Playlist

Here are some tracks to check out, some may not be a huge surprise, but worth a listen

- Saul Williams - "Sunday Bloody Sunday"
- As Tall As Lions - "Into The Flood"
- Lupe Fiasco - "Superstar"
- Aimee Mann - "Save Me"
- Jimmy Eat World - "Hear You Me"
- Nine Inch Nails - "Hurt"
- Swell Season - "Falling Slowly"
- Bruce Springsteen - "Terry's Song"
- Duran Duran - "Nite-Runner"
- Jet - "Shine On"

BUT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BUY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okkervil River - The Stage Names (Recommended If You Like [RIYL]: The National, Arcade Fire, Murder By Death)
Bishop Allen - The Broken String (RIYL: Juno Soundtrack, Beck, Sufjan Stevens)
Saul Williams - The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust (RIYL: Sage Francis, NERD, Nine Inch Nails)

Current Jammers:
U2- Joshua Tree 20th Anniversary Box Set
Aimee Mann - Magnolia Soundtrack
Swell Season - Once Soundtrack
Radiohead - In Rainbows part 2

ATAL Xmas Video

As Tall As Lions have released a video just in time for the Holiday Season...check it out.

Light up the Darkness

Last Monday, the most important person in my life had past away, my Grandpa. I have not really been the same since his passing and I cannot express how attached I was to him. He was much more than a Grandparent, but more a second Father. In many ways, he an I were the same person. The best way I can honor him to the public would be through music. I have a particular song for each of the faithful departed that abruptly exited my life. For my Grandpa, I have chosen Jimmy Eat World "Hear You Me."

There's no one in town I know
You gave us some place to go.
I never said thank you for that.
I thought I might get one more chance.
What would you think of me now,so lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that,now I'll never have a chance.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
So what would you think of me now,so lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that,now I'll never have a chance.
May angels lead you in. Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.
And if you were with me tonight,I'd sing to you just one more time.
A song for a heart so big, God wouldn't let it live.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.
Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go.
May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in.

I will miss you...1933-2007

Another look at 2007

A few of my friends and also fellow music experts/lovers took a look at my Best of 2007 list and came up with their own. The following gentlemen were Bill Reese a music journalist and long time collaborator, Rich Delgado (Rich D Smoov), a NYC DJ and former hardcore singer and finally Mike Clancey, a co manager with me at WQAQ and editor. Three experts with three different opinions. It is fun to look at each man's list.

Bill Reese Top 10:
10. against me new wave
9. fire flies two new sciences
8. arctic monkeys favourite worst nightmare
7. the shins wincing the night away
6. the fratellis costello music
5. paul mccartney memory almost full
4. wilco sky blue sky
3. kanye west graduation
2. the arcade fire neon bible
1. tegan and sara the con

Rich D Smoov Top 10:
1.arcade fire: best alt
2.amy whinehouse:best R&B
3.kanye west:best hiphop
4.justice:best electronica
5.yesterdays new quintet:best jazz
6.the heliocentrics:best experimental
7.marc anthony:best Latin
8.pig destroyer:best grind core metal
9.waiten:best black metal
10.on the corner sessions miles davis:best boxset/reissue

Honorable mentions: radiohead, the klaxtons, artic monkeys, the fratellies, the national

Mike Clancey Top 10
Clancey posted a fantastic list on his blog..head on over to it http://clanceyebbflow.blogspot.com and see his explanations and other posts.

Quick News

Head on over to Coldplay.com for a special Christmas message and video from the lads.

Has anyone been to Oasis Myspace page at all lately? Check it out, they entered the studio November 5 and posted these pictures:

Patent Pending Xmas Video

The boys is Patent Pending never cease to amaze me with their humor and quality music. Here is their latest single and video all gift wrapped for your holiday enjoyment, its called "She's A Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas."

Indy Watch

The official Kingdom of the Crystal Skull poster...

2007 The Albums-Top 10

For me this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. It is the time when we all reflect on the past 12 months and look at the road ahead. In the coming weeks we will hear about award season nominations and all that keeps us entertained and excited about honoring the achievements in the arts. This is the last and probably most important of my year end lists. My 10 best picks of the year for film will not come out until March after I can fully savor the films and pick them apart. Music however, unlike Hollywood, does not have to come out for a specific season and truly is a year long process to figure out the best. So without further ado, here are my picks for the 10 best albums of the year (in both short list and long form)

Short list for those with ADD:
10 Bruce Springsteen - Magic
9 The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
8 The Good, The Bad, and The Queen
7 Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis
6 Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
5 Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
4 The Fratellis - Costello Music
3 Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City
2 Bjork - Volta
1 Radiohead - In Rainbows

Long form with Explanations:

10. Bruce Springsteen - Magic
If you notice, there are not many American musicians on my list this year. It was a lackluster year for music from this country, but the boss gave his homeland music some life and controversy. "This is not about magic, but about tricks," Springsteen stated in October at Madison Square Garden, he was referring to the Bush administration and what they have done to suck the life out of the American people. Magic tells all of this, whether or not you agree or disagree with Bruce, his points are valid and while pushing 60 he can still continue to stir the pot.
Key Tracks: Radio Nowhere, Terry's Song (Secret Song)

9. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
Natalie Portman and Zach Braff may have put this West Coast band's foot in the door, but their strong musical abilities kept the door wide open. The Shins embraced a very unique and eclectic sound on Wincing the Night Away. The album makes you feel as if you are floating in the air and suspended over the world, much like the opening to Terry Gilliam's Brazil, but by the end of the record you have safely returned to the soil and only want to go back up for more.
Key Tracks: Sleeping Lessons, Phantom Limb

8. The Good, The Bad, and The Queen
Certainly the most underrated of all of the super groups to emerge in the past years. Combining the musical talents of Damian Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz), Paul Simonon (The Clash), Simon Tong (The Verve), African drummer Tony Allen and Danger Mouse. You will not find a stronger lineup in any new band. Mixing dub, rock, folk and even doo-wop. The album is an eye opener and a middle finger to the English monarchy past and present as well as showing us how history has an odd way of repeating itself. An intelligent disc from some of today's smartest artist, we need more from this band in years to come.
Key Tracks: Kingdom of Doom, Solder's Tale

7. Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis
One of the U.K's most prolific songwriters finally releases his much anticipated solo debut. Jarvis Cocker, the former front man of Pulp has been taking his time to perfect his musical autobiography. Between the demise of Pulp and creating this record, Jarvis has been writing with the likes of Nancy Sinatra, Johnny Greenwood, and Air. Jarvis, is a very personal record about love, life and loss. His seductive voice, witty lyrics and great musical composition are enough to make you to just want to hit the repeat button on your music player once the record comes to its end.
Key Tracks: Don't Let Him Waste Your Time, From Auschwitz to Ipswich

6. Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
She maybe the biggest train wreck of the year and a tabloid's wet dream, but Amy Winehouse is one of the most talented singers and songwriter's out there right now. I hate the fact that it came to a shock to everyone this past week when the Grammy's were announced and she received six nominations. Winehouse is good, she is not some corporate slave pop singer, like some other train wrecks we know. She is what the Ronette's and Aretha Franklin wish they could have been able to do back in the 50's. Winehouse has no problem not holding anything back in her lyrics and that is one of the reason's we love her so much. She takes 50's doo-wop, soul and jazz and injects it with feminism, personality and controversy. Back to Black is not to be missed.
Key Tracks: Back to Black, You Know I'm No Good

5. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
To sum up this whole record in with just one word - "Wow." Every band with one album out should take note, if you want to know how to define the sophomore slump and create a brilliant second disc, listen to Neon Bible. The Canadian 10 piece stormed back from their 2004 debut, Funeral, with a record about modern times. A much more mature album, they may have lost their random dance breakdown's in the middle of songs, but picked up a narrative writing style that rivals most poets. They express what they do not like in this world, our obsession with young celebrity, war, and how we respond to natural disaster. Their combination of folk and classical with a punk edge makes them appeal to the masses.
Key Tracks: Keep the Car Running, [anti-Christ television blues]

4. The Fratellis - Costello Music
The most happy-go-lucky record to have been released this year. A throwback to garage rock and early punk, Scotland's The Fratellis have made their mark as the most fun you will have listening to anything in 2007. They may be best known for their Ipod comerical, but there is so much more from Costello Music that will have you jumping and jiving. If this record does not make you want to get up throw your arms and the air and let loose, you better check your pulse and make sure you are still alive.
Key Tracks: Flathead, Ole Black 'n Blue Eyes

3. Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City
I can not seem to understand how many people managed to tear this record apart and say very bad things about it. A Weekend in the City is a much more polished and mature record from one my favorite British Bands, it is the same as Silent Alarm but different. Bloc Party may have grown up and are looking for a more danceable approach to their style, but that does not mean it is bad. Combining lyrics about sex and drug use and caffeine micro beats, mixed with infectious grooves in the sound, it is a album with many layers and complexities. Yet, the most fascinating thing about this record is its universal appeal. It is through an through a European influenced album that can be taken anywhere. No matter where you wish to travel whether it is Munich, London or even my stomping ground of New York City, A Weekend in the City is the soundtrack to your escape.
Key Tracks: Uniform, On

2. Bjork - Volta
I am going to vent my frustration again, sorry to do this two albums in a row, but I need to get it off my chest. I hate it when people refuse to listen to Bjork because she is "weird, crazy or different." She is music for the open minded and maybe far too advanced for certain brainwaves to understand, but for me she is just perfect. Indeed, she may have put out some very experimental records like 2004's Medulla, a all A Capella record, that many may just not have been ready for. However, Volta is her way of reaching the top of her mainstream again. Teaming up with 2007's hottest producer Timbaland, she has combined electro, trance, African drum and rock in one of her most eclectic and prolific albums in years. Volta is a must own, even if you are a fan or not, there is certainly something for everyone on this.
Key Tracks: Wanderlust, Declare Independence

1. Radiohead - In Rainbows
Maybe it is because they told EMI to fuck off, maybe it is because they realize the golden age of album collecting maybe coming to an end and we need to adapt, maybe it is because they are musical geniuses. Whatever it is, Radiohead are always ahead of their time and are always willing to take chances. In Rainbows is no exception, announcing on their website just a week before they intended to release the new material, Radiohead told fans "pay whatever you want," and even do whatever you want with it. Granted an established band like so has the ability to do so, but the fact they did it is just very cool. Much respect to this band and this record, and it sums up the year perfectly. 2007 will be remembered in music (or at least in my eyes) as a very globally influenced year and it proves that music is still our strongest form of communication.
Key Tracks: 15th Step, Weird Fishes / Arpeggi

So that is it, a musical look back at the year that was. Thanks for reading and sticking with it. I promise I will not be posted long articles like this for a bit.

Underrated Classic-John Lennon "Sometime in New York City"

In the month we look at the anniversary that would silence the greatest voice in music history, we must also reflect on what John Lennon has given us. While his solo career be marked by Imagine and Double Fantasy, it is Sometime In New York City that we see the true Lennon. Back by the Elephants Memory band, John and Yoko not only get political but personal on the 1972 recording. Writing songs like "Woman is the N**** of the World," and "Attica State," Lennon puts all of his anger and frustration of America and his native land of the U.K. on wax. Lennon also talks about his heritage for the first time (he is of course half English and half Irish), writing about that clash of English and Irish in "Sunday Bloody Sunday," something U2 would bring more to the mainstream, and Lennon's look into the life of his brethren in "Luck of the Irish." John touches on all subjects of creed, race, religion and ideology. With its cover mocking the New York Times and printing the albums controversial lyrics on the jacket, Lennon did not hold anything back and took all chances when writing one of his most profound and overlooked pieces to date. However, with all the bad, Lennon also wrote about the good. His love for the record's mother city in "New York City," and his love of course for Yoko on "Don't Worry Kyoko." If you have not herd Sometime in New York City or maybe you have, in 2005 Yoko remastered the record for CD and added bonus tracks of "Xmas Time" and "Listen the Snow is Falling." If there is anything you should stuff your stocking with, add this to your music list this Christmas.

Movie of the Month-"Millions"

So it is December and while most of us bask in the annual holiday classics such as Home Alone, It's A Wonderful Life and Elf, Danny Boyle's 2004 Holiday story maybe one of the best and certainly the most overlooked. No one would ever think a film from the man that brought us the drug induced Trainspotting and the violent 28 Days Later, would do a family oriented film. However, Boyle, probably one of the most underrated directors in the business, is not only a master storyteller but also a visionary. Millions, a simple film about two brothers who recently lost their mother, are gearing up for the holiday season. While preparations for their first Christmas without their mom they stumble across millions of dollars and are in a paradox on what to do with the cash. The eldest brother, Anthony, a witty teenager wants to spend it all, while his younger brother, the good hearted Damion wants to give it all away to the poor. Through a series of visits from various Saints, Damion takes opportunity into his own hands, while acting on his heart and innocents, it is just that that gets him into trouble. Boyle, takes two unknown actors Alex Etel (Damion) and Lewis McGibbon (Anthony) and gets performances out of them that would rival some of today's veteran actors. Millions is not only masterfully crafted and full of imagination, it is also backed by a fantastic soundtrack. Forget your typical "Carol of the Bells," Boyle opted to take tracks from Muse, The Clash and Feeder to back the young boys journey. If you see any film this holiday season, new or old, Millions should not be missed.

