Thursday, February 28, 2013

Album Review: Chelsea Light Moving -Chelsea Light Moving

Chelsea Light Moving
Chelsea Light Moving
**** out of *****

Like the death of MCA, the breakup of noiserock guru's Sonic Youth was not a topic we ever addressed here at RTBE because quite frankly we didn't want to deal with either issue. Granted one is much more final, but both are devastating events to our musical lives.

Here now we have Thurston Moore's first musical response to the separation, Chelsea Light Moving. Named after an actual moving company run by Phillip Glass and Steve Reich, this 4 piece is straight up guitars-bass-drums attacking the noiserock sound in a fairly direct manner.  Recorded in only two sessions up in rural Massachusetts there is a raw energy even in their delicate numbers.

Who knows if these songs will grow and expand or this will be a short lived project, but when it ends this self-titled effort is incredibly satisfying. A lot of the tracks here are expansive (6 minutes plus) fluctuating between pretty and vein-slashing riffs.  Most have their moments where aggression and sorrow seem to be at odds. Two that stand out are the early pair of "Sleep Where I Fall" and "Alighted" both are contorted rides that end up enjoyable, and not too far removed from where Moore was around The Eternal.            

"Communist Eyes" and "Lip" burn more primal, letting off some steam as tracks like "Empires of Time" and "Groovy & Linda" veer towards the odder side of things, experimenting with sounds, tape recordings and tempos.  An excitingly angular ode to a  famous junkie finds "Burroughs" building and building over its 6+ minutes before its flooding release. "Mohawk" is the most experimental track here, ending with guitar warbles and spoken word poetry that closes while referencing Darby Crash and shower surprises.  

Much will be made of Moore's lyrics and their link to his ex-marriage and current situation, it is inevitable with repeated phrases like: "Getting wasted", "Never being alone", "Sleeping Where I Fall" and  especially "Get Fucking Mad/To Fucking Bad".  Sure listeners can infer deeper personal meaning, however taking them simply in context works just as well with the punk, raw, DIY ethos feel of Chelsea Light Moving first release.

Moore has never sat still with countless side projects and hobbies, but with his main act defunct it will be interesting to see if Chelsea Light Moving becomes a new focus or just another blip in the excellent songwriter/guitar player/sound wranglers career. If the band sticks around this is an exhilarating foundation to build upon.
_____________________________________________________________________
This whole thing took me by surprise and in a very very good way.  Buy the album here, support the band here and peep a sample video below:
 "Burroughs"

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Live Review: Turtle Island 2/14/13 SRB Brooklyn, NY

Hey All,

Got a new review up over on Glide.

Read it Right C'here!!!!

It is of Turtle Island's Valentines Day Show at SRB in Brooklyn.

My good friend Glen mentioned that a band he loved from Japan was coming over to the US and we should go see them.

After listening to a few tunes I was hooked.  The live show was even better, a great mix of styles literally crossing all over the map/globe/world.  Multiple influences are almost to many to count in their sound, but they are a band that I will def be keeping tabs on.

Peep this edited video below to get a sense of their style and check out their Myspace page for a few full songs:

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Happy Birthday Fats Domino!

We are itching to get down to NOLA for our annual Jazzfest trip, so it is with great joy we get to wish one of the patron saints of that town a Happy Birthday
Today back in 1928 Fats Domino was born down in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans.  Such a great artist, his songs are timeless, so enjoy a few this evening: 
"I'm Walkin'"

"Walking To New Orleans"

"Jambalaya"

We will end with "Blueberry Hill" 

I have a distinct memory of listening to this song very early on in my schooling (kindergarten I believe) which would make it one of the first songs I heard out side of my family's (Irish Folk, Beatles, Soul, Doo-Wop, Jazz and of course Sesame Street) music they played for me. Wow Not sure I had thought about in decades...ain't tunes amazing?!?!  Anyways...Happy Birthday Fats.

Album Review: Stag -Stag

 Stag
Stag
**and1/2 out of *****

Cruising sunny rock and roll with tons of breezy pop flourishes and inviting choruses make Stag's first full length a pleasant listen.  Short tunes to the point that make for fun car rides or spins at long lost soda fountains. 

