Wild At Heart

Wild Bill Ketelhut provides the "blog" to this anti-blog

Wild At Heart


Besides decorating at work, I’m not doing much for Halloween (unless you count seeing the Misfits in concert last Wednesday) this year though I still enjoy the holiday very much. I always see top 10 lists for best horror movies and the such so here is a brief listing of 13 must see films I recommend for the holiday.

1) Freaks (1932) – the Tod Browning masterpiece whose cast includes real life circus freaks as actors thus creating a film which gets under your skin knowing that you are not seeing actors in make-up but with real deformities. A wonderful tale of revenge.

2) The Thing (1982) – the polar opposite of the same years ET as John Carpenter at his horrific best as we face an alien horror that could be anyone of us.

3) Near Dark (1987) – a vastly underrated vampire film starring Lance Henrikson and Bill Paxton.

4) Shock Waves (1977) – Peter Cushing as a Nazi scientist watching over a horde of killer zombies on a tropical island. I love watching the zombies walk under water.

5) Vampire Hunter D (1985) – beautiful animated film of dystopian world filled with vampires, demons and mutants.

6) Cronus (1993) – early Guillermo del Toro (Pans Labyrinth) Mexican film involving a scientifically created vampire.

7) Oldboy (2003) – not really a horror film but a tale of revenge that even surprised me by the brutality. Better than Silence of the Lambs!

8) Dracula (Spanish Version)(1931) – filmed at night with a Spanish cast with the same (yet longer) script as the Lugosi version. Since filmed at night, it is more atmospheric and the creepiest Renfield in cinema (and I think he actually is eating the bugs).

9) A Chinese Ghost Story (1987) – a very unique look at ghosts as seen through the famus Shaw brothers as a timid tax collectors meets some ghosts at a temple.

10) The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) – the great Expressionist horror film about a journey through an insane asylum.

11) Of Unknown Origin (1983) - Peter Weller versus an intelligent rat. Very realistic and I'll never look at a child's birthday party or using the bathroom in the same way again.

12) Nekromantik (1987) – German film about necrophilia and one of the sickest films I have ever seen.

13) Hellraiser (1987) – Out of the mind of Clive Barker, Pinhead is still one of the creepiest horror stars ever.

I know some of these movies are harder to find now that most video stores carry trash. I miss my old video stores where I could go see tons of bad B-movies and not have to hope a film would be a big hit for the store to carry it (like at Blockbuster). I haven't been to Thomas Video recently so they would be a good place to start if they are still open. I picked the above films because ethey all have a certain atmosphere or feel that is perfect for Halloween. There are many more films I could recommend like the original "Nosferatu" or Cronenberg's "The Fly" to the bizarre "Killer Clowns From Outer Space" to any of the Romero zombie films or Hammer horror masterpieces. I hope the above are a bit more off the beaten path for the average viewer and brings you an creepy Halloween.

If you survive Halloween, you might want to spend the week at some of these shows I recommend for this week.

Tuesday (11/01) - folk singer Joan Baez @ Michigan Theatre

Wednesday (11/02) - Bob Seger & Silver Bullet Band @ Eastern Michigan University

Thursday (11/03) - jazz great Stanley Clarke @ Orchestra Hall, New Found Glory @ Royal Oak Music Theatre, singer-songwriter Tom Chapin @ the Ark

Friday (11/04) - Richie Furay (of Buffalo Springfield and Poco fame) @ the Crofoot, the Toasters w/ St Thomas Boys Academy @ Smalls

Saturday (11/05) - California Guitar Trio @ First United Methodist Church (Ferndale), Indigo Girls @ Fillmore Theatre, a capella group Straight No Chaser @ Caesar's Windsor, Herman's Hermits @ Center For Performing Arts Macomb

Sunday (11/06) - Birds Of Avalon open for Wooden Shjips @ Magic Stick, Sting @ Fox Theatre

Have a safe and fun Halloween.

FREE TICKETS: Detroit Cobras to play Magic Stick on New Year's Eve 2011

DETROIT COBRAS HEADLINE MAGIC STICK ON NEW YEAR'S EVE!

email motorcityblog@earthlink.net for your shot at tickets

Detroit's legendary soul n'roll outfit The Detroit Cobras will ring in the New Year
in their customary fuel-injected style, proving once again that there ain't
no party like a Detroit party.  And you won't have to clean up the mess afterward.

THE DETROIT COBRAS
Wsg K.I.D.S., THE FRUSTRATIONS, AMY GORE AND HER VALENTINES,
And KOMMIE KILPATRICK

Saturday December 31 at the Magic Stick
Doors 8 PM, All Ages welcome

Tickets $15.00 - tickets on sale this Friday Nov. 4 @10AM at Ticketmaster and
at the Majestic box office (no service charge). For information, call 313-833-970 or visit
www.majesticdetroit.com

The Magic Stick is located at 4120 Woodward Avenue, in Detroit's Midtown district.

photo Shane Glenn - www.HEARMag.com

FREE TICKETS: MiMOSA - ROMT - Global Dub Fest - Friday 11/4

email motorcityblog@earthlink.net for a shot at 2 tickets to

Global Dub Fest

Friday Nov 4th 2011

Royal Oak Music Theatre

If you are heading to Global Dub Fest this coming Friday night

be sure to catch the MiMOSA set which is always sure to please

Blissfully unconcerned with a world obsessed with categorization as a means of definition, Tigran aka MiM0SA crafts music for its own sake, defying expectations with genre bending soundscapes. Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area and currently residing in Los Angeles, MiM0SA began producing at the tender age of 17. Blessed with an abundance of talent and an ear for sonic experimentation, this fan-favorite has quickly developed a name for himself as one of the West Coast’s top exports. And the word is spreading fast. To say that MiM0SA is on the rise is to miss the mark. Rather, MiM0SA has arrived.