Holiday Playlist

Tired of your old Christmas songs, here are a bunch of holiday songs from great artists (new and old) performing songs (new and old).

Coldplay: “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Patent Pending: “She's A HO HO HO Merry Christmas”
u2: “Baby Please Come Home”
Bruce Springsteen: “Santa Clause is coming to Town”
As Tall As Lions: “It’s Only Christmas”
Joey Ramone: “A Wonderful World”
The Killers: “Don’t Shoot me Santa”
Sufjan Stevens: "Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time"
The Pretenders: "2000 Miles
Death Cab for Cutie: "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"
The Killers: "Great Big Sled"
The Ramones: "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)"
Band Aid: "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
John Lennon: "Happy Xmas (The War is Over)"
Smashing Pumpkins: "Christmastime"
No Doubt: "Oi to the World"
The Kinks: "Father Christmas"
blink-182: "I Won't Be Home for Christmas"
Pearl Jam: "Some Day at Christmas"

2007 The Albums- League of Their Own

When Radiohead released Kid A back in the fall of 2000, one reviewer summed up the album like so..."The Greatest Things In Life Cannot Be Talked About, They Must Be Experienced." That sums up Kid A and some music to come out after. Kid A, much like their previous effort Ok Computer, were albums ahead of their time and generation. Still to this day I cannot even describe the genius quality of these discs. I started giving this award away in 2003 and I would give away a special award to an artist that has released an album light years ahead of anything we are ready for now, or has resurrect a new genre much like what The Strokes did with their debut Is This It. This award symbolizes a record that is something far greater for any list and needs it own category. That is "The League of Their Own." In the past I have given it to the following:

2003- The White Stripes- Elephant
2004- The Killers- Hot Fuss
2005- The Mars Volta- Francis the Mute
2006- TV On The Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain

...and now the recipient of this year's League of Their Own is an artist from Chicago but has reached global heights and put hip-hop back where it belongs...right on top.
Kanye West - Graduation.

Daring to do what many in hip-hop are afraid to do, Kanye West has done it all and with flying colors. Hip Hop a rather conservative genre, West has taken his talent and open mind and put it to wax, and has come full circle on Graduation. Sampling everyone from Elton John to Daft Punk and rhyming about Rosie Perez's chest size to Blond Dyke's, West created the Dark Side of the Moon of Hip Hop records. No one has even dared to ever do what he has done, at least in the United States anyway, many like England's Dizzie Rascal and Canada's K-0S have come close. Yet it is West who is the Best. He takes a European flair, combined with not your typical lyrics (he doesn't rhyme about guns and ghetto's), Kanye has taken the genre to new heights. Now with the passing of his mother and what I said in my honorable mentions when talking about artist going through dark times and creating the best work of their career, it will be mind blowing to see what he can do next. Graduation is by far from another planet as far as the genre is concerned, but will go down as one of the best of all time.
Key Tracks: Homecoming (with Chris Martin), Everything I Am

Indy Watch

So I was not going to post anything in between my "Honorable Mentions of 2007" and "League of Their Own"...but then this came along this afternoon and couldnt resist....Set shots on Harrison Ford in full costume with Shia LeBeouf...http://www.aintitcool.com/node/34908

2007 The Albums - Honorable Mentions

For me this is the most exciting time of the year, the event I have been waiting for...to unleash to you my readers, my list of the best records this year. It is very weird to think that 2007 is almost over, but this list signifies the beginning of the end. Here are the Honorable Mentions of the past year, albums that were damn good, but fell just short of specular to break into my Top 10 or convented League of Their Own category.
As I do with all of my lists, short form then long with explanations. This list of Honorable Mentions is in No particular order.

Short List for those with ADD:
Silverchair - Young Modern
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
The National - Boxer
Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full
Fire Flies - Two New Sciences

Now with explanations:

Silverchair - Young Modern
Take everything you know about this Australian trio and throw it out the window. The former young sons of grunge went on indefinite hiatus at the beginning of this decade. Yet if there is one thing people will remember about 2007 it was the reunions, and Silverchair not only jumped on the bandwagon, but created the complete antithesis of what they were and now have become a musical oxymoron- a reunited new band. Ditching the hard grunge sound that made them popular in the 90's, for their comeback record they adopted a cornucopia of sounds from electro to synth to rock to classical. Young Modern not only brought the band back to the mainstream after being away for a bit, it produced some of their most mature and best material to date.
Key Tracks: Young Modern Station, Straight Lines

Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
Not going to lie, the first time I put this record on and listened to it with headphones I seriously felt like I was drowning. With that in mind, the nautical themed band from the west coast delivered its revolutionary follow up to their most acclaimed effort 2004's Good News For People Who Like Bad News, and also picked up legendary former Smith's Guitarist Johnny Marr along the way. This is a record of typical Modest Mouse vibes and jams but Marr's playing makes the music much more colorful.
Key Tracks: March Into The Sea, Fire It Up

The National - Boxer
It took me a long time and an incredible live show to really get into this album, but once I did Boxer sang to me like a yuppies dream. The Brooklyn based band comprised of two sets of brothers and a best friend, have been tackling the indie scene for a while, yet it wasn't until the release of this record were people really started paying attention. Boxer is as poetic as it is complex, its a cross between the music of Velvet Underground meets the darkness of Nick Cave. This haunting record will stay locked inside your head for a long time and will only leave you wanting more.
Key Tracks: Fake Empire, Squalor Victoria

Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full
It is a proven fact with musicians, you create your best stuff when you are extremely upset or going through a rough situation in life. Sir Paul's latest is the perfect example of this. Not since the death of his one true love, Linda, back in 1998 has he written anything so honest and over the top it reminds you why at 64 we do in fact still need him. Now almost10 years later, dealing with his public divorce from that headcase Heather Mills, Paul has finally been able to pen his raw emotion out into his music, he has determinately been able to get off his chest and mind and into song.
Key Tracks: Only Mama Knows, The End of The End

Fire Flies - Two New Sciences
What more can I say about this band that I have not said already. Still the best band you have never herd of and a fantastic second disc that makes you ask the question "what is a sophomore slump?" Another Brooklyn based band to begin to shine in the indie spotlight this year, Fire Flies have created the soundtrack of your life with Two New Sciences. If you have not herd it yet, you are doing a complete disservice to yourself.
Key Tracks: The Receiver, Call Me Your Darkness

Coming Soon - League of Their Own, Top 10 Albums of 2007

Bono "Wave of Sorrow"

After 20 years Bono finally finished penning "Wave of Sorrow," a track originally recorded for Joshua Tree..now to celebrate one of the bands finest works, Bono discusses the song and sings parts as well.."Wave of Sorrow," and many other unrleased B-Sides can all be found for Joshua Tree's upcoming remastering due in stores November 20.

