Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Have a Great NYE Everyone!

New Years Eve used to be one of my favorite holidays on the calendar but I have burnt out on it in recent years and will probably just be chilling at home.

That said why not relive one of the best new years I have ever had via the old You Tube:



I don't care that the quality sucks, the best live concert I have ever been to hands down, and for any Phish fan who doesn't think so obviously wasn't there...Here's hoping that the band plays half as well as then for any of you going tonight.

Out with 2013, in with 2014...see you on the flipside...

Monday, December 30, 2013

Dylan Cover: #119 Brad Thompson & Tim Day "Saved"

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 Brad Thompson playing "Saved"
Thoughts On The Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
The cover track off of Bob's second album in his born again phase, finds the bard getting funky in a spiritual gospel way.  The production of this track is fantastic showing Dylan a master studio artist when he wants to be.  In honesty the rest of the album doesn't really hold up to this title track (except "Solid Rock" which is kick-ass), but you can feel Bob's energy when this cut comes on.  
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I have never heard of Brad Thompson or Tim Day who plays Djembe on this live cut from The Wading Pool in 2004.
Thoughts on Cover:
Most of the time acoustic covers of Bob Dylan tunes fall in line with the original but this is one of the rare times an acoustic take is a different beast then Bob's OG cut. "Saved" falls in his gospel period with over production and tons of pomp, in a surprisingly good way. Hearing a stripped down version of the tune is pretty cool, Thompson and Day do a soild job playing it and the new direction adds a layer to the song that might not be heard in the original, nice work fellas. 
Grade B-

Friday, December 27, 2013

Full Show Friday: The Beatles Rooftop Apple Concert

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 Beatles! 
Well we figured we would this years highly successful Full Show Fridays with one of the most famous sets of live music ever. The Beatles (with Billy Preston) last ever live performance from the rooftop of Apple Studios. What more needs to be said? Well if you want more go here, it is more comprehensive then I could ever be. RtBE's already got a special theme set up for January so see you on the flip-side of 14. Enjoy:


Thursday, December 26, 2013

Album Review: Action Bronson -Blue Chips 2

Action Bronson & Party Supplies
Blue Chips 2
***and1/2 out of *****
The Queens based MC Action Bronson comes back correct with Blue Chips 2 the sequel to his mix tape that brought him national attention a year ago. Once again Bronson pairs with Producer Party Supplies to bring the tag team action back into the ring. He has had a host of offerings in between but this mix tape goes back to quick songs as his humorous rhymes that are laced with drug drops, sex rhymes, recipes, and dexterous wordplay all over scattered beats that can sound ripped right off line.

His samples are more full songs with minimal changes, energetic and bringing smiles as The Champs famous "Tequila" overrides everything (including Bronson himself) on "Pepe Lopez" or Tracy Chapman's "One More Reason" becomes the whole "Amadu Diablo" but what the hell is with the TGIF commercial that is just tacked onto the end of "It Concerns Me"? Then again the horn laced "Practice" does have Allen "The Answer" Iverson's classic post game news conference riding with it while "Through The Eyes Of A G" made me remember how much I love the Pharcyde's "Passin' Me By" as guest Ab-Soul gives the verbal tribute.

Party Supplies production is overall sloppy and scattered, volumes levels seem to jump around, spoken word samples cut in and out and beats are mostly sterile behind the horns or popular Phil Collins, John Cougar tune; "Contemporary Man" is something to hear. That style doesn't necessarily distract though as both Bronson and Supplies seem legitimately energized when the rhyming commences.    

This is a digital mix tape that reminds of the old school lo-fi analog mixes that were recorded off the radio and then rhymed over. The tossed off, fun feeling comes through on "9.24.13" where Bronson's outtakes are left in as the beats just flow along. Practices like this make Blue Chips 2 oddly endearing and Bronson remains an exciting voice in hip-hop, still vocally (in tone at least) reminding of Ghost Face Killa while forging his own bizarre trail.
____________________________________________________________________
It is weird but Action Bronson is the one MC we keep looking forward too. Our favorite offering from him is still The Alchemist pairing on Rare Chandeliers but this is a fun listen. Nothing sticks around long, but the Bronson/Supplies team seem to have a good handle on the digital age and this 50+ minute tape breezes by in a good way.

