O*A*SIS [Oh-Ay-Sis] - noun...

An Oasis can be defined as something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual, annoying, difficult, etc. This video (by those cranky lads from Manchester) for The Masterplan may prove that definition to be perfectly true. A pleasant change, indeed...and truly creative. So, I hope this makes your day a little brighter.

And in This Corner...

Foo Fighters are taping up the gloves for a few more acoustic set dates. I'm looking forward to catching the show when they roll into the Detroit area this week as an opening act for Mr. Bob Dylan at The Palace (Nov. 2nd). The Foo will be delivering up some new stuff and old Foo favorites in an "unplugged" kinda style. If you can't make the show, no worries...next week (Nov. 7th) will bring the release of Skin and Bones, a rcording of these 15 acoustic songs:

1. Razor
2. Over & Out
3. Walking After You
4. Marigold
5. My Hero
6. Next Year
7. Another Round
8. Big Me
9. Cold Day In The Sun
10. Skin And Bones
11. February Stars
12. Times Like These
13. Friend Of A Friend
14. Best Of You
15. Everlong

A DVD with even more selections will be available on November 28th.
While you wait for that, here is an acoustic version of Times Like These.

A Ray of Light...

Singer/Songwriter, Ray LaMontagne returns to the road this fall to support the release of his album, Till the Sun Turns Black. For those who loved his debut, Trouble, your wait is over. Here are his planned stops in North America.
November 2006
9 - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre
10 - San Diego, CA - Spreckels Theatre
13 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre
14 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
15 - Seattle, WA - Paramount Theatre
16 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Centre for Performing Arts
18 - Boise, ID - Big Easy
20 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
27 - Minneapolis, MN - Orpheum Theatre
28, 29 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre
30 - Louisville, KY - W.L. Lyons Brown Theatre
December 2006
2 - Detroit, MI - Scottish Rite Cathedral
3 - Indianapolis, IN - Egyptian Room
4 - Nashville, TN - War Memorial Auditorium
5 - Knoxville, TN - Bijou Theatre
7 - Saint Louis, MO - The Pageant
9 - Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle
10 - Chapel Hill, NC - Memorial Hall @ University of N.C.
11 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
16 - New York, NY - Beacon Theatre
18 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre

Pushing The Limits...

For over 30 years, Austin City Limits has been offering an amazing blend of roots music from blues to rock to country...and this season is no exception. As the saying goes, check your local listings...the remainder of the performers for season 32 look like winners. Gotta love PBS!
Oct. 28: Alejandro Escovedo
Nov. 4: Sufjan Stevens followed by Calexico
Nov. 11: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Nov. 18: Van Morrison
Nov. 25: Franz Ferdinand followed by What Made Milwaukee Famous
Dec. 2: Ben Folds followed by Ray LaMontagne
Dec. 9: Etta James
Dec. 16: Corinne Bailey Rae followed by KT Tunstall
Dec. 23: Los Lonely Boys followed by The Gourds
Dec. 30: The Raconteurs followed by Cat Power
Jan. 6, 2007: Damian Marley
Jan. 13, 2007: James Blunt followed by TBA
Jan. 20, 2007: The Dixie Chicks

Mic Test #2: Tahiti 80...

Tahiti 80: Indie / Soul / Pop
*Note: The music featured in the Mic Test is typically new to me too. Just throwing out some info. about bands that seem to be offering something exciting. Without longevity to back it up, these suggestions are really just shots in the dark. Enjoy.

Too Much Information...

Too much....isn't possible for the serious Beck fans. And he is keeping himself squarely in the limelight with the October release of his new effort called The Information. Beck seems to be everywhere these days. He will be on Saturday Night Live tomorrow night (Oct. 28th) and then on MTV in early November (Nov. 2nd on The 10 Spot, Nov. 4th on the mtvU Woodie Awards & Nov. 5th in an exclusive interview on Subterranean).

Beck will also drop by KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic to do an in-studio performance on Halloween (10/31). This performance will no doubt be archived like many other streaming KCRW shows and available to watch & listen at your convenience. Check out their previous performances to see many of the best.