Only one track sticks past the 3:30 mark as the tracks harken back to an early rock sound without the blues mixed in.  Tracks like opener "These Times", first single "Don't Lead With Your Heart" and "Don't Call Me" are breezy quick saccharine sounding romps. 

It is not all roses though as Stag blend those sweet sounds with some darker lyrics like on "Tiffany Rose" which joyfully sings about "ice cream capers", "radio singers and painted fingers" before a chorus that mourns a lost and internally wounded friend/lover. 

The band Stag brings to mind readily is Cheap Trick with their blatant pop sound but extra filling underneath. That combo is everywhere, but tracks like "Ides Of March" explicitly call forth the connection in a positive way.  Fans of pop flavored rock should enjoy Stag and even those who are not huge into this sound would find it hard to dislike the songs with their upbeat vibe.   

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Support the Band here, grab the album here and peep some tunes below:
"Don't Lead With Your Heart"


Monday, February 25, 2013

Dylan Cover #76 Richie Havens "Tombstone Blues"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is an acoustic cover by Richie Havens playing "Tombstone Blues"

Thoughts on Original:
An energetic psychedelic whirlwind of a blues number, I have loved "Tombstone Blues" from the first time I ever heard it. A song that really goes out of its way to be the blues, but has Dylan at his hyped up peak lyrically, causing some chuckle worthy lines with darkness around the corners.  Perfect Dylan, and also a perfect song for covering as there are lots of avenues to take with this one...  
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
Forever attached to the 60's (thanks to Woodstock) Richie Havens is a hell of a performer who has covered the best of them, it is actually surprising we are on cover #76 and this is the first time we are dealing with Richie.  A solid voice of the 60's and an energetic guitar player singer who clearly loves Dylan this is just one of the many tributes he has recorded...
Thoughts on Cover:
Richie tackles this expertly, moving from electric whirling to acoustic uptempo strumming.  That change doesn't diminish the energy or the passion.  Havens and company keep adding (backing vocals, hand drums) as they go along and the farce grows and swirls wonderfully.  A very well done cover from an obvious fan of the Bard.   
Grade: B+

(PS Happy Birthday Ma Dukes!)

Friday, February 22, 2013

Full Show Friday: Memphis Slim & Sonny Boy Williamson: Blues Legends Live in Europe

Last year we searched the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and posted them to the site monthly.  That was all well and good but this year RtBE is upping the ante with a show every week to celebrate Full Show Friday's.  These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Memphis Slim & Sonny Boy Williamson!

Not only are there the two headliners, but Matt Guitar Murphy is playing the six strings and Bill Stepney is manning the skins!  This is an all-star show that lasts just under an hour and needs to be seen by all who like the blues.  Extra bonus features include Mae Mercer and Otis Spann too...what a hoot! 

Highlights all of a young MGM's hot guitar licks, especially in "All By Myself". Sonny's great Harp on "I'm A Lonely Man" and Spann's amazing piano playing to finish things off.. 


Enjoy Friday and some down home cookin' blues:

Tracklisting
From Jazz Prisma1963
1. The Blues Is Everywhere-MEMPHIS SLIM
2. All By Myself-MEMPHIS SLIM
3. My Gal Keeps Me Crying-MEMPHIS SLIM
4. Matt's Guitar Boogie-MEMPHIS SLIM
5. I'm Lost Without You-MEMPHIS SLIM
6. Wish Me Well-MEMPHIS SLIM
7. I'm A Lonely Man-SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON
8. Keep It To Yourself-SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON
9. Your Funeral And My Trial-SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON
10. Bye Bye Bird-SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON
From The American Folk Blues Festivals 1962:
11. Rockin' The House-MEMPHIS SLIM
From The American Folk Blues Festivals 1963:
12. I'll Just Keep Singing The Blues-MEMPHIS SLIM
From a Danish Short Film 1964:
13. Whose Gonna Take Care Of You-SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON
14. It's Raining Outdoors Baby-SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON
15. Have You Enjoyed My Playing-SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON
SPECIAL BONUS MATERIAL
16. Careless Love-SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON & MAE MERCER
From the Newport Folk Festival 1960:
17. Boogie Woogie Blues-OTIS SPANN
18. Slow Sweet Blues-OTIS SPANN

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Album Review: Lost Animal - Ex-Tropical

Hey All,

Got a new review up over on Glide.

