Friday, August 30, 2013

Full Show Friday: Phish 10-31-94

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...Phish!

The best Halloween Show Phish has played, not the best Halloween cover set they played (That would be the Omni 96) but the sets surrounding the Vermont's band's take on the White Album (Set 2) was just unreal. The "Divided Sky", the "Reba", christ even the "Sparkle" gets me juiced in the first set.  

The second set is a musical achievement in it's own right, covering the entire The Beatles (the White Album).  The band nails it if they are a bit hurried, who can blame them they are ripping through one of the all time classics and instantly making a musical name for themselves on a national scale. The first time the group tackles "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is in itself a moment.

Third Set...."David Bowie" jam? "Run Like An Antelope"!  Wow. 

A cool idea, for the first set the uploader took a video from the crowd which was iffy at best, but paired it with the pro audio, so it matches up perfectly if not all the visuals are that great. Second Set is just the audio from the show, but it is bareable, third set we only get a part of but still pretty cool. A vital piece of Phish History, and a great show to end our month of great shows with, enjoy:

Set 1:

Set 2:

Set 3:


Thursday, August 29, 2013

New Earthless Track "Uluru Rock"

We don't often hit up Pitchfork, but in looking for info on a band we dig we found them streaming a track from Earthless's upcoming album From The Ages. You can click here to listen to "Uluru Rock" on their site.

We first found out about Earthless when we were actually researching a different band through Scion A/V. Earthless was the "B" Side to that release, but you can't fool RtBE they were clearly the act to follow. A guitar onslaught but with more passion then say an Yngie Malmsteen or players like that. The trio is the showcase of Isiah Mitchell who works the fret boards with power and prowess. The group goes long, regularly extending their instrumental jams over the 20 minute mark. Going in and out of the rhythm, altering tempos Earthless are never afraid to return to a riff, sometimes to the point of overkill and then elation.

Both Endless Boogie and Earthless in the same week?  We must be craving some long drawn-out repetitive jams.
With their first new album in 6 years coming this October we are really looking forward to the shredfest that will commence when From The Ages hits our ears later this fall. Until then here is an older track called "Sonic Prayer" that we dig on for you to enjoy, strap in for 20 minutes of tripped out guitar adventure:

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Album Review: Endless Boogie -Long Island

Endless Boogie
Long Island
**and 1/2 out of *****

Endless Boogie are perfectly monikered, they live for the vamp. Long Island finds them in their element slowly mowing there way through extended simple workouts.

Tracks here run long, most shoot for the 10 minute mark, as the band starts up a casual rhythm and lets their guitars expand over the sound. There aren't many deviations once the band gets rolling they are in it for the long haul. The opener "The Savagist" sets the table with its lock step drum and bass plowing ahead as the guitars swirl around, lyrics are clearly secondary and seem only to be spoken/sung so that this isn't a full album of instrumentals.

The group nods to 60's icons with hints of The Rolling Stones in "Taking Out The Trash" and give off a Doors mystic vibe with "The Artemus Ward". Song structure is not the bands forte, jamming is and they do it best on "Imprecations" while "General Admission" wah-wah's aggressively giving motor to the album with power and oomph.

In the vein of Blue Cheer and other hazy 70's stoners, the group continues the basement vamping tradition and if that is your cup of tea or you have a long drive ahead give Endless Boogie's newest a spin. If you are looking for tight arraignments, soul singing, or exhilaration with your rock and roll you should probably look elsewhere. 
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Personally we here at RtBE love these guys and can jam into this style all day fucking long, but we realize it isn't for everyone. That said we have liked their older albums a bit better then Long Island.

Support the group here, buy the album here, and peep a sample below:
"General Admission"

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Album Review: Robbie Fulks -Gone Away Backward

Robbie Fulks
Gone Away Backward
***and1/2 out of *****

The past days dust-bowl/tornado pictured on Robbie Fulks new album Gone Away Backward is a dusty representation of the acoustic folk contained with in, glorious at a distance but devastating up close.

Fulks has a knack for writing a country ballad in the best way, with a smirk and a acknowledgment of the formula, but never a disrespect for the craft and history. A tune like "That's Where I'm From" embodies this with it's slow place, excellent vocals and shout out to Fulks upbringing.  Solitary drinking, double-wide's and poor decisions are all here but things never feel routine, depressing or dull.

