Doors Documentary to Premiere @ Sundance...

Wolf Films/Strange Pictures, in association with Rhino Entertainment, has announced that When You're Strange, the first feature documentary about The Doors, will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 17th.

Award-winning writer-director Tom DiCillo’s film uncovers historic, previously unseen footage from the seminal rock quartet and provides new insight into the impact of their music and artistic legacy.

The creative chemistry of drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and singer/songwriter Jim Morrison, made The Doors one of America’s most iconic and influential rock bands of the late 60s. Their influence continues to this day. When You're Strange is the first feature documentary to tell their story from their perspective. Using footage shot between their formation in 1966 and Jim Morrison’s untimely death in 1971, it follows the band from the corridors of UCLA’s film school, where Manzarek and Morrison met,, through their formative days in the clubs and bars of Los Angeles and the Sunset Strip and on to the stages of sold-out international venues.

Taking its title from the chorus of their hit “People Are Strange,” the film chronicles the creation of The Doors’ six landmark studio albums in just five years, as well as live performances. Rare cinéma vérité footage offers an intimate glimpse into their musical collaboration – and their offstage lives.

Follow this link to writer/director Tom Dicillo's blog.

Langerado Finds a Home in Miami...

Right about now, those of us burdened with winter in the Midwest are dreaming of southern sun & warm temperatures. If you can just hold on until early March, maybe it would be a good time to make a road trip to one of the year's biggest music happenings. The 2009 Langerado Music Festival will be held March 6-7-8 at Bicentennial Park, nestled alongside Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, FL. A limited amount of Early Bird Weekend Passes starting at $120 went on sale on December 12th.

We are excited to have put together a lineup as diverse as the population of South Florida, representing a wide variety of the music Langerado has welcomed in the past. The Festival will be bringing back some much loved friends, in addition to an incredible roster of performers making their first appearances at Langerado.

Initial Lineup:
Death Cab For Cutie • Snoop Dogg • Thievery Corporation (Live) • Slightly Stoopid • Ryan Adams and the Cardinals • Dashboard Confessional • The Pogues • Matisyahu • Flogging Molly • Michael Franti & Spearhead • Broken Social Scene • Cafe Tacuba • Umphrey's McGee • The Disco Biscuits • Robert Randolph & The Family Band • Pepper • The Faint • Cold War Kids • Steel Pulse • Public Enemy • Gym Class Heroes • Tricky • Girl Talk • Chromeo • Mute Math • Bad Brains • Ozomatli • Against Me! • George Clinton & Parliament / Funkadelic • Tortoise • DeVotchKa • Black Kids • Grupo Fantasma • Holy F*ck • Budos Band • Tokyo Police Club • Lotus • The Virgins • The Gaslight Anthem • King Khan and the Shrines • Lucero • Murs • Ra Ra Riot • Tortured Soul • Rebelution • K'Naan • The Egg • Zac Brown Band • Tigercity • The Aggrolites • Cloud Cult • Spam Allstars • Rachel Goodrich • Blue King Brown • The Heavy Pets • Awesome New Republic • The Postmarks • Suenalo Sound System • Live Painting by LEBO

More to come...

Something Special in 2009...

Here is a little something to put on your radar for the new year...The Specials have plans to do a 30th Reunion Tour in the U.K. in April & May, 2009. Keep an eye out to see if they decide to announce any U.S. dates (people are talking)...in the meantime, here is an old video of A Message to You Rudy...hit play & Enjoy Yourself!

New U2 Release "On The Horizon" in Early 2009...

No Line On The Horizon, the new studio album from U2, will be released on Monday 2nd March 2009.

Written and recorded in various locations, No Line On The Horizon is the group’s 12th studio album and is their first release since the 9 million selling album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, released in late 2004.

Sessions for No Line On The Horizon began last year in Fez, Morocco, continued in the band’s own studio in Dublin, before moving to New York’s Platinum Sound Recording Studios, and finally being completed at Olympic Studios in London. The album calls on the production talents of long-time collaborators Brian Eno and Danny Lanois, with additional production by Steve Lillywhite.

Watch Bono & The Edge talk about the new O2 Arena in Dublin.


Van Diemen's Land (acoustic)

Flight of the Conchords Cleared for Takeoff...