Check it out right c'here!!!!

It is of Lost Animal's debut release, Ex-Tropical

I will admit right off of the bat that this form of Electro/Dream/Pop is not really my bag and over the last few years I have been liking the proliferation of it less and less.  So imagine my surprise when this album really connected with me.

Jarrod Quarrell has really done a great job here and if you are a fan of that sort of sound, definitely give it a whirl. If you are not, give a few tracks a listen anyhow, I think this kid from the other side of the globe has really found something here.   

Grab the album here, Support the artist here and peep some samples below:
"Lose The Baby"

 "Say No To Thugs"

"Greylands" Live

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

RTBE Freegal Mix #3

Well we haven't done one of these in a while...It is time once again for some free tuneage RTBE Style:

Click Here for the Free Download!!!


We are dipping back into the Free Database Service Freegal, provided by the good ol' NYPL. We have compiled 9 songs for your listening pleasure, spanning all over the globe, genre and musical timeline.  Below we will go over our picks, but just realize they will be jumping around a lot, just like a  good mix should.  Enjoy.

1. Consolacao  - Trio 3D
2. You Pretty Little Girl - Dwayne Dopsie, The Zydeco Hellraisers
3. I Got A Right - Iggy Pop & The Stooges
4. Watch Out - Modus
5. List of Demands - Saul Williams
6. The Night Time Is The Right Time - "Big" Joe Turner
7. Piggly Wiggly - Beale Street Washboard Band
8. Where You Find It - Unknown Instructors
9. Girlschool - Britny Fox

Some overview should go into this haphazard collection, but basically we just grabbed some stuff we knew and some we hadn't.  First off is the Brazilian Jazz of Trio 3D, they were the reason we started this mix, so we figured we'd open with them.

While listening to some jazz on youtube, this song popped up on the right hand side, we played it and loved it.  After not finding too much about them online, we decided to try the Freegal database and this mix was born.  The intro here reminds us of a Primus intro and the jazz after that is delicious.   

Never too far from NOLA (in our mind at least) we dip into some Zydeco next with Dwayne Dopsie.  This is the second time we touched on this genre this month. The Punk rock distorts its way home with Iggy Pop & The Stooges next, they sure do have a right. A band called Modus is next, not too much known about them, except that we love this tune with it's garage rock style and meaty organ sound.   

After that Saul Williams gets some air time.  We actually reviewed this awesomely titled album back when it came out, and we mentioned just grabbing this song and moving on....so that is what we did for you.  "Big" Joe Turner is next up with a great live version of "The Night Time Is The Right Time", a pure gem.

We go back even more old school for the Beale Street Washboard Band as they old-timey their way through the festive "Piggly Wiggly".  The post-punk of the Unknown Instructors is next, I hadn't heard of this pairing of artists (a reunited Minutemen rhythm section!) until I started digging into Fregal and doing some research. This song was very interesting to me, hope you enjoy it, but I know it may not be for everyone.  

Speaking of not for everyone...We end things strictly because of a drunken rambling the other night with Tom.  For some UN-godly reason Britny Fox came up in conversation...please do not inquire as too why.  Anyway, this is another great use for Freegal, dredging up long dead memories and making them come to just as ugly life as you remember them....

This wouldn't be complete without Britny's video for "Girlschool". The video is the reason one synapse in my brain remembered this song, well maybe not the whole video, but the main girl at least never left my mind...smoking hot... here you go...

you are welcome, I think.  Anyway enjoy the mix and I apologize to Big Joe Turner's ghost for including him with Britny Fox...ahhh Rock and Roll....

Midweek Cool Tune: Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers "Little Too Late"

Hey all!  Got some music coming up later for you, but before that now semi-surprise, check out this new tune from Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers.  It is called "Little Too Late"

A female fronted folkise-rock band with their footsie's back in the 70's.  This tune instantly reminded me of one of RTBE's All Time Favorites, The Band. It has a very earthy roots-rock feel, hard not to instantly dig on it.

We were turned onto the great tune today with the announcement that the group will be touring some really big festivals this spring/summer and it is easy to see great thing in their very near future as this track kicks booty. Expect to hear more about them real soon....

You can stream some more of their tunes here, support the band here and peep the first thing that put them on my radar, the groups van aided cover of the Hall & Oates classic, "I Can't Go For That" which has garnered almost 2 million views already...
   

