Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Album Review: Artic Monkeys - The Car

Arctic Monkeys
The Car
** out of *****

On 2018's Tranquility Base: Hotel + Casino the Artic Monkeys went out on a limb, experimenting by eliminating rock and roll from their sound, going with a focus on strings and lounge music banality. Front man Alex Turner pushed the band to record it while the group originally envisioned it as a side project for the lead Monkey. Fans seemed to be split on the successfulness, but Turner has only dug deeper into the piano, strings and David Bowie like transformation with this follow up The Car

Album Review: dd Toby Leaman - Military Applications EP

dd Toby Leaman
Military Applications
***and1/2 out of *****

Those lowercase d's in front of Toby Leaman's name indict his previous stint in the retro rocking Dr. Dog for the uninformed. Now, with that band retired, he strikes it out on his own and the results contained on his first EP Military Applications sound very much like...Dr. Dog.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Album Review: The Ramona Flowers - Gotta Get Home EP

The Ramona Flowers 
Gotta Get Home EP
**and1/2 out of *****

The poppy, electro dance rock delivered by the Bristol based quartet The Ramona Flowers is bringing new life into the band via their world tour and most recent EP Gotta Get Home.   

Album Review: Black Country, New Road - Ants From Up There

Black Country, New Road
Ants From Up There
**and1/2 out of *****

The second album titled Ants From Up There from the London based Black Country, New Road is a mix of audacious folk rock, depressively broken hearts, and scattered dreams. The band: Isaac Wood, Tyler Hyde, Lewis Evans, Georgia Ellery, May Kershaw, Charlie Wayne, and Luke Mark use a mix of violins, sax, guitars, and drums to craft an understated/overstated effort that moves into larger pastures in it's own time. 

Monday, November 28, 2022

New Album from Mike Dillon & Punkadelick Titled Inflorescence Coming in January

The newest release from Mike Dillon & Punkadelick, Inflorescence is coming out January 27th, you can pre-save/order it today

We love Dillon's Mortal Machine Gallery shirt in that pic and Nikki's Hitman one as well. 

RtBE reviewed Mike's last three major releases for Glide, the trilogy of albums 1918, Suitcase Man and Shoot The Moon.  

Dillon is an active and interesting cat, one to always keep an eye out for.  The first single "Devil's Playground" has been released on bandcamp

Dylan Cover #558 Corey Johnston "Most Likely You'll Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine" Live

 In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's artists, Corey Johnston doing a live cover of "Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine" 

Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this song:
It's that thin, that wild mercury sound. It's metallic and bright gold, with whatever that conjures up. Those are the phrases that Dylan himself used to describe the sound that he wanted on Blonde on Blonde. Safe to say he got it and perhaps never more so than on "Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine". That whirling organ that sounds like it may actually take flight, the tempo, the cutting lyric, hot damn this song is a joy. RtBE actually got to see him open a show way back with this one and it was a hoot, not as good as the original, but a gem to see live and hear anytime.
The closest I ever got to the sound I hear in my mind was on individual bands in the Blonde on Blonde album. It's that thin, that wild mercury sound. It's metallic and bright gold, with whatever that conjures up.
Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:
This is the first time checking out the talented Corey Johnston

Thoughts on Cover:
RtBE are always a sucker for a completely revamped cover of Dylan, and while a finger picking acoustic guitar version augmented by harmonica is usually par for the course, this time it is unique. The wildly rollicking tune is stripped down and done with soft nuance from Johnston. While the Dylan-like nasal impersonation/singing at times isn't our fav, the rest is spot on.  Would have loved to been hanging out on that porch with Johnston for this one.  

Friday, November 25, 2022

Debut Single From Scott McMicken And The Ever-Expanding

RtBE are huge fans of Dr. Dog and were a bit disappointed that they wrapped up their career (until the hopeful reunion tour down the road) but things move on. 

Scott McMicken, who I will always be a fan of because he was my first ever interview, has unveiled his new project Scott McMicken And The Ever-Expanding.



The debut single is below titled "Another One" and if you are a Dr. Dog fan, you will enjoy this.

Full Show Friday: Enslaved Live at Hellfest 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...Enslaved


It is upon us! BLACK Friday! In a tradition we started a few years ago it is time for the most evil Black Metal ever; because really it is the perfect soundtrack if you are hitting the brutality of shopping on this day. Granted we here at RtBE are not fans of the genre (or shopping) but have researched a few bands after enjoying the documentary Until The Light Takes Us.