Gone Away Backward opens with a fantastic sounding tune titled "I'll Trade You Money For Wine" while identifiably powerful story telling is the focal point of "Where I Fell". The sly wordplay, delicate picking and violin buzzing of "Imogene" shows off a playful side while "Long Ride" lets the banjo take over. "Rose Of The Summer" ends the album on a high note with a country waltz accompanied by well tracked, strong vocals. The production overall (done by Steve Albini) is crisp delicate and eerie when needed.

Fans of country, singer/songwriters and top musicianship should all check out this newest Fulks effort as it showcases all of his talents. While not containing a breakout hit that everyone could identify with Gone Away Backward is a complete work; solid and reliable like an old pair of boots.
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Bloodshot Records keeps putting out great Americana disks and Gone Away Backward is another gem. Robbie Fulks is an impressive writer and performer, this disk is a really good one and I went back and fourth between 3 and 1/2 and 4 stars. It is worth a spin and you can do that for a limited time over at Spin.

Support the artist here, buy the album here and peep a sample below:
Here is "I'll Trade You Money For Wine" Live:

Monday, August 26, 2013

Dylan Cover #101 13th Floor Elevators "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by the 13th Floor Elevators of the Dylan tune "It's All Over, Now Baby Blue"

August brings us up to and over 100 Dylan Covers talked about so far, so we are only picking great ones for this summer month, enjoy.

Thoughts on Original:
It is still stunning that there are songs as great as this in the Bard's catalog that we haven't even touched on in the first 100 we have talked about...wild. Baby Blue is magical all around, from the pure asshole way he sung it to Donovan to put him in his place in Don't Look Back to the heart breaking recent live versions on the never ending tour. The song has a lot of what makes Dylan who he is; mystery but a sense of understanding somehow. Dominated by the amazing lyrics the song is a hard one not to like.    
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
A few years back I downloaded the Nuggets collection of Garage rock tunes from the 60's.  I was stunned at the amazing amount of tunes included on their, I still go back and listen to it every few months. One of the brightest tracks to jump out from the pack was the 13th Floor Elevators "You're Gonna Miss Me". I was hooked and downloaded their fantastic debut disk, it is a hoot to hear the energy these guys play with.  I then caught the documentary You're Gonna Miss Me and saw Roky Erickson's story, which was mind blowing.  Then I got to catch him play live on an amazing bill down in NOLA which included The Morning Forty Federation and Thurston Moore. While he was third in my mind that night, the original playing his band did was top notch.  
Thoughts on Cover:
This is the style of cover we like, bending Dylan's tune in a unique way. The psychedelic guitar and warbles mixed with the poetry is a winning combo. This is a great way to kick off the next 100 covers. The one thing that makes me mad is that I don't own this 13th Floor Elevator's album and I am wondering what other gems are on it. I need to correct that ASAP.  
Grade A

Friday, August 23, 2013

Full Show Friday: Band Of Horses Rockaplast April 14th 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...Band Of Horses!
Well with the running of the ponies upon us and August being a month we are focusing on some of our favorite Full Show Friday's Band of Horses was the perfect choice for today. This show sounds and looks gorgeous as it is pro shot from the Rockaplast in 2010. The band was just about to release Infinite Arms and was in a mellow mood but the sound and singing here is just glorious.

Using the pipe organ to kick things off with "Detlef Schrempf" was a unique touch as the band eases in gracefully to their set with perhaps their most popular tune next "No One's Gonna Love You More Then I Do."

Other set highlights are the upbeat "Is There A Ghost?" the blindingly pretty "Infinite Arms" and of course "The Funeral". Too bad the band didn't professionally video the show we caught at Hammerstein because it is going to be hard for them to top that night, but today's show does hit all the right notes. Sometimes Band of Horses just sooth the soul, so for those of you who aren't joining us drinking and gambling for charity, let this set be the spiritual restoration.

Enjoy:

Setlist:
Band of Horses 14. April 2010 - Cologne/Köln, Kulturkirche

1. Detlef Schrempf 0:46
2. No One's Gonna Love You 6:03
3. Factory 10:34
4. Laredo 14:51
5. Great Salt Lake 18:00
6. Is There A Ghost 24:12
7. Weed Party 27:37
8. Older 31:05
9. Infinite Arms 34:34
10. A Song For You 38:49
11. Marry Song 43:22
12. The Funeral 47:42
13. LRC 53:51
14. General Specific 58:26
15. Evening Kitchen 1:01:46
16. Monsters 1:06:17

