Album Review: Rites to Sedition - Ancestral Blood

Rites to Sedition

Ancestral Blood

** out of *****

The Charlotte, North Carolina based Rites to Sedition loves to shoot for the grandiose while mining the various sub-genres of the metal world on their debut release Ancestral Blood. The group bounces between long extended passages of melodic/symphonic/speed/black and death metal building cinematic drama and tension.

The five piece of Brian Kingsland - Vocals, Gabriel Lucia - Guitars, Keys, Vocals, Jon Westmoreland - Guitars, Jesse Lane - Bass, Mitch Moore - Drums, use dynamics pairing the long running numbers with the respites, some of which are no more than nature sounds around wolves howling ("The Lunar Approach"). A better example is the opening tension filled "Advent" which leads ominously into the the fret board dynamics of "Waveform 66".

A mega example of the power of the players comes along in "The Moon Titan Phylon". Colored by double bass drums, guttural vocal howls and insanely fast guitar work the track is a metallic monster, however, the underlying lynch pin is the soaring sense of ever present drama taking the listener on an insane rocket ride to the cosmos without remaining cold and robotic. The song is an album standout that rides dramatic waves and crashes over it's ten and a half minute run time but never lets up on the ferocity and technical ability. 

Too many bands that play this sort of music sound like machines but Rites of Sedition also play with emotion and feel alive among the fury and histrionics.

That's not to say everything is great their first time out. Like all bands of this ilk the vocals are there for coloring only while closer "The Golden Age of Saturnia" runs on long rehashing album themes without adding much new, acting more as overkill than a final album statement.

The production is also very lacking, (leading to removal of ranking stars above) the sound can become tinny with all of the instruments clamoring for the ear. The cymbals in particular frustratingly wash away rather than truly clang with precision and the mixes are uneven as all the instrumentation does not have proper room to breath losing, the bass at times almost completely. 

As the band grows though they have a solid core of songs and epics to build off of. "Echelons of Imposition" uses the keyboard backing to lift off, the title tracks impending sense of doom matches nicely with its marching/head banging underlying groove and "Sorcerers of Atlantis" amps up the thrash vibe. "Wartide" condenses all of the bands melodic metallic elements successfully into a track that manages to stay under five minutes, a rarity.
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Support the band, buy the album, stream it on bandcamp or below and peep some video:

Dylan Cover #323 Cage The Elephant "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's artists, Cage The Elephant performing a cover of "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll" 

This month we have a special focus on Artists who will be playing the 2018 Jazzfest in New Orleans. Today we highlight, Cage The Elephant who close out the Gentilly Stage this Saturday, May 5th.   

Thoughts on Dylan's Original:

One of the staggering screeds from Dylan's early years is "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll" which tells the heart breaking story of a 1963 murder. It brings politics, racism, wealth gaps, injustice, violence, separate worlds, hatred to the forefront in unflinching fashion. Sadly, this songs messages are still fucking relevant and a tracks like these are still being written in the last few years to address Trayvon Martin, Stephon Clark or thousands of other senselessly killed. A powerful song that makes every listener think and weep if they have ears and a conscience.   

Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:

Cage The Elephant have been popular for a while and we reviewed their first album way back when (so long ago we can't find it online) and never thought that over a decade later they would be showcased at Jazzfest, closing out the 2nd biggest stage. Shows you what RtBE knows... 

Thoughts on Cover:

This is an engaging take on the song. We love when artists make Dylan's tracks their own and CtE does just that with a buzzing building background and vocals that are warm in your ear. It is hard to get away from the powerful words delivered in monotone while the sense of dread builds. A really cool cover. 

Jazzfest Starts Today, Stream it on WWOZ

The best festival in America kicks off today and hopefully you are attending. If you can not get to the Big Easy for The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, WWOZ has the answer.

You can stream the festival through their website. This is one of the best radio channels in the country, so you should pop in and stream them regularly, but these next two weekends are a must if you can't be there.

We will be down next week, and we can not wait, we will be checking out this stream to tide us over, you should do the same. Oh yeah and peep a few videos of non headlining acts playing this weekend:

Full Show Friday: Hot 8 Brass Band @ French Quarter Fest 2016

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us 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...Hot 8 Brass Band!