This summer saw MiM0SA globetrotting from festival sites everywhere -- including his headlining slot at Lightning in a Bottle, to triumphant performances at Detroit Electronic Music Festival, Shambala Festival, Red Rocks, Electric Zoo, Summer Camp, and Burning Man. MiMOSA also spent quite a bit of time this summer in the lab with Sleepyhead, working on new tracks for their highly anticipated collaboration, “Naked Poetry,” which they will release under the moniker SexyTime later this fall. However it was in Brooklyn, NY where MiM0SA found refuge as he wrote, recorded and produced his debut full length album "Sanctuary" to be released October 25 on False Idol Musik. After just one listen, it’s evident that his versatility as an artist goes hand in hand with his refusal to be tied down by any particular sound or style.

While his previous EP release "58 Degrees" favored a more grittier fusion of unrelenting beats and grime, "Sanctuary" works as one cohesive whole piece of work that finds MiM0SA immersed in rhythm, encompassing and centered around the 808 drum kit most notable on the track "Last Night In Town". However the album carries an authenticity by which MiM0SA's aesthetic appreciation of the origin of sound is fused with layers of various styles, textures, and grooves that embrace Dubstep, HipHop, 2-step, Moombahton, Dub, and Downtempo. It becomes apparent that while building this collage, his vision was to "Steer away from aggressive tones, but at the same time try to find different avenues to get the same crowd response that a big bass drop would get,” he comments. Take for instance "Castles in the Sky" which finds MiM0SA opting for the classic sounds of straight dub reggae versus the dubstep infused subwoofer odysseys heard on "Tiger Blood.” MiM0SA extends his flavor for hip hop by sampling and filtering vocals that rush with ambient interludes coupled with pulsating tempos and heavy 808s on songs such as "Starseed" and "Way Back to You".

MiM0SA and False Idol Musik presents

MiMOSA's September 2011 mix
DOWNLOAD HERE

Dub Trio Coming Pike Room Crofoot - Sat 11/5

 

 

Dub Trio, the New York-trio who effortlessly blend dub, metal and punk, venture out on their first North American tour in three years this November with a tour kick off on Nov. 3 in Rochester and several stops on the Hawaiian Islands.

The band, who recently announced a return to their original label home of ROIR, have spent the past few years as annexed band members by first Mike Patton for his Peeping Tom project and then the next two years working with Matisyahu.  Dub Trio band members D.P. Holmes (guitar), Stu Brooks (bass) and Joe Tomino (drums) have long been sought out as session players having worked with a wide range of artists including Lady Gaga, Macy Gray, 50 Cent, Yoko Ono, Mos Def and many others.

Pre-orders for Dub Trio IV begin on Sept. 20 via ROIR's website (www.roir-usa.com )

November     3  Rochester, NY  Montage Music Hall
4  Toronto, ON Garrison
  5  Detroit, MI Pike Room
              8   Cleveland, OH  The Grog Shop
      9  Philadelphia, PA   Milkboy
                 10   New York, NY  Mercury Lounge *
           15   San Diego, CA   The Casbah
        16  Los Angeles, CA  The Echo
                  17  San Francisco, CA  Brick & Mortar
                         19   Honolulu, HI  Kaka'ako Waterfront Park
                         20   Maui, HI   Maui Arts & Cultural Center
        23   Honolulu, HI  The Republik

* Record release party

http://www.facebook.com/dubtrio
http://www.dubtrio.com

The Misfits/JuiceheaD @ Harpos: Show review with VIDEO and PHOTOS

The Misfits made a tour stop in Detroit this past Saturday to play Harpos in support of their new album "The Devil's Rain". I was lucky enough to witness and document the show.

I last saw The Misfits live back in 1996. At the time the band had recruited Michale Graves to take on vocal duties since Glen Danzig passed on the reunion. Graves was out of the band come 2000 and original member Jerry Only took over lead vocal duties in addition to playing bass guitar in the band. Several lineup changes later the current lineup includes Only, Dez Cadena (Black Flag) on guitar/backing vocals and Eric "Chupacabra" Arce (Murphys Law) on drums.

I noticed instantly upon arrival that Harpos had many youths in the building. It seems the Misfits fan base keeps getting younger which makes me hopeful. Glad to see that the iconic Misfits skull logo that's branded across the young hot topic wearing scene is not just for show and that many of them actually do go out to seek the band behind the image. Jerry hasn't changed much over the years and Dez Cadena looked pretty damn spooky with his face paint on. The set was filled with classics such as "Skulls", "Halloween", "Die, Die My Darling". And by the sound of the new songs like "The Devil's Rain" and "Vivid Red" Jerry is surely not letting The Misfits legacy get watered down. Horror rock lives on.

Jerry Only is a very fan friendly man. He hung out after the show to hang with "fiends" and stayed till everyone got what they needed out of him, whether it be an autograph, a picture, or just a simple hug.

Visit The Misfits online.









Primary support for the night was JuiceheaD from Chicago. JuiceheaD are label mates to The Misfits on their Misfits Records imprint. They offer a old school power punk feel in the vain of Rancid.

Visit JuiceheaD online.

HANSON @ THE CROFOOT BALLROOM

I'd like to say Hanson is back, but by the audience's reaction, they never left. Walking into Crofoot, there was a decorated car. The line to get in was around the corner. The crowd was dressed to the nines. I knew I this was going to be special. I was not disappointed.

In between the opening act, Meiko, the audience was a buzz anticipation. When Hanson took the stage, the collective scream was deafening. It was well deserved. I only knew "MM Bop," by Hanson before I covered the show. I was pleasantly surprised.They are quite accomplished musicians, write catchy song and lyrics. This is where I realized that Hanson never left. They have released 10 albums, and played songs from most eras. The audience knew the words to all the songs and were singing along, showing their staying power.

Here are photos of the concert.

