Jay-Z & Lebron Rock Cleveland ~ Recap...

My Morning Jacket on Austin City Limits...

As we all wait for Jim James to recover from his recent stage mishap, you can take some solace in the fact that My Morning Jacket is scheduled to appear on Austin City Limits tomorrow, Saturday, November 1st. Get well, Jim.

Link Directly to their ACL page...video & interview.

Wilco Pays a Visit to The Colbert Report...

Beastie Boys Get Out & Vote Review & Setlist Dayton...

The Beastie Boys were last seen in Hara Arena in Dayton 21 years ago...and they haven't lost a beat. Last night the Get Out & Vote Tour featuring the Beastie Boys, Ben Harper & Sheryl Crow flexed some creative muscle for the need to get out there and VOTE & make a difference! Stand up & be heard...and all of mid Ohio heard these performers.

Ben Harper led off the evening with a fantastically appropriate version of Under Pressure (Queen/Bowie)...these are definitely pressured times...and this show helped everyone blow off a little steam. Sheryl Crow did her thing and kept the crowd going with Ben Harper backed version of Gimme Shelter....sounded amazing! During her set, The Beasties & Ben Stiller came out to present Sheryl with a trophy for some reason...and then she turned around and announced that it was time for everyone to sing Happy Birthday to Adrock (see video)...a unique moment. But the crowd was truly on hand to see 3 MCs & 1 DJ tear it up. Mix Master Mike hyped up the crowd on the 1s & 2s and then....Adorned in headlamps, Adrock, MCA & Mike D slipped onto the stage singing Super Disco Breakin' to the delight of the several thousand on hand. Flute Loop was a pleasant surprise...MMM was the glue that held it all together. Sure Shot brought down the house and the arena was in full motion.

Root Down was another crowd favorite...and just as the Boys began their signature weave pattern on stage...Ben Stiller dressed as an Adrock look-a-like (including hunting hat) took over MC duties (check the video). Adrock then came back on the scene to end the song with a bang & Run DMC-style folded arms with Ben. Good stuff.

Sabotage, the last song of the night, left Hara Arena properly shaken to it's core. Adrock dedicated the song to George Bush & celebrated the fact that his disastrous administration was coming to a close. None too soon! So these performers did their part in our "swing state"...now get out there and do yours!

Some Beastie Boys Dayton Highlights


Ben Harper singing Under Pressure


Here are my pics on FLICKR.

Cold War Transmissions on Myspace...

Cold War Kids - "Something Is Not Right With Me"


Sit down at your Internet Box and dial up the latest installment of Myspace Transmissions using some World Wide Webbery to catch Cold War Kids performing and being interviewed. And as is always the case with Myspace Transmissions, download some MP3s of the performance for free while you're at it. Loyalty to Loyalty is their new album...out now.

Q-Tip Tour Dates & Video Interviews...

8 Minutes with Q-Tip from Real Frequency on Vimeo.



Look for Q-Tip's (A Tribe Called Quest) new album, The Renaissance, to drop on Election Day, November 4th. He will be headlining the latest 2K Sports Bounce Tour, which will also include The Cool Kids & EPMD's DJ Scratch.

Q-Tip Tour Dates 2008
11/5 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
11/7 - Aspen, CO @ Belly Up
11/8 - Denver, CO @ Cervantes Ballroom
11/11 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
11/13 - San Francisco, CA @ Mezzanine
11/15 - Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues
11/16 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
11/17 - Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
11/19 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
11/20 - Austin, TX @ Stubb's BBQ
11/21 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
11/22 - New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
11/24 - Atlanta, GA @ Centerstage
11/26 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
11/28 - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
11/29 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend
11/30 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
12/2 - New York, NY @ Nokia Theatre Times Square
12/3 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero

Jeff Tweedy Solo @ Ann Arbor Folk Fest...

According to the Wilco site, Jeff Tweedy will be playing solo at the 32nd Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival. The show is scheduled for Friday, January 30th & Saturday, January 31st at Hill Auditorium. In keeping with the Festival's longstanding reputation, each night will feature a blend of renowned and up-and-coming performers, providing audiences with the opportunity to hear popular artists working at the top of their field while discovering terrific new talent. All funds raised through the Festival benefit The Ark, Ann Arbor's non-profit home for folk, roots, and ethnic music.