Every April we have a special showcase for bands who are playing this years Jazzfest in NOLA. Today we will focus on Hot 8 Brass Band who will be playing tomorrow on the Stage, Saturday April 28th.

Time to get the brass blowing as this week we showcase Hot 8 Brass Band in our Full Show Friday series as we creep closer to Jazzfest (which kicks off in just a few hours). They shout "Party" about 2,862 times in this half hour of playing, so you know what you are in for.

Not pro shot or sound but it gets the message across and the vibes flowing...RtBE can not wait to be down there next week. If you are in town now make sure you catch Hot 8 tomorrow. Enjoy:

Album Review: Mansa Obi - Mansa

Mansa Obi

Mansa

** out of *****

(While Jazzfest starts tomorrow, and RtBE thinks it is the best festival in the country, New Orleans is more than tuba's and second lines. As the fest arrives we wanted to take some time to review smaller various bandcamp finds from the city, as the town just pulsates music culture and art.)

The producer rapper from New Orleans Mansa Obi's second release Mansa is a mix of digital beats that ebb and flow around Obi's direct rhyming.

After a cosmic brief album opener the disk gets rolling around "Sin City '99" easing in with strings, a breathy sample over a hook up jam with the line "Good pussy run the world/and she has it" devolving into a full on bumping banger. Another fun number is "Crush Like Yea Pt 3.0" which has one of the best sonic palettes on the album using ripe keyboards and drums to float effortlessly.

"Clean Macking" uses rain sound effects mixing thin keyboard sounds and a grooving tempo which is all about getting the money with some auto tuned singing. The term contradiction is used a few times on the album and that comes through on the longest song here. "$2500" uses claps and blast beats excessively but instead of a full on dance track they are paired with a laid back r&b smooth groove; this odd mismatch of beats is unsettling yet engaging. 

Mansa is basically an EP elongated with poetic mini interludes ("Soul Cannibal" Vanity Mirror") the album runs quickly but still manages to cram lots of hip styles into the eardrums as Obi seems more confident in his production as opposed to his singing/rhyming; there are breaks of mysticism and lyrical passages, but none that stick around long. Things can also feel like demo tracks at times with a song like "Hallelujah" is somewhere between interlude and finished product. Either which way Mansa Obi is one to watch and listen for as he grows.

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Support the artist, buy the album on bandcamp or stream it below:

Album Review: Boyish Charm - Reaching For Love EP

Boyish Charm 

Reaching For Love EP

**and1/2 out of *****

(While Jazzfest starts tomorrow, and RtBE thinks it is the best festival in the country, New Orleans is more than tuba's and second lines. As the fest arrives we wanted to take some time to review smaller various bandcamp finds from the city, as the town just pulsates music culture and art. This is the first.)

Boyish Charm plays with early 80's new wave textures on their newest EP Reaching For Love. The duo from New Orleans, hit all of the genres touch points with dramatic vocals, layers of keyboards/effects, digital drum fills and a weepy nostalgic sense of love lost. 

"Crystal Blue" kicks things off in winning fashion as keyboards rise and fall like the tide around confident vocals all supported by a surprisingly rich bass and drum work for this genre of music. Following up is "Sun Kissed Lips" which uses digital laser like keys to off set the modern rock tendencies; you can practically see the smoke machines and neon lights coloring this track. 

The album center piece is "Shimmer Me Pink" with it's Berlin inspired "Take My Breath Away" bass line, programmed drums and lyrical content. It would have been right at home in 1982 yet it isn't as strong as the album eyeopeners dragging a bit while "Your Hand" is more experimental containing choppy textures moving from ominous to sweet in lyrics and sounds as the keyboards amp up the feedback to keep the horror lurking underneath. Album closer "Sledgehammered by Desire" wrestles with that pretty/ugly motif as well as but in more questioning ways, using chimes and layered guitar work to shine through.