The Witches - Smalls Bar Hamtramck - Halloween Night Monday 10/31

The Witches

w/Outrageous Cherry and more

Halloween Night

Monday October 31st 2011

Smalls Bar

10339 Conant

Hamtramck MI 48212

http://www.smallsbardetroit.com/

DAMNED IV comes to Detroit (Oct 27-29)

The list of artists for DAMNED is amazing but be sure to look out for our pal BERNARDO who produces some of the coolest metalwork out there
http://www.bernardcorman.com/

On October 27 - 29, 2011 in Detroit comes an extraordinary assemblage of artists from across this world to display their most introspective creations at DAMNED IV – An Exhibition of Enlightened Darkness. From the infamous to the freshest of local and international talent, this prodigious congregation will allow us a glimpse within the diverse shadows of id and ego…of overall mind and encompassing soul guaranteed to intrigue, disturb, inspire or repulse.

Rising from within the ashes of the historic institution of Devil's Night this is not Halloween-themed art, but an immersion within the immeasurable realms of consciousness through an elegant ambiance of live strings and cirque/butoh-inspired performances.

There are 3 nights of DAMNED, each with its own distinct theme for the ambiance and performances that surround the exhibition…"The Darkness" (10/27), "The Enlightenment" (10/28) and "The Masquerade" (10/29). Each night also holds various unique features which include a VIP Preview with Artist Reception, a formal absinthe tasting courtesy of Kübler Blanche Absinthe, an elegant 13-dish strolling dinner prepared by the Caucus Club, exotic flavored honey wine samplings courtesy of B Nektar Meadery, a formal mask-mandatory masquerade ball, a lush Moroccan-inspired VIP mezzanine overlooking the gallery, a gallery store to purchase art, our Devil Girl hostesses and more. Please visit the "tickets" and "performances" sections for further details regarding each night.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: On all three nights of DAMNED, our wonderful Devil Girls will be selling raffle tickets to win a very special prize: The Detroit Deconstruction Skull Ring© created by Atelier Gothique. This ring, retailing at $980 US, is finely crafted from 316l surgical stainless steel custom alloy with black 3D reinforced ceramic inlay. The winning ticket will be randomly chosen on stage at 11pm on Saturday October 29th during the Masquerade Ball (winner need not be present to win and may choose an alternate design up to the retail value). All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to our favorite local charity Burners Without Borders to help feed and clothe those in need on our city streets.

DAY OF THE DEAD - SWAN Exhibition Mexicantown's International Mercado Gallery - Sat 10/29

ANNUAL AUTUMN SWAN MEMBERS EXHIBITION
OCTOBER 29 - DECEMBER 10, 2011

HOSTED AT THE MEXICANTOWN INTERNATIONAL MERCADO GALLERY

Southwest Artists' Network (SWAN of Detroit) announced today the annual autumn exhibit of its members which will open on Saturday, October 29th, 6 - 10pm and will coincide with the Day of the Dead Events in Mexcantown, Detroit.

Participating artists in the exhibit include Gilda Snowden ~
Teresa Petersen ~ Joe Ferraro ~ Diana Alva ~ DMC ~ Mark Beltchenko ~ Jen Boyak ~ Eric Mesko ~ Matthew Hanna ~ Elizabeth Sutton ~
Nora Chapa Mendoza ~ Gary Eleinko ~ Phaedra Robinson ~
Kathleen Rashid ~ Cheryl Phillips ~ Alvaro Jurado ~
Susan Aaron Taylor ~ Itchel Kia Arriaga ~ Nicole MacDonald ~
Robert Sestok ~ Vito J. Valdez & others.

The Music Of Stephanie Rearick - CD Release & Spaceband will be featured at the opening reception with starting time 7pm.

Day of the Dead Events in Mexicantown will include SWAN Community Ofrenda for poet Blair & others. Mexicantown Ofrenda Tours will take place on November 1st & 2nd, 8am - 2pm.

Mexicantown International Mercado Gallery is located on 2826 Bagley, Detroit MI 48216.
Gallery hours during this event will be as follow: Saturdays, 12 noon - 5pm & by appointment.
Images by SWAN artists Gilda Snowden and Teresa Petersen.

FREE VINYL: Baron Von Luxxury's "The Last Seduction"

MCB has a couple of vinyls ready to roll from Baron von Luxxury
hit us up - motorcityblog@earthlink.net

MCB will be covering the upcoming show LA

November 11th Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo w/ Austra and Grimes

Newly signed to Manimal Vinyl (Warpaint, Bat For Lashes, Sister Crayon), the Los Angeles based electro-disco producer Baron Von Luxxury is releasing the full-length "The Last Seduction" this winter. Dubbed the "post-post synth pop king" by LA Weekly, BvL is interested in the divide between the underground and the pop mainstream. In his day job as a published songwriter/producer under contract with Razor and Tie, BvL writes with chart toppers from Little Boots to Dr. Luke protege (and "California Gurls" co-writer) Bonnie McKee. At night he runs the beloved blog DiscoWorkout.com and has done remixes for Austra, HEALTH, Glass Candy, Marianne Faithfull, and many more. Referencing New Order and Steely Dan with equal respect on his upcoming album, BvL seeks that fine line dividing what is cool from what is deeply embarrassing.

"The Last Seduction" taps into a classic Moroder-esque disco vibe but with more modern electronic influenced bedroom pop feel, evoking equal parts Twin Shadow and Pet Shop Boys, with nods to Sparks, Empire of the Sun, and YMO as well as ELO. As BvL spends as much time crooning a la Bowie as he does falsetto-ing up a storm, there is a darkness and an edgy wit rarely heard in electronic music outside of LCD Soundsystem. But while the music is bathed in dark beats with shimmering synths and his beloved 16th notes, at the end of the day these are 10 pop songs with clever lyrics, a catchy chorus and sexy, hooky melodies for days.
The album openers "The Lovely Theresa" and "Alice Underground" are about his friends Theresa Duncan and Jeremy Blake, who committed suicide in the summer of 2007. "Half the album is me trying to sort out losing two people who had been like a sister and brother to me.