His recent mini-tour included a special stop in NYC that was basically a stripped down acoustic jam session with some of friends. The show took place at Angel Orensanz. Here is a taste of that show.



Since a summer performance at Bonnaroo, Beck's shows have included a "Puppet Band" that bears some muppet-like resemblance to the actual musicians. With strings attached, these characters have put together some hilarious videos that have been shown at performances. Here is a sample that someone shot at Bonnaroo. (for the die-hard fan, there are other samples shot by fans on YouTube)

That's All Folk...

The Ann Arbor Folk Festival has been serving up a tasty menu of music (not Looney Tunes!) for 30 years. The two day event always provides a the perfect blend of up and coming acts along with bona fide legends. More importantly, the proceeds go to support the The Ark, one of the finest music venues in the country, which books a steady flow of folk, roots & ethnic music. So many of my favorite performances over the years have been under that roof. The 2007 festival line-up has been announced, and it looks like another solid mix of roots, traditional & contemporary music (The Festival takes place at Hill Auditorium):
Friday, January 26th, 2007
Rufus Wainwright
Jackie Greene
Ember Swift
Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble
Martha Wainwright
Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Millish
MC: TBA
Saturday, January 27th, 2007
John Prine
Mountain Heart
Over the Rhine
Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Maines
Bill Staines
Daisy May
additional artists TBA
MC: TBA

Jacket Required...

My Morning Jacket is about to kick off a fall tour. I highly suggest you check these guys out if they are performing on a continent near you. Sorry, Antarctica...oughtta luck for now, but don't give up. Everyone knows that pole dwellers don't go outside without their "Jacket".

NOVEMBER
09 Thu Charleston, SC @ The Plex
10 Fri Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theater
12 Sun Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
13 Mon Nashville, TN @Ryman Auditorium
15 Wed New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues
16 Thu Dallas, TX @ Gypsy Tea Room
17 Fri Dallas, TX @ Gypsy Tea Room
18 Sat Austin, TX @ Stubb's
20 Mon St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
21 Tue Milwaukee, WI @ The Riverside
22 Wed Louisville, KY @ Louisville Gardens
24 Fri Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theater
25 Sat Indy, IN @ Clowes Hall
27 Mon Washington, DC 9:30 Club
28 Tue Washington, DC 9:30 Club
30 Thu New York, NY Roseland Ballroom

DECEMBER
01 Fri Philly, PA @ Electric Factory
02 Sat Boston, MA @ Avalon Ballroom
04 Mon Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
05 Tue Champaign, IL @ Foellinger Auditorium

Here is an idea of what you can expect from a MMJ show. This is the trailer for their new Live Concert Film, Okonokos, which comes out on DVD on Halloween.

Mic Test #1: David Condos...

This is only a test! Do not adjust your monitor...adjust your speakers accordingly. Simply a suggestion to find new music. (The plan is to make the "Mic Test" a re-occuring feature on this site...a way to share links to some good stuff..but to let you decide for yourself)
So, here is a start: David Condos

Quick Note on the Black Keys...

Even better than an F Sharp...The Black Keys have added a Detroit date on their current tour. The Majestic Theatre needs to tighten the hinges by Sunday, December 17th, because the Keys will be doing everything in their power to blow the doors off the place.

Still Haven't Found What You're Looking For...

Know any U2 fans? Yeah, I thought so. Wondering what to get them for XMAS?...look no further than U2 By U2...the definitive U2 coffee table book. Can someone tell me what is going on here? Something about coffee table books and rock n' roll just doesn't mix. And what is the world media coming to when you have a video out to promote a book. Is it ironic? Oxymoronic? Oxyironic?...or just moronic? Will there ever be a book about a CD coming out? Or maybe a CD about a video release...These are questions you need to resolve for yourself. At any rate, I am sure the book is interesting and makes for a nice nostalgic moment. My suggestion is to give the book to your one friend who is likely heard saying, "I liked U2 way before "War" came out"(we all did!). The idea being this book should shut them up for a while.