Thursday, August 22, 2013

2013 Travers Special - Feeling Lucky

Every year we look forward to the end of August as The Travers is run up in Saratoga and we are going 11+ years without missing one. It happens this Saturday and it is a great day to hang out with friends and family, actually all week there are events in town for everyone. In looking at this years race we like the closer Orb a bunch, but there is still a lot of handicapping to get done...
The last few years we have written some of our favorite (and most popular) posts regarding the event. Last year we talked about Songs for Gambling on Horses, the year before we took the money out of it and just talked about Songs for Horses. This year we are addressing something that we can't see but we can certainly feel, Luck.
Sure there is a skill to this, you can track horses, jockey's, trainers, practice times and track condition's all you want but when it comes down to it you need luck on your side. These are gorgeous majestic animals, but they are still animals; if something spooks a 2-1 Favorite, next thing you know your money is lagging in last place down the stretch. My favorite player of the ponies is my own MaDukes, who knows her horses and stats, but is never afraid to play a fun name, a whim or a Gray horse, because you never know.  
To bad the show Luck didn't have any luck, because we loved it, but horses and the world surrounding it isn't for everyone. Always sad when shows get canceled especially those of that quality but we talk more about music here so lets jump into some lucky tunes....Click that Read More to get started

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Album Review: Meeks - Beatless - Shoegaze Covers of The Beatles

Meeks
Beatless - Shoegaze Covers of The Beatles
*** out of *****

The Japanese band Meeks has titled an album exactly what they are offering, Shoegaze Covers of The Beatles. No poetic license here, except when it comes to distorting the classic tracks with  fuzz, feedback and distortion adding a layer of shimmering (and not to invasive) static to the Liverpool Lads all-time classics.

Meeks seems to be a side project to the band Broken Little Sister but the exact contributions aren't as important as the overall sound of things on Beatless. Taking their cue straight out of My Bloody Valentine's Loveless soundscape (even down to the cover art) the group has painted tracks like "And I Love Her", "Yesterday" and "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" with wavy lines of floating reverb and spaciness.    

The best uses of of this style shows up in very different songs, "Tomorrow Never Knows" was practically "shoegaze" in its original form and hence plays as a perfect fit here, however the beautifully simple George Harrison tune "Something" finds new depth with the treatment taking on an unworldly feel. The swirling "In My Life" with odd timed block hits is a blissful psychedelic journey. "Strawberry Fields Forever" displays light horns and a confidence in it's rewinding production before "Let It Be" ends the disk in languid fashion.  

Other tracks that had promise like "Nowhere Man" and "Across The Universe" don't get as tripped out and experimental as they possibly could have, but the group seems to be playing things pretty straight ahead throughout just scuffing up the production. 

Individual appreciation of this effort will basically come down on how you feel about the shoegaze style as a whole, however if you have never really given it a listen, using the Beatles as a gateway seems like a logical first step. As a side project this effort lives up to the promise of its title and makes for a dreamy listen.
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We dig on this style, yet we could go for a bit weirder and energetic then Meeks offers up for most of Beatless, but the idea and execution is tight.

Haven't really found too much information on the band online, feel free to share in the comments, but here are a few samples to check out:
"Tomorrow Never Knows"

"Let It Be"

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Live Review: Huey Lewis and The News 8/15/13 Coney Island, NY

Huey Lewis and The News
8/15/13 Coney Island, NY

The free summer Seaside Concert series in Coney Island saw 80's heroes Huey Lewis and The News brighten the stage as the ocean wind swept in and fans delighted in the mid August night air. The night started off on a rough note though as there was no opening act and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz decided to take over the microphone and introduce his democratic friends who are in the process of running for office. Markowitz was bland, dull and frequently had conversations with people who were not mic'ed up creating an odd scene by the water, this would have been bearable had it not gone on for over an hour and a half as it stands Marty was the worst opening act possible.

At 8:30 the proper show thankfully started with the heartbeat kick drum of "Heart of Rock n' Roll". Huey Lewis and The News are currently touring for the 30th anniversary of their seminal album Sports, playing it in it's entirety every night. Lewis himself seems to be in fine shape and his voice is comparable to what it was when the band had it's heyday, strong yet still raspy. "I Want A New Drug" had a bumping bass line, tight brass section and sweaty guitar solo from Stef Burns.

Midway through Lewis talked about flipping over the record, before dedicating "Walking On A Thin Line" to all of America's veterans. The doo-wop light of "If This Is It" had the crowd swaying before the groups cover of Hank Williams "Honky Tonk Blues" ended the Sports section of the show.