The other half is me trying to balance those darker songs with some light.

" For example, "Terry Richardson" is a smooth, untrustworthy narrator-style "yacht disco" song co-written with LA producer Keenhouse. The single comes with remixes from up-and coming SF disco producer Loose Shus and DFA artist Altair Nouveau as well as a 3D video (with a mystery cameo). Title track "The Last Seduction" and "Women of a Certain Age" dip into "Time"-era ELO territory with a contemporary Empire of the Sun-esque electro sheen, while "Rosebud Was The Name of His Sled" has just spoiled Citizen Kane for anyone who has yet to see the classic Orson Welles tour-de-force.

A slow burning disco funeral pyre evoking Washed Out as much as Sisters of Mercy, it's another tribute to Theresa and Jeremy, complete with a melancholy sax solo that would make Sergio proud.

www.discoworkout.com
www.manimalvinyl.com

FREE TICKETS:Mister Heavenly - Crofoot Pontiac - 11/14

We wanted to remind you about the upcoming Mister Heavenly show

Mister Heavenly is an indie rock supergroup consisting of Honus Honus of Man Man, Nicholas Thorburn of Islands and The Unicorns, and Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse and The Shins. They recorded their first album in late 2010, finishing the year with a string of tour dates supporting Passion Pit, joined by Michael Cera as their touring bassist. In January 2011, they released two songs, the eponymous "Mister Heavenly" and "Pineapple Girl". Their first album, Out of Love, was released August 16, 2011.

MISTER HEAVENLY with MR. DREAM and BRETT GELMAN (from Adult Swim's Eagleheart) at the Pike Room

MONDAY NOVEMBER 14
doors at 8pm
tickets: $13 in adv; $15 day of

Get tickets here

win tickets here - motorcityblog@earthlink.net

WOW!!! FREE TICKETS: National Acrobats of The People's Republic of China/ Music Hall Detroit / Nov 25

MCB has a pair of great tickets to check out this amazing troupe of acrobats...

this is the kind of programming that can only be brought you by the fine folks at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts right here in Detroit

email motorcityblog@earthlink.net for your shot to win

 

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts Proudly Presents:

National Acrobats of The People's Republic of China

Mrs. Zhang Hong, General Director, Mrs. Sun Lili, Artistic Director

Friday, November 25th @ 8:00 pm

 

Direct from Beijing, The National Acrobats of The People's Republic of China (China National Acrobatic Troupe)

was the first National Performing Arts Troupe established by the government of the People's Republic of China in 1950.

 

Music Hall is proud to present this spell binding performance for one show, Friday, November 25th at 8 pm in the main theater. The NAPRC has performed intensively throughout the world annually around the globe. The Company's repertoire includes a myriad of International and National Gold Prize winning Acts, such as "Slack Wire" (Presidential Gold Award at the 24th Cirque de Demain Festival in Paris), "Diabolo" (Presidential Gold Award at the 26th Cirque de Demain Festival in Paris), "Pagoda of Bowls" (Golden Clown Award at the 28th Monte Carlo International Circus Festival) and among others.

 

Based in Beijing, China, the Company owns a large Institution for Acrobatic Schooling, Training and Repertoire. The Institution has over 150 Acrobatic resident performers and over 500 Acrobatic Students of all ages. Funded by a special grant from the Beijing Municipality, the Company invests each year in new productions as well as acrobatic science research and creation in addition to the training facilities of the center, which with its dedication to improvement of and renewing of Acrobatic standards has become one of the largest Acrobatic and Circus Arts Center's in China and the world.

The Company has toured abroad to over forty countries including Switzerland, Israel, Finland, Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Costa Rica, Dominica Republic, Sweden, Mexico, Russia, Portugal and Spain. In 2011 the Company will make its inaugural tour of the United States and Canada.

 

Video trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WffWdM8Po6Y&feature=player_embedded

 

Tickets are $50 $40 & $30 and available at Music Hall Box Office or at www.ticketmaster.com

 

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Jazz Cafe

350 Madison

Detroit, MI 48226

(313) 887-8501

www.musichall.org

Tone and Niche CD Release Show This Friday

 

            We are truly excited to invite you to come celebrate with us this Friday, October 28^th at the Berkley Front on 12mile rd. in Berkley, as we release the NEW Tone and Niche album, Everything Is Good!  Special Guests include, Mod Orange, The Blueflowers and Livy! Since Halloween is right around the corner, you are absolutely welcome to wear a costume or bring a jack-o-lantern to help decorate the stage!

Doors will open at 8:30pm and there will be a $5 cover. 

www.toneandniche.com

HOT EVENT - Royce da 5'9" and newcomer ChrisCo to perform LIVE at The Hamilton Room

 

Royce da 5'9" and ChrisCo Perform LIVE at The Hamilton Room

On October 30, 2011 Metro Detroit's premier high-end nightclub, The Hamilton Room, will host a Devil's Night Halloween party featuring a live, underground hip-hop performance by acclaimed artist Royce da 5'9". Rapper ChrisCo, a native Metro Detroiter now based in Los Angeles, will open the show. The intimate performance is expected to turn out hundreds of The Hamilton Room's core constituency of upscale partygoers.
 
Royce da 5'9", a successful solo artist, is best known for his longtime association with Eminem. Most recently, the two artists released their debut EP as the hip-hop duo Bad Meets Evil. Since its release in June 2011, the EP Hell: The Sequel has been met with much positive sentiment, debuting at the top the Billboard 200 charts. Royce da 5'9" is also one of four members of the supergroup, Slaughterhouse, alongside rappers Joe Budden, Crooked I and Joell Ortiz.
 
