Don't Miss Your Flight...

March is here & music fans are gearing up for the sonic superfestival that is SXSW in Austin, Texas. A lot of attention is paid to this gathering as bands roll in from all points to mess with Texas. With so many bands to scope, the event can become overbearing...but leave it up to Flight of the Conchords, New Zealand's folk-rock funnymen hipsters to take a light-hearted look at the whole scene. We like to take our passion for music seriously, but sometimes you just gotta poke some fun.

Live From New York, It's Wilco...

Weekend plans? Wilco will be on Saturday Night Live this weekend as the musical guest. That is all you need to know. Fred Armisen (SNL Cast member) & Jeff Tweedy are buddies...although you wouldn't know it from this video.

It's Coming This Way...

As always, so much live music to consider in the upcoming months.

2/29 Lez Zeppelin @ Magic Bag
3/1 Mountain Heart @ The Ark
3/2 Paul Thorn @ The Ark
3/3 Gogol Bordello @ Royal Oak Music theatre
3/5 Steve Earle @ Michigan Theater
3/5 Von Bondies @ Frankie's
3/6 Bon Iver @ The Grog Shop
3/8 Jamie Register @ Blind Pig
3/12 The Hothouse Flowers @ The Ark
3/14 A Fine Frenzy @ Shelter
3/16 Mike Doughty @ Blind Pig
3/20 The Slits @ Eagle Theater
3/21 You, Me & Everyone We Know @ Frankie's
3/21 Man Man @ Blind Pig
3/23 Ra Ra Riot @ Howard's Club H
3/25 British Sea Power @ Eagle Theater
3/26 Toubab Krewe @ The Ark
3/26 The Weakerthans @ Blind Pig
3/28 NOMO @ Howard's Club H
4/1 Jens Lekman @ Wexner Center
4/1 Punch Brothers @ The Ark
4/3 Explosions in the Sky @ Beachland Ballroom
4/5 The Eels @ Majestic Theater
4/5 Blitzen Trapper @ Magic Stick
4/6 Kathleen Edwards @ Magic Bag
4/6 Spoon @ Emerald Theater
4/7 Tristan Prettyman @ The Ark
4/9 Carbon/Silicon @ 20th Century Theater
4/10 Feaist @ Fillmore Detroit
4/10 New Pornographers @ Crofoot Ballroom
4/12 Tapes n Tapes @ Magic Stick
4/15 Eric Bibb @ The Ark
4/16 Saul Williams @ Blind Pig
4/16 Ben Folds @ Adrian College
4/17 Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Frankie's
4/18 Iron & Wine @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
4/18 The Dirtbombs & Kelley Stoltz @ Frankie's
4/20 Joe Jackson @ Michigan Theater
4/25 Jackie Greene @ The Ark
4/25 Jay Z & Mary J. Blige @ The palace
4/29 Enon @ Frankie's
4/30 The Proclaimers @ The Ark
4/30 Kate Nash @ St. Andrews
5/3 Ghostland Observatory @ St. Andrews

Falling Slowly Into The National Spotlight...

Well...now the little indie film that has been working it's way to the top is known by more than 1 Billion viewers. Last night, Glen Hansard & Marketa Irgova won the Oscar for Best Song (Falling Slowly in Once) and the acceptance speech was so genuine and impressive. They initially cut Marketa off, but allowed her to come back out to say a few words. Nice. And even better is that they will embark on a tour that will bring them through the Detroit area (Royal Oak Music Theatre) on May 10th. The tickets go on sale this Friday, February 29th. For those that may not know, this musical collaboration is called The Swell Season.

Their performance on The Oscars


Oscar Acceptance Speech

Time For Tim...

Many music fans know Tim Reynolds as an amazing guitarist who sits in with Dave Matthews from time to time. Tim has a group called TR3 that he will be bringing to Howard's Club H in Bowling Green on Tuesday, February 26th. This show will be a great chance to witness his skills up close & in person at a small venue. He blends so many styles & effects while he plays everything from cover songs to Bach. To say he understands every intricacy of the sound a guitar can make would be an understatement.



Dave & Tim: Live @ Radio City Music Hall, Lie In Our Graves

Lawrence Welk vs. The Clash...

Who says that PBS is for old stuffy people?...The Clash Live: Revolution Rock is a documentary that will be airing on PBS starting in March. Fans in Northwest Ohio (Toledo) can watch it on March 6th on WBGU & March 7th on WGTE. Here is how the video is described on the PBS site:

The Clash Live: Revolution Rock DVD follows the live transformation of the band, incorporating footage from all phases of The Clash's meteoric career, beginning with live-in-the-studio clips from 1979, through triumphant concerts from clubland (London's The Music Machine, 1978) and theatres (The Lyceum, 1978, 1980), climaxing with a transcendent blow-out performance at New York's Shea Stadium in 1982. The DVD also includes rare footage of the band’s performance on The Tom Snyder Show and on ABC’s Fridays.

