The Black Keys on KCRW...

All Work and No Coldplay...

Very soon, though...Coldplay is laying the groundwork for all the hype that will likely surround their upcoming release, Vida La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (due June 17th). The British supergroup has announced they will be playing a FREE show at Madison Square Garden on June 23rd. But fans will have to visit their site on April 29th to learn details of how to get tickets. They are also offering a FREE download of the single, Violet Hill...which you can access from their site as well.

The Making of The Clash's London Calling...

Stumbled across some good clips of a Clash Documentary on YouTube. So get comfortable and stare at the screen a little longer why don'tcha.

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3

Say Hello to the Cello...

Rufus Cappadocia - "Transformation" from Velour on Vimeo.

Well Suited for My Morning Jacket...

As My Morning Jacket fans anxiously anticipate their upcoming release, Evil Urges, (ATO Records/June 10th)there has been a steady stream of press coverage about Louisville's favorite sons. Here is just a snippet of news you need to know about MMJ in recent weeks.



~ They will be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on May 10th.
~ They will be playing a hometown concert in Louisville on August 16th
~ They are featured on the latest issue of Spin (click here for article)
~ They are offering up a FREE MP3 of a track off their upcoming release (Find it here)
~ Jim James talks about Evil Urges on Video (Rolling Stone) (Watch Here)

Mic Test #47: Quiet Village...

Quiet Village:
Jazz/Psychedelic/Surf
*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.

Comerica Cityfest Starts to Take Shape...

The Comerica Cityfest (formerly Comerica tastefest) will take place in Detroit from July 2nd thru July 6th. This has always been a free festival with a solid music line-up. There are several different stages with a wide variety of music. Here are a few confirmed headlining bands that might entice you to check out the scene: George Clinton & Parliament - Funkadelic, Broken Social Scene, Calexico, De La Soul, Grupo Fantasma, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, King Britt of Digable Planets, NOMO & many more..

La Blogotheque: Vampire Weekend...

Mansard Roof


The Kids Don't Stand a Chance


Walcott One

Coachella Webcast...

Coachella is going on all weekend...Check out the AT&T Blue Room Webcast...it is the next best thing to being there.

Video: The Roots ~ Rising Up...

It won't be long now, before the Legendary Roots Crew make their way into Detroit Motor City. Sunday, May 4th at the Fox Theatre opening for Erykah Badu!

Save Your Drama for the Lama...

*Not music related, but spiritual nonetheless.
The 14th Dalai Lama spoke at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor this past weekend. A humble man full of simple wisdom with very little fanfare. His "rock star" fame does not seem like it has gone to his head. "The purpose of life is to be happy"...that pretty much says it all. And speaking of happiness... I am wondering if the DL has an iPod...and if so, what is on his playlists. Check out his site. An inspirational, memorable visit...glad I got to see him (and just like many big shows, I had to scalp a ticket to see this one too...interesting Karma questions).

To Kill a RockingBand...

As if having The Black Keys in Toledo this summer isn't enough, music fans in the Glass City can also get excited about their opening band on August 2nd. The Kills will be gracing the stage at Headliners. A solid one-two punch, indeed!

In Bed with The Kills


Kissy Kissy (Live)


Cheap and Cheerful

Think Greene for Earth Day...

Today is Earth Day..so what better sentiment than Going Greene...not that Green...Jackie Greene. San Fran's Blues Troubador is coming to The Ark in Ann Arbor this Friday, April 25th. Truly gifted, committed to music and it's honest presentation and worth a listen. He is out touring with his new album Giving Up the Ghost...solid, but his CDs never seem to truly capture the electricity of his live performances.

This is a Jackie Greene on KFOG, Like a Ball and Chain


Jackie Greene on KFOG, Shaken


KGOG, Don't Let the Devil

Mic Test #46: Budos Band...

Budos Band:
Funk/Afro-Beat
*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.

Detroit Electronic Music Festival 2008...

Some of the greatest DJs, MCs & musicians will be lugging their gear up to Detroit over memorial Day for the 9th installment of Movement: Detroit's Electronic Music Festival. The lineup is stacked, but standout names include Moby, Girl Talk, Pete Rock, Peanut Butter Wolf, Benny Benassi & The Cool Kids. The event will take place at Hart Plaza. The festival has changed from it's original state, but should be worth checking out the scene.

The Black Keys Bringin' It Back to Toledo...