Comparisons can be made to any of the new wave early 80's artists like Morrisey, Depeche Mode, all are mined for inspiration and any fan of the genre will find things to enjoy on this EP from the New Orleans duo. Boyish Charm look backward to that shimmering early 80's sound while making music through the wires of  today.
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Support the artist, buy the album on bandcamp or stream it below:

Big Sam's Funky Nation New Song and Interview on Glide

With Jazzfest only two days away the excitement is peaking. Coincidentally @glidemagazine posted an interview and new song from NOLA staple, Big Sam's Funky Nation.

That song "Porkchop" can be seen below and the full interview including his up coming tour dates can be read here. The tune is a mix of P-Funk electro bass, Nola trumpet, and heaping helping of bounce, it is sure to be a hit in the Crescent City.


We dig Big Sam having seen him up here in NYC and down in NOLA and hope to catch him again when he plays the fairgrounds on May 3rd. He will also be releasing a new LP and we hope to review that as well in the near future.

To get in the mood for Jazzfest here are a few more Big Sam numbers to get you grooving and ready for the best festival in the country. 

Artists Jazz Fest Memories on Glide

Over on Glide, Leslie Michele Derrough posted this excellent piece interviewing past artists about their feelings on playing Jazz Fest as the festival is so close to starting (it begins on Friday).

She talks with a wide range of past artists and highlights some of our favorites as 'must see's' (Look for more on Big Sam here on RtBE later today). Leslie does a hell of a job giving an over/preview of the festival and as always her pictures are fantsatic.

Below are some videos to get you ready for the two weekend event all chosen from Glide's selected artists playing the Fest, who RtBE are looing forward to seeing as well:

Album Review: Wreckless Eric - Construction Time & Demolition

Wreckless Eric

Construction Time & Demolition

*** and 1/2 out of *****

Wreckless Eric is pop rock lifer, constantly searching for the next chorus, phrasing and instrumentation to ring true. His most recent release is Construction Time & Demolition which pushes rock and roll boundaries adding horns, feedback and chaos to his knack for a good track.

Not looking back, Wreckless keeps pushing forward. The opening track "Gateway To Europe" feels alive and chaotic in a wet overcast English way as gorgeous horns punctuate the chorus that deals with just getting some wheels to get to the next gig before devolving into a feedback noise rock conclusion; a dynamic track to kick start the record.

Following up "The World Around Me" acts as a breather before the organ comes on to lead the shaking "Flash" which pushes his vocals towards the background but moves with musical vibrancy. The building strumming of "Forget Who You Are" is instantly engaging as Eric and the players build throughout the six and a half minute effort as strings and bass roll in an shimmer out as the track eases to the following number, the retro looking "40 Years".

The production gets ramped up for the swirling tension displayed on "The Two Of Us" and by self producing Eric has captured the chaos and commotion that he currently feels. "Unnatural Act" uses a bright piano with more ooh and ah filled backing vocals as the low end grooves along.

Musical interludes of "Mexican Fenders #1 & #2 are fine breaks but Wreckless and crew are best when they are shamboliclly riding the rock and roll rails like on the blaring "They Don't Mean No Harm" which discusses our current "dark ages of man" with a distortion filled plea to c'mon around layers of backing vocals, fuzz guitars, hand claps and horns before devolving into "Wow & Flutter" which drips with contempt for the ignorant fans around crashing cymbals and percussion. 

These songs are twisted and turn over with grim and grit, they are never straight forward and the production helps them remain unique. Wreckless has describe the sounds here as "a panic attack" and that claustrophobic feel can overwhelm but is also very exciting as in anything can happen at any moment. Wreckless Eric continues to earn his name and provide us with stylish and surprising, never easily digestible, pop rock on Construction Time & Demolition.
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Support the artist, buy the album or stream it on bandcamp or below. Catch him live this weekend at the WFMU Record Fair and peep some video:

Dylan Cover #322 Bonnie Raitt "Million Miles"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's artists, Bonnie Raitt performing a cover of "Million Miles" 

This month we have a special focus on Artists who will be playing the 2018 Jazzfest in New Orleans. Today we highlight the redheaded blueswoman, Bonnie Raitt who plays on the Main Stage this Saturday, April 28th.   

Thoughts on Dylan's Original:

From the barren blues of Time Out Of Mind comes "Million Miles". While not a standout on that album, the song was prophetic, hinting at the fantastic twelve bar blues variations that would dominate his next two releases. When first heard though it doesn't jump out, just feels like yet ANOTHER solid track from the bard.

Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:

We have always thought Bonnie Raitt was cool, from the first time we saw her with that red hair and white stripe she just seemed hip. On her music front we never delved deeply into her easy blues style, but have dug everything we have heard from the long running artist.

Thoughts on Cover:

A really nice blues cover with lots of jazzy infusion, playing with textures and instrumentation in a fun unique way. Upon first learning of this cover RtBE expected more of a straight blues take, this is more nuanced, and frankly better than we had hoped. Hopefully Bonnie and company give this one a whirl when she takes the stage in just 6 fricken days!!!  Jazzfest is almost here! So exciting...

Full Show Friday: The Radiators 4/20/11 Great American Music Hall SF, CA

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us 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 Radiators!

Every April we have a special showcase for bands who are playing this years Jazzfest in NOLA. Today we will focus on The Radiators who will be celebrating their 40th year on the Gentilly Stage, Sunday May 6th

Look at this one, EXACTLY seven years ago this show went down. Today RtBE showcases New Orleans own The Radiators from the Great American Music Hall in 2011, on their farewell tour...4/20 indeed.

As things would have it, they regroup to play the closing Sunday celebrating 40 years in action. Not pro shot, but the sound is fantastic. Enjoy:

Album Review: Joshua Hedley - Mr. Jukebox

Joshua Hedley

Mr. Jukebox

**** out of *****

The newest release from Third Man Records is Nashville's own Joshua Hedley whose love for classic country played in saw dust on the floor saloons, seeps onto this record. Mr. Jukebox is a stunning collection of songs that seem like they have been played in smokey juke joints for fifty years or more, showing off the craft and skill of Hedley.

The title of the album also happens to be Joshua's nickname as he is a staple on the Nashville live music scene and has an impressive knowledge of the genre, he describes this all gamely in the title track which laments the declining popularity of live performance. Before arriving at that one though the opening number really catapults Hedley forward, "Counting All My Tears" is a brokenhearted lament that cuts to the bone with Hedley's amazing lyrics and vocal delivery; the man knows how to construct a weeper from a bygone generation. 

That said the schmaltz and strings that colored (and polluted) lots of 60's and 70's Nashville records show up as well. "Weird Thought Thinker" waltzes and sashays around the bar stools with a twinkle but the overly dramatic "Let's Take A Vacation" piles it on thickly with background "ohhs" and "ahhs". While things can go overboard, the production is always pristine sounding rich and deep with lots of layers throughout.   

The quick "These Walls" is a winner closing with low end brass blows while "I Never (Shed A Tear)" contains gorgeous backing vocals all before the dynamite slow build of "Don't Waste Your Tears" which finds Hedley channeling Elvis Presley vocally and manages to incorporate the strings in knockout fashion.

The backing band are Nashville's players as steel guitarist Eddie Lange, guitarist Jeremy Fetzer, bassist Michael Rinne, percussionist Jon Radford and pianist/organist Micah Hulscher all contribute. The album is a quick listen and the finale is a soft jazz shuffle through "When You Wish Upon A Star", allowing the tears to stop flowing into beer mugs and finish on a positive lighthearted jaunt. 

Third Man Records introduced Margo Price to a larger audience and now Joshua Hedley continues the streak of true classic country successes for the label. Current country fans can skip this, but for fans who love the foundation and heyday of the genre Mr. Jukebox will be a refreshing ride. 
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Support the artist, buy the record, peep some video below:

Album Review: The Dean Ween Group - rock2

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!!!

It is of the newest release from the The Dean Ween Group, rock2.

From the penthouse to the outhouse that is the gamut Dean Ween runs, actually he doesn't ever really spend much time in-between those extremes. He can be majestic and gross from track to track, and while the humor wears thin quickly, his guitar work is constantly soothing.

Support the artist, buy the record, read the review and peep some video below:

Album Review: John Prine - The Tree of Forgiveness

John Prine

The Tree of Forgiveness 

**** out of *****

The first collection of new material from John Prine in over 13 years comes leafing out as The Tree of Forgiveness, a collection of folk/country tunes that musically are straight ahead but lyrically showcase Prine's wit charm and depth.