For Dr West

Kanye's people released this press statement today about how Kanye is doing and more about his mother...read it below:

Kanye West, his family and friends would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and kind words that have come in from across the country since the death of his mother, Dr. Donda West.
After working in higher education for 31 years, Dr. Donda West and Kanye West co-founded the Kanye West Foundation with the mission of helping to combat the severe dropout problem in high schools across the country. The first and signature initiative of the Kanye West Foundation is Loop Dreams. Designed to capitalize on students existing interest in hip-hop, Loop Dreams challenges students to learn more about what’s behind hip-hop culture in order to help them develop skills, express themselves creatively and be empowered.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dr. West’s name to the Kanye West Foundation/Loop Dreams Teacher Training Institute. Those donations can be made by visiting the Foundation’s Web site, www.KanyeWestFoundation.org or by mail at
Kanye West Foundation, 8560 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069.

Indy Watch

So Shia LaBeuf may have gotten arrested in a Walgreens last weekend, however some of the cast of Indy 4 are doing good! Ray Winestone talked to MTV.com and shared his experiences about making the film, working with Spielberg and of course the man with the hat...read it here...http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2007/11/06/ray-winstone-whips-it-good-with-indy-4/

Sex Pistols Live on Ferguson

The Sex Pistols reunited on The Late Late Show with Colin Ferguson late last month. The band was their to promote the anniversary of Never Mind the Bollocks here's the Sex Pistols. They perform a great version of "Pretty Vacant."

Quick News

Coldplay's Will Champion posted a nice little video of the band in the studio. Comprised of over 500 images from photobooth, its a nice and goofy look at the band. Check it out with other news at www.coldplay.com

As of November 5, Oasis entered Abby Road studios to start work on their 7th studio album! Also, check out the bands new documentary Lord, Don't Slow Me Down..its hilarious and interesting look into the band on the road.

UPDATE: Amy Winehouse's husband Blake has been arrested after London police raided the singers home. Blake was arrested and charged with witness tampering in an ongoing police investigation.

Sad news to report..The mother of Kanye West, Dr. Donda West passed away due to complications while having cosmetic surgery. Dr. West was Kanye's biggest inspiration and first love as herd in the song "Hey Mama," from Late Registration. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kanye and his family at this time. Dr. West was 58.

Radiohead TV

After announcing they will released In Rainbows in the UK on New Years Day (and Jan. 2 here in the US on Dave Matthews ATO Records), Radiohead released Radiohead TV via the bands website. The videos feature everything from behind the scenes, to interviews, to jam sessions-including a nice cover of BJorks "Unravel."

Check it out here: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/forkcast/46999-radiohead-entanglement-webcast-including-unravel-bjrk-cover

WGA Strike Office Style

Are you confused on whats going on with the WGA writers strike and why there is TERRIBLE television on because of it? Well look no further, because the creative minds behind NBC's The Office (one of the best shows on TV), have pretty much broken it down for you. Also to support the writers, more info and get their voice herd go to www.unitedhollywood.com

Quick News

There is some good news and of course bad news for Amy Winehouse. The good news is the diva was re granted her Visa to come back to the U.S. for a possible tour. The bad news is, London Police raided the flat of her and her husband Blake today. No further details have been posted, however, this poses more of a serious threat to her husband than to her.

The U2 3D concert film titled U2 3D will hit IMAX theaters in January.

Tokyo Police Club and Vampire Weekend will join Ra Ra Riot for a benefit concert on behalf of late band member John Pike. The concert will benefit the John Pike memorial foundation, set up by Pikes family, and will take place December 15 in Cambridge, Mass. Pike passed away this past June. You can make a paypal donation or for more info email: johnryanpikememorialfund@gmail.com

Thrash art rockers The Blood Brothers are officially calling it quits. After rumors of speculation flying around for months, the band posted this message via their myspace page:
Dear Friends,
After 10 years of making music as The Blood Brothers, we have made the collective decision that our time together has come to an end. We feel extremely fortunate to have spent such a deeply memorable and amazing part of our lives with each other. At this point, however, we feel it's best that our futures move forward on separate paths. We'd like to express our sincerest thanks and gratitude to all the bands we've played with, individuals who have helped us make our records, and fans who have come to our shows and picked up our music throughout the years. Your friendship, support and love hold such a profoundly special place in each of our hearts. We hope that the memories you attach to our music are as fond as those you have given us. Thank you and take care, we'll miss all of you.
Love,The Blood Brothers

Buy Now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are few albums to check out that are worth every buck..

BUY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday - Kill the House Lights
Sigor Ros - Hvarf/Heim
Radiohead - In Rainbows

Current Jammers:
Massive Attack - Collected
Bruce Spingsteen - Magic
Coheed and Cambria - No World For Tomorrow
David Bowie - Strangers When We Meet E.P.

As Tall As Lions News

Never have I just done news on a single band, but seeing these guys grow and grow in the past few years just makes me real proud to be a fan and have the opportunity to write about them. As Tall As Lions will embark on a small fall tour opening for Silverchair, with some headline dates thrown in..
Later this month they will issue an exclusive iTunes only EP called Into the Flood...
As for now they are featured on purevolume in a special acoustic session you can check out here http://www.purevolume.com/videos/astallaslions/pvsessions

Billy Bragg Live on Conan

One of my favorite songwriters Billy Bragg made an appearance on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," back in 2006. He performs my favorite song of his "A New England."

Movie of the Month-A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints

Like many people I would have written Shia LaBeouf off as a young novelty act, a movie of the week at best. Then I saw A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints, and ate every single word. In a Bronx Tale meets Do The Right Thing type of film, LaBeouf explodes on screen like a ticking time bomb ready to burst at any second. Based on the true story of writer and first time director Dito Montiel, this coming of age drama is about a young Dito (LaBeouf) looking to find more in his life growing up in Astoria, Queens in the late 80's. He and his rag tag group of friends are always getting themselves in trouble and he wants out. Told in a non-linear fashion and flashing back between present and past. Dito recounts his whole life as an adult (played by Robert Downey Jr.) and as a young man. Along Dito's life journey he meets his so-called saints that lead him to the person he becomes. It is a heartfelt yet brutal story that capture the attention of its audience right away. It is a performance laced film packed with many surprising displays of acting not just by Shia, but also Channing Tatum, Diane West, and Anthony DeSando. The film not only stars the legendary Chazz Palmentari, but he even tackled on the role of Producer, along side Sting and his wife. A film done on a shoe string budget that it was rumored Palmentari didn't pick up a pay check for it, shows that CGI and lots of names and cash do not always make a good film. A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints should not be missed.