So...Many Midwesterners are still recovering from a blistering performance by The Black Keys earlier this week at Royal Oak Music Theatre. But don't get comfortable just yet! They have just announced a show at Headliners in TOLEDO on August 2nd (the day after they play Lollapalooza). If you missed them in the Motor City, be sure to catch them in the Glass City. Not to be missed.

The BK on Letterman this week, I Got Mine


The Black Keys North American Tour Dates
May 12 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
May 13 - Washington DC @ 9:30 Club
May 15 - NYC @ Terminal 5
May 16 - Philly @ The Electric Factory
May 17 - Boston @ Orpheum Theatre
Jul 5 - Rothbury, Michigan @ Rothbury Festival
Aug 1 - Lollapalooza Grant Park Chicago
Aug 2 - Toledo, Ohio @ Headliners
Aug 3 - Toronto @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
Aug 4 - Montreal @ Osheaga festival
Aug 7 - Brooklyn @ McCarren Pool, Brooklyn, NY
Aug 9 - Norfolk, VA @ Norva Theater
Sep 26 - Austin City Limits Festival Austin, TX

Black Rebel Motorcycle (Packed) Club...

A funny thing happened on my way to the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club show in Toledo at Frankie's. I passed a pickup truck pulling a trailer full of animals...not live...just huge statues. Little did I know this would be foreshadowing for the evening. Or at least a recurring theme (in my own mind). Two words! JAM PACKED. This trailer was loaded down with beasts...not unlike Frankie's last night. BRMC fans got to squeeze into this club and witness the fury that is the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. This had to be the smallest venue on their current tour (less than 300). No cage or club can contain this energy. So, this is the lesson to be learned...SMALL SPACE + WILD ENERGY = DAMN GOOD TIME!!! (just like that truck I passed). I know why the caged beast rocks! Legendary show...glad they came to town.

Is it a sign?...Look closely, there is a bear in there.


Here is some video I took...edited some clips together.

Wilco Tour Dates

Looks like Wilco has plans to stay busy for a while. Who wants to hit the McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn in August? Saw the Beastie Boys there last August...a one of a kind venue...truly memorable. Yes, you actually get down into the empty pool to watch the show. I suggest hanging out in the deep end with all the cool people. Careful though...no lifeguards on duty.

4/30 Rochester, MN @ Mayo Civic Center
5/1 Fargo, ND @ Fargo Civic Auditorium
5/2 Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Burton Cummings Theatre
5/4 Bozeman, MT @ Emerson Cultural Center
5/5 Missoula, MT @ Adams Center
5/7 Grand Junction, CO @ Avalon Theater
5/8 Colorado Springs, CO @ Pikes Peak Center
5/9 Albuquerque, NM @ Popejoy Hall
5/11 Austin, TX @ Stubb's BBQ
5/12 Austin, TX @ Stubb's BBQ
5/14 Lawrence, KS @ Lawrence Arts Center
5/15 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
5/16 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
5/17 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
7/25 Fairbanks, AK @ The Blue Loon
7-26 Anchorage, AK @ The Moose's Tooth
8/1-3 Chicago, IL @ Grant Park (Lollapalooza)
8/7 Charleston, SC @ North Charleston PAC
8/8 Cary, NC @ Koko Booth Amphitheatre
8/10 Wilmington, DE @ Grand Opera House
8/12 Lenox, MA @ Tanglewood
8/13 Brooklyn, NY @ McCarren Pool
8/23 Bend, OR @ Les Schwab Amphitheatre
8/24 San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Festival

McCarren Park Pool, Brooklyn

Believe The Black Keys Buzz...

The Black Keys @ Royal Oak Music Theatre: Concert Review (4/15/08)

From the moment the screen raised to reveal a giant tire backdrop on stage, we all knew The Black Keys came to the Motor City to burn some rubber. While this Akron band continues it's steady ascent to the top, their talent makes a guy proud to be from the state of Ohio (that's me y'all). The sold out crowd of 1,750 at Royal Oak Music Theatre was treated to a sonic stress test that featured a strong mix from their entire catalouge. They are currently touring to support their latest album Attack and Release,...and that is exactly what they did...full attack mode.

A Black Keys performance is exactly what rock 'n roll is about. Drummer Patrick Carney's thunder paired with Dan Auerbach's lightning on the guitar...what more can you ask for? Patrick's drums thumped on Thickfreakness with all the intensity of a Godzilla stomp. And Dan repeatedly warms up his guitar and slowly builds the drama as the beat reaches a crescendo...then as you might suspect the rumble and buzz erupt like a hornet's nest or a gunpowder explosion.