Season 2 Online Premiere - Flight of the Conchords (US Only) - watch more funny videos

Adele Adds U.S. Tour Dates in March 2009...

Every so often is seems like a songbird arrives on the scene fairly unannounced and takes the music world for a ride. Adele is a soulful songstress that has done just that...amazing audiences wherever she goes. After canceling previous U.S. dates, she will be back on the road in 2009. Even better, she has chosen to play venues that are smaller and therefore showcase her remarkable talent all the more. St. Andrews Hall (Detroit 3/20) & Beachland Ballroom (Cleveland 3/21) seem like great choices...can't go wrong. Tickets for Beachland go on sale Saturday, December 20th...act fast, all of these dates will sell out. It's gonna happen.

January 2009
14 Somerville, MA @ Somerville Theater
16 Philadelphia, PA @ Theater of the Living Arts
17 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
19 Chicago, IL @ Park West
20 St. Paul, MN @ Fitzgerald Theatre
22 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
23 Salt Lake City, UT @ Murray Theatre
26 Seattle, WA @ Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room
27 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
29 San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre
30 Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern

March 2009
9 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
10 Scottsdale, AZ @ Martini Ranch
12 Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa
14 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
15 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theatre
17 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
18 Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
20 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew's Hall
21 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom & Tavern

Daydreamer (Live)


Right As Rain (Acoustic)

Neil Young Does Some "Damage" at MSG...

Neil Young ended his latest tour at Madison Square Garden last night. Wishing I hadn't missed this tour, especially with Wilco as the opening band. Here is a good clip of Neil playing Needle & the Damage Done last night. Hopefully some good video surfaces of Wilco playing Keep On Rockin' in the Free World (which included Tweedy's son, Spencer...it was his birthday!!). Read a fantastic recap from Spencer himself on his own blog.



While we are appreciating the work of one of Rock's giants, you need to know about a new "old" album that Mr. Young recently released as part of his continuing Neil Young Archive Performance Series. The album is called Sugar Mountain Live At Canterbury House 1968, and it offers something a little extra special for the midwesterners...it was recorded in Ann Arbor, Michigan (circa 1968).
Read what NPR Music has to say about it.

Track Listing:
1. (Emcee intro)
2. On The Way Home
3. Songwriting rap
4. Mr.Soul
5. Recording rap
6. Expecting To Fly
7. The Last Trip To Tulsa
8. Bookstore rap
9. The Loner
10. "I used to" rap
11. Birds
12. Winterlong (excerpt) and Out of My Mind - intro
13. Out Of My Mind
14. If I Could Have Her Tonight
15. Classical Gas rap
16. Sugar Mountain – intro
17. Sugar Mountain
18. I've Been Waiting For You
19. Songs rap
20. Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing
21. Tuning Rap & The Old Laughing Lady – intro
22. The Old Laughing Lady
23. Broken Arrow

Avett Brothers Support on New DMB Tour...

Dave Matthews Band has just announced an April 14th album release (first studio album in 4 years) & spring tour that is scheduled to begin on the same day. In addition, it looks like they have kept with their long-standing tradition of bringing worthy acts on the road with them. The Roots, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Avett Brothers & Jason Mraz are all strong choices. Along the way, Dave Matthews Band fans will be treated to the group's first-ever live performances of songs from the new yet-to-be titled album. Joining the group on the road this spring will be Tim Reynolds on guitar, Rashawn Ross on trumpet and Jeff Coffin on saxophone.

Dave Matthews Band Spring 2009 Tour Dates
Apr 14 ~New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden #
Apr 15 ~East Rutherford, NJ @ IZOD Center #
Apr 17 ~Charlottesville, VA @ John Paul Jones Arena ^
Apr 18 ~Charlottesville, VA @ John Paul Jones Arena ^
Apr 20 ~Pelham, AL @ Verizon Wireless Music Center Birmingham ^
Apr 22 ~Raleigh, NC @ TWC Music Pavilion %
Apr 24 ~Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre %
Apr 25 ~Nashville, TN @ Vanderbilt Stadium (Special Show)
Apr 26 ~New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Apr 28 ~Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre %
Apr 29 ~Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre %
May 1 ~The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia L. Woods Mitchell Pavilion %
May 2 ~Dallas, TX @ Superpages.com Center %
May 5 ~Albuquerque, NM @ Journal Pavilion %
May 6 ~Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion %
May 8 ~Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena *
May 9 ~Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena *

Support
# = The Roots
^ = Old Crow Medicine Show
% = The Avett Brothers
* = Jason Mraz

Bon Iver on Letterman (12/11/08)...