Support the artist here, Download the mix-tape for free here and peep some video below:



Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas! Christmas Love

Have a Merry One!

How about that jam? Rotary Connection getting down in a Sly way... Enjoy the day with loved ones.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Year In Review 2013 - Top Ten Albums - Part 3 (5-1)

Another great year is finishing up for Rock The Body Electric and we wouldn't be a proper music site if we didn't end the year with a "Best Of" list, so without further verbiage RtBE Presents it's third part of the Best of 2013 Top Ten Albums (5-1):
In the instance that RtBE has reviewed the album either on the site or somewhere else we will link to that review and just give a quick summation, just click on the name and title and you can read it.  RtBE worked with the Glide Team to give input on the their Top 20 so expect some overlap. Again the focus here is on full albums, not singles, but full releases you can slap on and listen to the all the way through.

This year was a bit of a down year for us, but we got a few that we feel we will still be reaching for many years down the road. While not as bountiful as 2012 these are all great albums and worth your time, energy and hard earned ducets, capped by a trio of animal's:

Monday, December 23, 2013

Dylan Cover #118 Larry Hoyt "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 Larry Hoyt playing "On A Night Like This"

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we talked about a cover of this song:
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:
Like the other artists this month we have not heard of Larry Hoyt before we listened to him do a cover of Bobby here. Turns out he is a folk singer from the Syracuse area. He also hosts a folk radio show in the area.
Thoughts on Cover:
A fine straight ahead cover of a fun Dylan song. Hoyt has a strong warm voice and plays the tune in confident fashion. Not reinventing things, just keeping the folk tradition going. While we still have a soft spot for this version Mr. Hoyt does a fine job. 
Grade: B

Friday, December 20, 2013

Full Show Friday: The Allman Brothers Live At The Beacon 2003

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 Allman Brothers!
RtBE has caught this incarnation of The Allmans a few times but sad to say we have never Peaked At The Beacon with the fellas. Honestly we like the group, but aren't in love with them and ticket prices at the Beacon during the March stand being what they are, Love is really needed and this video is a good stand in. Warren and Derek are great continuing the amazing tradition of dueling axe players in the group and when it comes to singing Warren brings the group even higher then its ever been.

This is a pro shot pro sound DVD you can buy it here. This hour and18 minutes is not the full disk, it is only half the show, so I don't mind posting it, if you want the full show, buy it. Highlights include the ripping, "Black Hearted Woman" Greg's soulful take on Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" (though I wish Warren sang it), a spin through Gov't Mule's "Rocking Horse", the "Desdemona" soloing and a gorgeous "Soul Shine" to close (cutting off 1 minute too soon though). Enjoy:

Setlist:
1. Ain't Wastin' Time No More
2. Black Hearted Woman
3. Statesboro Blues
4. Woman Across The River
5. A Change Is Gonna Come
6. Maydell
7. Come & Go Blues
8. Rockin' Horse
9. Desdemona
10. Don't Keep Me Wondering
11. Midnight Rider
12. Soulshine

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Year In Review 2013- Top Ten Albums Part 2 (10-6)

Here is Part 2 of RtBE's Year in Review of 2013.  (Part 1 was here if you missed it) Today we venture into our Top Ten List of Best Albums for 2013.
In the instance that RtBE have reviewed the album either on the site or somewhere else we will link to that review, just click on the Band name and title to get there.  RTBE worked with the Glide Team to give input on the their Top 20 so expect some overlap. Again the focus here is on full albums, not singles, but full releases you can slap on and listen to the full way through.

After the jump you will see our list for numbers 10-6, this year wasn't as rich as previous years for full length releases, but we will have to wait and see how the album's age. That is just one glorious thing about music and these lists, both are little time capsules.  That said these are all excellent and worth your hard earned money and hard drive space, so without further ado Click that read more link.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Album Review: Psapp -What Makes Us Glow

Hey All,

Got a new review up on Glide.

You can read it Right C'Here!!!

It is of Psapp's newest release, What Makes Us Glow.

We had never heard of the duo before but apparently they became popular when they nailed the theme song to Grey's Anatomy which thankfully we have never had to suffer through once in our life. The new disk is interesting, using found items for sounds etc, not normally our cup of meat, but not a bad disk by any stretch. Those looking for something cute and quirky give it a shot.