Excellently produced by the fantastic David Cobb, this laid back collection matches Prine's restrained vocals as he sings softer following his second confrontation with cancer. Coming out on the wining end of that battle allows him to put forth this set of tunes that glide by as easily as a southern summers sunset.

Opening with perhaps the strongest track on the record "Knockin' on Your Screen Door" strums with confidence and country flair. The call out to high cotton, George Jones, cans of pork & beans along with sweat potato wine places it directly in the wheelhouse of Nashville pickers as increasing instrumentation adds small flourishes to the music.

Co-songwriter Pat McLaughlin helps out Prine on numerous tracks including the whimsical "Egg & Daughter Nite, Lincoln Nebraska, 1967 (Crazy Bone)". The funniest track, it has help from Jason Isbell (who is a presence throughout), a killer piano phrase and tons of silly smirking lines and backup vocals. While Prine is a consummate songwriter, his ability to make it all feel tossed off is what is keep fans coming back for more and more. 

The albums first single "Summer's End" fits this motif as it is simple, yet lingers long after it has dissipated; a direct statement calling out to everyone personally as an honest plea. While the ominous "Caravan of Fools" is an outlier in this collection, co-written with Dan Auerbach and McLaughlin it slowly marches along with building dread, strings and deep bass. The tone and wit of Townes Van Zandt becomes channeled for the "Lonesome Friends of Science" while "No Ordinary Blue" has a Tom Petty Wildflowers musical ease breezing through it. 

Brandi Carlile helps out on the pretty "I Have Met My Love Today" while "Boundless Love" also pours on the charm with typical Prine touches, like the charming washing machine stanza. The nod to Phil Spector and the Beach Boys, yet his own spin of "God Only Knows" (supported by Isbell and Amanda Shires) confronts spirituality before the album addresses mortality closing with "When I Get To Heaven".

Prine knows he is much closer to the end than the beginning however, he approaches it with humor and grace as always. Prine lists of to-do's once he enters the pearly gates is laid out with a babies laughter behind him adding a dynamic touch to the song. The track turns into a party with barrel-house piano and ends the successful The Tree of Forgiveness on a joyous note.
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Support the artist, buy the album and peep some video below:

Dylan Cover #321 Anders Osborne "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" Live

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's artists, Anders Osborne performing a live cover of "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" 

This month we have a special focus on Artists who will be playing the 2018 Jazzfest in New Orleans. Today we highlight New Orleans own Anders Osborne who opens the Acrua Stage Sunday, May 6th.

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
The first song on the iconic Blonde on Blonde "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" is an anthem for a generation...to do what with, is up for debate. Stoned in the head or stoned by the masses up to you to decide. Whatever your thoughts on the lyrics and meaning it can't be argued that Bob is having fun which doesn't always come across on his studio releases. The "salvation Army" style horns and marching is a hoot...once in a long while but not made for everyday consumption. Truth be told, the song is normally skipped when I am listening to the album, I like opening Blonde on Blonde better with "Pledging My Time".

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:
We covered Anders a bunch on this site, reviewing a few of his not so great albums and yet great live shows, featuring him on Full Show Friday's and even once before in this Monday Dylan series. We enjoy him and when festival time rolls around it is always a pleasure seeing him rip on electric guitar.

Thoughts on Cover:
A fun cover with added harmonica and slide power guitar. This song should be a rambling rollicking good time and this version clearly is just that. Maybe we will catch him performing this fun cover under the blue skies in just a few short weeks!

Full Show Friday: Beck - Live at The Rehearsal Hall, Toronto 10/17/06

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us 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...Beck!

Every April we have a special showcase for bands who are playing this years Jazzfest in NOLA. Today we will focus on Beck who will be headlining the Acura Stage, Friday May 4th

Today we showcase Beck who will be bringing his Colors tour to the Fairgrounds this year. RtBE reviewed that album (and dug it) as well as having showcased Beck in this series before. We have caught the artist live more than once and will be happy to give him some loving down south when he rocks out.