On a side not: Wilco is scheduled to appear on The Colbert Report this Thursday, October 30th.

The 32nd Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival Line-up
Friday
Jeff Tweedy
Old Crow Medicine Show
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Ryan Montbleau Band
Katie Herzig
Chelsea Williams
The Ragbirds
Jim Lauderdale, MC

Saturday
Kris Kristofferson
Pete Seeger
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Girlyman
Luke Doucet & The White Falcon
Misty Lyn & The Big Beautiful
Jim Lauderdale, MC

David Byrne in Ann Arbor ~ Review & Setlist...

David Byrne's tour, Songs of David Byrne & Brian Eno, rolled into Ann Arbor last night for an unforgettable night at the Michigan Theater. The performance started as David strolled onto the stage (no opening band), dressed in all white, to explain the adjusted stage set up. With no fanfare or pretense, he talked about the positioning of the band and how the setlist was pre-determined or "Chef's choice" as he called it.

As Strange Overtones got things started, there was a sense that the crowd was preparing for quite a night. As David Byrne performed, so many thoughts raced through my head...his amazing contribution to music, his work with Talking Heads, his appreciation for true creativity, his endurance, his one-of-a-kind lyrics, his unique movements on stage. All of these parts mix to make an amazing whole that is the genius of the man.

The percussion section set the tone and the rhythm that took over the theater. Although the crowd was initially seated (cuz that is what you do in a beautiful theater!) people were feeling the need to get up and move. Something about David Byrne's beats & vocals puts smiles on faces and a tap in the toes...and the "Feel Good" attitude includes the band, the back up singers and the dancers. That's right...I said dancers! Not exactly sure how to explain the dancing...modern, improvisational...but that isn't important. I decided they were there to remind me that David Byrne's music begs for movement, reflection & a sense of humor. All the while, David seemed to be intensely aware of his surroundings making deliberate eye contact as he gyrated, shook and popped his body. At one point, as he flapped his arms, I actually imagined that he would slowly lift off the stage like a bird taking flight.

As he introduced One Fine Day, he vaguely noted that day may be coming, alluding to the current Presidential race (Go Obama!). Each song was punctuated by a drawn out thunderous applause (that the band seemed to enjoy), but Houses in Motion truly showcased the power of this ensemble..singers, musicians, dancers. With the crowd completely captivated, it only took a hip shake by David during Cross-eyed & Painless to get everyone up on their feet for the remainder of the show.

As was expected, some old favorites turned out to be quite the crowd pleasers...Once in a Lifetime, Life During Wartime, Take Me to the River (1st encore), Burning Down the House (2nd encore...which did exactly that!...note: he introduced Burning Down the House as a song that Tom Jones made famous). The evening ended with the title track from Byrne's new album, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today...and it definitely did. Everything that happened was phenomenal!...and oh yeah, got to meet one of my personal musical heroes...a big deal for me - probably why I look freaked.

Posted a small set of photos here on flickr.

Bjork's Nattura ~ Iceland as "Green-Land"...

Bjork on the Environment & Her New Song, Nattura



Nattura (featuring Thom Yorke)

R.E.M Video: Until the Day is Done...

Bono Appeals to the "Ladies"...

Excerpt from U2.com

Last night in California Bono addressed 14,000 women at the 5th Annual Women's Conference hosted by first lady Maria Shriver.

Introducing himself as a salesman, to a rousing reception including more than a few wolf whistles, Bono told the assembled women he was there to sell One and (RED). He went on to explain the work the One campaign is doing towards justice and equality, before describing RED as the "consumer wing of our movement".

Bono urged the American audience to maintain the fight against AIDS and poverty in the face of economic hardship. "Clearly these are momentous times in America... times of crisis, times of chaos. Capitalism is on trial….The US, the world, is changing shape in unsettling ways. But this is exactly the right time to think about the world. Even to change it” he said.

He asked attendees to sign up to One's Petition calling on John McCain and Barack Obama to keep their commitments to the poorest in the world should they enter the White House.
You can sign up for the petition here



Highlights in 5 Parts on One.org.

Mic Test #58: Fulgeance...

Fulgeance:
Synth/French Electro/Instrumental Hip Hop
*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.