We return to Hellfest 2016 and here comes the Norwegian fire breathers Enslaved as this years entry for Black Friday. While they started more traditional Black Metal they have evolved out of it a bit.  Anyways... 

Pro Shot, Pro Sound, Set List Below. Enjoy!

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving from RtBE!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Make sure you spend some time over this holiday doing what is truly important...Watching The Last Waltz:


For the gear heads reading this, here is an excellent run down of all the equipment used for this historic show.

Since it is a holiday here in the USA, also make sure to enjoy your time with loved ones and family. As a famous man once said, "Enjoy Every Sandwich"...especially the leftover turkey, mashed potato, stuffing and gravy ones on potato rolls...

The last few years we have thrown it back to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades of the past and this years no different.

Here is the 1998 Thanksgiving Day Parade, now go get stuffed! 

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Live Stream: Terrapin Family Band

We are now heading into the new normal with live music during the Covid-19 era. Live shows will need to be flexible and live streaming is a great way to keep music going. Streams have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. Things are (hopefully) improving on the pandemic front but live streams will be an option for artists during the foreseeable future. We will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and as a way to help out the artists. You can check out our weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past and as always, please support the artists any which way you can.

Today we highlight: Terrapin Family Band

On Fans Live, The Terrapin Family Band will be ringing in Thanksgiving tonight from Menlo Park, CA at 10pm EST.  

Check it out here and to get in the mood here is some live video from the band:



Album Review: Dr. John - Things Happen That Way

Dr. John 
Things Happen That Way
****and1/2 out of *****

The final studio album from Dr. John is this posthumous collection titled Things Happen That Way, which is being billed as the good doctor's country album. While there are covers of classic country tracks, the album is more than that. Mac Rebennack's roots are planted deep in his hometown of New Orleans and those percolating sounds color even the most stoic country laments and some excellent new originals.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Album Review: Adrian Quesada - Jaguar Sound

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

It is of Adrian Quesada's newest release Jaguar Sound.

A cool record, too bad the Black Pumas are done, because these beats are dope and some singing on top of them would be pretty perfect. 

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


Album Review: Weyes Blood - And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow

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

It is of Weyes Blood newest effort And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow.

A stunning baroque pop record for modern times. Weyes Blood is currently clicking on all cylinders. 

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


Monday, November 21, 2022

Coming In January: Bob Dylan – Bootleg Series 17: Fragments – Time Out of Mind Sessions (1996-1997)

More Bob Dylan today on RtBE as this exciting collection, the Bootleg Series 17: Fragments – Time Out of Mind Sessions (1996-1997), has been announced. The next installment of the amazing Bootleg series will be arriving in January. 

RtBE are huge Dylan fans and late era Dylan needs more love. We wrote about Time Out Of Mind when it celebrated it's 25th Anniversary in September  Needless to say we are highly anticipating this release. We almost..."Can't Wait"

To get in the mood, here is "Can't Wait" from Time Out of Mind:

Dylan Cover #557 Ron Talley "Scarlet Town"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Ron Talley playing "Scarlet Town"



Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
While RtBE aren't huge fans of Tempest and "Scarlet Town" is dull on the album, repeating the musical phrases over and over again, it doesn't mean it is all bad, this is Bob Dylan after all. Bob and the band have revived the track somewhat on stage, injecting the song with life and have delivered some great live versions since it's release. This evolution also makes it ripe for artists to put their own stamp on the longer blues based tune with cryptic lyrics and a slow beat.  

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:
Ron Talley was featured once before in this series with his cover of "What Was It You Wanted"

Thoughts on Cover:
This is a unique acoustic cover that Ron seems to get inspiration from both Dylan and Tom Waits as he arraigned the song to combine verses and stanzas in a rambling fashion. He moves away from Dylan's twelve bar blues stylings to a more ramshackle feel.  An interesting take and worth hearing.  

Friday, November 18, 2022

New Single from Jack The Underdog "Conversation" feat. Kellin Quinn

A new single from pop-punk artist Jack The Underdog titled "Conversation" features Kellin Quinn from Sleeping with Sirens


Check it out below:

Full Show Friday: Talking Heads 1980 Dortmund Germany

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...Talking Heads!!!