Support the artist here, buy the disk here and peep some video below:


Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Year In Review 2013- Favorite Live Show of 2013

The live show is a slippery thing.  There are lots of variables at play most having little to do with the performance itself.  Does the venue have enough bathrooms?  Is it going to rain?  What day of the week is it on?  Did I have a shitty day at work before hand?  Did tickets cost waaay too much? All of this effects one's opinion of a live show before the band even tunes up and with reason, but when the stars align, there is no place RtBE would rather be then in the moment of magic occurring spontaneously from the stage.

Live Music Has No Equal.   

While we can't see every show that is out there we try our hardest to see as many as we can (and more then most) here at RtBE.  Sure there are a few left, we may catch Phish at the Garden, but for now here is a listing of of the best concerts we were fortunate enough to have seen in 2013, and one show at the bottom that took the top prize as this RtBE's 2013 Show of the Year. To continue our Best of 2013 just click that Read More button and get started

Monday, December 16, 2013

Dylan Cover #117 David Calder "Simple Twist Of Fate"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune comes from David Calder and is a live cover of "Simple Twist of Fate

Thoughts On Original:
From the first time we talked about a cover version of this song:
Well the classics just keep coming in this series, with "Simple Twist of Fate" what a gem of a song.  Impeccable lyrics gorgeous phrasing, just a great great song that is hard not to enjoy.
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I have not heard of David Calder before, this is my first exposure to his singing and playing. There are a lot of David Calder's online so I don't know much about him other then his take on this all-time Dylan classic...
Thoughts on Cover:
Another really good gem from an artist we haven't heard of. Also when doing a simple acoustic rendition it is hard to make the version your own, David does that, drawing things out in very pretty fashion. The song takes its time as he sings and plays for a receptive audience. Good stuff. 
Grade: B+

Friday, December 13, 2013

Full Show Friday: Earth Wind & Fire Live @ Montreux 1997

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...Earth Wind & Fire! 
Lets get funky. Granted this is waaaay after the heyday of Earth Wind & Fire but the band does its job up in the North. White Satin-ed out to the 9's the group gets down and shakes it (as do the back up dancers)

We will pick 3 "S's" as highlights "Saturday Night" "September" and "Shining Star" of course.  Pro Shot, Pro sound, Enjoy:


  1. "Rock That"
  2. "Jupiter"
  3. "Saturday Nite"
  4. "Revolution"
  5. "Gratitude"
  6. "September"
  7. "Let's Groove"
  8. "Rockit"
  9. "Sun Goddess"
  10. "Can't Hide Love"
  11. "That's the Way of the World"
  12. "Drum Solo"
  13. "Reasons"
  14. "Fantasy"
  15. "Mo’s Solo"
  16. "Boogie Wonderland
  17. "After The Love Has Gone"
  18. "Sing a Song"
  19. "Shining Star"
  20. "Devotion"

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Year in Review 2013- Top Ten Albums Part 1 (The Just Misses & Let Downs)

Another great year is finishing up for Rock The Body Electric and we wouldn't be a proper music site if we didn't end the year with a "Best Of" list, so without further verbiage RtBE Presents first part of the Best of 2013 Top Ten Albums, The Just Misses & Let Downs:
In the instance that RtBE has reviewed the album either on the site or somewhere else we will link to that review and just give a quick summation, just click on the name and title and you can read it.  RtBE worked with the Glide Team to give input on the their Top 20 so expect some overlap. Again the focus here is on full albums, not singles, but full releases you can slap on and listen to the all the way through.

Today we are going to focus on the "Just Misses" of our top 10 and unfortunately the "Let Downs" released this year.  Here's hoping you like them, but also feel free to voice your opinion in the comments.  Expect installment 2 (#10-6) soon, but for now click on the jump:

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Album Review: Goodie Mob- Age Against The Machine

Goodie Mob
Age Against The Machine
***and1/2 out of *****
One of the more surprising recent reunion's saw The Dirty South originators returning after 14 years while one of their members exploded into superstar solo status. The Goodie Mob have decided to not just reunite for a feel good stroll through mid-90's glory, they have released a complicated up-to-the-minute sounding loose concept album regarding race in current day America. While Age Against The Machine is not perfect, it certainly is a unexpected breath of fresh beats and rhymes in the all too stagnant hip-hop world.

