We Can All Do Better...

I like the message of this song (for anyone, anywhere) as we head into a new year. Hope you find the road to your dreams in 2007.

Mic Test #10: Mieka Pauley...

Mieka Pauley:
Acoustic/Folk/Indie
*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. Enjoy.

Seeing Double...

In February and March, ATO Record labelmates Gomez and Ben Kweller will be joining forces for a co-headlining tour across the U.S. More dates are expected to be announced, but March 3rd brings the pair to the House of Blues in Cleveland. Gomez fans also need to know about a free in store appearance that will take place at Borders in downtown Ann Arbor on January 17th at 12:30 in the afternoon. They will be promoting and performing songs from their newest release, How We Operate.

Ben Kweller: Sundress

Classic Clips: The Rolling Stones...

The Stones deliver a good message to remember during the holidays.

Can You See the Future...

As previously noted, winter months are tough for concert goers, but there are some great tours and shows on the horizon. Here are just a few midwest dates that we can all look forward to:






The Ark
1/26 & 27 Ann Arbor Folk Festival
1/30 Gary Jules & Joshua Radin
2/1 Matt Wertz
2/8 Josh Ritter
2/18 Glen Phillips
2/20 Po' Girl (free show)
2/21 John Hammond
3/11 Alejandro Escovedo
Majestic Theatre
3/9 Badly Drawn Boy
Magic Bag
1/11 Emily Haines
Beachland Ballroom
1/15 Andrew Bird
St. Andrews
2/17 G. Love & Special Sauce
2/23 Zach Galifianakis (comedian)
Magic Stick
1/30 Kevin Devine & Pablo
2/13 Midlake
3/14 Of Montreal
Blind Pig
2/1 Camera Obscura
2/8 Grizzly Bear
State Theatre
4/1 Snow Patrol / OK Go / Silversun Pickups

Mic Test #9: Cougar...

Cougar:
Experimental/Rock/Electronica
*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. Enjoy.

The Songbird Flies...

Most Patty Griffin fans will have to wait until spring to hear this beautiful bird sing. However, a lucky few will be able to catch her as she prepares for a bigger tour in March. She will be playing a few smaller venues in January, before releasing her next record. This includes stops at World Cafe and Mountain Stage...by the way, keep checking the Mountain Stage line-up...it keeps getting better everyday. Sometimes when your ears need a break...Patty Griffin's silky smooth voice is the perfect remedy. She writes great songs and sings with so much emotion.

One For The Road...

Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) will be heading out on the road for some solo dates in January. He simply has to be considered one of the greatest songwriters of the modern era and his solo show is not to be missed.

1/16 Memphis, TN @ Germantown Performing Arts Center
1/17 Nashville, TN @ James K. Polk Theater
1/19 Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom
1/20 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
1/21 Marfa, TX @ Liberty Hall
1/23 Austin, TX @ Hogg Auditorium at University of Texas
1/24 Austin, TX @ Hogg Auditorium at University of Texas
1/26 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
1/27 Birmingham, AL @ Alabama Theatre
1/29 Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
1/30 Knoxville, TN @ Bijou Theatre
1/31 Charlottesville, VA @ Paramount Theater

You've Found What You Are Looking For...

New U2 video for Window in the Skies:

Lights, Camera, Freedom...

Two recent films , The U.S vs. John Lennon and Shut Up and Sing illustrate the power of musicians and the impact their words have on our own government. Hard to believe the powers that be spend so much time working against freedom of speech. Last time I checked, we all had the right to form our own opinions.

You Better Think...

THINK INDIE is a consortium of independent record retailers determined to bring true music lovers back to the stores that make a difference.

Besides sharing the avid fan’s passion and enthusiasm for music, Think Indie stores are equipped with a unique catalogue of exclusive releases, live shows and limited-edition goodies from a variety of well-known artists – the kind of stuff that makes cool record stores even cooler. If you are near the Toledo area, Check out Culture Clash for a little variety...or just go to THINK INDIE to find a participating record store near you.

And while we are on the topic of Limited Edition EPs, John Mayer just released The Village Sessions, an acoustic effort that delivers a fresh departure from some of his heavily produced material. Another EP on THINK INDIE is a My Morning Jacket's, Acoustic Citsuoca (2004), a five song collection of live tracks.

Mic Test #8: The Rosewood Thieves...

The Rosewood Thieves:
Folk Rock/Blues/Country
*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. Enjoy.

One For the Money...