Up-and-coming hip-hop artist and Brother Rice High School graduate ChrisCo, will also be on hand to open the show and celebrate the release of his latest EP, How Does It Feel. How Does It Feel was produced entirely by Alchemist, a noted producer, rapper and official DJ to Eminem. Featuring hip-hop industry household names such as Obie Trice, Young Knox, Crooked I and Jon Conner, the EP has garnered attention from several music blogs and publications. While this is the first time ChrisCo will open for Royce da 5'9," the two have recorded together in the past.    
 
"We are excited to host two incredibly talented artists for this first-of-its-kind, underground concert. The Hamilton Room is a unique venue and we're lucky to have a national touring act showcased to an intimate crowd," said Jon Robinson, General Manager of The Hamilton Room. "There is no other venue of this size that Royce would consider for a show of this kind but due to the upscale nature of our venue and our longstanding relationships with Birmingham-based VIPs, athletes and celebrity clientele, not only did he agree to headline but Royce is looking forward to such an intimate performance."

There are a limited number of tickets available for the Grey Goose Vodka-sponsored Devil's Night Halloween party performance. Tickets are available exclusively at http://roycedevilsnight.eventbrite.com for $28 (general admission.) There will be NO ticket sales at the door and attendees must be over the age of 21. Capacity is limited thus, early ticket purchase is encouraged. In addition to the headlining artists, several surprise guests will be in attendance. To make a VIP booth reservation, email VIP@thehamiltonroom.com.   
 

MCB does Halloween in New Orleans

MCB's own DC in Detroit will, for one week, be DC in NOLA, as I trek down south to do dual duty -- or maybe even triple -- for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry's 2011 CSI Conference in New Orleans.

If you recognize even one or two of the people from that video, you know that I'm in for a scientific/skeptical/smartypants weekend of epic proportions. And if you recognize more than a couple of them, you're probably already going to the conference.

That's right, some of the biggest names in rational skepticism have decided to spend Halloween, the "spookiest" time of year, in New Orleans, the "spookiest" city in the US. There will be talks on magical thinking, pseudoscience, paranormal, and how it all plays out against the backdrop of reality. We'll even be participating in CSI's annual Houdini seance on Devil's night. He hasn't shown up yet, but if Houdini was going to appear to anyone, I'd believe Joe Nickell before anyone else.

If that all isn't enough, there will be a Halloween costume parade through the French Quarter, complete with jazz band, on Saturday night. Skeptics in costume: be prepared for a lot of visual puns.

I was warned by a friend to take care in New Orleans for that week because "the veil is very thin during this time." Bah, forget the sage, I'll take The Amazing Randi.

Reports and photos to come!

They say "New Orleans lingers on the threshold between the Old World and the New, between history and legend."

Actually the convention bureau says that.

Separating history from legend is one of the things skeptics love best—right up there with sifting science from pseudoscience and combing brilliance from bull.

At CSICon you can do all that, and more—on the boundary of the bayou. It's a conference like no other, uniting the romance of New Orleans and the shiver of Halloween weekend.

But there will be more than voodoo and spirits in the air. Join us for four days of fun, mystery, and take-no-prisoners skeptical inquiry in the heart of the famous New Orleans French Quarter.

And who knows, maybe you'll see the ghost of Jean Lafitte (but we're skeptical).

Register today at http://www.csiconference.org

PHOTOS: Deadmau5 @ The Fillmore 10/21 by RebeccaMich

Back to back shows in Detroit is relatively uncommon for an international act these days... unless you are electronic superstar Deadmau5. And every single time the Mau5 (Joel Zimmerman) comes back through, he brings a show bigger and better than before!







The last time we hosted Deadmau5, his new LED "cube" was stealing the show.

This time, aside from the original cube, more lazers and LED, there were 3 more "Q Bert" style cube clusters (one on each side and overhead), adding more pow into the already bright and flashy stage set up.


The show always starts out heart pounding and energetic. DJLG, with me for the night, was quite concerned about the movement up in the balcony. The crowd jumping to the beat felt like a wild earthquake and that we might fall through at any moment.

Deadmau5 also sported his new "Cheese Head" for the night. After encouraging all fine and street artists, graphic designers and illustrators to submit their most creative and unique designs for the ‘Design the Next Mau5head’ competition, Deadmau5 picked a winner. (Designed by Lance Thackeray from the U.K.)

Also very mentionable this time around was SOFI. He brought her on tour to sing "Sofi Needs a Ladder" and "One Trick Pony" live. Though her time on stage was short, she was super cute and really worked that huge crowd. It was a nice touch and really added to the "performance" aspect of the show. She also appears on the Deadmau5: Live @ Earl's Court DVD. I mentioned before, but will again, PICK THIS UP. It sells for under $20 (less than half your ticket at the show...much less than half if you got the $150 ones). The stage show is huge, and if you have ever gotten the chance to see him live, you know why it's worth it to have this pro- video. If you haven't gotten the chance, this really is a close second. You do feel like you are right there, with your Mau5 ears and all :)

Sebadoh at the Magic Stick Oct.26 Wed

Lou and Jason have teamed up again to bring you seBADoh, on tour, and in your face at your local venue, the Magic Stick!
We will be covering the whole show and possibly interviewing Lou as well. Make sure you check back for footage of the show or just come to the show! You would not want to miss these lo-fi pioneers.
They have re-released some of their well known records such as III, Bakesale, and Bubble and Scrape. You can check out their music and download free mp3s on their website.
www.sebadoh.com
And make sure to follow the guys on twitter!