The title which at first glance seems like a clever pun fits into the groups overall message on the album. They are older wiser and not mad, just smarter at how to get after what is best for those who want to make the world a better place.

A track like "Power" tackles this with regards to C-Lo Green in particular getting a different view on power after gaining success now and seeing white financial power particularly. Green can dominate things at times on Age Against The Machine and the beats in particular feel very inspired by him, with his current appeal and dominant tone keeping things very 2013.

The group is never looking backward, they keep their positive stance and still manage to sound hard as hell when rhyming. Big Gipp in particular gets raw about cutting people like pizza and watching the cheese spread during the groups take on gangs in "Kolors" while T-Mo rocks "I'm Set" which is a chaotic scattered jumbled tune, that some how holds up brilliantly. 

Green is the focal point and even listening to past albums from the Mob he has always acted as a quasi front-man, "Amy" about an interracial love affair is whirl and he makes the "Ghost of Gloria Goodchild" into a broken down anthem with the chorus. The groups take (along with Janelle Monae's hook) on "Special Education" is just that, a critical attack on labels in education over a fantastical digital beat; it is topic tackling like this that makes Goodie Mob "special" indeed.   

On the down side for a loose concept albums things don't flow very easily, partially due to the musical experimentation and the pacing. There are too many skits and the disk runs overly long at 18 songs zigging and zagging in styles. One listen is nowhere near enough to ingest all the musical madness and lyrical underpinning contained on Age Against The Machine. This is an album like it title suggests will need to age to see its real results.   

While there is a rumored Outkast reunion on the horizon which will probably overshadow this reunion (like Outkast has done in the past) the fact that the M.O.B. is back on working terms and willing to stay true to their unique selves is good for everyone in the game. C-Lo Green comes out and states the groups ethos in "Special Education", "Let me put something poetic into plain English/I'd rather die than to not be distinguished". They are their own Mob.
___________________________________________________________________
Personal side note, Soul Food is one of my personal top five favorite hi-hop albums, I loved it then, love it now. My first true introduction to southern hip-hop and one I go back to often, happy that the whole group is back in action.

Support the artist here, buy the album here, and peep some video below:
"Special Education"

Album Review: Valerie June- Pushin' Against A Stone

Valerie June
Pushin' Against A Stone
**** out of *****


A dynamically layered, release from Tennessee multi-instrumentalist Valerie June finds this talented songwriter dipping toes into bluegrass, funk, dirty garage rock and country waltzes.  It is her voice that captures your ear immediatly at once sounding light and free as sunshine but with a deeper feeling seemingly just under the surface.

The straight country numbers are sparse with that voice dominating ("Twined & Twisted", "Shotgun" & her cover of "Trials, Troubles, Tribulations ") but it is when June partners with producer Dan Auerbach for tracks like "The Hour", "Wanna Be On Your Mind" and "You Can't Be Told" where that extra sultry style takes over and elevates the whole proceeding. Auerbach adds his signature electric retro blues styling to things while acting as co-writer, backing vocalist and guitarist to songs here. The combo of June's vocals and Auerbach's audio enhancements is enchanting as tracks drip with an eerie feeling.

The disk doesn't have the smoothest of flows, the pure Americana of "Tennessee Time" awkwardly bounces up against the buzzing title track, but taken individually both tracks are fantastic. June's voice can feel like Dolly Parton one minute and Billie Holiday the next as she works her way through these songs. Lyrically June will only grow but her tastes and influences seem to point all in the right direction, Booker T. Jones even shows up to help out on disk closer "On My Way", co-written with June.      

June calls her style, "organic moonshine roots music" and that covers the bases, but Auerbach has injected some power to that combo and it works wonderfully. An amazing debut album Pushin' Against A Stone touches on lots of different possibilities while showcasing Valerie June as a dynamic new voice on the scene.  
____________________________________________________________________
A really good disk that is a combo of a bunch of styles. June's voice is the real star here although it should be said everything Auerbach has produced lately we have loved.