Byrne-ing Down the House...

David Byrne is currently touring the country on his new album, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. He is playing both old & new selections...here is a great video of Byrne with special guest Extra Action Marching Band (San Fran on 10/6/08) doing a spirited version of Burning Down the House like you have never seen before. Reminder: David Byrne will be in Ann Arbor @ the Michigan Theater tomorrow, Friday, October 24th...a few tix are still available. Read David Byrne's journal entries from the current tour.

Jay-Z, Lebron & Barack Take Cleveland...

Click here for more information about this Last Chance for Change event happening on October 29th at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland featuring Jay-Z and LeBron James.

Matisyahu on Tour This Fall...

Matisyahu 2008 Fall Tour Promo from Oniracom on Vimeo.

Jay-Z & LeBron to Rock Cleveland for Obama...

We're going into the 4th quarter with this Presidential race and it is coming down to the wire. Who better to have on your team than Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James...King James himself. Ohio is one "swing state" packing a punch this time around. Looks like he has used a little of his star power to get Jay-Z to bring his Pro-Obama message to Cleveland for a buzzer beater. The only details that are certain is Jay-Z will be at Quickens Loan Arena on October 29th. Nothing but net!

For the Love of Benji...

New West Records artist Benji Hughes has been getting some solid reviews...here is what NPR's Robin Hilton (NPR Music show All Songs Considered, and host of NPR Music's Second Stage, a daily online feature and podcast presenting unsigned artists and bands) had to say about his debut double album:

Predictable music is usually the most forgettable. Fortunately for electro-funk artist Benji Hughes, his debut double CD, A Love Extreme, struts with enough ear candy and lyrical surprises to make it one of the year's most memorable releases. Over the course of two dozen tracks, Hughes keeps listeners guessing with a wildly eccentric blend of jazz, circus dirges, R&B, space rock, folk and electronica. It's a lush and breathless mix with extreme mood swings, from boundless joy to utter despair.

At times, A Love Extreme feels like it's about to careen off a cliff, which is precisely what makes the album so compelling. With a rich baritone voice, Hughes charges through the absurd (tight T-shirts and mummies), the mundane (annoying neighbors, dull parties) and the bittersweet (growing old and lost lovers), with groggy melodies, funk rhythms and plenty of humor.

Hughes lives and writes in Charlotte, N.C. He recorded A Love Extreme with producer Keefus Ciancia over the course of four months in 2007. Hughes recently told NPR's Andrea Seabrook that he wrote so many songs for the album, it was hard to decide what to include.

"There were so many songs that it seemed wrong to leave anything out," he says. "And to put it all on one CD and make you have to listen to something for way too long... I mean, it's like, listen to the first CD — it's about 30 minutes — and if you want to listen to the other one, cool. It just made sense."

A Love Extreme (a play on John Coltrane's classic A Love Supreme) would be an impressive album coming from any veteran artist. Beck, clearly one of Hughes' role models, comes to mind. The fact that this is the product of Hughes' first time in the studio makes it that much more remarkable. When we close the books on 2008, expect to see A Love Extreme among the year's best albums.

Gettin' a "Little" Led Out...

Atlantic Records/Rhino Entertainment will release a limited- edition CD boxed set containing Japanese imports of all 10 of the quartet’s albums in mini-LP replicas with artwork from the original U.K. LP sleeves. The LED ZEPPELIN DEFINITIVE COLLECTION OF MINI-LP REPLICAS boxed set will be available on November 4 for a suggested price of $199.98.

The mini-LP replicas CD boxed set includes Led Zeppelin (1969), Led Zeppelin II (1969), Led Zeppelin III (1970), Led Zeppelin IV (1971), Houses of the Holy (1973), Physical Graffiti (1975), Presence (1976), The Song Remains the Same (1976), In Through the Out Door (1979), and Coda (1982). The sleeves included in the boxed set feature the original LP album artwork released in the U.K., including the original printing of the group’s debut, which used turquoise ink on the cover for the band’s name and the Atlantic Records logo. Additionally, the set includes all six covers released for In Through the Out Door, Led Zeppelin’s final studio album.

All Those in Favor, Say Yeasayer...

Note to Self: Go see Yeasayer at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor this Sunday, October 26th. Affirmative!