Patrick had a stuffed tiger under his drum set...pictured below. (is that considered a "Kit Cat"?) Not sure what that was all about, maybe a nod to Detroit Tiger fans or even the album title...funny, nonetheless. This night happened to be the drummer's birthday...but he actually gave the fans the gift. Side note, for those that didn't notice, Patrick cracked a drum stick in half on the very first beat of 10 A.M. Automatic. I may buy some stock in drumsticks...cuz as long as this band is around THERE WILL BE BROKEN STICKS & the need for more!!! Intense energy here...spontaneous combustion!

I gotta mention the fact that my buddy Mock (& his connections) hooked me up with the VIP treatment at this show. He has known Patrick Carney's step-mom (Katie) & dad (Jim) for years. We all drove up to the show for a great evening of music. It was great to spend time with them and take in the "backstage" experience...many thanks for including me in on the fun. Rock 'n Roll never really acknowledges the parents of all this talent (it just wouldn't be hip, right?)...but they do play a part. It was cool to see...gotta be some proud moments, especially watching a duo like Patrick & Dan doing it the right way...and having some fun along the way. Catch this band as soon as you can...they have hit their stride.

Royal Oak Set List 4/15/08
Same Old Thing
Everywhere I Go
Set You Free
Thickfreakness
Stack Shot Billy
Here I Am As I Always Am
Busted
Your Touch
You're the one
Girl Is On My Mind
I Got Mine
Remember When (side b)
10 A.M. Automatic
Psychotic Girl
Strange Times
Encore...
Oceans and Streams (Dan on the keyboard)
Til I Get My Way
*setlist was pieced together from forums...order may be incorrect.



The Kit after the beat down!


Go Tigers!


Curiosity killed the cat.


Sorry, wasn't able to get any action shots of the performance.

Rise Up for The Roots...

The Roots got all patriotic on The Colbert Report last night.



This band is gettin' busy...real busy.
On April 28th, The Roots hit The Late Show with David Letterman to perform “Rising Up.”

The Roots will be touring non-stop this year including dates supporting Erykah Badu and a headline appearance at America’s largest Earth Day celebration- the Green Apple Festival 2008- at the National Mall in Washington, DC. The band will be joined by friends Chrisette Michelle, Will.i.am, Doug E. Fresh and Neyo. Additional festivals include All Points West, Summerfest and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For a complete list of dates, see below.

The Roots are set to release their highly-anticipated 10th album- Rising Down- on April 29th via Def Jam Recordings. Known for their prolific lyrics and live instrumentation, the Legendary Philadelphia crew is composed of Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter (vocals), Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson (drums), Kamal Gray (keyboards), Frank Knuckles (percussion), Kirk “Captain Kirk” Douglas (guitar) and Owen Biddle (bass).

Catch The Roots in the following cities:
April
11 Killington, VT- Pickel Barrel Nightclub
12 Boston, MA- Northeastern University
16 West Lafayette, IN- Purdue University
17 Pittsburgh, PA- Carnegie Mellon University
18 St. Louis, MO- Webster University
20 Washington, DC- Green Apple Festival @ National Mall
23 Raleigh, NC- Duke University
24 Myrtle Beach, SC- House of Blues
25 Charlotte, NC- Amos’s Southend Music Hall
26 Towson, MD- Tigerfest @ Towson University
29 New Haven, CT- Yale University
May
2 Memphis, TN- Beale Street Music Festival
3 New Orleans, LA- Jazz &Heritage Festival
4 Detroit, MI- Fox Theater*
6 Montreal, QC- Cepsum @ University of Montreal*
8 Boston, MA- Orpheum Theater*
9 New York City, NY- Radio City*
10 Baltimore, MD- Pier Six Concert Pavilion*
11 Allentown, PA- Crocodile Rock
14 Washington, DC- Constitution Hall*
15 Washington, DC- Constitution Hall*
16 Norfolk, VA- Chrysler Hall*
17 Richmond, VA- Landmark Theater*
20 Boca Raton, FL- Mizner Park*
23 Atlanta, GA- Fox Theater*
24 Chillicothe, IL- Summer Camp Music Festival
25 Los Angeles, CA- UCLA Jazz and Reggae Festival
27 Nashville, TN- Ryman Auditorium*
29 St. Louis, MO- Fox Theater*
30 Chicago, IL- Chicago Theater*
31 Chicago, IL- Chicago Theater*
June
2 Denver, CO- The Fillmore*
4 Eugene, OR- Cuthbert Amphitheater
5 Seattle, WA- Marymoor Park*
7 Philadelphia, PA- The Roots Picnic @ Festival Pier
8 Oakland, CA- Paramount Theater*
10 San Diego, CA- Humphrey’s*
12 Los Angeles, CA- Greek Theater*
13 Birmingham, AL- City Stages Festival
14 Phoenix, AZ- Mesa Amphitheatre*
17 Houston, TX- Verizon Wireless Theater
18 Dallas, TX- Nokia Theater
19 New Orleans, LA- House of Blues
22 Rochester, NY- Rochester International Jazz Festival
July
4 Milwaukee, WI- Summerfest 2008
20 Commerce City, CO- Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
August
8 Jersey City, NJ- All Points West Festival @ Liberty State Park