Today's show is from 2006 and The Information Tour. Pro shot, Pro Sound, Full Set List below, Enjoy:


Black Tambourine Think I'm in Love Lost Cause No Complaints Strange Apparition End of the Day Where It's At Nausea Guess I'm Doing Fine We Dance Alone Cellphone's Dead The Golden Age Clap Hands / One Foot in the Grave / Emergency Exit

Album Review: The Shacks - Haze

The Shacks

Haze

***and1/2 out of *****

The debut full length from The Shacks focuses on front women/bassist Shannon Wise's breathy vocals and guitarist/producer Max Shrager's use of dream pop that is clearly inspired from 60's soul filtered through a modern scope.

Starting off with the title track the group eases the listener in with the easy flowing sound and Wise's confessional delivery. Less singing than whispering through your headphones, Wise's vocal style is not going to be for everyone but Shrager knows this using layering and and background effects on tracks like "Sand Song" and "Nobody, Nobody" which pumps up both the wah-wah and clean fluttering strings.

Shrager's ear for catchy is undeniable and evident everywhere on this album. Most prominently it arrives on the standout number and first single "Follow Me" with it's clean guitars, crisp snares both set against buzzing feedback reminiscent of Chicano Batman's standout "Friendship (Is A Small Boat In A Storm) from 2017.  Also exhilarating is the grooving bass work and excellent drumming from Homer Steinweiss on the upbeat "Birds" which moves with a spring time ease in glorious fashion. "So Good" contains an easy breezy British 60's pop buzzing vibe that will be the floating soundtrack for brief teen love in 2018. 

Some less successful efforts are "Sleeping" which yearns to be a soulful burner that never reaches those passionate heights while "Texas" also is an odd mix. Musically it uses organs drifting by with kaleidoscope eyes before dealing lyrically with racial profiling and violence; the juxtaposition of tripped out sounds around Americas bloody problems causes an odd tension that doesn't hold up. Wise's vocal delivery is unique but also limited and whether it is going for burning passion or addressing society's ills  literally, there may be a finite amount of ground The Shacks can cover.

The good clearly outweighs the bad though as "Blue and Grey" also speaks towards our differences, but in more of a poetic matter using hand drums and a cutting electric guitar outro before tracks like the dance ready bumping and grooving "All Day Long" make the duos sounds feel effortless. "Cryin'" loads up the strings putting Shrager's voice upfront as Wise adds "oooo's" while "All Day Long" leaves space between the chimes and horns for some of the best pairing of Wise's laid back vocals and Shragers excellent production.

A very strong debut from The Shacks that shows a deft touch of psychedelic dream pop can still be inventive especially when mixed with a soulful base. Haze is the start of something good.
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Support the band, buy the album and peep some video below:

Album Review: Ministry - AmeriKKKant

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!!!

It is of Ministry's newest release AmeriKKKant.

Safe to say this was a let down for us. RtBE loves old Ministry. Even mid career Ministry. This Ministry just feels superfluous and lame; it's kind of sad really, this album could have been so much more.

Anyways....

Support the band, read the review, buy the album and peep some video below:

The National Curate There's No Leaving New York Shows, Forrest Hills 9/29-30

The National are headlining and curating the There's No Leaving New York two night run of shows to be held in Forest Hills Queens, NY.

The band had this to say on their website regarding the shows announcement:

On September 29th and 30th, The National presents: There’s No Leaving New York; a two-day event at New York’s Forest Hills Stadium. Future Islands, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Cat Power, Cigarettes After Sex, Phoebe Bridgers, U.S. Girls, Bully and Adia Victoria are also on the bill. Tickets go on sale at 10am ET Friday, April 13th. We’ll partner with PLUS1 to donate $1 of every ticket sold to the Brownsville Community Culinary Center.
Members of our new Cherry Tree community will have priority access to purchase tickets on Tuesday, April 10th at 10am ET. Join now.
Our show last October at Forest Hills Stadium was one of our favorite shows in the history of the band. The incredible legacy of the place and the fact that it still feels intimate even given its size, we started talking immediately about finding a way to come back for multiple nights with friends. We couldn’t be happier to announce these shows in September with some of our favorite artists.

While The National are OK, however RtBE are pumped Jason Isbell will be coming back to town and may head out to the tennis courts to catch him and the rest of the 400 Unit. To get in the mood for the shows, here are some videos from the performers. 