Twitter: @realSeBADoh
Lou @TheLouBarlow
Jason @J_Loewenstein
As if back-to-back tours of Canada, the US, Europe, Japan and Australia all this year hasn’t been enough,Sebadoh are announcing NEW tourdates in the US through October and November:
They are:
Tuesday 10/25 – Pittsburgh,  Brillobox
Wednesday 10/26 – Detroit,  Magic Stick
Thursday 10/27 – Cincinnati , Southgate House
Friday 10/28 – Indianapolis,  Radio Radio
Saturday 10/29 – Columbia,  Mojo’s
Sunday 10/30 – Chicago,  Schubas
Monday 10/31 Madison, High Noon
Tuesday 11/01 – Iowa City,  The Mill
Wednesday 11/02 – Minneapolis,  400 Bar
Friday 11/04 – Louisville, Headliners
Saturday 11/05 – Memphis,  Hi Tone
Sunday 11/06 – New Orleans,   One Eyed Jack’s
Monday 11/07 – Athens, 40 Watt
Tuesday 11/08 – Asheville,  Grey Eagle
Thursday 11/10 – Baltimore,  Ottobar
Friday 11/11 – Hoboken, Maxwell’s
Saturday 11/12 – Brooklyn,  Music Hall

See ya there!

Hamtramck Halloween Bar Crawl - Saturday 10/29 1pm-5pm

Join the newly formed Hamtramck Bars Social Club for a
costumed bar crawl two days before Halloween.

We will begin on the North end of town and end on the South end.

Participating bars are as follows:
PLAV Post 10 (11824 Jos. Campau) - be there at 1:00pm sharp!
Jean's Lounge
Skipper's Bar
Suzy's Bar
New Dodge Lounge

Dressing up is MANDATORY, costumes, masks, face paint.

FREAKY DEAKY - a 'til 5am Halloween Party! Sat. 10-29

It's Here! TIGA, CLAUDE VONSTROKE, BOOMBOX, and CALVERTRON headline FREAKY DEAKY in Detroit on Saturday October 29th
at Bert's Warehouse for an 18 and up Halloween Costume Party!
Limited cash tickets are now available at Bert's Warehouse.

Tickets are going fast, so make sure to get yours early!

Tier 2 presale: $25
Tier 3 presale: $30
Tier 1 Early Bird $20 tix are sold out.

Fresh off the sold out North Coast Music Festival this party is the kickoff to the newly launched React Presents Detroit branch.
www.facebook.com/reactpres​entsdetroit.

React Detroit Presents...

"FREAKY DEAKY"
-the official React Detroit launch-
Halloween Costume Party

:: TIGA ::
[www.tiga.ca]

:: CLAUDE VONSTROKE ::
[www.soundcloud.com/claudev​onstroke]

:: BOOMBOX ::
[www.thisisboombox.com]

:: CALVERTRON ::
[www.soundcloud.com/calvert​ron]

with

YOS
MATT CLARKE
ATAXIA & SECRETS
KEITH KEMP
K@DOG
CALICO
HUGH CLEAL
DRU RUIZ
JOEY PISTOLS
MINZ
JOEY SMOKE
CTHULHU
DEKGLO

BUY TICKETS :: http://bit.ly/Buy-Freaky-D​eaky-Tickets

Bert's Warehouse
2739 Russel St
Detroit MI 48243
8:00 pm Doors 18+
773.598.0852 - info line

FREE AWESOME LITHO: Horrible Crowes

We got a very very cool limited edition litho in the other day for giveaway from Horrible Crowes
email motorcityblog@earthlink.net for your shot at this killer freebie

we will let you know when they come to town soon

The Horrible Crowes

Most of us know Brian Fallon as the frontman for the Gaslight Anthem, an act who started out in Jersey basements and slowly built their way up to headlining New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Despite the success Fallon has had with his main band he’s always loved decidedly less rocking acts such as the Afghan Whigs and Tom Waits. The Horrible Crowes—his new side-project alongside longtime friend Ian Perkins—is his lounge-friendly tip of the hat to the acts who have shaped another side of his musical vision.

The idea for Horrible Crowes started at the end of last year and was formed out of the bond that Fallon and Perkins developed through their mutual love of music. “The two of us had this ritual where we’d go into the back of the bus at the end of the show and just start showing each other records,” Fallon explains, adding that PJ Harvey, Afghan Whigs and Joan As Police Woman were some of the acts that they exposed each other to during these sessions. “I’ve always wanted to experiment with the darker side of soul music and one day we were just like, ‘let’s write some songs and see what they sound like’ and it turned out that it sounded great.”

After demoing the track that would eventually be Elsie the band headed into the studio earlier this year to put these songs to tape with the help Ted Hutt (Dropkick Murphys, Chuck Ragan)—and although the band is technically a two-piece, they also enlisted Steve Sidelnyk (drums and percussion), the Parkington Sisters (strings and accordion), Ted Hutt (guitars), Adele Jensen (trumpet) and The Gaslight Anthem’s other members to add more texture to the sound of the album . “What I’m doing here is so far removed from what the stuff we do in the Gaslight Anthem,” Fallon explains. “The one thing I wanted to stay away from here was doing an acoustic folk record or something that sounded like my other band. This is a completely different beast and it’s just another side of the music that’s shaped my identity.”

Sonically Elsie sees Fallon working with strings for the first time and stretching out musically in ways that might surprise longtime fans of his writing. “I had to sit down and really teach myself over the past eight months how to play piano and write orchestrated music,” he explains. “I’m a chord guy on guitar so I don’t know all of the notes on the neck so it was a really big challenge to try to step outside of my comfort zone, but I think this record wouldn’t have worked if I hadn’t done that.” Additionally the album sees the group using drum loops over actual instrumentation to create a unique dichotomy between organic and electronic instrumentation that prevents Elsie from lapsing into familiar territory.