2080, Live on Jools Holland


Sunrise in KEXP Studio


Even Whippets love this music! (go to the :50 sec. mark)

The Roots Bringin' Dope to Detroit...

The Roots were originally scheduled to play in Detroit with Gym Class Heroes at the Fillmore...that show was canceled, but the band is pressing on with a show at Saint Andrews Hall on October 25th. Philly's finest have been spending some time lately stumping for Obama. As a matter of fact the Okayplayer Store is now offering these "Obama-Shepard Fairey" knock off shirts that feature a presidential Questlove. Maybe Obama could use Questo for a new cabinet position...Secretary of Dope Beats!

R.E.M.'s Murmur Turns 25 & Goes Deluxe...

On November 25, 2008, the two-CD 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Murmur will be released on Universal. The two-CD set features R.E.M.'s debut album, remastered, plus an additional disc with a previously unreleased concert recorded at Larry’s Hideaway in Toronto, three months after Murmur’s April 1983 release. This original album helped save the 80's for many music fans.

The 16-song live performance boasts nine of Murmur’s 12 songs, including “Radio Free Europe," three songs from the Chronic Town EP, early renditions of "7 Chinese Bros." and "Harborcoat," as well as “Just A Touch,” eventually a track included on R.E.M.’s fourth album, 1986’s Lifes Rich Pageant. The live set also features a cover of the Velvet Underground’s “There She Goes Again,” which R.E.M. recorded in the studio for the b-side of “Radio Free Europe.”

Murmur (Deluxe Edition):

Disc 1:

1. Radio Free Europe
2. Pilgrimage
3. Laughing
4. Talk About the Passion
5. Moral Kiosk
6. Perfect Circle
7. Catapult
8. Sitting Still
9. 9-9
10. Shaking Through
11. We Walk
12. West of the Fields

Disc 2 (Live at Larry's Hideaway):

1. Laughing
2. Pilgrimage
3. There She Goes Again
4. 7 Chinese Bros.
5. Talk About the Passion
6. Sitting Still
7. Harborcoat
8. Catapult
9. Gardening at Night
10. 9-9
11. Just a Touch
12. West of the Fields
13. Radio Free Europe
14. We Walk
15. 1,000,000
16. Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)

Getti' Up & Gettin' Down with Q-Tip...

Prepare yourself for Q-Tip's The Renaissance...in stores on November 4th.

Gettin Up

Vote For Hope...

If you enjoy this jam, Vote For Hope, you can download for FREE at MC Yogi's website.

Mic Test #57: LittleBear...

LittleBear:
Indie/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.

Beastie Boys, No Sleep Till Dayton...

As was hoped, The Beastie Boys have added a few Ohio dates to their Vote For Change Tour. They will be playing at Youngstown's Chevrolet Centre on October 29th & Dayton's Hara Arena on October 30th. Ben Harper & Sheryl Crow will join the boys on both bills. Presale tickets go on sale this Thursday, October 16th & to the General Public on Friday, October 17th.

Cleveland Rock and Roll In The Know Sweepstakes...

Midwest music fans have a few more days (10/17) to sign up for a chance to win 4 tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame complete with a guided tour with the museum's curator. Music has shaped the world and Ohio has this wonderful facility to pay tribute to Rock's innovators.

Click here to enter the contest.

Visit the Hall of Fame's website.

Anthony Hamilton Keeping It Cool...

Today's strongest soul man, Anthony Hamilton is poised to jump back on the scene with his upcoming release, due out December 2nd. Cool is the first single and judging from the sound, he is definitely back in the groove (with a long list of friends helping out). The first Fall tour dates have also popped up....Nice to see Cleveland on the list. Let's hope this is the album that breaks him big.

11/05 House of Blues - Chicago
11/09 The Pageant - St Louis
11/11 House of Blues - Cleveland
11/13 Lincoln Theatre - Washington, DC
11/14 The Electric Factory - Philadelphia
11/15 Rams Head Live - Baltimore
11/16 Tralf - Buffalo
11/18 Showcase Live - Foxboro, MA
11/19 Blender Theater - Gramercy NY
11/28 Center Stage Theatre - Atlanta

Cool ~ Behind the scenes

A Modest Auction Bid...

Didn't hear about this until it was all said and done...kinda cool.

