenfield location. Arrived at a very balmy and cold 7:05 am only to be 10th in line. As the minutes ticked away, more true music fans and sleazy eBay sellers were arriving. The guy behind me arrived 10 minutes after, announcing "it's Christmas day, you record freaks". The doors promptly opened at 8 am and the pushing and shoving began. What were people grabbing up so quickly? The Beach Boys, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Beady Eye and The Yardbirds. One puzzler was the Daft Punk single- people were grabbing them in multiples. I didn't know Milwaukee had that many Daft Punk fans (or Tron). One of the clerks announced several times they did NOT have the White Stripes singles. As I was scoring the Guided By Voices vinyl tribute, the guy next to me grabbed all four copies of the Mastodon picture disk. They had two notable performances for the day; Del McCoury with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Mike Watt. With my RSD swag bag and great scores of the day, I headed to Rush-Mor Records. This is a great store with an awesome staff. There was no fan fare; you just had to inquire about what you were looking for. Picked up a Light in the Attic compilation lp and the new Earth lp. At Rush-Mor, it was calm, people talking about music, drinking beer, and great tunes coming over the speakers, just how everyday at a record store should be.
Scott Sabatke
Reporting from Milwaukee for MCB
Wild At Heart
Last week Kirk sent me an email to write about Record Day here in Rochester, NY so here it is in a nutshell. On record day, I didn’t go to a single record store. We have three top notch record stores, better IMHO, than any stores left standing in Detroit. They are the Bop Shop, the Record Archive and the world famous House Of Guitars. If you are a serious record collector, and I do mean vinyl, you can’t go wrong visiting Rochester and checking out these warehouse size stores. Visiting all three stores in one day and doing them justice is at least a nine hour minimum experience. All three had musical events planned with mostly local bands playing all day long and while I have seen numerous shows at each store (most recently Victor Wooten at the HOG), I just couldn’t make it. The Record Archive did have the nationally known An Horse closing out record day.
Normally I would have gone to the stores but the same day also saw an event in Rochester called the Culture Crawl which opened up numerous galleries, theatres and museums to free admission and I wanted to see the Civil War photography exhibit (the largest collection of it’s kind) at the Eastman House (yes, the guy who started Kodak), a preview of the rock opera Tommy at the Blackfriar’s Theatre as well as checking out a few other galleries and some folk singers playing around at a community bookstore. I also worked that morning which gave me a late start and had to get on the road so I could get to Geneva (about an hour drive) to see folk legends Tom Paxton and Janis Ian who were joined onstage by the lovely Natalia Zukerman. So I hope I can be forgiven for not participating in the Record Day events but my plate was two full that day and cloning hasn’t been perfected yet. Maybe next year! BTW, any serious Civil War enthusiasts should make the trip to see the photo exhibit which has over 100 actual photographs from the Civil War along with a tribune to Civil War movies and photography of Civil War locations shot in the past 10 years.
Here is a song by Natalia Zukerman who really impressed me with her new songs. Hope you enjoy this song off the new album.
This is a very good week for music and here are my recommendations for you:
Tuesday (4/19) – porn star turned blues singer Candye Kane @ The Ark, Iggy and the Stooges w/Henry Rollins @ Michigan Theatre (keep an eye out for scalpers because it is sold out), Citizen Smile opens for Pink Spiders @ Pike Room
Wednesday (4/20) – Guggenheim Grotto @ the Ark, Jackson Browne @ Michigan Theatre, Stone Temple Pilots @ Fillmore
Thursday (4/21) – jazz pianist Javina Magness @ Callahans, Benefit For Japan w/Illymacjk, Duende and more (proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders) @ Magic Stick
Friday (4/22) – Decemberists @ Royal Oak Music Theatre, Joan As Police Woman @ Pike Room (look for midweek interview since I am seeing her Wednesday in Buffalo), Pixies @ Fox Theatre, 3rd Annual Rock Lottery (features band members of Gorvette, Displays, Prussia, Silverghost & more) @ Magic Stick
Saturday (4/23) – Brian Vander Ark (of Verve Pipe) @ the Ark
Sunday (4/24) – Reverend Horton Heat @ Magic Stick
I am going to leave you with a fun song by Candye Kane who puts on a wonderful show. I interviewed her a couple of years ago when she played Callahans. I wasn’t expecting much but became a big fan afterwards. It is worth a trip to Ann Arbor.
Later in the week I will be posting an interview of Joan As Police Woman. I am seeing her Wednesday in Buffalo and should have that posted Thursday prior to her show in Pontiac on Friday.