While Fallon excels at inciting sing-alongs with the Gaslight Anthem, Elsie sees him turning his perspective inward and crafting something that’s unsettling in the best way possible. “There’s a song on the album called ‘Mary Ann’ that’s just straight up Tom Waits Bone Machine-era lunacy,” he explains. “It’s just madness screamed through a bullet mic.” Alternately he describes “Go Tell Everybody” has his definitive break-up song and adds that it also contains a level of rancor that will resonate on a purely human level. “I tried to capture the viciousness about what comes out when you’re going through a break-up and you hit that wall and you’re like, ‘that’s it, all the sweetness and sensitivity that was there before is gone now.’”

Elsie is also the most personal release of Fallon’s career and while the Gaslight Anthem’s music is loaded with characters and iconography, this album sees Fallon stripping back the metaphors to put it all on the line. “There’s only one character here and it’s about me and three or four relationships that I’ve had throughout my life,” Fallon explains. “It’s really a trip through a breakdown and it catalogs this dissent into madness and finally redemption.” While drug addictions, ex-girlfriends and religion all creep their way into these songs, Elsie isn’t a linear album as much as it is a catalog of experiences that are conveyed in a way that was equally as cathartic for Fallon to create as it will inevitably be for his listeners to hear.

Ultimately Fallon doesn’t see Horrible Crowes as a side-project as it is just another side to his musical identity and sees no reason why both of his passions can’t co-exist in the real world the same way they do in his own psyche. “I would love if this band turned into a big deal because then I get to be in two great acts—and all of the guys in the Gaslight Anthem love this project, too,” he summarizes. “If this project takes off then we’ll just end up being in two bands I love instead of one.”

Check out Horrible Crowes here

DO WHAT YOU LOVE - DO IT HERE - Are you an artist looking for support? Apply for the 2012 KRESGE ARTIST FELLOWSHIPS NOW!

well what we meant to say was soon on the application...

it will be available on November 1st 2011

at http://kresge.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/kaf_apply.html

 

If you love your craft and want to get some financial support

this is a great opportunity to take advantage

of the Kresge Foundation's love of homegrown talent

 

Its simple to apply - here are the instructions:

 

1-Download the application

2-Complete and return by deadline of February 1st 2012

3-Keep your fingers crossed

 

GOOD LUCK!

 

DO WHAT YOU LOVE - DO IT HERE

FREE TICKETS: Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot 2011 - Sound Board Motorcity Casino - 12/1

The Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel

is hosting another " Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot"

on Thursday, December 1st 2011 8pm

Brian Setzer started the Stray Cats and followed up with The Brian Setzer Orchestra

The king of swing is back in Detroit and of course where else would he be but at the Sound Board

we claim not to play favorites here at MCB but when one of our favorite artists comes to town and plays one of our favorite venues we gotta push it a little harder than the rest

MCB has a couple sets of premium tix ready to roll

hit us up - motorcityblog@earthlink.net

GET TICKETS HERE

THIS WILL SELL OUT

FREE TICKETS: Trombone Shorty - St Andrews Detroit - 11/18

Have you heard of Trombone Shorty? New Orleans-based singer and trombonist extraordinaire, plays his own hybrid of funk, hip-hop and soul, new record For True is out now on Verve Forecast plus we got a set of tickets ready to roll - hit us up
motorcityblog@earthlink.net

He's playing Detroit on 11/18 at Saint Andrews Hall - get tickets now



Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews follows his Grammy nominated 'Backatown' with 'For True' to be released Sept 13 on Verve Forecast. For True features Troy Andrews' band, Orleans Avenue, as well as a string of legendary performers with whom he recently shared the stage, including Jeff Beck, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz, Ledisi, Warren Haynes, Ivan and Cyril Neville, Rebirth Brass Band and more. The CD was produced and engineered by Ben Ellman (except “The Craziest Thing” produced by George Drakoulias).

The singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has earned unanimous raves on 5 continents in the past year alone with his patented high energy “SUPAFUNKROCK” sound. He was praised in the media from Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly to NPR and the New York Times following the 2010 release of Backatown, which spent 10 weeks at #1 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart and still reigns in the top 10 over a year after its release.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue have been everywhere since, performing on The Late Show With David Letterman, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Austin City Limits and more. Troy has made additional appearances on Good Morning America, Tavis Smiley, NFL Kickoff (joining Dave Matthews Band), ESPN and a recurring role on the hit HBO series Tremé, on which he played himself. In December 2010 Andrews brought an all-star lineup from NOLA to New York as musical director for the landmark 'Red Hot New Orleans' concert event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Broad based respect for Andrews' virtuosity and versatility is exemplified by a list of performances at events as varied as Bonnaroo, and Jam Cruise to Japan's Fuji Rock Fest, Australia's Byron Bay Blues Festival, the prestigious Montreux, Newport, and Playboy (at Hollywood Bowl) Jazz Festivals, Philadelphia Folk Festival, San Francisco's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and a Reggae Festival in Germany in addition to festivals as far flung as Brazil and Singapore plus tour dates with Jeff Beck and Dave Matthews Band. Andrews has built his reputation on "blistering, bold, exuberant and cutting edge" (USA Today) live performances and is currently on tour with Orleans Avenue.

FREE TICKETS: The Trews - Magic Bag Ferndale - 11/11

Dig The Trews?
hit us up for your shot at a pair of tickets - motorcityblog@earthlink.net


We wanted to let you know about The Trews who are pretty coming to town next month 11/11 at The Magic Bag to kick off their Hope & Ruin US Tour

We got a nice prize pack from the band (CD+Pair of tix) to offer up

Get tickets here and read more about the band here

FREE TICKETS: LOTUS - ROMT - 10/29

email motorcityblog@earthlink.net for your shot at pair of tix

Its always puts a smile on our face when we see a band return to Detroit on tour.

check some photos from MCB's Drew Bender here

LOTUS is one of those groups who have made the motorcity a staple and they are back for more this weekend at Royal Oak Music Theatre. This time around we wanted to give some props to the opening act called Keys N Krates who just dropped this LOTUS remix for your listening pleasure

LET IT RAIN (LOTUS RMX) by Keys N Krates

Toronto’s Keys N Krates are known for their electro-hip-hop sound and mix live instrumentation with electronic elements to create both innovative originals and remixes. The band is now gearing up for their first release of original music, the Blackout EP, which will be self-released, and given away for free download on November 7th on their website http://www.keysnkrates.com/

Get tickets to the show here

http://www.royaloakmusictheatre.com/

Spread the word! HATCHOWEEN Saturday, October 29

 

Looking for an artsy halloween party this weekend?