The NYC based Talking Heads head to Germany to play Dortmund in 1980. The core four Heads get help this show from Andrew Belew, Bernie Worell, Dolette McDonald, Steve Scales and Busta Jones. This is a hell of a set, so get ready. 

Pro Shot, Pro Sound, Set List below. Enjoy!
Psycho Killer Cities I Zimbra Once in a lifetime Animals Crosseyed and painless Life during wartime The great curve
 

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Live Stream: Bob Weir and Friends - Benefit Gala Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Sweetwater Music Hall

We are now heading into the new normal with live music during the Covid-19 era. Live shows will need to be flexible and live streaming is a great way to keep music going. Streams have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. Things are (hopefully) improving on the pandemic front but live streams will be an option for artists during the foreseeable future. We will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and as a way to help out the artists. You can check out our weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past and as always, please support the artists any which way you can.

Today we highlight: Bob Weir and Friends - Benefit Gala Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Sweetwater Music Hall

Says it all in the title today.  Bob Weir joins some friends for this benefit, live streaming on Fans.live.  Check it out here at 9pm PST. 

To get in the mood here is some video from Bobby and friends: 


Live Stream: Mo Lowda and The Humble - Live @ Relix

We are now heading into the new normal with live music during the Covid-19 era. Live shows will need to be flexible and live streaming is a great way to keep music going. Streams have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. Things are (hopefully) improving on the pandemic front but live streams will be an option for artists during the foreseeable future. We will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and as a way to help out the artists. You can check out our weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past and as always, please support the artists any which way you can.

Today we highlight: Mo Lowda and The Humble - Live @ Relix

An early stream (6pm EST) is happening today at Relix studios tonight as Mo Lowda and The Humble pull into NYC. 

Check it out here. To get in the mood here is some video from the group:



Album Review: The Rakers - The Morality of Heart Transplants

The Rakers
The Morality of Heart Transplants
**and1/2 out of *****

The sixth album from the Baton Rouge, LA based The Rakers is a rambling mix of Americana rock that lurches and stumbles from booth to table top in a local dive bar telling tales and regaling the clientele with off center poetry as The Morality of Heart Transplants delivers the groups nine songs; if that sounds fun, wooly, odd, and a touch off-putting, that is the point. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Live Stream: Robyn Hitchcock - From The Basement

We are now heading into the new normal with live music during the Covid-19 era. Live shows will need to be flexible and live streaming is a great way to keep music going. Streams have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. Things are (hopefully) improving on the pandemic front but live streams will be an option for artists during the foreseeable future. We will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and as a way to help out the artists. You can check out our weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past and as always, please support the artists any which way you can.

Today we highlight: Robyn Hitchcock

Streaming from The Basement live tonight in Nashville is Robyn Hitchcock. RtBE reviewed his last album for Glide, and it was solid. Enjoy the show tonight on Mandolin

To get in the mood here is a tune from his recent release SHUFFLEMANIA! 


Album Review: The Grateful Dead - Madison Square Garden, New York, NY 3/9/81

The Grateful Dead
Madison Square Garden, NY NY 3/9/81
**and1/2 out of *****

The Grateful Dead decided to release this individual show as a standalone from 17 CD box set In and Out of The Garden, March 9th, 1981 and it is a solid effort from the worlds most famous arena. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Album Review: Franz Nicolay - New River

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

It is of Franz Nicolay's solo effort New River.


The mustachioed Hold Steady piano player goes over the top with pomp as he does, and succeeds the majority of the time on New River

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



Monday, November 14, 2022

Dylan Cover #556 Linda Vogel "I Want You"

 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 Linda Vogel singing "I Want You" 


Thoughts on Original:
(From the first time we tackled a cover of this song)
A song that fits the Gemini Dylan like a glove; direct lyrical yearning chorus with verses that meander about introducing characters like roadblocks in the way of true love. It was the last tune written for the mega Blonde on Blonde and a song he and others (it was Al Kooper's favorite) admired so much he almost titled the album after it. Never a track that jumps to the top of peoples "favorites" or "best of" Dylan lists but one that really nails what the artist is all about in some of the simplest terms.
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
This is our first time coming across Linda Vogel. She is a a French singer/harpist and you can grab her music and info here

Thoughts on Cover:
An interesting version that goes for more yearning with Vogel's but also gets a bit of a hip hop beat injection half way through which cuts the burning desire of the vocals. A unique cover for this November Monday.  