Underrated Classic - Our Lady Peace "Spiritual Machines"

It is an awkward time for any High School senior, deciding what to do with your future, where to go to college or even go away to college. But for myself and the rest of the class of 2002, it was even more bizarre. Starting your year off in September 2001 and living it off in the wake of 9/11. I dont think I could have found more of a perfect soundtrack to the strange rollercoaster that was my senior year and getting ready to leave my shitbox of a town for something bigger. I came across Spiritual Machines purely by accident. Just as MTV stopped playing videos and Carson Daly was beginning to depart from TRL, Canadian music channel Much Music would constantly jam Our Lady Peace. At first I hated singer Raine Maida's voice, his nasally approach to singing just didn't grasp my attention, plus the bands sound was too generic. Then I herd the single "Life," and things began to change. Everything Maida sang about in that song was what I was going through as an angst ridden 17/18 year old. Pissed off at society, upset with the crowd I was with and wanted something more. His voice then began to almost speak to me instead of sing. I rushed to the store and grabbed Spiritual Machines and spun it everyday for about six months and became totally obsessed with Our Lady Peace. Spiritual Machines is a concept record that sounds more like a self help book than a rock record, and for any confused adolescent--that's a good thing. It was laced with punk inspired lyrics and U2 style musical qualities. It was written and recorded after the band read the book "The Age of Spiritual Machines," by Ray Kurzweil. A book about how machines will exceed human intelligence and will take over the world. In fact Kurzweil himself narrates the record and pushes the story along. By record it may be the bands least successful record to date. However, like many of our underrated classics, it is one of the bands best. What Spiritual Machines has done for OLP was laid the foundation for the bands breakthrough in the U.S. 2002's Gravity, possibly the bands strongest and biggest commercial success would make them overnight sensations in the U.S. and the biggest band in their home country. This is an album that may be collecting dust at record stores, or on shelves, but my suggestion is to hand it off to a senior in High School or even College and let them see for themselves what this record is really about and what it can do for them.

Indy Watch

A whole new Indianajones.com was revealed this morning...complete with brand new layout, new video from the shoot wrap, new downloads and much more...check it out at www.indianajones.com

Playlist

Here are songs in heavy rotation on my iPod...

- As Tall As Lions - "Break Blossom"
- Stereophonics - "It Means Nothing"
- The Frames - "Fitzcarroldo"
- National - "Abel"
- Radiohead - "15th Step"
- Rodrigo Y Gabriella - "Diablo Rojo"
- Thursday - "Jet Black New Year"
- Oasis - "Lord Don't Slow Me Down"
- The Clash - "I'm So Bored with the U.S.A."

November Newsletter

Happy 1 year anniversary to the blog!!! I just want to say thanks for reading, commenting and all that fun stuff...As the year closes here are some things you should keep an eye out for in the remainder of 2007 on the blog..

• 2007 The Albums- Honorable Mentions--List to be unveiled the week of Thanksgiving
• 2007 The Albums-League of Their Own- Record and Artist to be revelled week after Thanksgiving
• 2007 The Albums- Best of (Top 10) - List to be released first week of December
• 2008 Albums to look out for - List will be unveiled week of New Year's
• Indiana Jones 4 Trailer (Thanksgiving)

Jonah Matranga Zombie Video

Considering today is Halloween, and in tandem with our movie of the month Shaun of the Dead...I thought this video will play just as many tricks as it is a treat..its the latest from Jonah Matranga called "Not About A Girl Or Place."

Live Review - Bayside at Nokia Theater

It was a sort of homecoming for the Queens/Long Island quartet Bayside as they begin there headlining trek around the country. It was a traveling Victory Records showcase featuring Bayside, The Sleeping, June, Driverside Impact and more, the emo-showcase made its way right to Times Square Friday night. "Seven years ago if you told us we would be playing Times Square I would have never believed you," Bayside singer Anthony Raneri mentioned halfway through the bands hour long set. Bayside a band that has come and gone under the emo and/or punk radar the past few years is finally deserving much success in support of this years latest The Walking Wounded. It is an album dealing with the loss of former drummer John "Beatz" Holohan who was killed in a car accident involving the whole band in 2005. Yet Bayside have marched on and continue to make music and tour in memory of their friend and band mate. They are a band that combines metal riffs, punk rhythm's and morbid lyrics. Playing most song of their first record Sirens and Condolences and Walking Wounded, Bayside even mixed it up a bit by doing a few acoustic songs which garnered much attention after Holohan's death. The Victory records tour will be on the road through New Years and worth checking out.

Quick News

Portishead are finally days away from finishing their much anticipated third album. According to the bands website, they are about to go into the mixing phase of the record. Presumably it will be out early next year (hopefully, we waited too damn long!).

Australian rockers Jet are calling it quits...as of now the band is on hiatus with all members looking to pursue solo careers and/or other musical outlets. It is rather unfortunate because they were indeed a fun rock band and a great live band as well. Saw them open for Oasis in Summer 2005 at the Garden and Jet surprised me on how well they were live, I was hooked from then on in.

Despite rumors Robert Plant insists there will NOT be a full out Led Zeppelin Tour. Zeppelin are reuniting for the first time in a over a decade with Jason Bonham (The late John Bonham's son) filling his father's shoes on drums, for special concerts in London next month.

Indy Watch

Nothing new to report from the Indy camp..however, the first box set of the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles hit shelves yesterday...check out the website with info, trailers and more at www.youngindy.com

I Am Legend New Trailer and More

This time last year I was working on the largest movie set ever to hit the streets of NYC...now its getting closer till I Am Legend, hits theaters...check out the latest trailer here

http://media.kino-govno.com/trailers/iamlegend/iamlegend_trailer_480.mov

Bruce and Arcade Fire Live Together

Two of my favorite concerts this year (if not of all time) join together when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band welcomed the Arcade Fire on stage in Ottawa to perform "Statetrooper," and "Keep the Car Running." Check them out!

200th Post!!

This is my 200th Post!! Thanks for reading, leaving feedback and supporting the site!