Under The Radar Magazine teamed up with War Child to auction protest signs created & signed by musicians. Proceeds went to War Child. Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse), Fleet Foxes, Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips), Chuck D, Michael Franti, Billy Bragg & more all participated.

Isaac Brocks' eBay Auction (now over).

War Child:
War Child provides opportunities and long term solutions for war-affected children, focusing on education, strengthening children's rights, reducing poverty and fostering self reliance. War Child works in partnership with local people and organizations to build sustainable programming that empowers children and their communities. Working closely with the music industry, War Child provides awareness, support and action for children's rights everywhere.

Closer to The Edge...

The BBC has begun featuring a new series...Imagine: The Story Of The Guitar explores the history and culture surrounding the world's favorite instrument and the personal stories of those who have dedicated their lives to it. The series, presented by Alan Yentob, features interviews with some of the greatest living guitar players, including The Edge from U2.

Since the Fifties, the guitar has been a symbol of sexiness, freedom, adventure, youth and individuality. Those who master this six-stringed wonder are regarded as guitar heroes, or even gods. It has always been a popular instrument, as opposed to its courtly cousin, the lute, but it was only in the Fifties, with the coming of rock 'n' roll, and the Sixties, in the wake of The Beatles, that it has captured the popular imagination. The guitar has been the agent of social change and juvenile delinquency, anti-war protest and anarchy, peace and love and violence.

Michigan Area Thankful for The Avett Brothers...

You'll have to wait until nearly Thanksgiving Day, but The Avett Brothers are heading to Holt, Michigan on Sunday, November 23rd. The will be playing The Riverview. I am thankful for any date that is close to my home, if no other Michigan/Ohio dates show up...we will all still be grateful for what we do have. Check this show out.

Murder in the City

Beck on Letterman (10/9/08)...

Beastie Boys Fight for Your Right to Vote...

Good news coming out of The Beastie Boys camp this morning. Nothing like a tight election to get one of your favorite bands back out on the road. Beasties will be taking their love for Obama throuh some swing states before the election. No Sleep Till D.C.!!! Hope to see these guys make it to Ohio or Michigan. Here is what their latest announcement said:

My Fellow Americans,

we are going to do a few shows in hopes that we can remind people to vote. this election is too important, too much is at stake to stay at home. we hope that you can come out, have a nice night, dance, sing, get your freak on, and then wake up the next morning and get everyone that you possibly can to get out and vote. if they have early voting in your state then ask people to vote early, lets get everyone we can out there on election day.

we are very excited about obama. hope you all feel the same.
see you shortly,
Adam, Mike and Adam

BEASTIE BOYS & FRIENDS ANNOUNCE SWING STATE VOTER AWARENESS TOUR
Selected Dates in Battleground States

Beastie Boys have confirmed selected dates through the crucial swing states of the upcoming election. Joining the band in various markets will be Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Crosby & Nash, Santogold, Tenacious D, and special guests, as well as representatives from the Rock The Vote, who will be on hand to distribute information on local polling sites, including early voting locations where available.

The first three shows to be announced are:
Oct 28 Richmond, VA - Richmond Coliseum
Beastie Boys/Sheryl Crow/Jack Johnson/Norah Jones/Santogold

Nov 1 St. Paul, MN - Roy Wilkins Auditorium
Beastie Boys/Ben Harper/Tenacious D

Nov 2 Milwaukee, WI - U.S. Cellular Arena
Beastie Boys/Ben Harper/Crosby & Nash/Tenacious D

Check www.beastieboys.com for on sale times and info.

The remaining shows will be announced shortly.

Call+Response Opens October 10th...

CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world’s 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.

Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first hand account of this 21st century trade. Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, Rocco Deluca move this chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.

Music is part of the movement against human slavery. Dr. Cornel West connects the music of the American slave fields to the popular music we listen to today, and offers this connection as a rallying cry for the modern abolitionist movement currently brewing.

Cold War Kids speak out.


Call+Response Trailer

Mic Test #56: Horse Feathers...

Horse Feathers:
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.

Jim James Update...