Live Review: Drive-By Truckers @ Brooklyn Bowl 3/30/18

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!!!

It is of the Drive By Truckers live show from March 30th at Brooklyn Bowl.

This was a great set of music from the band in an awesome venue. They sprinkled in some of their newer songs from American Band, but tracks from almost all of their albums showed up. This isn't lip service; this band could have played for another few hours as they were raring to go.

Support the band, read the review, catch them live and peep some live videos below:

WFMU Record Fair @ Brooklyn Expo 4/27-4/29

The fantastic WFMU Record Fair is returning to Brooklyn Expo at the end of the month and fans of vinyl should rejoice.

The event will have movies, live performances, live broadcasts and DJ's spinning, the works for those in attendance. For the full list events you can check out their website or Glides write up.

To get ready for the event here are some videos of a few of the performers who will be playing the fair, including the excellent Wreckless Eric whose most recent album will be reviewed here later this month. 

Dylan Cover #320 Toots and the Maytals "Maggie's Farm"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune comes is a cover of "Maggie's Farm" from Toots and the Maytals

This month we have a special focus on Artists who will be playing the 2018 Jazzfest in New Orleans. Today we highlight, Toots and The Maytals who headline the Congo Square Stage, Thursday May 3rd. 

Thoughts on Dylan's Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
"Maggie's Farm" is classic Dylan, everyone thinks they know what it's about and they are sure they are right, but they all think different things. I will confess I like the sped up Electric version from Newport Folk Festival that caused the end of popular folk music (in theory) and really solidified Dylan's pop music career. It is a great tune and really flows in lots of forms making it perfect to cover.
Cover: 

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
RtBE love Toots and the Maytals. They were the first Jamaican artists we truly enjoyed (yes, before Marley) because of their up beat mix of ska reggae and soul. Having caught them years ago at Wetlands we were amazed at the tight playing and the way Toots handled the crowd with confidence. He was royalty and he knew it.

Thoughts on Cover:
A really great combo of style and substance. Toots weathered vocals and more lackadaisical style presented here works. Before listening we thought it would be more upbeat protest music (which would have ruled) but we will take this laid back rollin' version. A reggae tribute album huh? We will have to come back to this in exactly 100 more cover versions.....

Full Show Friday: Irma Thomas in Bern 1986

We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us 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...Irma Thomas!

Every April we have a special showcase for bands who are playing this years Jazzfest in NOLA. Today we start our monthly focus with none other than the Soul Queen of New Orleans Irma Thomas who will be playing in the Gospel Tent on Sunday May 6th.

Well we may have started off our Dylan Cover series this month with a whimper, but on the flip side we blast out our Full Show Friday lead up to Jazzfest with a bang! Irma Thomas giving it to us so god damn soulfully back in 1986 from Bern Germany. 

This is a gem filled set of tunes, sung by a legend with a drum tight rhythm & blues backing band; just press play and smile. 

Pro Shot, Pro Sound, full set list below. Enjoy:

0:00 - Thinking Of You 2:20 - Old Records 5:33 - Two Winter Long 7:55 - I Wish Someone Would Come 10:02 - I Can't Break Away 12:10 - Time Is On My Side 14:55 - Interview 17:45 - We Gonna Make It 22:20 - It's Raining 26:05 - Real Man

Album Review: The Messthetics - The Messthetics

The Messthetics

S/T

**** out of *****

A few months ago a unique combo played only a handful of live dates, now that trio has their first proper release. The Messthetics self titled effort is a unique blending of soundscapes that keeps digging deeper with each spin

With the rhythm section of Fugazi reunited, Joe Lally mans the bass and Brendan Canty the drums, the grooves are at the heart of things. Guitarist Anthony Pirog fits in gloriously flying around his six strings as the band weaves sonic tapestry. Part jazz, part groove, all experimental the trio have layered engaging sounds one on top of the other. 

Perhaps the most interesting part is that this music would not sound out of place if Ian McKaye or Guy Picciotto started a political rant or a pissed off scream over them. This proves how jazz minded Fugazi were but also how dynamic this rhythm section are. Opener "Mythomania" is a propulsive exercise that engages with added percussion and feels adventurous and somehow short at just under five minutes; a perfect opener that urges the listener forward.