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Album Review- Eels - Wonderful, Glorious

Eels
Wonderful, Glorious
***and1/2 out of *****

There is a line on Eels newest release that sums up when Mark Oliver Everett is at his best, "In the ring so long/gonna prove'em wrong/I'm not knocked out/but I'm on the ropes".  The song is aptly titled "On The Ropes" and it is this space between defeated and just OK where E seems to thrive. 

On past releases (the bleak End Times) he was all but smothered and out for the count, dishearteningly and disturbingly so. Here Eels and crew aren't exactly as elated as the title suggests, but there is a fighting spirit that seeps into the tunes, giving slight hope and elevating this collection of songs over any E has recently contributed.

The opener "Bombs Away" never delivers the musical bomb alluded too, instead it goes hymn like with a church organ delivering texture instead of devastation.  Moods and mental states are at the forefront lyrically and they range all over as any listener to past E records will surely recognize. 

While the lyrics may be a touch schizophrenic the music stays remarkably constant. There is a slinky guitar that dominates, and can elevate the groove nicely.  Electro pulses and flourishes color "Kinda Fuzzy" and the confident "New Alphabet" with its big chorus are highlights, but the pianos and layered strings that seem to drift in an out of songs keeps things fresh.  The title track closes the album with a shake and shimmy, going for the spiritual love aspect with a wordless chorus of oohs and aahs before a crescendo that ends things on a positive upbeat note. 

Everett has never sounded closer to Tom Waits vocally and musically then on Wonderful, Glorious.  Who knows if this trend will continue or E will move onto other things next time out,  all we can do is listen to this one and enjoy it for what it is; a solid album. 
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We have loved Eels in the past and hated him.  We are always excited to check out his work though and this one is a goodie. 

Support the artist here, grab the disk here and peep some sample tracks below:
"New Alphabet"

"Kinda Fuzzy"

Monday, February 18, 2013

Bob Dylan Cover #75 Wyclef Jean "Knockin On Heavens Door"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Wyclef Jean playing "Knockin' On Heavens Door"
Thoughts on Original:
The song that seems to have been covered by anyone, but when originally recorded it it was on one of Dylan's oddest releases yet. A straight ahead mournful number that just seems to work, it has invaded culture (possibly because of all the covers) and I would wager is one of Dylan's most widely known tunes... 
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I mentioned a few weeks ago about a song calling to mind a vision or a memory, well Wyclef Jean just screams of my early years in college.  The Fugees were everywhere in the mid nineties and Wyclef was the main male voice from them. Since then I have barely listened to them or him, but hearing his voice brings back some of my best memories so I have always enjoyed him.    
Thoughts on Cover:
Making this song his own, Wyclef injects his lyrics, using "Knockin On Heavens Door" more as a template to vamp on or within.  We have dealt with one of these in the past and didn't like the result.  This time however, we find Wyclef's version very listenable and moving, perhaps it is the fact that everyone has covered this song or whatever, this one is Ok.
Grade: C+

Friday, February 15, 2013

Full Show Friday: Parliment Funkadelic: The Mothership Connection 1976

Last year we searched the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and posted them to the site monthly.  That was all well and good but this year RtBE is upping the ante with a show every week to celebrate Full Show Friday's.  These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Parliament Funkadelic!

We have always loved the P-Funk, one of the earliest CD's we bought with our own money was Parliament Funkadelic's Greatest Hits and the band has stuck around in my gooey brain until this day. They are just an amazing band that can rock and roll with heavyweights, sing like angels and get down and booty-fully dirty funky better then all of them.   

Highlights are The opening riff fest that is "Cosmic Slop"...blows the mind to hear this track, really a show stopper and that's just the beginning.  "Standing on the Verge", "Comin' Round The Mountain" and "Funkin For Fun" are also great.

Happy Friday, Enjoy The Mothership Connection, and keep it greasy.