Here was the notice posted on My Morning Jacket's website today:

As some of you may have heard we had to cancel our show last evening in Iowa City. We were finishing up the last few bars of "Off The Record and just like any other night we were all having a great time. Jim went to get closer to the audience on his side of the stage, and as he moved forward to step onto the sub-woofer the lights darkened, and he inadvertently stepped off the stage. Upon falling, he suffered traumatic injuries to his torso, and was immediately taken to the hospital.

Per the doctor's orders, Jim will be off the road and recovering from his injuries for the next two to three weeks. Sadly, we must postpone the two shows in Chicago on Thursday and Friday until further notice.

For those who attended the Iowa City show, we would like to extend our gratitude for your understanding and cooperation. We take our fans and performances very seriously, and would never cancel a show unless it was absolutely necessary. Please know that we will be making every effort to return to your fine city.

Thank you so much to our fans for the kind sentiments and well-wishes on Jim's behalf. We hope for Jim's quick recovery and to be back out on the road soon.

With Love,
My Morning Jacket

Some video to get you through....Golden @ Fillmore Detroit 10/4/08

Jim James Fell & Injured Himself @ Iowa Show...

According to the Gazette, an Iowa newspaper, My Morning Jacket frontman, Jim James took a spill at tonight's show at University of Iowa. Let's all hope for the best. Here is the text of the brief article.

IOWA CITY — My Morning Jacket singer and guitarist Jim James was injured during the Southern-rock band's concert Tuesday night at the University of Iowa.

James slipped and fell about 30 minutes into the band's set at the Recreation Building and was taken to a hospital. The remainder of the show was canceled. Officials with SCOPE, the UI's concert organization, would not say where James was taken and declined further comment.

James apparently hit his head in the fall, which happened in the dark between songs. The extent of his injuries were not known.

My Morning Jacket's four other members left the stage seconds after James fell. Drummer Patrick Hallahan returned to the stage several minutes later to say James fell and his injury was being assessed. About 10 minutes later, Hallahan and the rest of the band, minus James, took the stage to say the show was canceled.

"Jim was really hurt, he's heading to the hospital," Hallahan said. "We're really sorry, this has never happened before."

At least one fan yelled "refund!" but the majority of the crowd cheered in a show of support for James.

Jay-Z's Obama Push to Forget About Bush...

The reaction to the video wall behind Hova lets you know how the crowd felt in Detroit last night.


The Roots talk about Voter Registration in Newport News

Driving For Miles...

If you don't have anything planned tonight, you could consider getting in your car and heading to Bowling Green, Ohio to catch Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson at Howard's. Yeah, the name is long but so is the list of critics who hear something special in his music. His debut release came out earlier this year on Say Hey Records with the help of Kyp Malone (TVOTR) & Daniel Rosen (Grizzly Bear).

More on NPR

More on Daytrotter

My Morning Jacket Detroit Review & Setlist...

Detroit Motor City was a busy town last night (October 4th)...Jay-Z at Cobo, Carrie Underwood at Joe Louis, Robin Williams at The Fox, but you can have all that...cuz the Fillmore Detroit was the place to be!! My Morning Jacket tore the doors OFF the hinges!! Their live show has not slowed down one bit. The band seemed genuinely pleased to be playing in Detroit to a room full of hungry fans. Jim James even mentioned Detroit's musical legacy and how cool it was to be playing there. The crowd seemed fairly hyped from the beginning, but Off The Record, I'm Amazed & Mahgeetah set the tone early...real crowd-pleasers.

The second half of the show had a special energy...just some GREAT guitar moments & instrumental frenzies where the band seemed like they would never stop. Jim's vocals sounded strong, but the guitars ruled the night. In typical MMJ fashion, the lighting added to the mood, especially for Dondante. Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt. 2 & Run Thru just kept the energy building & ended the show before the encore. The crowd is pressed right against the stage at the Fillmore, which has to help a band stay engaged.

The encore was the perfect blend of old & new tracks...Anytime could have easily capped off an unbelievably satisfying performance...but MMJ reached down for one more...and so it was, One Big Holiday...and that is just what the evening turned out to be. Go see this band live. I will try to post some video...good audio was tough to capture on my small digital.