Friday, November 11, 2022

Full Show Friday: EPMD - 7.8.18 • Queens, NY

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...EPMD!!!

From their 30th Anniversary here are EPMD live from Queens in 2018 in Springfield Park. Fan shot, Fan Sound, but listenable. Enjoy:

Happy Veterans Day, NYHC Style

Veterans Day is an important one in the USA's history, read more about it here.


Since this is a music site we will pay homage in that way. Our friends in the great NYHC band Billy Club Sandwich recorded a song titled "Veteran's Day". 


You can listen to bad ass tune below following the perfect Patton quote that the group used to intro it:
No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.


"I choose to fight for what I live for" Well said fellows. Well said.

Thursday, November 10, 2022

New Video/Single from Winter "crimson enclosure"

The newest video/single from Winter (aka Samira Winter) is a swirling dream pop, shoegaze affair titled "crimson enclosure"


Listen to the single below:

Album Review: Little Freddie King - Blues Medicine

Little Freddie King
Blues Medicine
**** out of *****

With the title of one of the best blues albums of 2022, Little Freddie King and his group of players prescribe Blues Medicine, and it couldn't go down smoother. The New Orleans legend worked with co-producer and longtime drummer/manager “Wacko” Wade Wright to serve up late night, medicated sounds that stand up with the best in the genre.   

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

New Single/Video from Donzii Titled "Grave"

The newest single from industrial/dance outfit Donzii is "Grave" with a video directed by Javier Hernandez.

The Miami based group will have their debut album released on December 1st. It is titled Fishbowl and they will be playing Elsewhere in Brooklyn on 11/26. 

Until then, check out the video below:

Album Review: Horsegirl - Versions of Modern Performance

Horsegirl
Versions of Modern Performance
**and1/2 out of *****

The debut full length effort from the Chicago based trio Horsegirl works up dreamy noise pop over the course of twelve short offerings but never fully locks in with memorable tunes. Versions of Modern Performance is a first effort from this young band that is still growing and has room for improvement around a strong base. 

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

New Single/Video from TINO "Wait A While"

The Dayton, Ohio based artist TINO has a new song and video out titled "Wait A While" off of his newest release Midwest Sorrow

Check out the tune and video below and grab TINO's new album over on bandcamp

Album Review: Tropical Gothclub - Tropical Gothclub

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


It is of Tropical Gothclub's debut self-titled release. 

Dean Fertita (Queens of Stone Age, Dead Weather) first solo outing as Tropical Gothclub is a successful combo of all those bands with some wild cover art to boot!

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


Election Day

Today is Election Day in the United States and if you live here, are registered and haven't voted yet, please do so today. 


It is amazing/sad that this song feels like it could have been written last month instead of 30 years ago...

Monday, November 7, 2022

New Single from Willie Nile "Wake Up America" Featuring Steve Earle

NYC artist Willie Nile has a new direct tune out before election day titled "Wake Up America" featuring Steve Earle

Check it out below and make sure you vote tomorrow if you are in the States and haven't yet. 
 

Dylan Cover #555 Calum Scott "Not Dark Yet"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's artists, Calum Scott doing a cover of "Not Dark Yet" 


Thoughts on Original:
From the first time we tackled a cover of this tune:
A excellent Dylan tune from any era but one that in particular screamed "I'm Still Alive And Kickin'!" on Time Out Of Mind at a phase when Dylan was simply an after thought on the current popular music scene. One of Dylan's most haunting tracks; it is hard not to feel his emotions and finality of the coming darkness as Dylan sings this lyric set.  An all-time great that is mysterious, foreboding, honest and powerful. First class Bob.

Cover:


Thoughts on Cover Artist:
This is the first time RtBE have heard Calum Scott. He is most well known as ITV talent contest for Britain's Got Talent.

Thoughts on Cover:
Interesting, because Scott is clearly a dramatic and soulful singer, but at times here it feels like he is over singing. The energy he injects seems to take away from the despair of lyrics. Not the worst cover we have heard, but not RtBE's taste overall.   