The band played a brand new song ("While We Are Young") before playing the first song they wrote ("Trouble In Paradise") a nice way to transition to some of their other hits. Their cover of "Some Kind Of Wonderful" really found the crowd getting loose with a whole back section dancing up a storm as Lewis asked for a witness from the stage. The groups best song kicked off the encore as "Power of Love" rang out strong and true before closing the night with "Working For A Living" which ended the hour and half show.

In Robert Christgau's original review of Sports he wrote: "the man's an utter cornball, but on this album I simply succumb to the stupid pleasures of his big fat rockcraft." There is a lot of truth in that and today the band is still tight where it needs to be and gets loose when it wants to, remaining cheesy in a good way, here's hoping they keep spreading the news.
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We mentioned this show last week and told of our love for Huey, it was a great show, and had the setup been better (no food or beer vendors?!!?) we would have probably liked the night more, but that has nothing to do with the band. All in all Lewis and Crew put on a good show and it is worth checking him out, you will be glad you did.

Here are some videos from the show taken by nycejp
"I Want A New Drug"
 
"If This Is It"

Monday, August 19, 2013

Dylan Cover #100 Elvis Presley "Tomorrow Is A Long Time"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Elvis Presley of the Dylan tune "Tomorrow Is A Long Time"

August brings us up to and over 100 Dylan Covers talked about so far, so we are only picking great ones for this summer month, enjoy.

Thoughts on Original:
A mystical tune that is at once simple and effortless yet deep and complex. Heartfelt and still distant and hurting, it is a pure Dylan tune even if it isn't always one thought of when you think about the mans songs, proving for the millionth time how many great ones he has written. The basic structure but honest singing add layers, proving from the jump that Bob was a rare one.  
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
Hmm Elvis Presley? Never heard of him. I will say this, my household was never an Elvis place growing up. I know my mom loved his looks, but I also know she never owned or at least kept, any of his records. Hence I never really got an appreciation of him until later in life. Even today, I know he is a wonderful singer and an amazing performer, but I probably don't know enough about him to say I truly love his work. I dig what I hear, especially his early vocal work which is timeless but I wouldn't say I am a fan...Always been more a Jerry Lee Lewis man myself...(Commence Tomato Tossing) 
Thoughts on Cover:
Bob Dylan has been quoted as saying that this version is "The one recording I treasure the most." Yeah there is a reason why this is number 100...
Grade: A+

Friday, August 16, 2013

Full Show Friday: The Black Crowes Pinkpop May 31, 1993

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 Black Crowes!

RtBE has loved The Black Crowes recent output, especially when Luther Dickinson was in the band, but we never were massive fans back in the day; probably because we never caught a set like this. While I would argue they have become a better more diverse band as they have aged, you can't deny the rock star swagger the boys pull of at this Norwegian Festival back in 1993.
A TV stream of the show, video is great, sound top notch, after the brief intro the boys kick ass with "No Speak, No Slave" get southern fried harp from Chris Robinson before "Thorn In My Pride". There are interviews and voice overs sprinkled throughout but it is pretty watchable start to finish.

A touch of Marley after "Stare It Cold"and their big cover hit to close and you got a killer set, Enjoy:

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Album Review: No Age -An Object

No Age
An Object
** out of *****

In 2010 No Age's Everything In Between combined artistic shoegaze with punk flashes for a winning combo, on this years follow up An Object, the energy and low end are lacking leaving only the diverse thin experiments behind.

The opening "No Ground" has a chirping beginning before the bass rumbles and guitar screeches, but there is one thing missing from here and the album in general, the drums. Percussion is secondary (or nonexistent) on most of An Object and the songs suffer for it. The minimalist approach is fine for sonic experiments but when a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) gear is called for the absence or light percussion doesn't oblige.

The group has chosen to let it's ethereal art flag fly, mixing in even digital beats with violins ("An Impression") and machine like vocals ("Defector/ed"). The duo of Dean Spunt and Randy Randall seem more interested in creating pop structure songs then making them unique with hiss, screech and sonic glazes. Tracks like "Lock Box" and "Running From A Go-Go" could have been top 40 hits in days gone; minus of course the weirdness No Age add.

The overall effort is short and feels light and wispy. Perhaps the most interesting track is "I Won't Be Your Generator" which finds the duo performing a wounded pop song in the vein of The National with a lo/fi budget.   