* w/ Erykah Badu
All dates subject to change.

Austin City Limits Music Festival Lineup...

The 2008 Austin City Limits Music Festival Lineup has been announced. Check it.

Classic Clips: The Beatles...

R.E.M. By The Book...

R.E.M.: HELLO -- R.E.M. has risen from cult college radio status to sell more than 100 million records worldwide and be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Released to coincide with their world tour and new album, this gorgeous photo book captures the band on- and offstage with rare and intimate access for the first time. David Belisle has photographed and traveled with R.E.M. for the past seven years; his dynamic images and insider’s perspective capture the band's performances, recording and video sessions, but also reveal its members in personal spaces that only the band and their closest friends inhabit. Handwritten captions by the band and an introduction by Michael Stipe add context and insight to a must-have document for fans.


Listen to R.E.M. on Fresh Air (NPR)

Jim James & M. Ward @ SXSW...

Would have enjoyed seeing this live.


Jim James & M. Ward at St. David's Church from Texas Music Matters at KUT on Vimeo.

Take R.E.M. For a Spin...

R.E.M. continues their media blitz by showing up on the cover of the April issue of Spin. Here is a link to part of the article as well as a video interview about their latest project.

We Got Spirit, Yes We Do...

If you are planning on seeing Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at Frankie's this Thursday, just remember it won't be smart to show up "fashionably late"...The Duke Spirit is opening up the show to set you up for the B.R.M.C. knockout! This band is on the rise.

The Duke Spirit, The Step and The Walk

Let's Set the Record Straight...

People get ready...for Record Store Day on Saturday, April 19th!
Over 300 indie record stores coast to coast, bring awareness of these awesome cultural emporiums still spreading the love of music in their local communities and changing lives, one customer at a time.

Locally (in Toledo, Ohio), here is what The Culture Clash has going on:
It's gonna be fun mate. We're starting off Friday with 60s activist and author John Sinclair. Followed by synth band Vendetta Valentine.
Saturday we are back to rock with Hot Damn @ 2:00, then A YEAR SO AMAZING, then DANIEL STRANGE, then more & more. We have great things like CDs, Vinyl, Bjork 3D glasses to turn you on to.

Lots of limited edition Record Store Day exclusives like:

The Black Keys
Built to Spill
Death Cab For Cutie
Jason Mraz
Panic At The Disco
R.E.M.
The Breeders
Arthur Russell
Vampire Weekend
The Teenagers
Stephen Malkmus
And the list goes on.

Mic Test #45: The Dodos...

The Dodos:
Happy Hardcore
*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.

Lone Microphone Hits the Terrific Twos...

The Lone Microphone turns 2 YEARS OLD today! May seem insignificant, but apparently it hasn't gone completely unnoticed. Thanks for reading.

Internet Killed the Video Star...

Pitchfork.TV launches today, April 7th. Turn On, Log In & Drop Out.

This is what you can expect in Pitchfork's own words (along with some pretty funny host auditions):

The 24-hour music network was such a great concept. What happened? Given music's nearly inexhaustible supply of notable artists and genres, there are no limits to how deeply it can be explored. But despite all the footage we've seen of high-profile rock and pop artists hitting their creative strides, similar documents of independent artists are far less accessible, if they exist at all.

In recent years, independent film networks have dedicated themselves to the respectful and intelligent treatment of classic and underground cinema. But independent music has never had a permanent home. So today, we're proud to announce the April 7 beta launch of Pitchfork.tv, the first-ever music video channel dedicated to documenting independent music as it happens. As a visual extension of the music coverage Pitchfork has provided for more than a decade, and a means of updating and advancing the music television format, the online channel will bring you closer to the artists you love, through original mini-documentaries, secret rooftop and basement sessions, full concerts, exclusive interviews, and the most carefully curated selection of music videos online.