Live Review-Bruce Springsteen @ MSG

"BRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCEEEE!" A sold out crowd cheered on the second night of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's stop at New York's Madison Square Garden. Sharply arriving on stage at 8:30 and playing a blistering 2 1/2 hour set, the 59 year old Springsteen and his life long friends/band mates showed no signs of age or stopping. There are no adjectives and words that can describe a Springsteen concert, and learning this first hand Thursday night, it is so true. Undoubtedly the hardest working band in music and performers that make sure the blue collar audience gets their monies worth. Opening with the latest single off of the bands latest Magic, "Radio Nowhere," a song about miscommunication and censorship, Jersey's loved ones communicated a message of love, passion and fire. Playing career spanning songs from "She's the One," to "Thundercrack," to "The Rising," Bruce and E Street took four decades worth of material and played to a crowd of 60 to 10 year olds. Springsteen is an outspoken anti-Bush supporter and is not stranger to controversy, he did speak out just a tad about the war in Iraq and our current State of the Union, but he does it with love for his country. Right before playing the title track, "Magic," Springsteen stated "this is not a song about magic, but a song about tricks." Yet he did keep it simple and to the point, but when Bruce speaks, his audience listens. It is hard to describe a certain highlight or turning point during the concert, because every song seemed to out due the last. However, how do you manage to end such a trailblazing concert, you might ask? Well bring out your other band, joining the E Street Band for the last song of the night "American Land," Bruce brought out his 2006 touring mates the Seeger Sessions Band to jam out and further display his love of all music.

October 18, 2007
New York, New York
Madison Square Garden
Setlist:
Radio Nowhere
Night
Lonesome Day
Gypsy Biker
Magic
Reason To Believe
Candy's Room
She's The One
Livin' In The Future
The Promised Land
Tougher Than The Rest
Meeting Across The River Tour Premiere
Jungleland Tour Premiere
You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch)
Devil's Arcade
The Rising
Last To Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands
Encore:
Girls In Their Summer Clothes
Thundercrack
Born To Run
Dancing In The Dark
American Land with the Seeger Sessions Band

Support This Site

Have you gone to any concerts in the New York area in the past year?
Have you always wished you had amazing copies of some of your favorite shows?
Did you ever wish...Damn! I didn't get tickets and herd that concert was so good..
Or the show was sold out...

If you answered Yes to any of these..check out http://www.nyctaper.com/ Live recordings of some of the best shows this past year, including some I have reviewed and went to..such as Bjork @ MSG, The Hold Steady @ WTC, and Bruce Springsteen @ MSG...check it out, get the shows..then make a donation!

Indy Watch

Principle photography on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has officially ended. Be prepared for the trailer that will hit the web and theaters Thanksgiving.

Live Review-The National @ Terminal 5

It was a big night for buzz band The National and the venue that held them Thursday night. What once was hot spot and former employer of actor Vin Diesel, New York City's club Exit, after being closed for sometime, NYC monopoly promoters "The Bowery Presents.." have transformed the one time E dropping club into one of the cities premiere new music venues. It was the grand opening of Terminal 5, the place many indie acts this fall will call home, and for the Ohio born via Brooklyn musicians The National they had to welcome everyone in. With fresh paint still on the walls and floors, the three story venue packed a 3,000 sold out crowd for the rising band.
My good friend Bill Reese and I had the chance to see The National open for The Arcade Fire back in May at United Palace Theater, yet the band we saw in May, was not the same band we saw Thursday night. The opened Thursday night with older songs from their catalogue, "Start a War," and then into "Slow Show," but for a band that is as moody as the Velvet Underground and as dark as Nick Cave, their live performance brightened their own songs more than any record could do justice. The band's latest Boxer, is a dark, heavy drum and bass record with singer Tim Berninger hunting vocals and unexplainable lyrics were brought to life. The National's latest single "Fake Empire," proved this when it was played right before the end of the first set. The bands show Thursday not only surprised the audience on how amazing these guys in concert, something no one would have expected from a dreary sounding band, but also how great of musicians they actually are. Live they are a mixture of their former touring mates Aracade Fire, with a bit of The Frames and early R.E.M., thrown in.
If The National's jaw dropping concert is any indication to what the rest of Terminal 5 will hold, be prepared for hipsters and music lovers making their way to the top of Midtown for a good time.

Justice Live on Kimmel

French electro DJ's Justice give one of the more creative performances on late night TV in a while...here they are performing "D.A.N.C.E" from their album +

Indy Watch

Steven Spielberg sat down with the folks at comingsoon.net and gave a brief but rather awesome interview about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, he mentions that this is one of the first live action big budget pictures and probably the last to use actual film stock and not shoot digital...Spielberg also discussed Transformers and shed some light on his team up with Peter Jackson about Tin tin..

Check out the interview and geek out here http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=38211

BUY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are albums you should buy right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Buy Now!!!!!!!!!!!!
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Bruce Springsteen - Magic
Justice - + (cross)

Current Jammers:
Kanye West - Graduation
VHS or Beta - Bring on the Comets
The National - Boxer
Silverchair - Young Modern
Hold Steady - Live at Fingerprints

Indy Watch

While Steven Spielberg is going after people leaking news about the new Indiana Jones film (and rightfully so), George Lucas is becoming obsessed with the Crystal Skull idea in which the new film focuses on. Check out fan site TheRaider.net, for some historical context about the skull and hear what Lucas has to say.

http://www.theraider.net/news/fullstory_indy4.php?id=335

Quick News

Police Guitarist Andy Summers has hinting that the legendary reunited band might be hitting the studio soon to record new material. In a statement to the Associated Press Summers proclaimed "I would see it as a challenge, to make an absolutely brilliant pop album at this stage of our career, and that would be something quite remarkable." If it does happen, it would be the bands first new record in 24 years.

In related great news, Amy Winehouse is ready to head back to the studio to work on a follow up to Back to Black. I think Pink however stole the title of what Winehouse's next opus would be called I'm Not Dead.

It looks like a trend now in the music industry, rather than a great idea. Like Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails Trent Reznor has cut his ties with Interscope records after 18 years. He had this to say via the bands website:
"Hello everyone. I've waited a LONG time to be able to make the following announcement: as of right now Nine Inch Nails is a totally free agent, free of any recording contract with any label. I have been under recording contracts for 18 years and have watched the business radically mutate from one thing to something inherently very different and it gives me great pleasure to be able to finally have a direct relationship with the audience as I see fit and appropriate.

Look for some announcements in the near future regarding 2008.

Exciting times, indeed."

Arcade Fire Live at Randalls Island

What can I say about the Arcade Fire that I have not said already aside from just filling their ego's up some more--and they do deserve it. This is not a live review (if you are looking for one, check out my May 2007 post), this is more praise to a band that is the best live show I have seen all year and the best live act I have seen since U2. The big news that I do need to report is front man Win Butler stated that this will be the last of the bands performances state side in a few years, after they travel to Europe to finish out the year, they will be taking a very long hiatus. They are truly a traveling circus and more of something out of a Fellini film rather than the record industry. The Canadian outfit took their show to the last spot on their US tour at New York's Randall's Island for a Indie rock fest that featured LCD Sound system, Blond Redhead and more. I have to say I am not an LCD Sound system fan AT ALL, but their live performance changed that and truly impressed me.