 

Check out the original HATCH collective in Hamtramck

 

this group has been renovating an old police building into artist work spaces for the past few years

Stop on in and help raise a few bucks towards the cause

 

*Hatchoween*

*A Fundraiser for Hatch:*
*A Hamtramck Art Collective*

Food

Music

Burlesque

 

Art by Hatch Members Art Mask
Auction at 11:00 PM
See the Jail Cell -- If You Dare!
*October 29, 2011*
*7:00 PM - Midnight*

*3456 Evaline (Hamtramck's Former Police Station)*
*Admission: $25, $20 in Costume*

 

Saturday: Citizen Smile at PJ's Lager House

 

This poster is pretty effective at communicating everything you need to know. What else can I say about it?

Lydia at The Pike Room on October 26th

Lydia
w/ Sunlight Ascending
Wednesday, October 26th, at The Pike Room in Pontiac
Doors at 6:30, $10/$12

Leighton Antelman started Lydia in 2003, and after years of growth, experimentation, and discovery, they were finally ready to release their first record. The band had released This December, It's One More and I'm Free in September of 2005 on local indie, HourZero Records.  Lydia spent a few years fine tuning their line up and writing what would be their most critically acclaimed release, illuminate recorded and produced my Matt Malpass (Copeland, All Get Out). The record was originally released by Linc Star Records in 2008. The buzz and online marketing caught the attention of Universal/Motown Records. Six months after the storm that was illuminate, the band signed a deal with the major label. After running through the machine, Lydia found themselves at another crossroads. The band had been in the studio working on their follow up to illuminate, and discovered they were heading in different directions creatively. As the tensions mounted, band members decided to leave due to these creative differences, leaving Lydia with 3 members, Leighton Antelman, Steve Mcgraw, and Craig Taylor. Lydia parted ways with Universal/Motown in late 2009 and wasn't sure what to expect. All they knew was that they had new material, and didn't want to disappoint their fans. 

The band decided in 2010 that they would formally disband. They chose to release an EP of new material, titled Assailants, and head out on a farewell tour. With past members unable to tour, Leighton and Craig decided to put together a band to take out on their last run. Leighton decided to pick up the guitar again and pushed forward with the tour that appeared to be entirely sold out. Lydia independently released Assailants on this tour, and discovered that their fan base had grown immensely. The reception they received and the quality of the performances outweighed the gloom of it being their "Farewell". After witnessing a very strong reception from crowds on the other side of the Pacific in Australia , Leighton realized this would be a very difficult thing to leave behind. 

Leighton and Craig returned home from Australia , and began working on new songs. After much debate, realization, and late nights they decided to bring Lydia back to life.... They went back into the studio in the summer of 2011 with Matt Malpass, and started to record their follow up to Assailants, titled Paint it Golden.

Sometimes it's difficult to let go of something that is personally sacred- when you have the energy of thousands of people unwilling to let go, you realize that you can't either.

Interview with Paypa (Smoker's Club Tour)

I interviewed rapper Paypa after he performed alongside Method Man and Curren$y for their Smoker's Club Tour concert at the Eagle Theatre in Pontiac. You'll find the proof in the pudding.

Jane Fader: You have a music video about going to the bathroom, which I find to be rather subversive.

Paypa: Ughhhh!

Fayda: Could you tell us how you got to the point in your life where you needed to write a song about that magic moment that happens during a “bathroom break?”

Paypa: Well I didn’t exactly make a song about going to the bathroom. For the record, the song is called “Bathroom Break,” and it’s an interlude on my mix tape. I shot the whole video on the toilet, but I’m not talking about the toilet at all. On the toilet—that’s where everybody goes and thinks.

Fayda: Oh I get it. You’re taking a proverbial bathroom break.

Paypa: Yeah.

[watch the official "Bathroom Break" video at the end of the interview] 

Fayda: ...Hold on--is this guy on stage right now sampling Prince’s “Adore?”

Paypa: Shout out to Fiend!

Fayda: So anyway, is Smoker’s Club your first big tour?

Paypa: Yes, this is my first major US tour.

Fayda: And you just played Quebec? How were you guys received in Quebec? Is there a big hip hop scene in Quebec?

Paypa: Well, some people on my team had some legal issues so we couldn’t get through the boarder. They were like, “nahhh, y’all can’t come through here!”

Fayda: Aww. Well I really like your Henny shirt. 

Paypa: Thank you. What do you like about it?

Fayda: I like when people remake logos and personalize them.

Paypa: Thank you.

Fayda: Who’s your favorite rapper?

Paypa: I don’t have one favorite rapper. I’m a big fan of hip hop. But Jay Z, Andre 3000…

Fayda: I forgot about him!

Paypa: …Scarface, Kanye West…

Fayda: When was the last time you cried?

Paypa: Six months ago when my daughter was born.

Fayda: Do you like hamburgers better or chicken nuggets?

Paypa: Chicken nuggets.

Fayda: Coke or Pepsi?

Paypa: Coke.

Fayda: Hard tacos or soft tacos?

Paypa: I don’t really have a preference on tacos.

Fayda: I think that’s a perfect way to rap it up.

Paypa: I think it’s good too.

Fayda: Thank you very much for this interview.

"Bathroom Break"