In addition, Pitchfork.tv will become the first online video channel to screen full-length feature films, vintage concerts, and music DVDs free of charge. From the Pixies' 2004 reunion tour film LoudQuietLoud and Todd Phillips' notorious GG Allin documentary Hated, to Jimmy Joe Roche & Dan Deacon's acid-drenched visual art piece Ultimate Reality, Pitchfork.tv will highlight a different film each week in its entirety.

This content is just the beginning. With one of the web's largest, crispest, and highest-resolution displays, Pitchfork.tv truly invites full-screen viewing. And, with all content available on-demand, we're putting you in control of the music you want, how and when you want to see it. Soon, we'll add personal playlist capabilities, so you can watch all your favorites in a row. And later this year, as part of a massive redesign effort, Pitchfork.tv will integrate with its parent site, presenting innovations and further advancements to the world of online music journalism.

Like Pitchfork itself, Pitchfork.tv is an independent company with no investment dollars or special interests, allowing us the freedom and control to stay true to our creative vision. We've waited decades for a music channel that respects our intelligence and reflects our ideals. Now that the technology is here, we're finally able to do it the way that people who really care about music have always wanted to see it done.

Remembering the Dream...

Forty years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at age 39, a new History™ special, KING, with newsman Tom Brokaw, takes viewers on an unprecedented journey back in time and forward to today. KING goes beyond the legend to delve into the man, the questions, the myths and, most importantly, the relevance of Dr. King's message in today's world. The documentary premieres tonight, April 6th, @ 8 p.m. on the History Channel.

John Legend sings U2's Pride (In the Name of Love)

Mick & Keith Start it Up on YouTube...

You can't always get what YouTube wants,...but if you try sometimes, ya get what ya need...and we all seem to need more YouTube in our lives. The Rolling Stones are the first to participate in YouTube Living Legends, a program that invites luminaries from across the globe to engage in an open dialogue with the YouTube community. Go ahead, upload a question!

Enjoy Your Flight...

Thank you for choosing to travel with Flight of the Conchords. These guys are a couple of funny folkers that you already know from their HBO show...Jemaine & Bret are performing to promote their new album (coincidentally titled, Flight of the Conchords) and they will be dropping in on Ann Arbor on Saturday, May 10th. Fasten your seatbelt, you'll be experiencing some comedy turbulence during this adventure.
Flight of the Conchords Tour Dates:
May 5 Tower Theater, Upper Darby PA
May 6 Town Hall Theater, New York NY
May 7 Town Hall Theater, New York NY
May 9 Lisner Auditorium, Washington D.C.
May 10 Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor MI
May 11 Riverside Theater, Milwaukee WI
May 13 Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis MN
May 14 Chicago Theatre, Chicago IL
May 15 Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver CO
May 26 Sasquatch! Festival, George WA
May 27 Nob Hill Masonic Center, San Francisco CA
May 30 Orpheum Theater (LA), LA CA

F.O.T.C. Tribute to Bowie

Dave & Tim & Barack...

Right about now there are plenty of music fans who wished they lived in Indiana or went to Indiana University. The Indiana University Union Board & Students for Obama are presenting CHANGE ROCKS: A very special evening with Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds. The show is FREE to all Indiana residents or IU students and will take place on this Sunday, April 6th (Doors @ 5:30 pm/tickets first come first serve). If you need more details click here. Rock can make a difference. Should've called him Ba-ROCK.

Cassettes Make a Comeback...

This is not an April Fool's Day joke...but it could change the way you find new music. If you long for the days when you made mixtapes for your friends to prove how cool you were...well, the Digital Age has caught up with your need to be heard. There is a new website called MUXTAPE that is set up to allow music lovers to upload MP3s and share them with all the other hip people online. This whole internet-online-www(dot)thing is gonna be BIG! No more jammed cassette players, no more jam tapes melting on the passenger seat of your car, no more crushed plastic at the bottom of your backpack. So, save your SONY TDKs and don't worry about fitting the track-list on the case cover in micro-type. This site is new, but there is more than a kernel of significance & good fun here. Keep an eye on this phenomenon...wish I would have thought of it.

The Lone Microphone is in the Mix (some random selections for fun).
Take a listen.

New Bjork Video: Wanderlust...

Can anyone touch Bjork when it comes to creative video production?