Cosmic Slop
Do that Stuff
Gammin' on Ya
Standing on the Verge
Undisco Kid
Children of Production
Mothership Connection
Dr. Funkenstein
Comin' Around the Mountain
P. Funk
Tear the Roof Off the Sucker
Night of the Thumpasorous Peoples
Funkin' for Fun

George Clinton - Vocals
Garry Shider (diaper) - Guitar
Micheal Hampton (sombrero) - Guitar
Glenn Goins (purple leotard) - Guitar
Cordell Mosson - Bass
Jerome Brailey - Drums
Bernie Worrell - Keyboards

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Album Review: Red Jacket Mine -Someone Else's Cake

Red Jacket Mine
Someone Else's Cake
*** out of *****

The Lincoln Barr lead Red Jacket Mine has put out their third album, Someone Else's Cake, a solid collection of robust pop tracks.  Think of a relaxed Elvis Costello with an extra sprinkling of soul and you will get a sense of what Barr and crew are all about.  

Someone Else's Cake grows as it progresses, early on the organ fueled pop rock of "Amy" and "Nickel & Dime" is catchy fun if not all that exciting, but things really flush out on the flip-side of the album.  "Better To Be Broken Than Blind" is a horn drenched heart-breaker that raises the bar before the title track shows off the most complete sweet pop-rocking effort on the disk.

Even when the band switches gears and goes for some alt-country on "Have You Got A Permit To Preach On This Corner" they succeed with a tongue-in-cheek ballad.  Barr closes things out on a high note as well with the hip shaking "Bellar & Bawl".

At times reminding of a funkier Wilco, or less experimental My Morning Jacket, Red Jacket Mine are using tried and true pop rock formula's to craft a solid album that is breezy and fun, give it a spin.     
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Another winning release from Fin Records, Red Jacket Mine prove here that you don't need to reinvent the wheel each time out to create a solid effort. 
Support the band here, Buy the album here (it is out on 2/19), and peep some samples below:
"Bellar & Bawl"

"Listen Up (If The World Is Going To Hell)"


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Album Review: Blackfeet Braves -Blackfeet Braves

Hey all,

Got a new review up over at Glide.

You can read it right c'here!!!!

It is of Blackfeet Braves first, Self Titled release.

The band is going for a very specific motif here and they hit it squarely.  If you like your psych-pop give this one a listen as it delivers those hooks and fuzzed out weirdness.  The band obivously still wishes it was the mid sixties...damn hippies...get a job!!! Where was I???

I personally like this style of pop-rock and find it engaging.  I keep finding hidden gems on that Nuggets disk I referenced in the review, and this album could slip a song or two right in there and both parties would be happy. 

Below you can find a few video samples and you can purchase/stream the whole album at the bands Bandcamp page
"Vicious Cycle"

"Trippin' Like I Do"



Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Album Review: Letting Up Despite Great Faults-Untogether

Letting Up Despite Great Faults
Untogether
** and ½ out of *****

Electro-Dream-Pop is what the Austin, TX based Letting Up Despite Great Faults is flaunting on their second full length release Untogether. Being written and conceived at a tough time in frontman Mike Lee’s life the album deals with breaking up, moving on and finding yourself anew.

The opening track “Visions” has an edge and human passion that can often elude this type of music. “Scratch” and “The Best Part” pump up the keyboards, moving things over to dance floor before the band gets full-on electronica for “Numbered Days”.  The 90% instrumental (there are some “ooh’s and aah’s”) “Details of My Day” cranks up the bass output working nicely and “Breaking” feels like a Silversun Pickups ballad outtake.      

Tracks like “Postcard” and “Take My Jacket, Pauline” continue the dreamy-floating formula with breathy vocals, wispy guitars, electro keys and synth like drums. Retro fans of this soundscape will feel united by Untogether, but fans looking for something new may be left disappointed.       
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Not much more to say.  Buy the album here, catch them live here, and peep some samples below:
"Visions"

"Bulletproof Girl"

Monday, February 11, 2013

Dylan Cover #74 Mariachi El Bronx "Love Sick"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Mariachi El Bronx playing "Love Sick"

Thoughts on Original:
From our first cover take on this song:
The opener on Dylan's 1997 classic Time Out Of Mind, signaled to the world, that the old bard had tons of great songs left in him.  Considered by some (not RTBE) his comeback album  Time Out Of Mind showcased stark songs with biting lyrics and most importantly lush sounding production; Dylan ditched modern sound for one he liked better.  The result was a true winner, no better seen then on this disk opener.  Dylan identified with every human via the lyric, "I'm sick of love/and I'm in the thick of it"  Who hasn't been there?  A great song that kicks off a great album, it would be nice if he played it live though...  
Cover:

Thoughts On Cover Artist:
This is the first I am hearing of Mariachi El Bronx.  A cool concept though, we will certainly check them out more. 
Thoughts On Cover:
Maybe cooler in actual idea then in produced practice.  I think Mariachi Dylan is dynamite, the musicians seem up to snuff here, but for such a passionate tune the vocals seem disengaged and not all that invested. Weird to be critiquing vocals of a Dylan cover, but they just don't connect as much as they should, that said it is still a fun listen.    
Grade: B-

Friday, February 8, 2013

Full Show Friday: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Stockholm '69

Last year we searched the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and posted them to the site monthly.  That was all well and good but this year RtBE is upping the ante with a show every week to celebrate Full Show Friday's.  These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...The Jimi Hendrix Experience!

The Experience was on it's last legs before Jimi would move onto other things like the amazing Band Of Gypsies at the end of the year. There is a lot written about this tour and Open Culture captures it well here. I agree though even on off nights the band was better then most, if this is an off night as Noel stated.  Either which way, this is professionally shot and the sound is perfect, so that is a major bonus for a 40+ year old video.

Some highlights are the funk strumming Hendrix shows off in the middle of "Spanish Castle Magic" at the 13:40 mark, the killer "Red House" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)". I will agree Hendrix does seem to be going through the motions with the older tunes, but it is almost impossible for a song like "Fire" not to pack a punch.    

  1. “Killing Floor” by Howlin’ Wolf
  2. “Spanish Castle Magic”
  3. “Fire”
  4. “Hey Joe” by Billy Roberts
  5. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
  6. “Red House”
  7. “Sunshine of Your Love” by Jack Bruce, Pete Brown and Eric Clapton

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Album Review- Foxygen -We Are The...

Foxygen
We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic
**and1/2 out of *****

When everything old is new again...David Kenney does a Jazz show where this is precisely the topic, but today we aren't dealing with standards or American classics, we are looking back towards the birth of pop-rock in the blurry 60's. 

Foxygen is a duo from California who have experimented with all sorts of tunes, however on their most recent effort the Richard Swift produced We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic the band is planted firmly in hippie era pop rock. There are clear influences that the band is proud to show off: Bowie, Dylan, Beatles, Beach Boy, The Band, The Kinks...the list goes on and on as the band sings about San Fransisco (often), doors of consciousness, flowers and tea.

"Shuggie" is the first single off the disk and the best track here with it's grooving horns, bubbling beat and big chorus. It is also no coincidence it is one of the shorter tracks as this sort of pop rock works best in quicker doses accentuating the unique changes and quirks.

"No Destruction" rambles along actually calling to mind a much more recent influence in Stephen Malkmus while "On Blue Mountain" gets it's 60's psychedelic grooving on, complete with a "Suspicious Minds" influenced/ripped chorus. However on "San Fransisco" the duo just seems to rattle out cliches both musically and lyrically that are weak parody at best and lame tribute at worst.  

These are murky waters the band lovingly toils in; tribute, parody, from-the-gut-homage, overkill, and blatant plagiarism all blend so easily it can be difficult to tell what is honest. Foxygen barely skate by where other acts who do this sort of thing (Early Dr Dog instantly jumps to mind) seem to elevate their surroundings.  In the end influences can only bring you so far it is your songs that will either strike a chord or wash away.      
____________________________________________________________________
Foxygen. Using the past to create the future?  Just flat out biters? You can decide for yourself, that is the beauty of this sort of thing!

Support the band here, Catch them live here, and peep a few samples below:
"Shuggie"

"On Blue Mountain"

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Copeland and Claypool Jamming Once Again

Big shout out to Scott the head of Hidden Track for pointing out this jam session from last week.  Turns out old Oysterhead band mates Les Claypool and Stewart Copeland got together with Claypool's main buddies in Primus to kick out some sound down at Copeland's Sacred Grove studio...peep it:

Gluten Free indeed!

Just two weeks ago I started listening to Oysterhead for the first time in about 10 years.  While I was totally into my favorite bassist and guitarist getting down, catching a bunch of their '01 tour I hadn't gone back to it, ever.  The easy surprise of the whole thang was how dope Copeland fit into that weird duo of Trey and Les, he was perfect for them and elevated the trio to something special.