Friday, November 4, 2022

Live Streams: Spin Doctors with Special Guest John Popper Live From Brooklyn Bowl

We are now heading into the new normal with live music during the Covid-19 era. Live shows will need to be flexible and live streaming is a great way to keep music going. Streams have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. Things are (hopefully) improving on the pandemic front but live streams will be an option for artists during the foreseeable future. We will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and as a way to help out the artists. You can check out our weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past and as always, please support the artists any which way you can.

Today we highlight: Spin Doctors with Special Guest John Popper Live From Brooklyn Bowl

A show that was delayed a few years because of Covid finally goes down tonight as the Spin Doctors play a show at Brooklyn Bowl with special guest John Popper

Stream it tonight on the Relix Channel and to get pumped here is a tune from the band:


Full Show Friday: Big Thief — Live at Gateway City Arts 9/13/17

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...Big Thief!!!!

Today we showcase a set from Big Thief — Live at Gateway City Arts 9/13/17. 

Pro shot, Pro Sound, full set list below. Enjoy!

VELVET RING 1:14 HUMANS 4:20 MYTHOLOGICAL BEAUTY 7:57 SHARK SMILE 13:00 SHOULDERS 16:45 THOSE GIRLS 20:07 MAGIC DEALER 23:48 MASTERPIECE 27:22 GREAT WHITE SHARK 31:35 10 MILES AWAY 36:32 OLDEST 40:17 PAUL 43:31 CAPACITY 47:25 MARY 51:40

Thursday, November 3, 2022

New Single from The Comancheros "Blue Yodel In G"

New single from the heavy, southern rocking outfit The Comancheros titled "Blue Yodel In G".


The whisky swilling single is from their upcoming album Memphis to Mexico out on November 21st.

Check it out below:

Album Review: Ghost Funk Orchestra - A New Kind of Love

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

It is of Ghost Funk Orchestra's newest album A New Kind of Love on Colemine Records 

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



Wednesday, November 2, 2022

New Single From shy martin "wish I didn't know you"

The newest single from Swedish pop act shy martin (Sara Hjellström) is here.



Titled "wish I didn't know you" it is a breathy folk-like song with a ukulele lead from Hjellström. Check it out below:

Album Review: Kikagaku Moyo/幾何学模様 - Kumoyo Island

Kikagaku Moyo/幾何学模様
Kumoyo Island
***and1/2 out of *****

Recorded during lockdown in their native Japan, the acid folk/psychedelic rock outfit Kikagaku Moyo/幾何学模様 deliver their final studio album as a group, deciding that Kumoyo Island will be the last release from the quartet (who also wrapped up their final tour this fall). 

30 Days of Dead Returns for November

It started yesterday, 30 Days of Dead has returned for 2022.

For those who are unaware, everyday throughout November the Grateful Dead do this:

We hope you've been brushing up on your live Grateful Dead and making room on all your devices because we're about to drop a motherload of high-quality MP3 downloads on you. Yes, there will once again be 30 days of unreleased Grateful Dead tracks from the vault, one for every day in November, selected by archivist and producer David Lemieux. The tracks are yours, no strings attached, but we hope you’ll stick around for the challenge and the chance to win some sweet swag from the Dead.


You know your Ables from your Bakers from your C's, but can your finely tuned ears differentiate the cosmic "comeback" tour from a spacey 70s show? Each day we'll post a song from one of the Dead's coveted shows. Will it be from that magical night at Madison Square Garden in '93 or from way back when they were just starting to warm it up at Winterland? Is that Pigpen's harmonica we hear? Brent on keys? If you think you know, lob your answer in and you just might find yourself taking home our daily prize of a 2023 Grateful Dead wall calendar or the grand prize - both, YES BOTH - of this year's coveted boxed sets, Lyceum '72: The Complete Recordings [24LP] and In And Out Of The Garden: Madison Square Garden ’81, ’82, ’83 (Dead.net Exclusive)[17CD]!
Getting 30 Dead tunes for free, gifts for guessing correctly, and allowing super fans to test their knowledge is a fun way to pass the month. So head on over and enjoy. 

They started the month off with a version of "Passenger" (RtBE has no idea the year or performance), so here is a different ripping version of a Dead tune that is quickly becoming one of our favorites, form one of the best Dead releases ever, Dicks Picks #18.       

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Album Review: Wand - Spiders In The Rain

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

It is of Wand's newest, double live album release, Spiders in the Rain

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