Check out photos of the show via Pitchfork:
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/46202-photos-arcade-fire-lcd-soundsystem-les-savy-fav-blonde-redhead-new-york-ny-100607

New Oasis Video

Here is the new Oasis video "Lord Don't Slow Me Down," taken from their forthcoming DVD of the same name....the DVD hits shelves later this month.

Live Review-Bloc Party at Theater @ MSG

"We are going to bring our A game tonight" proclaimed Bloc Party singer Kele Okereke last night just three songs into the band's thunderous set. The road dogs of international rock made their final US stop last night at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, an intimate, yet large enough venue to hold the alt-rockers. Making sure everyones heart beat was up and dancing shoes were on, Bloc Party proved why they have been on the international circuit since the bands formation in 2003. Banging through tracks from the bands latest A Weekend in the City and their debut Silent Alarm, they were also able to play a few new songs, including the bands latest B-side single "Flux." The bands style a cross between Joy Division meets Bjork meets Depeche Mode meets Gang of Four, shows that their hybrid of rock, electro and punk is not only inspiring, but just plain brilliant. The highlight of the performance was when they rocked through the band played their biggest singles to date "Banquet," and then "The Prayer." The biggest surprise was that "I Still Remember," a song that did very well on the US charts was not played, but was certainly not missed. What also made Bloc Party's show last night was not just how electrifying the four men on stage are together, but how endearing and sincere Kele is to his audience. He reminds me of Chris Martin with dreadlocks and soul power, his band mates are rather shy, but Kele's extroverted personality makes up for them ten-fold. Calling his New York crowd "Cool Cats," and making sure they were entertained, you see why every time they come to the city that never sleeps, they don't either. Bloc Party brought more than their "A" game last night, they brought something that can only be summed up in one word and that is "wow."

Indy Watch

It should be called "Indiana Jones and the Thieves of Secrets" instead of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull...in the past couple weeks leaked info and huge robbery was occurred on the set of the forthcoming film. As mentioned in the last "Indy Watch" post, a extra squealed (as I called it career suicide), to his local paper and disclosed all of the secrets he had witness while on set of the film as a Russian Dancer. Since then not only has Spielberg come out an pretty much made it clear that person will never work in Hollywood again. Plus to make matters worse or just plain getting even, Spielberg and Paramount have filed a lawsuit against the actor.

In related news, a robbery on the L.A. set of the film occurred earlier this week when, according to the L.A. Times "Over 2000 production stills, plenty of sensitive paperwork including a complete production budget breakdown, possibly the script from Indiana Jones 4 and multiple computers were stolen from Spielberg’s Universal Studio office." Well, the moral of the story is don't fuck with Steven Spielberg...FBI and LAPD conducted a sting operation and caught the thief. West Hollywood sheriff Steven Whitemore stated "officers posing as potential buyers arrested the man on suspicion of receiving stolen property. The goods had been advertised for sale through emails sent out to entertainment-gossip Web sites." Add another name to the Hollywood blacklist.

Kanye West on SNL

Above: Kanye West performs "Stronger" and "The Good Life" on SNL.

Below: Kanye performs "Champion" and "Everything I Am," with freestyle.

Movie of the Month - Shaun of the Dead

In the month we celebrate Halloween, I would like to look at something somewhat scary (maybe in theory) and constantly hysterical. The theory behind a romantic comedy with zombies probably sounds like the most ridiculous thing you have ever herd...well it is. If you are a film fan, you are probably asking, how did a studio back this and expect to make money? Well leave it up to the Brits to do it right. What could be one of the funniest and most cleaver movies in ages Shaun of the Dead directed by Edgar Wright and starring the comedy team of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in the role that would be all three's claim to fame. The film is about a man, you guessed it Shaun, whose girlfriend has left him and he is trying all he can to get her back. On the day he tries the hardest, in a 28 Days Later fashion, London gets hit with a virus turning the whole city into Zombies. Shaun does all he can to win her back and save her from turning into a zombie herself. The comedy doesn't stop from beginning to end, and the script was so well respected that classic British actor Bill Nighy has a small role and even features a great cameo by Coldplay's Chris Martin and Guy Berryman. So this Halloween season, ditch the usual bad B-list horror film and take a stab at Shaun of the Dead.

Underated Classic-The Roots Phrenology

A few years ago I was sitting in the back of a Journalism class I was taking in College, mind you I was not a Journalism major. The day after the 2003 Grammy awards my Professor (who looks like Uncle Phil from "Fresh Prince") comes storming into class, throws his briefcase on his desk and screams "WHO THE FUCK IS NORA JONES!" Myself, like the rest of the class didn't know whether to laugh or run out of the room. My Professor proceeded by saying "how does an unknown like her, get ruled out over known boys like The Roots?!" Everyone in class just seemed really perplexed and I just sat there as if I just stepped into the right place. My Professor asked around the class if anyone had herd Phrenology by The Roots? Everyone shook their heads and I raised mine proudly. He and I spent the rest of the class talking about how this is the definitive hip-hop record of that time and completely overlooked. So now, I am taking that conversation to text with this months underrated classic. The Roots have been the most incredible, most vivacious, most unstoppable force in music (in any genre) since 1987. But in 2002 they released what could go down as one of the best records of this decade, one of the best hip-hop albums of all time and certainly one of the best records of that year and their career. Before Kanye West, while Jay-Z was ruling the charts and while 50 was just coming into his own, The Roots were the band that held hip-hop together and garnished nothing but respect from fans, peers and critics alike. Never before had anyone ever herd anything so eclectic, that it made you stop and think "are these guys real?" Phrenology was the record that not only put them to the top of their game, but started to make them a household name as well. "The Seed 2.0" featuring Cody ChestnuTT would be one of the most played singles of that year and song that got the underground sensation to the mainstream. Phrenology combines everything from jazz, neo-soul, reggae, rock, R&B and rap into a full on record of epic proportions. The Roots known for NOT having a DJ, and being an actual band, that play actual instruments are not your conventional hip-hop group. Never afraid to express themselves such as on the raunchy "Pussy Galore" or present social issues to their audience with "Rolling with Heat," a collaboration with Talib Kweli. The Roots became much more than a band, or musical group, on Phrenology they became instant legends. And now I ask you, who the fuck is Nora Jones!, and why didn't these boys win or become a greater success than one could dream.

RADIOHEAD!RADIOHEAD!RADIOHEAD!