Support the Artist here, buy the album here, peep some video below:


Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Live Review: Dylan Fest 11/12/13 Bowery Ballroom, NYC

Best Fest: Bob Dylan 
11-12-13 Bowery Ballroom, NYC
When it was announced that the minds and players (Alex Levy-Guitar, Matt Romano-Drums, Austin Scaggs-Bass/MC) would be celebrating their 10th year of "Fests" at NYC's best live music spot, sponsored by Jameson, covering The Bard; RtBE's digital-head exploded. Any reader of the site has come across our Dylan love, anyone who has drank with us knows our Jameson weakness, this was a perfect storm. Our liver thanks The Cabin Down Below Band for holding the event on a Tuesday Night allowing for moderate whiskey consumption while focusing on the music. We purchased tickets early and were glad we did as it was sold out with all of the money going to the charity, Sweet Relief.

The night opened with the incredible adept house band running through "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" belting out the classic line about coming back to the Big Apple. When the first guest came out Ruby Amanfu nearly stole the whole show with her first song. A fluttering "Don't Think Twice" was majestic and powerful, having only seen Ruby with Jack White, more research will be needed into her style and thankfully she would return later in the show.

Early on the guests came out for one song each as the band went through a semi greatest hits collection of tunes. Erika Wennerstrom from the Heartless Bastards did a straight ahead "Positively 4th St", The Mooney Suzuki rocked out "Obviously Five Believers" and Jason Isbell accompanied his wife Amanda Shires as she sang a sweet "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go". The Wild Feathers took over the stage for their rousing "Your Ain't Going Nowhere" making an early highlight but for the most part the guests were sticking to favorites from Dylan's catalog.

Scaggs would ask if people were "ready for a little" then insert the album title before bringing out each guest, when he said "Anyone ready for a little, Street Legal", few cheered, that is until Craig Finn and a bearded Tad Kubler from The Hold Steady rocked "Where Are You Tonight?". Following it up with a rousing "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?" The duo had people in the crowd asking what songs those were, while certain people (present company) were more then eager to let them know.  Cheers to the boys from tHS for bringing a new obsessive level to the show.

While Nora Jones was a big name draw with her cover of "Just Like A  Woman" unannounced guest Karen Ellison's groovy version of "Cold Irons Bound" trumped the star. Elvis Perkins gave the live stage a studio back in '64 feel with a ramblingly great "Motorpsycho Nightmare". At this point Amanfu reemerged for a chill inducing, show stealing version of one of Dylan's best songs, "Not Dark Yet". This version from all involved stopped even the whiskey fueled drunks in their tracks with its emotion and style, A+ stuff.

After Ruby's performance the party got revved up with an all-star version of "Congratulations" from The Traveling Wilburys as Dani Harrison, Lukas Haas, Jake Dishel and Patrick Carney all came out to contribute with surprisingly Haas leading the way. On a side note it is odd that Carney was top billed for this show and played very briefly then bolted. Harrison on the other hand looked like he couldn't be happier as he stayed out to front a version of "Buckets Of Rain" and didn't leave the stage for long the rest of the night.

Doyle Bramhall II was given a late set slot as his silky guitar playing and crooning was showcased on epic tracks like "I Shall Be Released" and "If Not For You". As the guests started piling up to close things out Meshell Ndegeocello snuck in for a bubbling bass injection to "Maggie's Farm", Isbell came out this time to sing and play on a "Lay Lady Lay" and everyone got back out there for the rousing finale of "Knocking On Heaven's Door".

When the dust settled what was left was an amazing night of music, run smoothly and efficiently, hitting all the right notes. Shows like this can be a clusterfuck, this one looked easy I am sure things back stage were tougher but you'd never know it in the crowd or by the bar. Having been hesitant to attend these Fests in the past (for no good reason) it is safe to say I won't miss any of them again, a great cause, by amazing musicians with fine spirits? Pretty much perfect.  
___________________________________________________________________
Thanks to everyone involved, I am very happy to have contributed to this cause. I hope to have more from the group who puts these on in the future for RtBE so stay tuned,

Until then, xxsusannycxx has captured some amazing video from the show, I will post a few of our personal highlights here to get a feel for how things were, but I can't recommend this event highly enough. When it come to your town, go.
Craig Finn & Tad Kubler "Where Are You Tonight?"
Ruby Amanfu "Not Dark Yet"

"Congratulations"

Doyle Bramhall II "I Shall Be Released"

Monday, December 9, 2013

Album Review: Trombone Shorty- Say That To Say This

Trombone Shorty
Say That To Say This
** out of *****

The newest release from rising musical star Trombone Shorty (aka Troy Andrews) starts off with an instrumental that gives the album its name "Say That To Say This" and it is trademark Shorty with his band Orleans Avenue, crunching riff high power horns and a groove you can sink your teeth into. If only the rest of the album kept this style going instead of trying to give Troy Andrews R&B crossover appeal.