And while we are on the topic of Bon Iver...take a look at this limited edition screenprint poster that my buddy Steve & I designed and sold at the show this past summer at The Crofoot in Pontiac, MI. For those of you in the holiday gift-giving mode, this might be a nice option for that rock poster lover on your list (plenty of other great posters on the Capital A site, too). It is hard to see from this image, but the jaguar below is printed in metallic gold ink...gotta love the shiny stuff!

Click here to buy this Bon Iver poster from Capital A.

Louris & Olson Together Again in Ann Arbor...

Jayhawks fans can rejoice...Mark Olson & Gary Louris (former Toledoan) will be touring in early 2009, including a stop at The Ark in Ann Arbor on February 3rd.

The Jayhawks were formed in 1985 in Minneapolis, Minnesota by founding members Mark Olson and Gary Louris. Led by the gifted songwriting, impeccable playing, and honeyed harmonies of vocalists/guitarists Olson and Louris, the Jayhawks' shimmering blend of country, folk, and bar band rock made them one of the most widely acclaimed artists to emerge from the alternative country scene. They released four albums, The Jayhawks, Blue Earth, Hollywood Town Hall, and Tomorrow The Green Grass before Olson announced he was leaving the band in 1996. While Olson pursued a solo career, Louris kept the Jayhawks alive with an ever evolving lineup, releasing three more albums including 2003’s Rainy Day Music.

Gary Louris and Mark Olson are set to release Ready for the Flood a new album due out January 27th, 2009 on New West Records. Though the two have toured together and previously renewed their friendship, this is the first new release from the pair since Olson left the Jayhawks in 1995. Ready for the Flood, produced by Chris Robinson (Black Crowes), not only reunites the two old friends but also their unrivaled harmonies and songwriting skills, reviving their unique sound. The results of the reunion are undeniable, as can be read in early praise for the album: “These new memories—thank the Americana gods—are riddled with Louris and Olson’s past, but there are hints of even older musical moments. . .The production of Black Crowe Chris Robinson lends grit, but is never intrusive, letting the scruffy melodies and jigsaw-puzzle interlocking of these stellar voices do the heavy lifting.” - Paste Magazine

U2 Believes in Father Christmas & (RED)WIRE...

U2, Jay-Z, Coldplay, John Legend and The Killers among the acts contributing to a groundbreaking digital music magazine launched on World AIDS Day. (RED)WIRE is designed to help eliminate AIDS in Africa - U2's performance of Greg Lake's 'I Believe in Father Christmas' is among the premiere tracks.

Every Wednesday, (RED)WIRE members receive an issue delivered to their desktop featuring exclusive music from some of the world’s greatest artists. Half of the £4 monthly fee goes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. Members who join before next Wednesday, December 10 will become “Founding Members” and receive the premier issue on December 10 as well as a special bonus song from Jay-Z.

When you purchase a memberships at www.redwire.com you can download a custom player that allows you to experience each issue in an 'immersive, visual, magazine-like interface'. For your £4 a month, your weekly digital music offering includes an exclusive song from a major artist, a song from an up-and-coming artist, a special piece of varied content (such as a digital short film or a reading from an artist or actor) and well as a window about the impact (RED) funds have in Africa.

The Global Fund will ensure that every cent from (RED) WIRE is invested in HIV and AIDS programmes in Africa: five members will generate enough money, each month, to buy antiretroviral medicine for one person living with HIV.

Sign up here for 2 FREE Trial Issues.

Ryan Adams Posting Vids on YouTube...

Ryan Adams has recently been posting solo acoustic video clips on YouTube. He has been known to lurk & dabble in YouTubery. That is all I have to say about that. Nice music.

Halloweenhead


Evergreen


Rosebud

The Police Brought in for Questioning (By Elvis)...

The Sundance Channel presents SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH... features everything from intimate one-on-one conversations with legendary performers and notable newcomers to thematic panel discussions.