My one beef I guess with Claypool these days is what he calls Primus and what he doesn't, but I already talked about that....let's just enjoy that killer new jam. For the old timers (or new) here is Oysterhead from Conan...

I need to dip in and write more thoroughly about those guys one of these days... 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Live Review: Stooges Brass Band 1/12/13 Brooklyn Bowl

Hey all,

Got a new review up on Glide.

Read it right C'here!!!

It is of the Stooges Brass Band Live set at Brooklyn Bowl on Saturday Night 1/12/13.

Hit the show with my friend Brian and had a blast, full house for the short set, but it was a good time.

Ricky B opened it up and was obviously having a ball being on stage.  When the Stooges hit they were more clinical then I have ever seen them, but a well oiled, Funky machine.

Of course I wish they played longer, but for what it was worth it was a great night of tunes. Peep some samples of their sound below:
Ricky B "Shake Fa Ya Hood"

Stooges Brass Band

Monday, February 4, 2013

Dylan Cover #73 Buckwheat Zydeco "On A Night Like This"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a live cover by Buckwheat Zydeco playing "On A Night Like This"

Thoughts On Original:
There are songs that put you in certain places, certain times, recall certain memories. That is what can be so enchanting about tunes, for some reason every time "On A Night Like This" kicks off the criminally underrated Planet Waves, I think of a winter time scene.  Either outdoors or by the raging fire, whatever, this album just screams northern winters too me.  The album was recorded in November but who knows when the songs were from, all I know is that they are great, and this is one of the best on the disk.   
Cover:

Thoughts On Cover Artist:
Unlike recent cover artists we have showcased here, we are very familiar with Buckwheat Zydeco.  Even removing his NOLA connection we caught Buckwheat playing a fast paced riveting set in Albany back in the mid-90's during the vaunted, Alive At Five Series. A quick search shows that he played there last year too...how about that! Anyway we have always dug him and that Zydeco sound...  

Thoughts On Cover:
This is pure dynamite, sped up but not too fast, placed firmly in the artists wheelhouse of his own style.  The spirit is the same though as the original, upbeat, loving and jubilant. The playing on this cover is fiery goodness, adding in solo's and showboating, without deterring from the overall product. Can't do it much better...   
Grade: A+

Friday, February 1, 2013

Full Show Friday: Jay Z - Coachella 2010

Last year we searched the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and posted them to the site monthly.  That was all well and good but this year RtBE is upping the ante with a show every week to celebrate Full Show Friday's.  These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Jay-Z!

It is not everyday that a part owner of a basketball team will get a full concert posted by RtBE, but the Jigga Man deserves it.  This hot show from the desert in 2010 is a scorcher and delivers all of the goods Jay Z fans could want and still be pop enough to headline a major festival. Get ready to bounce along to highlights like "Public Service Announcement", "Big Pimpin'" a cool Oasis Cover, some Beyonce spotlight and of course, one of the best songs of any genre from the past 20+ years "99 Problems".

Enjoy the Hova and Enjoy the Weekend. 


Setlist:
0:00 Run This Town 04:25
U Don't Know 08:18
Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix) 09:15
Public Service Announcement 11:28
On To The Next One 14:39
D.O.A 19:09
99 Problems 21:35
Is That Yo Bitch 23:40
Can I Get A... 25:20
Beware Of The Boyz (Panjabi Mc Remix) 27:50
I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me) 28:58
I Wanna Rock 30:05
Jigga My Nigga 31:45
Izzo (H.O.V.A.) 33:20
Jigga What, Jigga Who 35:45
Swagger Like Us 36:26
Jockin' Jay-Z 38:00
Wonderwall (Oasis Cover) 39:38
A Dream 40:59
Empire State Of Mind 46:20
Already Home 48:00
Heart Of The City (Ain't No Love) 51:54
Dirt Off Your Shoulder 55:55
Hovi Baby 57:14
Show Me What You Got 1:00:26
Thank You 1:03:35
Fiesta 1:03:46
Bonnie & Clyde 1:04:00
Money Aint A Thing 1:04:45
Where I'm From 1:06:23
Big Pimpin' 1:10:38
Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) 1:15:46
Young Forever (Beyonce) 1:22:20
Encore