The punkiest thing An Object has to offer is "C'mon Stimmung" with it's rock edge and noiserock screeches to close, this balance between unique and raw is what No Age so successful, here's hoping they keep pushing boundaries but return to the ground with the power in the next phase of their journey.
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We really enjoyed the last album as we mentioned (and wrote about here and even put it in the top ten here) but this one did not do it for us, a little too experimental without enough meat.

Support the artist here, peep some samples below:
"An Impression"

"C'mon Stimmung"


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Live Review: Dumpstaphunk 8-7-13 @ Madison Square Park, NYC

Dumpstaphunk
8-7-13 Madison Square Park
NYC, NY

The free concert series that Madison Square Park puts on every year ended on the funkiest note possible as Ivan Neville and crew rolled up from the big easy to lay down an hour and a half of tasty tunes. With overcast skies all day the show threatened to get washed out but the rains held off and the skies actually cleared before the sun set and the funk got thrown down.

Opening with the pumping "Blueswave" the group got in gear right away as Tony Hall put down his bass and hopped on lead guitar closing the track with a ripping solo (Hall would alternate bass and guitar all night). During the first half of the show the group focused on their newest, excellent release, Dirty Word, playing a straight up "Dancing For The Truth".

During Dumpstaphunk's take on Graham Central Station's "Water", Ivan Neville's laser like zaps from his B3/Clav setup up shot out with precision. The newest song that seems to have improved the most from the album version was "Reality Of the Situation" which showed off a deep funking groove foundation laid down by Nick Daniels III while scatting along to his bass lines.

"If I'm In Luck" featured Hall on guitar again adding a bit more rock to things as Nikki Glaspie sung about wiggling her fanny behind the drum kit. Once the band started out "Put It In The Dumpsta" the crowd came alive singing along with the band who mentioned multiple times their love of NYC.

"Colorblind" put the spotlight on Ian Neville as the rhythmic guitarist took over with a throw-down solo on the six strings that was a set highlight. After that "Lt. Dan" started up and drummer Glaspie took over as she slapped her skins and rhymed in and out of a 15 minute medley that saw her cover Ludacris and Pharrell ("Money Maker") Jay-Z ("Public Service Announcement") and Q-Tip ("Vivrant Thing") ending with a touch of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" before dipping back into "Lt. Dan". All in all it was a fun if not the most high energy excursion from the rhythm section.        

The band decided to throw it all together for the set closing "Meanwhile". Addressing the Katrina catastrophe in the lyrics while slapping syrupy beats with the double bass attack of Hall and Daniels. The duo hit their stride here soloing and grooving in lock step. Extending over 10+ minutes the playing kept building as Ivan moved from behind his keys to pick up a guitar joining the attack with fellow band members. The metallic flashes from the Neville's 6 strings rang loud while the rhythm flowed around them. The band peaked with this set closer.

Encoring with the Parliment/Funkadelic jam "One Nation Under The Groove" was just icing on the cake as the band finished up encouraging the crowd to singalong to the inclusive refrain. The group seemed to just be hitting their stride, but it is clear no matter how long they play that Dumpstaphunk are one of the best funk acts playing today. 
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We loved the groups Dirty Word, we had a good time at this show, even if we would have loved them to play even longer, but the coolest thing about it is you can hear it for yourself. You can stream/download the show here or just listen to it below. 
Thanks to the Internet Archive as always, MSG Park and Dumpstaphunk for bringing it. Hopefully we catch them again in October in NOLA.
Here are some videos of the show from nycejp
"Water"
 
"Put It In The Dumpsta"

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Huey Lewis Free Concert in Coney Island 8/15

On of RtBE's childhood favorites (and adulthood, who are we kidding) Huey Lewis and The News are giving a free concert this Thursday night as part of Coney Island's Seaside Summer Concert Series
The show is part of the groups' 30th Anniversary Tour for their amazing Sports album. We personally owned that cassette and played it many times in our basement. Needless to say we are excited for this show, also it gets us out to one of our favorite NYC places Coney Island, and now that the Siren Fest turned into 4knots we don't get out there for music every summer.

When we saw this a few months ago we nearly exploded with Childhood glee...and American Psycho love...

We will be going out, you are invited as well, here is a little HL&TN to get you juiced for Thursday's show:
"Heart and Soul"

"I Want A New Drug"

Album Review: Kendra Morris Mockingbird

Hey all,

Got a new review up on Glide.

You can read it Right C'here!!!