Click here to find out when it might be on in an area near you.

Mick Jones is back out on the road with his newer act, Carbon/Silicon. You can definitely hear a fresh take with a bit of Big Audio Dynamite/Clash influences. He will be at the 20th Century Theater in Cincinnati on April 9th.

Also, found a great live show on I Am Fuel, You Are Friends blog (post on 2/20) featuring Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros in Germany '99. The sound quality of the MP3s is strong. Go take a listen & grab the Zip fle. IAFYAF is a great blog...always some great content over there.

Just Once For Oscar...

If you enjoyed the indie movie, Once, this past year, you may be interested to know that Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova, both real life musicians, will be performing on the Academy Awards Show this Sunday night on ABC.

The Police Issue Another Warning...

Sting, Andy & Stewart are getting their "Police" gear back on and taking to the streets of North America for another round of shows (I guess $133 million wasn't enough the first time around). And for this latest raid, they have called Elvis Costello for back up. Word is this is their last tour of the U.S.

Here are the U.S./Canada dates:
2/16 Honolulu, HI @ Neal S. Blaisdell Center
2/17 Honolulu, HI @ Neal S. Blaisdell Center
5/01 Ottawa, On @ Scotiabank Place
5/03 Buffalo, NY @ HSBC Arena
5/04 Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
5/10 Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena
5/13 Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
5/14 Omaha, NE @ Qwest Center Omaha
5/16 Orlando, FL @ Amway Arena
5/17 West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheatre
5/20 The Woodlands, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
5/21 Dallas, TX @ Superpages.com Center
5/23 Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand - Garden Arena
5/24 Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Pavilion
5/26 Chula Vista, CA @ Coors Amphitheatre
5/27 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
7/11 Ridgefield, WA @ The Amphitheater at Clark County
7/12 George, WA @ Gorge Amphitheatre
7/14 Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
7/16 Concord, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion
7/17 Marysville, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre
7/19 Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheater
7/21 Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
7/25 Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheater
7/26 Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
7/28 Burgettstown, PA @ Post-Gazette Pavilion
7/29 Philadelphia, PA @ The Wachovia Center
7/31 Mansfield, MA @ Tweeter Center
8/1 Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center / SPAC
8/3 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
8/4 Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

Tweedy & Wilco As Radio Kings...

Chicago radio station WXRT is showing a whole lotta hometown love to Wilco this week as the band continue on with their 5 Night Residency at The Riv. Fans are already buzzing about the first 3 nights, as Wilco apparently attempts to play all songs in their catalogue...a major effort. If you were shut out of this momentous occasion, fear not...XRT is going to broadcast Tuesday's final show in it's entirety (2/19 @ 7:30 pm). Tune in...as the saying goes...it's the next best thing to being there! They also had Jeff Tweedy as a guest on their Eclectic Company Podcast.
Link to the podcast here.

Home Is Where the Heart Is...

Just feel the need to build on the excitement of the thought of BRMC right here in Toledo. There are a few other local shows of note that will actually be happening this week. RX Bandits will be playing at Howard's Club H in Bowling Green...just one night before they are scheduled to open up for 80's ska-rockers The English Beat in Detroit. And on the ska note, RX Bandits have a trombone player in the mix...we could all use a little more trombone to help us get through the winter months. These guys are more than solid and deserve a hearty welcome to our region. They have rocked Bonnaroo, now it's BG's turn.

RX Bandits, And The Battle Begun


Then on Friday, you should drop by Mickey Finn's Pub in Toledo to catch a rising Chicago quintet called The Sapiens. Their 2007 EP called Vs. the Hornet is getting much respect from the Windy City & beyond. Some have described their sound as reminiscent of post-punk 70's rock...think garage but with a fresh stroke...whatever you call it, it is bound to be best served "LIVE"...let's show these fellow mid-westerners some love. Get out to this show.

Who Wants a Motorcycle Ride...

BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB in TOLEDO!!! Yeah, I said it. News of this PHENOMENAL show on Thursday, April 17th was definitely the biggest piece of mail in my inbox today! (Thanks, Eric) Get on this major coup for Frankie's early. Not to mention The Duke Spirit will be opening the show. Duke is a band that will be fresh from a trip to Austin for SXSW...what a double bill. This is big, people...real, damn big.



Also, for those interested in all things BRMC, take a look at this BRMC poster that Bill from Capital A Prints designed. Are you kidding me...Bang!...you're dead! Go and getcha one a dem!

Rothbury Music Festival Debuts in Michigan...

The Rothbury Festival is a music gathering with a green agenda. More than 70 bands will perform on 8 stages from July 3rd thru 6th in Rothbury, Michigan. The event takes place on the Double JJ Ranch and will include a think tank discussion regarding climate issues, performing arts, circus & theatre. For a festival in it's first year, the lineup is quite impressive...including the following acts: Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, Modest Mouse, Snoop Dogg, John Mayer, Gomez, The Black Keys, Ray LaMontagne, Beth Orton & Thievery Corporation.