You could not escape the biggest news to hit the music industry since Pink Floyd decided to reunite for Live 8 two years ago...Radiohead, the biggest unsigned band in the world is releasing their next record In Rainbows, next week...yeah, follow me on this now..
-Originally slated for an early 2008 release the boys decided to secretly release the record for next Tuesday
- The record comes in three formats to choose from:

• Format A) a Digital NON DRM Mp3 (meaning you can burn a million copies of the disc or put it on a million Ipods) of 10 of the 18 tracks, best part is you pick the price..so you wanna just pay the $.90 service charge or give the band $5,000 go right ahead, you decide.
• Format B) is a special box set (not shipping until December 3 from the UK) that features everything a fan could ask for from soup to nuts of a two disc vinyl, a CD featuring all 18 tracks, a CD of B-Sides and photo books an much more..this will run you $80..
• Format C) is a hard copy CD NOT being released till 08 featuring all 18 tracks.

This is pretty much a big middle finger to the record industry now and possibly the most brilliant thing I have heard in a very long time...for more info head on over to Pitchfork to read more in detail http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/46015-new-radiohead-album-aaaaaaahhh

Or to just get right to it head over to www.inrainbows.com to pre-order the disc.

Playlist

Here are list of track you should check out and spin...

Kanye West Feat. Chris Martin - "Homecoming"
Bjork - "Hyperballad"
Bruce Springsteen - "Radio Nowhere"
Paulo Nutini - "New Shoes"
Foo Fighters - "Pretender"
The Doors - "The End"
Coheed and Cambria - "The Running Free"
Incubus - "Oil and Water"
The National - "Fake Empire"
Jimmy Eat World - "Chase the Light"

Live Review - Bjork at MSG

While evil in its purest form gathered in Manhattans East Side at the U.N., peace and love gathered on the other side of the island at Madison Square Garden when hipsters of all nations united to see the Icelandic Princess herself. Staged by a Medieval backdrop and complete with a full brass ensemble, Bjork skipped and hopped to and fro on stage and delivered an inferno of light, sound and magic. Opening with "Earth Intruders," one of the Timbaland produced tracks from her latest Volta, Bjork commanded the crowd like a ruling Queen rather than a rock star. Bjork's sound was supported not only by the brass ensemble, but two live DJ's, a drummer and organ player. Her voice, as powerful as it is captivating, is something you would not expect from such a tiny person the way she was swelling a sound like an opera singer.
Yet, it's in her voice and lyrics that you can understand why people keep coming back for more or as often as they can, considering Bjork's rare live schedule. Her voice live is not perfect, it is powerful, however, it is also vulnerable, it cracks and then she whispers and then it sounds as if she is singing a lullaby to her audience-but this could all be part of the show. For when she wants, Bjork will awaken the beast inside her and this is a warning, stand back because what you will feel and hear will surprise you.
The highlight of the program came three quarters into her set when she jammed "Army of Me," and kicked into "Innocence," and propelled the audience to high octane. During her performance the light and magic and color that filled her movements and lyrics were in sync to each beat and at points I felt as if I was:
A) In a club
B) Knew exactly what a seizure felt like
C) Knew what taking E at a 90's rave must have been.
This all came full circle at the closing of her first set with the chaotic "Hyperballad." All of this adds to Bjork's creativity, she unlike anyone in music today is not afraid to dabble into this. I knew I was at a rock show, but at points I didn't know whether to fist pump, sway my hips or head bang. Nevertheless, that is Bjork, she leaves it all for you to decide. Never have I ever seen creativity so alive and abstract in front of my eyes. She is a traveling Museum of Modern Art and something you should endure.

Bjork Setlist MSG 9/24/07
01. Intro - Brennið Þið Vitar 02. Earth Intruders 03. Hunter 04. Pagan Poetry 05. I See Who You Are (Feat. Min Xiao-Fen) 06. Unravel 07. The Pleasure Is All Mine 08. Dull Flame Of Desire (Feat. Antony Hegarty) 09. Jóga 10. Desired Constellation 11. Army Of Me 12. Innocence 13. I Miss You 14. Cover Me 15. Wanderlust 16. Hyperballad
(Encore) 17. Plutoencore (Encore 2) 18. Oceania 19. Declare Independence

Gogol Bordello Live on Letterman

Gypsy Punkers Gogol Bordello brought their traveling circus to the Ed Sullivan Theater this past summer for a performance of "Wanderlust King."

Quick News

After seeing an advanced cut of Ridley Scott's latest film American Gangster, Jay-Z was slated to record only a few tracks for the films soundtrack, however, he was so inspired he cut a whole album! The record along with the film starring Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington arrive in November.

The Beastie Boys are mixing it up again...this time they are adding vocals to The Mix Up, an album of musical arrangements done by the Beasties. Yet it is not what you think, they will not be singing or rhyming over their work, they have tapped a slew of British singers and Emcee's such as Jarvis Cocker, MIA, Lily Allen and many more...

After seven long and curious years, Zach De La Rocha is finally putting out his long awaited solo record. The Chinese Democracy of solo records was recorded mostly in Jack Johnson's eco friendly studio in California, however, a label and release date have not been set. Also, no word on whether the collaborations from Trent Reznor and ?Love will appear on this as well.

New Yorks New Hope

In the shadows of what once stood the Twin Towers and the land that was and will always be the World Trade Center, fans from all over gathered for a free concert from the biggest band to come out of New York City since The Ramones. That band is, The Hold Steady. This, unlike anything I have written, is not a Live Review (if you are looking for one of The Hold Steady, see Bill Reese's article from last month), instead this is more of a statement, a testament of sorts to a tight group of five guys singing about life, love and the pursuit of happiness. There are not five individuals that love their job more and show it each and everyday more than the guys in The Hold Steady. Their live show reflects this and more importantly symbolizes how far they and the city that inhibits them has come.
Half way through the bands set at 7 World Trade Center, a chill hit right to the bones of everyone in attendance, some could argue that it was the wind swooping around the enormous buildings and hitting off the concrete. I'll say it was the angels next to us in the well of souls finally looking down with some ease. Hold Steady singer Craig Finn became humble and emotional when speaking about the loss of a loved one on 9/11. After his diatribe during the set, spirits awoke and came to enjoy themselves, much like their mortal counterparts. The band was draped right in front of the intimidating Silverstein building and for a concert put on by corporate America to revive Lower Manhattan, The Hold Steady were the best band to kick things off.
They are a band comprised from all over the U.S. that formed in Brooklyn earlier this decade. Five guys from five parts of the country that truly represent the five boroughs. They are New York City. They danced and played on that stage as if it were their last time ever to play in front of anyone. Bottom line The Hold Steady like New Yorkers are living for the moment in its purest form. Give these guys some time and soon enough they will be to New York what the Dropkick Murphy's are to Boston. In a city that never sleeps, souls alive and faithfully departed can rest while these guys are in town.