Guest artists not only talk but perform — demonstrating the development and creation of their music and playing new, stripped-down or solo versions of some of their best and most loved songs.

Costello also performs, starting each episode with an original, never before seen (or heard) interpretation of a song by the featured guest, or a song connected to them. And on top of all that are extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime collaborations and pairings. Guests include The Police, Lou Reed, Elton John, She & Him, Smokey Robinson and more.

I Want a New Pug - Joe Pug...

Joe Pug has just been added to the Ann Arbor Folk Festival line up...and you thought it was already a packed lineup!


Joe Pug - Hymn 101 from Sam Molleur on Vimeo.

He is new on the musical scene...so here is a brief update (as stated on his website). I think we will be hearing from Joe for a while.

The day before his senior year as a playwright student at the University of North Carolina, Joe Pug sat down for a cup of coffee and had the clearest thought of his life: I am profoundly unhappy here. Then came the second clearest.

Pug packed up his belongings and drove the longest route possible to Chicago. Working as a carpenter by day, the 23 year-old Pug spent nights playing the guitar he hadn't picked up since his teenage years. Using ideas originally slated for a play he was writing called "Austin Fish," Pug began creating the sublime lyrical masterpiece that would become the Nation of Heat EP.

The songs were recorded fast and fervently at a Chicago studio where a friend snuck him in to late night slots other musicians had canceled. He was short on money, but his bare-boned sincerity didn't require much more than a microphone and it dripped off of each note he sang.

In May of 2008, Pug played the first headlining slot of his young career to a sold out crowd at Chicago's storied Schubas Tavern. Two weeks later he released the Nation of Heat EP, which has garnered near-universal critical acclaim and established him as one of the most respected songwriters of his generation. Pug has since played shows with Todd Snider, Susan Tedeschi, Kasey Chambers, and James Hunter. He plans to release his debut full length record in 2009.

This One Goes Out to R.E.M...

R.E.M.'s influence on modern rock is undeniable. Their work has laid the groundwork for bands to reach beyond definable genres & "radio ready" singles. Underground & alternative music live in a better place today because four guys from Athens, GA trusted their creative guts. Now those they inspired will be gathering for a special tribute performance at Carnegie Hall in NYC on May 19th, 2009 to play from the vast R.E.M. catalog. The list of performers is long & it includes some amazing talent...Glen Hansard, Bob Mould, The dB's, Throwing Muses, Patti Smith, The Feelies, Guster, Rachel Yamagata & Calexico to name a few.

Pretenders 2009 Tour Dates...

The Pretenders have announced their first extensive headlining tour since 2003. The Pretenders touring line up of Chrissie Hynde, Martin Chambers, James Walbourne, Eric Heywood, and Nick Wilkinson is touring in support of the band's ninth album, Break Up The Concrete which was released in October of 2008. They will be in Ann Arbor & Cleveland in early February.

The Pretenders - 2009 Tour Dates
1/29 Albany, NY @ The Palace Theatre
1/30 New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom
1/31 Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata-Music Box
2/2 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
2/4 Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre
2/5 Jim Thorpe, PA @ Penn's Peak
2/6 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
2/7 Ledyard, CT @ Fox Theatre
2/9 Ann Arbor, MI @ Michigan Theater
2/10 Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues
2/11 Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre
2/13 Cincinnati, OH @ Taft Theatre
2/14 Akron, OH Akron @ Civic Ctr Theatre
2/15 Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theater
2/17 Milwaukee, WI @ Northern Lights Theatre
2/18 Milwaukee, WI @ Northern Lights Theatre
2/20 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
2/21 Kansas City, MO @ Ameristar Casino
2/22 Tulsa, OK @ Brady Theater
2/24 Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
2/25 Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen
2/27 Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues
2/28 Houston, TX @ House Of Blues
3/1 Austin, TX @ Stubbs
3/4 Phoenix, AZ @ The Dodge Theater
3/5 San Diego, CA @ House Of Blues
3/6 Pala, CA @ Pala Casino-Cabaret Room
3/7 Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues
3/8 Anaheim, CA @ The Grove
3/10 Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
3/13 San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
3/14 Reno, NV @ Silver Legacy Casino

Matthew Ryan: Live Daily Sessions Video...