You Can't, You Won't & You Don't Stop...

Thought I would send a little shout out to the Beastie Boys as a way to recognize all they have done for the rap game. This is one of my all time favorite Beastie tracks...and a damn good video to boot. Tonight, Hip Honors on VH1 pays tribute to the Brooklyn trio as well as some other rap royalty, like Afrika Bambaataa and Rakim. Award shows have become stale, but if you need the beat...this presentation always delivers. Scheduled performers include Common, KRS-One, The Roots, Q-Tip and many more. If you miss the show tonight look for VH1 to repeat the show in upcoming weeks.

What a Waste...

Tonight, CBGB will have its last concert ever. The legendary NYC location for American punk and punk-influenced bands like The Ramones, Television, Blondie, and Talking Heads will feature Patti Smith in it's farewell show.

The full name is CBGB & OMFUG, which stands for "Country Bluegrass Blues and Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers". Gormandizer usually means a ravenous eater of food, but according to Hilly Kristal (the founder) here it means "a voracious eater of ... music"

Though CBGB was utilized as a hot spot for touring bands to hit when they came through New York, the scene that kept the bar alive during the 1980s was New York's underground hardcore scene. By 1990, CBGB did not book any hardcore punk or punk shows. CBGB's had brought hardcore back at various times, and for the past several years had no rules about what genres could and couldn't be featured.

In 2005, a dispute between CBGB and the Bowery Resident's Committee began. The Committee billed Kristal $91,000 in back rent, while Kristal claimed he had not been informed of increases in his $19,000 monthly rent. After the lease expired, they reached an agreement for the club to remain for fourteen more months while Kristal dropped his legal battles and his attempts to get historic landmark status for the club.

All that music history down the drain! (Which reminds me, here is a well known photo of the men's room at the club....that's right, no door.)

Drooling Banjos...

There are some out there who say, "Yeah, electric guitars are cool and all, but what about the banjo....Where's the love?" So, if you're strung out for some good 'ol down home banjo with a modern take...Here are few bands that can get those strings snappin'. Check out Old Crow Medicine Show, The Avett Brothers and The Be Good Tanyas. The music is dusty, but some folks like it that way. You can always bet on the banjo to brighten your day. Try it...it sounds real purty.









Check out The Avett Brothers
@ The Magic Stick (Detroit) on Nov. 17th













Old Crow Medicine Show will be
@ The Majestic Theatre (Detroit) on Nov. 11th

Who's The Leader of the Band...

Who's ready for a little Disney Sing-A-Long?
All together now...1...2...3!
L-A-G-E-R......H-O-U-S-E
Lager House, Lager House
Whitey at the Lager House.
W-H-I ("I" think this is good stuff) T-E-Y ("Y", because you'll like it)
OK...I'm well aware that this could qualify as the worst post so far.
Despite the weak attempt at recapturing the excitement of your childhood, you might want to explore the wonderful world of Whitey, a british, alt/indie/electronica, multi-instrumentalist boss of beats...a one man band of sorts. He'll be in the area at the Lager House in Detroit at the end of the month.

10/18 - Los Angeles, CA - Club NME @ Spaceland
10/20 - San Francisco, CA - Mezzanine by Live 105
10/21 - Seattle, WA - Henry Art Gallery (Univ. of Washington)
10/22 - Portland, OR - Fez
10/24 - Vancouver, BC - Plaza
10/26 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
10/27 - Cincinnati, OH - Alchemize
10/29 - Detroit, MI - Lager House
10/31 - New York, NY - Fontanas
11/2 - New York, NY - Lit
11/3 - Philly, PA - Making Time
11/4 - Brooklyn, NY - Studio B
11/5 - Washington, DC - Rock & Roll Hotel
11/8 - Atlanta, GA - Eleven50
11/9 - Orlando, FL - The Club at Firestone
11/10 - Miami, FL - Studio A
11/11 - Tampa, FL - Orpheum
11/15 - New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks
11/20 - San Diego, CA - Beauty Bar
11/21 - Los Angeles, CA - Cinespace

Thank You (Falettinme Play By Mice Elf Again)*

Jeff Tweedy - "The Thanks I Get"
Clip from Sunken Treasure: Live in the Pacific Northwest
Due October 24th
(*excuse the Sly Stone reference...oh, so sly)

Bookeaters Footnote...