Setlist (10/4/08)
Evil Urges
Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 1
Off the Record
Aluminum Park
The Way That He Sings
I'm Amazed
It Beats 4 U
Thank You Too!
Sec Walkin'
Mahgeetah
Lay Down
Gideon
Librarian
Dondante
Smokin' From Shootin'
Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 2
Run Thru

Bermuda Highway (Jim Solo)
Wordless Chorus
Highly Suspicious
Cobra
Anytime
One Big Holiday

Video Clip Montage of Detroit Show (10/4/08)

It Might Get Loud...

Keep an eye out for this documentary...It Might Get Loud.
Description taken from the Official Movie Site:

Who hasn't wanted to be a rock star, join a band or play electric guitar? Music resonates, moves and inspires us. Strummed through the fingers of The Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White, somehow it does more. Such is the premise of IT MIGHT GET LOUD, a new documentary conceived by producer Thomas Tull.

IT MIGHT GET LOUD isn't like any other rock'n roll documentary. Filmed through the eyes of three virtuosos from three different generations, audiences get up close and personal, discovering how a furniture upholsterer from Detroit, a studio musician and painter from London and a seventeen-year-old Dublin schoolboy, each used the electric guitar to develop their unique sound and rise to the pantheon of superstar. Rare discussions are provoked as we travel with Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White to influential locations of their pasts. Born from the experience is intimate access to the creative genesis of each legend, such as Link Wray's "Rumble's" searing impression upon Jimmy Page, who surprises audiences with an impromptu air guitar performance. But that's only the beginning.

While each guitarist describes his own musical rebellion, a rock'n roll summit is being arranged. Set on an empty soundstage, the musicians come together, crank up the amps and play. They also share their influences, swap stories, and teach each other songs. During the summit Page's double-neck guitar, The Edge's array of effects pedals and White's new mic, custom built into his guitar, go live. The musical journey is joined by visual grandeur too. We see the stone halls of Headley Grange where "Stairway to Heaven" was composed, visit a haunting Tennessee farmhouse where Jack White writes a song on-camera, and eavesdrop inside the dimly lit Dublin studio where The Edge lays down initial guitar tracks for U2's forthcoming single. The images, like the stories, will linger in the mind long after the reverb fades.

IT MIGHT GET LOUD might not affect how you play guitar, but it will change how you listen.

Obama Was Born to Run - For President...

Or so the Boss says (& I agree)...

On the final day to register to vote in Michigan, The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, will hold a rally in Ypsilanti in support of Barack Obama. Springsteen will perform an acoustic set and urge those in attendance to get involved in this historic election.

“Senator Obama is a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen and is honored to have his support. This will be a great opportunity to gather thousands of our supporters together in one place as we cap off our voter registration drive and bring new voters and volunteers into this campaign for change,” said Brent Colburn, Michigan spokesman for the Obama-Biden campaign.

Springsteen endorsed Senator Obama in April, writing that the Democratic nominee “speaks to the America I’ve envisioned in my music…a country that’s interested in its collective destiny and in the potential of its gathered spirit.”

The event will take place at Oestrike Stadium on Eastern Michigan’s campus.

Gates open at 3:00 pm and the program will begin at 4:30 pm.

Click here for ticket information.

Jay-Z's Got 99 Problems But Obama Ain't One...

Just two days before the Michigan voter registration deadline, Jay-Z will headline a FREE 'Operation Registration' rally and concert at Detroit's Cobo Arena at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, October 4th.

Jay-Z will perform for free to promote voter registration and to encourage young people to get involved with the Obama campaign. All voter registration applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the Supervisors of Elections Offices by October 6th, 2008 in order to vote in the November election. Members of the public can each pick up one free ticket to the concert at Campaign for Change offices throughout the region. You must be 18 to attend this event. Click here for more info.

This is event is open to the public ages 18 and up. Tickets can only be obtained by visiting a Campaign for Change office.

Ticket Pick Up
Distribution begins at 3:00pm on Wednesday, Oct. 1st at all locations.

Detroit Office (State HQ)
2875 Grand Blvd. W.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 875-6781

Detroit Office
15400 Grand River
Detroit, MI 48227
(313) 270-4608

Detroit Eastside Office
16031 Mack Avenue
Detroit, MI 48224

Dearborn Office
10415 W. Warren Ave.
Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 584-4876

Canton Office
42011 Ford Rd
Canton, MI 48187
(734) 981-2208

Southfield Office
18284 W. Ten Mile
Southfield, MI 48075
(248) 569-3086