Simply put Andrews and crew can jam the hell out of an instrumental but when it comes to creating a pop/rock/r&b track things are lacking. Onstage Andrews is an engaging front-man but when he tries to tackle lyrics and singing in the studio space it often fall's flat and always takes a back seat to his instrumental prowess.  

There are some middle of the road tries at structured songs with vocals like "You And I (Outta This Place)" and "Dream On" but most of these attempts are rough going like "Get The Picture" which feels pulled between 4 different genres. The cover of The Meter's "Be My Lady" will hopefully get the crew laid but the Quiet Storm tinged get down jam is a carbon copy of the original with worse vocals this go around. "Long Weekend" continues this early 80's-light r&b trend that sounds overproduced and sapped of any real emotion. 

The track Shorty seems to be trying his hardest to crack into the mainstream with is "Fire and Brimstone" but when real fire power and a rocking feel is needed the group are stuck in neutral. The production does little to fan the flames as things are oddly muted. That in the end is the albums biggest issue, the production duties were handled by Raphael Saadiq and things have a fine new age r&b sheen to them, this vibe puts the songs in focus and they don't hold up.  

Of course the instrumentals still cook, if you were to make a mix album of all of the bands instrumentals and add the likes of "Shortyville", "Vieux Carre", the delicately building "Sunrise", along with the title track you would have an all time classic. As it stands though if Shorty wants the break through mass appeal he will have to wait for the next go around and maybe look for a better fit at producer.
_________________________________________________________________
This one hurts, weaksuace R&B from Andrews, partially have to fault Saadiq too, I just don't like the pairing, guess it makes commercial sense but blah. We love Shorty, having fallen in love with Nola right around the time Shorty and crew were starting to make waves. We will always love the man and the band, will catch them all the time live, but we don't hold out very high hopes for upcoming studio releases.

Support the artists here, buy the album here, peep some video below.
"Fire and Brimstone"

Dylan Cover #116 Caleb Lee Hutchinson "You Ain't Going Nowhere"

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 Caleb Lee Hutchinson of the Dylan tune "You Ain't Going Nowhere"

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this song.
A great tune from the amazing Basement Tapes and one of the most well known from those sessions the song has a down homespun country feel to it. Great lyrics from Dylan that span the globe, seeming worldly yet still remaining down home, familial and countryfied. A good tune that surprised us when we recently saw Dylan open his Brooklyn show with it.
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I have not heard about Caleb Lee Hutchinson but if this tune is any indication I certainly will be hearing more from him in the future...you can check out more covers of his on his youtube channel here.
Thoughts on Cover:
Wow, stumbled upon this singer and color us impressed. Caleb seems young, but you wouldn't know it by his confident vocals and playing on this Dylan cover. He impresses with range but not showboat playing/singing, nailing the song on a few levels. This is easily one of our favorite "deeper" finds of unknown artists in this series. The interwebs is a beautiful place, keep up the great work Caleb. 
Grade: A

Friday, December 6, 2013

Full Show Friday: They Might Be Giants, Kennedy Center 10/2/12

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...They Might Be Giants!
Let's cleanse the palette after last Friday with some good ol' family friendly rock now....

So last weekend I had a hankering for some good old school TMBG. This band along with Sonic Youth, Public Enemy, the Beastie Boys and tons of Hardcore/Punk bands got me through those murky years. TMBG is like a weird mind control drug for me, I hadn't heard them literally for 5-6 years until this weekend and when I started listening to Lincoln I knew every word like it was 1992 all over again. Their first 4 albums are ingrained (like a birdhouse) in my soul.