It is of Kendra Morris second, full cover disk, Mockingbird.

This is a pretty cool disk of covers from the NYC based singer. While nothing is really earth shattering (Though "Shine On..." and "Ride The Lightning" come close) the whole thing is a solid effort showing off vocal chops.

You can support the artist here, and peep a few samples of her covering talents below:
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond"

"Ride The Lightning"

Monday, August 12, 2013

Dylan Cover #99 Jerry Garcia Band "Senor (Tales of Yankee Power)"

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 the Jerry Garcia Band of the Dylan tune "Senor (Tales of Yankee Power)"

August brings us up to and over 100 Dylan Covers talked about so far, so we are only picking great ones for this summer month, enjoy.

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we talked about this tune:
A layered and moving song, the real highlight on a mixed up Dylan album (Street Legal), "Senor (Tales of Yankee Power)" is musically riveting and lyrically haunting.  Acoustic plucking, rolling drums and a forlorn trumpet color the tune musically while some straight ahead lyrics mix with the surreal and backup singers add "Oooh and Aaaah" behind the nasal delivery of the Bard.  Looking at the "Painted Wagon" and smelling the "Tail of the Dragon" are just two examples of bizarre lyrics that could pertain to nuclear war or something else entirely making it all even more enchanting.  A gorgeous music background with perplexing lyrics and a strong vocal performance...yup, I dig this one a ton.   
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
Who is this old guy anyway? Oh yeah, someone we have written extensively about here already.
Thoughts on Cover:
Wow, live magic. Garcia and crew get the pain, somber mood and emotional playing nailed in this live version of the song. It was originally released on the Jerry Garcia Band 1991 live disk, which was taken from their Spring 1990 shows. My complaint for most JGB stuff has always been how slooooow the group would become, but there is a fantastic pace to this track. It is a steamer and one that should be enjoyed by all on this hot day.  
Grade A+

Friday, August 9, 2013

Vinyl for Sale @ NYPL

I love it when the day job intersects with the cool stuff, and this is one of those moments.


The Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded in NYPL's Library for the Performing Arts is holding a Vinyl Record Sale today and tomorrow. This is some exciting stuff, the library has tons of amazing material and the fact that you can own some of it is frankly remarkable. 

I do not get over to LPA nearly enough but I will hit this bad boy up and hope to score some nifty records. The last vinyl I bought was The Genius Of Ray Charles off a sweet street vendor who hangs out around 7th ave and 27th St. A timeless LP that cost me only 5 bones...that reminds me I need to go see him again soon! Have a great weekend and "Let The Good Times Roll":


Full Show Friday: Johnny Cash Live in Ireland 1993

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...Johnny Cash!

This is the second Johnny Cash show we have put up on the site but one of the greatest American Voices never gets old. Today's show is a pro-shot, pro-sound DVD of Johnny Cash and the Carter Family going through the Man In Black's Catalog with late life vigor. Cash looks and sounds great here performing in Ireland amongst his loved ones.

Highlights include The songs with Kris Kristofferson "Long Black Veil" and "Big River" as well as Cash classics, "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Get Rhythm" a nod to where the performance is taking place as the whole gang sings "Forty Shades of Green" with help from Sandy Kelly.

Special Thanks to Ceez for pointing this one out to me. Here is the full show, Enjoy:


Setlist:
1. Daddy Sang Bass (w/ Carter Family)

2. Keep On The Sunny Side (w/ Carter Family)

3. Georgia On A Fast Train (w/ John Carter Cash & Carter Family)

4. Ring Of Fire (w/ Carter Family)

5. Folsom Prison Blues

6. Get Rhythm

7. I Still Miss Someone

8. A Boy Named Sue

9. Ghost Riders In The Sky

10. Long Black Veil (w/ Kris Kristofferson)

11. Big River (w/ Kris Kristofferson)

12. Jackson (w/June Carter Cash)

13. Wabash Cannonball (w/ Carter Family)

14. Will The Circle Be Unbroken (w/ Carter Family)

15. Forty Shades Of Green (w/ Carter Family, Kris Kristofferson, Sandy Kelly)

16. I Walk The Line

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Album Review: Hanni El Khatib -Head In the Dirt

Hanni El Khatib
Head In The Dirt
**** out of *****

The LA Based artists second album continues his fascination with stripped down garage rock but more in a vein of '00's artist like The Black Keys and White Stripes then obscure one hit wonders from years past. This distinction could come from the album's producer Dan Auerbach who continues to help artists reach a satisfying result of lo-fi rumble and pop catchiness.  