EULA - Lager House Detroit - Wed 4/20
Looks like a fun filled night at Lager this coming Wednesday EULA Wednesday April 20th 2011 PJs Lager House 1254 Michigan Ave Dietroit USA
Hey MCB!!
We'll be in town on Wednesday with some local Detroit friends.
We'd love to meet for a review, or beer.
Record Store Day
Record Store Day, a set on Flickr.
Dearborn Music and Stormy Records attending Record Store DayDearborn,MI
4.16.11
recordstoreday.com
I went to a couple different stores on saturday to find some amazing and exclusive records for record store day. Stormy Records and Dearborn Music provided great deals and discounts for this very special day. I went in Dearborn music in hopes of seeing tons of great vinyl and came across some that I have always wanted, all the good stuff from the Descendents to Bad Brains, there was not one thing that was not on sale.
Stormy Records was packed pretty much the whole day, and I saw Windy and Carl behind the counter greeting customers for this marvelous day for all local records stores.
What is record store day? Well this is what I got from the website recordstoreday.com
The original idea for Record Store Day was conceived by Chris Brown, and was founded in 2007 by Eric Levin, Michael Kurtz, Carrie Colliton, Amy Dorfman, Don Van Cleave and Brian Poehner as a celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally.
This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists in the United States and in various countries across the globe make special appearances and performances. Festivities include performances, cook-outs, body painting, meet & greets with artists, parades, djs spinning records and on and on. Metallica officially kicked off Record Store Day at Rasputin Music in San Francisco on April 19, 2008 and Record Store Day is now celebrated the third Saturday every April.
Record Store Day is currently managed by Eric Levin, Michael Kurtz, Melanie Nipper, and Carrie Colliton. Folks wanting to contact Record Store Day are encouraged to email us at information@recordstoreday.com
This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of artists in the United States and in various countries across the globe make special appearances and performances. Festivities include performances, cook-outs, body painting, meet & greets with artists, parades, djs spinning records and on and on. Metallica officially kicked off Record Store Day at Rasputin Music in San Francisco on April 19, 2008 and Record Store Day is now celebrated the third Saturday every April.
Record Store Day is currently managed by Eric Levin, Michael Kurtz, Melanie Nipper, and Carrie Colliton. Folks wanting to contact Record Store Day are encouraged to email us at information@recordstoreday.com
4/17/11
Tomorrow: Zola Jesus at The Magic Stick Lounge
Zola Jesus, Cult of Youth, Frustrations
Monday, April 18th at The Magic Stick Lounge
$12, Doors at 8, all ages
This year’s first single, “Night” earned the estimable Best New Music seal of approval just before she embarked on several very well attended SXSW appearances. The video for this song quickly elevated her to fashion icon as it appeared in several regions of Vogue and the NME declared her “goth’s new figurehead.” Nika was hand chosen by designer Angelos Frentzos to make her European debut performance in Milan during his fashion week show. Zola Jesus continued to play shows in various incarnations in various parts of the country every weekend from March until August.
Then she graduated college.
Immediately following, Nika and band embarked on three back-to-back tours of Europe and the US opening for Fever Ray, The xx and Warpaint amongst dozens of headline shows. She played Berlin Fest, Primavera Club, headlined Pitchfork’s Offline Fest and her live performances garnered reviews as stunning as her recorded output. Valusia was released mid-October while on tour, and contained one new song (read: secret weapon) not on Stridulum II– Chris Coady produced single “Poor Animal”. This undeniable dance-floor masterpiece soared up the radio charts and continues to burn brightly on BBC 1 alongside her simultaneously ranking re-working of previous cut, “Sea Talk”. All three of these singles along with “I Can’t Stand” ranked among the New York Times, Pitchfork and LA Times’ singles of the year. Stridulum II appeared on NME and Uncut’s albums of the year. To say her follow-up full length due this fall is highly anticipated might be a bit of an undershoot, but we’ll leave all that hyperbole to the tribunal.
4/16/11
Gentle Reminder: Black Lips w/ Vivian Girls
Black Lips, Vivian Girls, Gardens
Sunday, April 17th, at The Magic Stick
$13 in advance, $15 at the door
Doors at 8, all ages
4/15/11
Sunday: Hostel Detroit Grand Opening
It is upon us. Hostel Detroit will be opening its doors in April. Detroit is so ripe for a hostel. With many events and celebrations and youth, the City of Detroit has been patiently awaiting this day.
What started as just an idea, erupted into a community wide collaborative effort to open our doors. Visitors of the fair city will finally have a welcoming hand, fully staffed by a knowledgeable and dedicated group of Detroiters.