So here are the oddballs playing a fancy show at the Kennedy Center from 2010. I will admit to falling off heavily from this band when they actually became a band at John Henry, Apollo 18 was my last fling with the John's. I moved on, they did too but we will always have their early years. This show has a good selection of older jams including probably me favorite tune to open. Granted this isn't my favorite version but god damn I love "She's An Angel". Other highlights, "The Guitar", the amazing "Fingertips" whirlwind so cool live, "Your Racist Friend" and "Istanbul",

Pro-Shot, Pro-Sound, give it a geeky listen, set list below, Enjoy: 

Setlist
She's an Angel
Clap Your Hands
The Guitar (The Lion Sleeps Tonight)
Nonagon
Birdhouse in Your Soul
Fingertips
I Never Go to Work (Seven Days of the Week)
Particle Man
Your Racist Friend
Canajoharie
I Am a Paleontologist
Pirate Girls Nine
James K. Polk
Older Doctor Worm
Damn Good Times (Introduced as "Dang Good Times")
The Mesopotamians
 Encore: Alphabet of Nations
What Is a Shooting Star?
Istanbul (Not Constantinople)

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Album Review: Rough Seven- Code Breaker

Hey All,

Got a New Review up on Glide.

You can read it Right C'here!!!
It is of the Rough Seven's newest release Code Breaker.

We have loved the Rough Seven since the minute we heard them and don't go more then a few weeks without putting on their fantastic first album. Read our interview with the band here regarding the first album, it is a pure joy that we get another album from the group unfortunately it was produced under sad skies.

You can read all about it in the review, but this album is a personal favorite of ours and we are just glad to listen to these musicians create music under any circumstances. Any Rough Seven is good Rough Seven and the songs here flirt with greatness ("Perfect Tree","Everything But A Broken Heart") although I am guessing in a few years it will be the great covers I will come back to the most. The whole thing is great as Scully writes songs about growing up and the shifting of love, old days gone by  and current crazy situations like few songwriters today. The band is flexible and tight at once, a gift of music that can warm you this winter.

Support the artists here, buy the album here and peep some video below:
"Had A Home" off of Give Up Your Dreams   


"I'd Rather Go Blind" Live (without Meschiya Lake)

Year In Review 2013 - Best Album Art

We kick off our Year in Review section of 2013 with a new feature in the Best of... area.  Like in years past we will be choosing our Best Albums of the Year, a few we were underwhelmed with and our favorite show. Today we are starting out by judging books (records) by their covers (vinyl sleeves, jackets, digital pics, etc). We are going to support the creative minds behind the Best Album Art Work of 2013
The biggest gripe RtBE has with digital music is not the quality (that has been massively improved the last few years) nor the disposal nature of it (still a problem, but whatever), it is the lack of amazing album covers and art work.  Sure there may be great artists out there but seeing it on a screen, in iTunes or elsewhere is nothing compared to holding an LP cover or even a CD booklet with pages of lyrics, pictures etc. The hours we spent staring at covers while listening to music can not be adequately recorded, it added new dimensions to the sounds...Anyways...   
That said there were a few covers/full on art that really jumped out at us this year, click that read more button to find out which one's we liked best in 2013

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Album Review: John Grant- Pale Green Ghost

John Grant
Pale Green Ghosts
***and1/2 out of *****
This is a brutally personal album from John Grant that moves between piano ballad pomp and digital sparseness. After his critically acclaimed first solo release The Queen of Denmark, Grant recorded this follow up in Iceland working with Biggi Veira of the electro-pop group Gus-Gus. There is a distinct dance vibe especially early in the album but Grant is just as at home singing about himself with minimal club beats or big piano fills and crescendos.

The two influences that seemed to pop up couldn't be more divergent yet Grant seems to take pieces of both Harry Nilsson and Depeche Mode into his songs. Tracks like "I Hate This Town" are direct, complete with piano and Sinead O'Connor background vocals but there is also the "Why Don't You Love Me Any More?" side of things (also with O'Connor) that twists dark digital vibes while also remaining direct. 

The easy standout is "GMF" that should be redone by a ballsy MC in an over the top boast fest. The songs humor and proud proclaiming induces smiles as acoustic guitars strum, descending bass runs, electro keys all swell gloriously. This has to be one of the most infectious, honest and painfully funny songs of the year the hook will last with you as will the melody. "Vietnam" has some great wordplay while opening title track pulses along at a slow pace and stunts the true opening on the album the punchy minimal dance styled  "Blackbelt"

"Ernest Borgnine" seems to be the catch all track and the best example of Grant on Pale Green Ghosts.  Directly addressing his recent HIV-Positive diagnosis with honesty and humor over quirky disco clips before a smooth saxophone enters and flows throughout. Perhaps lasting a minute too long the track though brings in everything Grant is currently about. The painful life issues cause Grant to use humor as a defense but never shrinking from the truth wins points all around.