While the producer deserves a mention this is Khatib's album. The strutting opening title track kicks everything off in a confident fashion before "Family" blasts with punk power and stripped down greatness. That straight ahead catchy appeal is all over this disk. "Penny" is the most pop laden track with upbeat organ, plinking piano and sweet lyrics; for an artist who may not be widely known a track like this could vault him to fame. 

"Nobody Move" is simple, straight, ripping if not that much more then a riff and a phrase. This is a trait the weaker tracks like "Pay No Mind" have a habit of becoming; one note phrases that never elevate to much more then their initial thought. That said the intention was never to rewrite rock, this is basic stuff all around, songs rarely break 3 minutes, and Head In The Dirt is better off for it.

"Save Me" flashes a quick Bo Diddley beat while disk closer "House On Fire" mixes Hanni's bluesy singing style with a lone guitar to start before amping up the instrumentation and energy, smashing to a rewarding finish.  

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Unlike say The Oblivians (who we reviewed earlier this week) you don't have to dig deep to see Hanni El Khatib's influence's, they are some of the biggest bands of the last decade. Having his friend Dan Auerbach produce was a genius move and while we have been semi critical of The Black Keys in the past, it is hard to argue with Auerbach's pretty fucking perfect track record as a producer. This one wins again and for fans of catchy simple rock Head In The Dirt is a must have.

Buy the Album here, catch him live here, and peep a few samples below and by the way he makes some really great videos:
"Family"

"Penny"

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Album Review: The Polyphonic Spree - Yes, It's True

The Polyphonic Spree
Yes, It's True
**** out of *****


Has it really been 6 years since The Polyphonic Spree went militant style with their last album, 2007's The Fragile Army? The cultish (in wardrobe and fan base) band is the work of lots of members (currently 20 and counting) but the brainchild of front man Tim DeLaughter and Yes, It's True finds Tim back in the pop groove with straight ahead sunshiny tracks that incorporate his massive bands talents and instruments but the sound never overwhelms these mainstream friendly tunes.    

The bands first single "You Don't Know Me" isn't as harsh as the title sounds harkening back to the Spree's early 00's efforts. The good times continue with the best song here "Carefully Try" which has deep horns, acoustic guitar riffs and probably about 1000 other sounds while still repping an FM vibe, complete with 70's radio sign-off at the end.

When the band is all in unison the many layers of sound do not overwhelm, they enhance. In fact when the Spree strips down to one or two players tinkering with a part things feel thin and the songs lose some of their power like on "You're Golden".

"What Would You Do?" is an emotional upbeat, pretty rager that asks personal questions from a parents point of view; DeLaughter has mentioned that Yes, It's True is based on periods of his daughters life and this is the clearest questioning example. The tempo changes and sonic journey of "Blurry Up The Lines" makes for an exhilarating and the "Let Them Be" has enough weirdo flourishes to sound like a Beatles Yellow Submarine outtake. Disk closer "Battlefield" seems to be a simple ballad but then adds a sonic experimentation at the end, sometimes the group goes a bit overboard, but it doesn't distract from the overall feel of things.

When things are finished the Spree have complied an album of excellent tracks that make for a lush listening experience. Like The Flaming Lips at their best, The Polyphonic Spree can make everything feel like you are flying without a plane or fear, soaring through the blissful sky like a bird. Yes, It's True is a well crafted pop ray of sunshine. 

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To be honest I had no idea The Polyphonic Spree was even still making music, it had been so long since I heard anything about them. I really dug their first album and had a few live bootleg's from the early '00 that I listened to often then, to me they have always had an emotional, sonic and spiritual tie to the Flaming Lips. With the Lips making one of the most disappointing disks of the year it is refreshing that this new album from the Spree is really well crafted, honest and a good listen. Also some really cool album art with this one.

Grab the disk here, catch the band live here and peep some samples below:
"You Don't Know Me"


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Album Review: Oblivians - Desperation

Hey All,

I got a new review up on Glide.

You can read it Right C'here!!!

It is of the Oblivian's newest release Desperation.

Very unexpected to see this trio putting out a new disk, but we love Desperation (especially on vinyl) and hope you do too.  Granted we still like Reigning Sound a bit better, but anything Cartwright gets involved with is pretty much go time for RtBE.