More details have surfaced about the upcoming Revenge of the Bookeaters event. Should be amazing.
Where: Pease Auditorium
(Eastern Michigan University in Ypsi)
When: Sunday, October 29th @ 6:30 pm
Who:
Davy Rothbart: Found Magazine creator
Cowboy Junkies: Alt-country legends
Stephen Malkmus: Pavement frontman & Indie Guru
Dace Eggers: Author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
Dan John Miller: Blanche frontman
Julie Orringer: Author of How to Breathe Underwater
Ryan Harty: Author of Bring Me Your Saddest Arizona
Why: To answer the question, Which is better-Music or the Written Word?
Check here for tix.

Keys To Successful Relationships...

The Black Keys are gearing up to head out for a little rock & road. You really need to notify those you love about these tour dates. You will secure many friendships this way.





11/02/06 Avalon Boston, MA
11/03/06 Nokia Theatre Times Square New York, NY
11/04/06 Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA
11/05/06 9:30 Club Washington, DC
11/06/06 9:30 Club Washington, DC
11/08/06 The NorVa Norfolk, VA
11/09/06 Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC
11/10/06 Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA
11/11/06 The Mercy Lounge Nashville, TN
11/15/06 Headliner's Louisville, KY
11/16/06 The Madison Theater Covington, KY
11/17/06 Lifestyle Communities Pavilion Columbus, OH
11/18/06 Agora Theatre Cleveland, OH
11/27/06 Majestic Theatre Madison, WI
11/29/06 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
12/01/06 The Granada Theatre Lawrence, KS
12/05/06 Cain's Ballroom Tulsa, OK
12/12/06 House of Blues New Orleans, LA
12/14/06 Young Avenue Deli Memphis, TN

...and then make all your friends watch the Keys idea of a music video. Good Stuff!

Atomic Offspring...

Twenty years ago, if you would have mentioned the words "COLD WAR", you might have a vision of Dutch & Gorby struggling with thoughts of Mutual Assured Destruction.











Well, those days are gone and there are some new kids in town...Cold War Kids! This California band has been getting more buzz than a beer drinker with a straw. These guys are touring north america on the upcoming release (Oct. 10th) of a new CD, Robbers & Cowards.









I guess we can be thankful that the Cold War isn't quite over. Catch this great music at Howard's Club H in Bowling Green, Ohio on Sunday, October 22nd. I caught these guys at Lollapalooza and you need to know they bring a great energy to their live show. 18 days tll impact!

Should You Stay or Should You Go...

You should go...now that you know Mick Jones is going to be honored in the "Buckeye State" this month as Revolution Rock: The Story of the The Clash opens at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, October 21st. That very same day, Mick will be in the house to participate in a discussion called the Hall of Fame Series at 3:30 pm. Tickets are $10 and go on sale to the public on October 9th through Ticketmaster. Members get first shot at pre-sale tix...let's hope there are leftovers.Mick hasn't let time slow him down....he has been collaborating with Tony James (of Generation X) in a project called Carbon/Silicon. Whatever he does, he takes his unmistakable vocals with him...but it still makes you long for the good 'ol days.

More Signs of Hope...

Post...and ye shall receive (see post on Sept. 12th). Bobby Bare, Jr. is returning to Maumee, Ohio!! Shhh...be very quiet, you should be able to hear area rock n' roll fans paging through their day planners to scribble down the date in pen....right? RIGHT! Now that we have that point understood, be sure to set aside some time on Saturday, November 11th...that is when BBJ and Centro-matic and David Vandervelde will be rolling into town to blow the roof off the Village Idiot. A great triple shot!