Money Mark, often referred to as the fourth Beastie Boy, will release his new album , Brand New By Tomorrow, in February 2007. He recently signed with Brushfire Records (Jack Johnson's own label) which should prove a good fit, as Mark is known for a funky, laid back approach to the keyboard. You can listen to a few upcoming tracks on his Myspace page...some are comparing the sound to John Lennon or Wilco (Summerteeth-era). Some of his previous stuff has been appreciated by a largely underground scene, but familiarize yourself with Mark's Keyboard Repair (1995) and Push The Button (1998).

Classic Clips: Bowie & Bing...

Happy Holidays!

Feeling FESTive...

Dates have been chosen for the 6th Annual Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. When you get your new calendar for Christmas, don't forget to save the date for this mega musical mashed potato. The 4 day fest will take place from June 14th thru 17th at the usual 700 acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee.

Math Can Be Fun...

One of my favorite finds of 2006 has been the band Mute Math. I was lucky enough to catch these guys at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor months ago...just went on the chance that these guys might have something fresh to offer. WOW! High energy to say the least...think early Police and U2 with a little more electronic wizardry. I had no doubt that this band had a bright future. They also amazed the crowd at Lollapalooza last August. Maybe the days of seeing them in small venues is quickly disappearing. They have signed on as the opening act for The Fray's latest tour for the month of January. Let's hope success doesn't spoil the equation. Here is a clip of their recent performance on Jimmy Kimmel.

Love Comes To Town...

Live Music in the Midwest during the winter months...ugh...how do people deal, when choices for live show are fewer and farther between? The best we can do is enjoy the bands that do come around. 2007 will surely bring it's share of amazing shows and tours. Don't forget to mark down G. Love & Special Sauce on your calendar. He will be bringing his unique bluesy, garage soul to Detroit on February 17th at St. Andrews Hall. Tickets go on sale this weekend, Sat. Dec. 16th. Check it out, G!

Rooted in Goodness...

Brooklyn Vegan, a great blog with mass quantities of insider music tips has posted some new tourdates for The Roots. Granted, we all have to wait until March 2007, but it will be worth it...it seems that Lupe Fiasco, a fresh force in the rap game, and Jill Scott may be on tour with the Legendary Roots Crew.
Here are the dates that we do know about:
2/17 Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
3/8 Baltimore, MD @ J. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
3/9 Washington D.C. @ DAR Constitution Hall
3/10 New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
3/17 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theater

Here is a nice little video sampler from their latest release, Game Theory.

Dance Like Elephants...

Page France is a band I saw open up for Anathallo at the Magic Stick in Detroit last Saturday night. Catchy poppy songs with steady rhythms and strong vocals & tasty harmonies. I think this band will continue to rise to a place of prominence. They will be out on the road again in March to bring their fresh style...in the meantime, this is video of the band playing Chariot (one of my favorite songs of theirs) captures their style. Keep an eye out for these guys.

Encore...

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is not resting on all the success they had in 2006. They have announced their next CD, Some Loud Thunder, will be released on January 30th. If you visit their site, you can hear some MP3s of their newest work.

In Tune With Ray...

Ray LaMontagne's performance on Monday, December 11th will be webcast live on NPR's All Song's Considered at 10:00 pm est.

Classic Clips: Sly & The Family Stone...

Mic Test #8: Peter Bjorn and John...

Peter Bjorn and John:
Pop/Indie/New Wave
*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. Enjoy.

And Then There is MMJ...

If there is a band that plays with more heart and energy than My Morning Jacket at a live show, they must not be from planet earth. When MMJ took the stage at House of Blues in Cleveland last Monday, you just had the sense that something special was about to happen. The band brought the full drama that night...smoke machine, light show, and an "in your face" sound. Amazing to hear Jim James shoutin' out like he is desperately calling for someone to hear his voice...and the whole crowd did. James has his fans in palm of his hands, as his vocals soar and he gets distracted into an atomic guitar solo. The band's energy builds with each song, like they are trying to start a fire from scratch...fanning the flames all the way! And when they really let it go, the action is unstoppable. Jim James spinning his body around the stage and the scene becomes hectic. With the backlighting setting off their mane-like hair, Jim and the drummer look like two lions tearing into a feeding frenzy. Then just as your head can't nod any faster, James steps back up to the mic, and his signature vocals echo that everything is back under control. What a show!

This is a band that people have to see live. Put that on your Christmas list!

Classic Clips: The Clash...

Mic Test #7: Sasha Dobson...

Sasha Dobson:
Jazz/Latin/Folk Rock
*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. Enjoy.

Cover Up: R.E.M. ...

Ever feel nostalgic about album art?
Sometimes, it is just nice to look back.
R.E.M., Reckoning (1984)