Grab the album here, keep up to date with the band here and peep some samples below:
"I'll Be Gone"

"Call The Police" Our obvious favorite on the album-

Monday, August 5, 2013

Dylan Cover #98 Rodney Crowell & Emmylou Harris "Shelter From The Storm"

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 Rodney Crowell & Emmylou Harris of the Dylan tune "Shelter From The Storm"

August brings us up to and over 100 Dylan Covers talked about so far, so we are only picking great ones for this summer month, enjoy.

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover version:
An epic track, feeling simple and etched in history at the same time. Religious overtones, passionate asides all mix within the confines of the illustrious/mysterious "She" who is bringing us all in. A gorgeous song and one of my favorite odd phrases Dylan has ever recorded, "Hunted like a crocodile/Ravaged in the corn".  I have no idea what it is supposed to mean and I don't care, it is perfect.  One thing that may bring this one down a peg overall is the connection to another great song "Up To Me" which is basically the same tune...hearing one always makes me want to hear the other.    
Cover:
 
Thoughts on Cover Artists:
I had not heard of Rodney Crowell before but I know Emmylou Harris as one of the best female vocalists alive today, she is amazing.  Turns out Crowell has had an impressive career, going to have to dig into his back catalog a bit...and grab the duets album that these two released this year
Thoughts on Cover:
Wow the arraignment of the track is awesome. Great instrumentation, every single note of that electric guitar matters and the phrasing is awesome. Splitting the verses between these two fine vocalists is divine and the speed seems a bit quicker which works well too. Not worlds away from the original but they certainly add enough flourishes and gorgeous singing/playing that this is a clear winner. Now I really want to get their new disk. 
Grade: A

Friday, August 2, 2013

Full Show Friday: The Hold Steady 5-3-09 Rockpalast

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 Hold Steady!

So for the last few Full Show Friday's we haven't exactly picked out favorite bands, we decided to change that this week. The Hold Steady are one of our all time favorites. This show is from 2009 when Franz was still in the band playing Keyboards and while we have seen them in the new formation a few times we still dig on this lineup of the band the most.

Also with my sisters birthday yesterday, this is small present as we both have had blindingly good times rocking out with and meeting the fellas in tHS. We recognize Craig Finn isn't for everyone but he is in our opinion one of the top 3 lyricists in rock and roll today, and this is one of the few bands who we will sing along (poorly) too when we are at their live show. We missed their most recent show in NYC so this will have to make up for it.

Enjoy:

Live May 3, 2009. Songs include 
"Hornets! Hornets!," 
"Stuck Between Stations," 
"Navy Sheets," 
"Banging Camp," 
"Girls Like Status," 
"Sweet Payne," 
"Hot Soft Light," 
"Constructive Summer," 
"Joke About Jamaica," 
"Magazines," 
"Southtown Girls," 
"Chicago Seemed Tired Last Night," 
"Ask Her For Adderall," 
"Lord, I'm Discouraged," 
"Your Little Hoodrat Friend," 
"Stay Positive," 
"Slapped Actress," 
"First Night," 
"Sequestered In Memphis," 
"How A Ressurection Really Feels" and an acoustic version of "Magazines."

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Remembering Jerry Garcia

On this day way back in 1942 Jerome Garcia was born and as we do every year we wanted to take a second to remember Jerry in the best possible way, by his music.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brentdpayne
We recently attended a gorgeous wedding up in Rhode Island and our car trip up there allowed us to break into our tape collection for the trip as the old (but still top shape) ride only played cassettes.
Digging in we grabbed a variety of Grateful Dead and Phish tapes for the trip...as that are all that are in those massive boxes (Thanks Mark). We went with a few we knew (5-17-77 Set I and 10-31-94 Set III) as well as a few we hadn't listened too. One of those was 10-14-94 from the Grateful Dead who played on that night at MSG. How we missed this show we do not know...granted 94 has never been a much talked about year (In fact we didn't do one show from that year when we were doing our Monday Dead Series) but this show needs attention for one simple reason; the "Scarlet Begonia's >Fire On The Mountain" massive combo that opens the second set. Give it a listen right here:

This is a huge and really creative half hour of music from the band that seems just as jumping here as it did in the late 70's. Creative, fresh and energetic, phrases that are not easily applied to later day Dead, this combo proves Garcia still had it even less then 10 months from his death. If you are interested I posted the full show below, thanks to VoodooNola for the great vid. RIP Jerry, your memory still lives on.

Also as a side note, Happy Birthday Meg!