"Serpent Tongue" is a up beat stoner rock in the vein of Earthless, letting Pirog blast out fret board fireworks while the pounding low end keeps the tons of steel hurtling down the highway. "Quantum Path" continues the speed metal guitar work with a math rock touch while "Crowds and Power" is the heaviest playing the players provide with crunching power and slamming drums motoring in fantastic fashion. 

The languid fuzz guitar of Pirog colors the relaxed "Once Upon A Time" while "The Inner Ocean" flushes this soaring pastoral feeling out to even greater extent proving the band doesn't have to be pounding to be deeply affecting. Both the brief "Radiation Fog" and ominously short "Your Own World" could work as excellent soundtrack music from this talented trio.

The acoustic picking and the cello laden closer "The Weaver" continues to add dimension and nuance to their sound while ending the record on a mellow note. Progressive experimental instrumentals will not be for everyone, and this isn't out-there free-jazz, yet fans of adventurous rock and roll, stoner metal or punky-jazz will love The Messthetics first release; here's to more in the future.
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Support the band, buy the album and peep some video below:

Brand New Tune from River Whyless LP Due 6/8/18

In 2016 one of the surprise finds for RtBE was the Asheville based River Whyless. We loved their second full length We All The Light and even ranked it in our year end review just outside our top ten picks for the year.

Now the group has their follow up full length coming out June 9th titled Kindness, A Rebel. The first single from the record arrived at RtBE's inbox and it is titled "Born In The Right Country". From it's title you can pretty much sum up the fact that it is about our current political state. You can grab it here through the medium of your choice or hear it now:



It is an intriguing, fairly straight ahead song from this band that speaks to the issues facing the world today. We are excited to hear the full length. Here are a few tunes from the band to hold us over until then.   

Live Review: Easy Eye Sound Revue - Brooklyn Steel 3/27/18

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!!!

It is of Dan Auerbach's recent live show in Brooklyn.

Easy Eye Sound Review may be an awkward name, but the show was smooth as silk. The players including Shannon and the Clams and Robert Finley were in tip top shape.

The crowd on the other hand was lame as fuck, no one getting down. Perhaps it was the rainy weather, perhaps it was just Tuesday, but whatever the reason the bands didn't seem to mind and played very well.

Support the artists, read the review, see the tour and peep some video below:

Album Review: Jack White - Boarding House Reach

Hey all, got a new review up @glidemag which you can read Right C'here!!!

It is of one of RtBE's Personal Favorites, Jack White and his newest album Boarding House Reach.

First things first, this album will not be for everyone, but it is for some people, and we are them. Noisy, funky, odd, experimental, grooving, manic, beautiful, it is all of these things, sometimes at the same time and we really dig it.

In the cold light of day we would probably rank Blunderbuss ahead of this when it comes to his solo work, but Boarding House Reach just feels exciting.

Support the artist, read the review, buy the album, and peep some video below:

Dylan Cover #319 Sting "Girl From The North Country"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's artists, Sting covering "Girl From the North Country" 

This month we have a special focus on artists who will be playing the 2018 Jazzfest in New Orleans. Today we highlight one of the big draws, Sting who headlines The Acura Stage Friday, April 27th.   

Thoughts on Dylan's Original:

From the first time we tackled a cover version of this song:

A fun little number that connects Dylan with folk's past. I heard Simon and Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair" first when I was growing up so I have always been a bit more partial to that version of this old folk tune even though Dylan changed a bunch of stuff around (obviously) with his recording that appeared on The Freewheeling Bob Dylan. His duet with Johnny Cash that highlights Nashville Skyline is something else entirely, a major sonic effort that I love. On an album that saw so many massive tunes come flowing out of the bard this one can be overshadowed yet his first version of this track is just a sweet folk ditty that has aged very, very well.

Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:

We are not the biggest fans of Sting, in any of his incarnations...

Thoughts on Cover:

It is fine, simple acoustic. Not digging his over singing, but whatever...truthfully we wanted to get it out of the way for better covers this month as we get closer to Jazzfest.