Running time is an issue, both in individual song times and overall length, Grant has lots to say about himself and relationships, Pale Green Ghosts does seem overly abundant especially in the middle of the disk. That said Grant seems confident in his experimentation musically and his next album could just as easily be a punk effort or a oprea piece and he will have no shortage of material. 
________________________________________________________________
Another suggestion (Thanks Lindsey) and while not completely our style we can see some interesting things in Grant's music. It's true his back-story adds depth, but back stories only get you so far, his experimentation seems to be key and balancing all that can be tricky. Grant is an artist that is worth hearing, and GMF is one of the best tracks of the year in any genre.

Support the Artist here, buy the disk here, you can stream it here and peep some video below:  
"GMF"

"Vietnam"

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Album Review: Jason Isbell-Southeastern

Jason Isbell
Southeastern
****and1/2 out of *****


The second solo album from the former Drive-By Truckers axe-slinger/songwriter Southeastern is a slice of powerfully gorgeous Americana. Layers of delicate strings, a confident front-man and songs that hold up under scrutiny via honest pleas, needful choruses and an powerful emotional anchor make it a must listen to fans of any genre, no country clichés here. 

The personal nature Isbell uses fits this collection of tunes as they were written and recorded after leaving rehab. Originally conceived as a strictly solo record his backing band The 400 Unit was brought in to spruce things up late and the accentuation's are critical, a hand drum here, a piano run there (and full on rocking for "Fly Over Water" and "Super 8") all add depth, but Isbell is the focal point and deservedly so.

The road song in both the physical and human state "Traveling Alone" is a classic as his new wife Amanda Shires joins him for the ride. Whether Isbell is recalling past complicated relationships and dealing with disease on the powerful "Elephant" or a bizarre form of "Stockholm" syndrome, Isbell's vocals are crisp dynamic and slightly wounded.  "Different Days" and the stripped down "Live Oak" both address how Isbell (or the protagonist in the song at least) has changed while "Yvette" deals with sexual abuse, these aren't light issues that can be drunk/sniffed away and a sober Isbell knows this, deepening the tone of the album.

That sobriety isn't pussyfooted about using metaphors, it is addressed head on during "Cover Me Up" "New South Wales" and those dark lonely times with "Songs That She Sings In the Shower". Where Isbell in the past has been a dynamic storyteller creating beautifully rich tunes, Southeastern has a deeply personal feel and raises above all his past work simply through one key ingredient, honesty.
____________________________________________________________________
With the year coming to an end I am getting to some of my friends recommendations of great albums from this year. This is one of them and I wasn't lied to, it is amazing. It may show up in our year end list, it may not, stay tuned.  

Support the artist here, you can stream the album here, and peep some video below:
"Traveling Alone"

"Elephant"

"Live Oak"

Monday, December 2, 2013

Dylan Cover #115 Jason Bennett "Let Me Die In My Footsteps"

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 Jason Bennett of the Dylan tune "Let Me Die In My Footsteps"

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we talked about a cover version of this song.
A Dylan track that for once you don't have to wonder what he is singing about. Dylan's reaction to nuclear war and the cold war scare that was happening "Let Me Die In My Footsteps" is a defiant reaction to the idea of bomb shelters and fear. A proud American song that still resonates today and an early Dylan track we go back to periodically. Also sounding a whole hell of a lot like "Long Black Veil" helps things out too. Quick side note, it was the first Dylan song we put on the morning of September 11th 2001.    
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I have not heard of Jason Bennett, but like many other entries to this series we are happy to find new artists and fellow fans of the Bard. you can find more info on Jason here.
Thoughts on Cover:
The added solemn violin of Tim Lorsch is a great touch for this song providing deep power and a sad tone. While I think of this track as defiant as opposed to meek, the concept of death is everywhere and there is an inherit sadness in that, conveyed nicely in Jason Bennett's version of the tune. The only slight deviation is the Dylan sounding vocal tinge, but that is to be expected from about 90% of the folk singers who came after him I guess. 
Grade: Solid B