Our mission is to build the City of Detroit up through the positive and empowering connections of people.
__________________________
GRAND OPENING PROGRAM:
Welcomes, Arrivals, Refreshments: Starting at 2:00
Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Starting at 3:00
Recognitions, Raffle Winner: Starting at 4:30
__________________________
SHOW UP BETWEEN 12:30 and 1:00 to VOLUNTEER!!
FREE Afterparty starts at 9:00pm (21+) at the Old Miami.
Tomorrow: Detroit Derby Girls
Detroit Pistoffs vs. Grand Prix Madonnas- 6:30pm
Detroit Travel Team vs. Madison's Dairyland Dolls - 8:00pm
Detroit - Apr 16, 2011
Cobo Arena
Doors open at 5:00pm
Detroit Travel Team vs. Madison's Dairyland Dolls - 8:00pm
Detroit - Apr 16, 2011
Cobo Arena
Doors open at 5:00pm
Don't miss the last home bout of the season. Tickets still available at the door.
Gentle Reminder: The Black Angels on Saturday
w/ Suuns, and Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapors
Saturday, April 16th, at The Magic Stick
Doors at 8
$15, all ages
From deep in the heart of Texas, armed with the home-grown mantra “Turn On, Tune In, Drone Out,” The Black Angels ring real and rugged like a crimson full moon-lit night. Formed in May of 2004, the band’s sanctified holy racket was breech-born out of life-long friendships drawn up in blood and sealed with a kiss. Their self proclaimed “Native American Drone ‘N’ Roll” genre has progressed from communal living and the members’ eclectic upbringings. Bassist Ryan was born on a cult compound, guitarist Bland is the real deal son of a Texas preacher man, and drummer Bailey and vocalist Maas believe a little girl in a red linen dress haunts the group’s home.
Taking their name from the classic Velvet Underground tune “The Black Angel’s Death Song,” these Angels are far more than classic revisionists with extensive record collections. This is heavy-duty psychedelic rock with an incessant primitive beat that echoes the spirit of the 13th Floor Elevators and early Stones.
The Black Angels - Haunting at 1300 McKinley
FREE TICKETS: LOW - Blind Pig Ann Arbor - May 3rd
Our pals at Sub-Pop want you check out LOW when they play the Blind Pig coming up on May 3rd - American Mars is set to open - email motorcityblog@earthlink.net for your chance to win a pair of tickets
LOW
LOW
with American Mars
Tuesday May 3rd 2011
Blind Pig 208 1st Street Ann Arbor MI USA
Tomorrow is Record Store Day - get out and support your local shops!
Take a few hours tomorrow and head on over to your local record store to help celebrate the nationwide salute of Record Store Day.
For some of us - every day is Record Store Day but for most others the local record store is just a distant memory of where they used to look for new music and local events.
Many of the old school shops have shuttered but there has been a new wave of record stores that have opened in the last few years around town.
Personally I take advantage of this "national holiday" as a great excuse to spend the day getting to every local shop here in the motorcity and SPENDING SOME MONEY!
I already shop at most of them on a regular basis but tomorrow is like that get out of jail free card - passing go and letting them collect the $200 because shops like these should be cherished...propped up, promoted and supported as much as possible.
Many local shops such as UHF in Royal Oak
will be having live music and giveaways thoughout the day.
For years Record Store Day has been growing ever more popular and with that popularity comes some pretty cool limited edition releases from record labels small and large.
My interest is vinyl records and this year there are some amazing never released platters coming out from all kinds of artists old and new.
check it out here and get to these local shops tomorrow
and every other day you can stop in
look for this on the shelves manana
RED Distribution, Utne Reader, and the Americana Music Association have partnered to create an exclusive Utne Reader "Music Edition" for Record Store Day on April 16, 2011. This special Utne Reader features exclusive music, interviews, and album reviews from various RED/Sony Music Americana artists. The cover features Steve Earle (who is set to release I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive on April 26th via New West Records) as well as other artists Johnny Cash, Dawes, Truth and Salvage Co., Ron Sexsmith, Drive By Truckers, Buddy Miller, Black Dub, Robert Johnson, Himalayan Bear, Jayhawks, Holly Golightly, Sahara Smith, Elizabeth Cook, Carrie Rodriguez & Ben Kyle, Middle Brother, North Mississippi All Stars, Paul Thorn, Todd Rundgren, Todd Snider, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, and Amy Speace. Each magazine also includes a FREE 20+ track digital sampler from all these featured artists.
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