Needing More Doughty...

Mr. Mike Doughty is sharing his latest album, Golden Delicious, with the world this month including a tour that comes to Ann Arbor's Blind Pig on Sunday, March 16th. He will also be playing a free in-store gig at Borders on Monday, March 17th at 12:30 in the afternoon. There are some enjoyable video clips of Doughty floating around on YouTube.

Mike performing at WRNR Studio

I Just Want the Girl in the Blue Dress...


Fort Hood


Mike talks about his new album


And if you wants some great live performance video clips check out these songs (28 in all) that Dave posted to YouTube last week. Great stuff!

Mic Test #40: Bon Iver...

Bon Iver:
Neo-Soul/Acoustic/Folk
*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.

New R.E.M. - Supernatural Superserious

Strike While the Iron is Hot...

Iron and Wine (Sub Pop) will be headed to the Detroit area to play a show at Royal Oak Music Theatre on Friday, April 18th. A password protested pre-sale starts tomorrow at 10 a.m. Click here and use the password ROMTLIVE to get your tickets ahead of the general public. All tickets are General Admission. Fans of live show recordings should head over to PlayedLastNight.com to purchase some great live material from this band. Or just watch a whole show recorded last month on FABCHANNEL.




Letterman appearance


Boy With a Coin (Live)


Boy With a Coin (Video)

Grammy Flashback...

The Grammys turn 50! Getting better with age? (We'll see tonight)

Joe Strummer Tribute 2003


The White Stripes


Stevie Wonder: You Haven't Done Nothin' (1975)


Coldplay: Politik (2003)


Dave Grohl rehearses for 2008 (stumbled across this)

R.E.M. Picking Up Speed in 2008...

Promo Vid for new R.E.M. album, Accelerate (due April 1st)

A Simple Observation...

When a band describes their sound as "a robot making love to a tree"...don'tcha just have to give it a listen. Ghostland Observatory is a duo from Austin, Texas who are supplying some dance back into rock. Drums, synth and vocals that hover in the same range as Queen's Freddie Mercury this is a nice change of pace. Their new album is called Robotique Majestique and is scheduled to be released on March 4th. Austin loves this band and now the world is catching on. They will be touring the area in May and will play The Metro in Chicago on May 2nd and St. Andrews Hall in Detroit on May 3rd. Stop, Look & Listen.

Ghostland Observatory on Austin City Limits

Bonnaroo 2008 Y'all...

The initial Lineup for Bonnaroo 2008 (June 12th - 15th) has been announced and tickets go on sale February 16th.

Q-Tip In Your Ear...

Most likely, we will be hearing a lot more about Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest) in the upcoming months as he prepares for a February release of his latest solo effort, The Renaissance. This album had been unreleased and bootlegged...and remixed, but it is said to be set for official consumption. He will also be featured in this month's issue of Filter. And be sure to check out the interview in the January issue of Remix, which discusses his process and his influences in depth. Always a part of this emcee's tribe!

Q-Tip on Jimmy Kimmel

What Could Be Sweeter Than Honey...

Erykah Badu recently came out with this video for her latest single - Honey, from New Amerykah, which comes out later this month. Paying tribute to some of that soulful vinyl that paved the way. So sweet!

U2's Big Impact on the Big Screen...

As I watched U23D last night, I was reminded of the first time I saw footage of U2 playing their historic concert at Red Rocks in Colorado. No band can whip a group of fans into a frenzy like Bono & the boys. U2's impact seems to go beyond simply being a musical experience...For many, their live show is a spiritual experience. Just as their concert footage produced a chill more than 20 years ago, U23D takes live concert films to a new level. Wait until you see them perform Sunday, Bloody Sunday! Besides the excitement of seeing the band in 3-D, this movie puts you "onstage" with the band. You are given the privilege of seeing this great group up close as they hold tens of thousands of fans right in the palm of their hand. And just when you think the movie can't get any better, you are taken to new heights. Amazing!

If this video of U2 @ Red Rocks still makes your blood race...go see U23D

Not Your Average Joe...

Joe Henry is one of those talented singer songwriters who has a tendency to fly below the radar. He rarely tours and his last album, Tiny Voices, came out in 2003. Civilians is his newest effort that continues to showcase his interest in all types of music styles. A memorable voice singing distinctive lyrics...he is worth checking out at The Ark this Monday, February 4th.

Joe talks about Civilians.


More about Civilians.

Can You Take a Punch...

Punch Brothers are coming to town and they plan on hitting you as hard as they can with that "New-Grass" sound. This is Chris Thile's most recent project after his time as one-third of Nickel Creek. His progressive, acoustic work on the mandolin and his heartfelt vocals are not to be missed on April 1st at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Nonesuch Records will release the debut album, Punch, on February 26th.

Here is a video clip of what to expect.