I won’t be able to go to Coachella this year, but I still got to enjoy a ton of the performances from weekend one of the festival. Thank God for the internet!
Certain performances are being “rebroadcast” on Youtube and you can try your luck at catching your favorite band by clicking: ->THIS LINK <-
I purchased a lot of music in 2014. A ton of CDs, a couple of cassettes, and a few digital purchases. I’m also a lover of the vinyl format … but with the generally higher prices for vinyl, I’ve had to be a bit more selective with my decisions as to what new LP gets added to my racks. Some of the selections were good, some bad … but what I’ve got for you here are a handful of LPs that I purchased that I’m particularly fond of. Continue reading
MONSTER MASH UP: WHITE STRIPES AND EURYTHMICS
This mash up of the Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams” and the White Stripes “Seven Nation Army” is pretty bad ass.
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: ST. VINCENT
Quirky and cute, I think St. Vincent is a babe. She hardly posts any “selfies” on her Instagram (which is a good things, but research shows that people who posts tons of selfies tend to have tons of personal issues), but you should add her and check out the photos her fans tag of her. Follow this beauty on Instagram: @St_Vincent
FEATURED LIVE PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK
I’m pretty pumped to be seeing Reignwolf live at the Troubadour on August 13th. I’m still trying to get approved for a photo pass for the show, but it won’t stop me from rocking my ass off. I’m so pumped, I had to share this live performance he did for KEXP in Seattle. So bad-ass
PAYING TRIBUTE WITH ART
How better to honor The Beastie Boys than to put up a mural at the site of the original “Paul’s Boutique”. A very cool gesture.
IF YOU LOVE JEFF BUCKLEY AS MUCH AS I DO…
You need to CLICK THIS LINK and listen to the episode of KCRW’s “Unfictional” titled “The Grace of Jeff Buckley”. I’m still yearning for more music from him, even though I know there never will be.
MUSIC NEWS/STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Lorde is curing the sound track to Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. I think it’ll be interesting to see whether her taste in music is as good as her own music.
Consquence of Sound summarized A GQ Magazine feature titled “The 21 Albums from the 21st Century Every Man Should Hear”. It’s a great list with a some interesting opinions from some popular recording artists.
The Foo Fighters announced that their next LP will be released in November. Butch Vig (the legendary rock producer) call it “Epic”. Anxious doesn’t even begin to describe what I’m feeling.
If you go to a Jack White concert, DON’T PISS HIM OFF!!!!
I know a lot of shady people in the music business, but this story takes the cake. Conning investors out of $600K for a compilation album featuring Arcade Fire, Pearl Jam, etc.? How’d this think he’d never get caught?
THE YOUTUBE MUSIC VAULT
I was never that big of a Grateful Dead fan, but I love “Sugar Magnolia”. Plus, my college a cappella group covered it.
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: JoJo
http://instagram.com/p/o7oysnHCyx/
Though her music career had been embroiled in contractual battles with her prior label, fresh off performing at South by Southwest and having inked a new deal with Atlantic Records earlier this year, it sounds as if JoJo’s music career is about to get some much needed major label support. I’ve always enjoyed her R&B infused pop music … and being easy on the eyes certainly doesn’t hurt. Follow her on Instagram: @translucentbrownsugar
KILLER COVER: Allen Stone covers Marcy Playground
Remember that Marcy Playground song “Sex And Candy”? I do. I first heard it on the radio at college. It was a HUGE college radio song. Allen Stone soul singer who is about to release his sophomore album, and he does a great job covering this song.
Here’s the original Marcy Playground track:
HAHAHAHA …. Just For Laughs
The POWER of Music! It seems like Terry Crews can do anything with his muscles … even make music.
OK Go with a NEW Ground Breaking Music Video
OK Go’s music videos are always amazing. The music video for their latest single, “The Writing’s On The Wall” is a both a sonically pleasing and visually amazing. And it looks as if they did it all in ONE take. Take a look.
MUSIC NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Bjork to have a 3-D fusion of film and music exhibit at the MOMA! She’s always on the cutting edge of art, so it seems only fitting that she’ll have an exhibit at a prestigious museum.
A family named their twin boys Ghostface and Raekwon. Is this taking fandom to a new level … or Nah … lol.
Iggy Azalea recently scored both the Number One and Number Two spots in the Billboard Hot 100. A feat only accomplished by one other musical act: The Beatles. Now firming entrenched in the spotlight, commentary regarding her rise to the top has been steady growing.A professor from my alma mater, Cornell University, wrote one titled “The Conspiracy to Whitewash Hip-Hop”. An interesting read, for sure, but do you agree?
Enjoy watching music videos on Youtube? What’ll happen if your favorite band’s music is no longer available to watch? Well, it may be happening sooner that you think. Youtube hasn’t been able to work out deals with certain independent record labels, and music acts like Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Adele and others may soon no longer be available to watch on Youtube. A damn shame if you ask me.
JACK WHITE WITHDRAWAL
Last week I posted a link to a Jack White show that I regretted missing. Over the weekend, I suffered from Jack White withdrawal when I kept seeing various twitter feeds explode with Jack White updates during his performance at Bonnaroo as it seemed to be legend … wait for it … ary. I was again heartbroken for not being at a Jack White show. See below and join in my sadness.
Riff overload: Jack White triumphantly opens #Bonnaroo headlining set with “Icky Thump.”
— billboard (@billboard) June 15, 2014
Jack White has shouted out Detroit auto workers, ’30s blues musicians and homeless traveling musicians. #bonnaroo – @cpayneonaplane
— billboard (@billboard) June 15, 2014
#bonnaroo crowd chanting the “Seven Nation Army” bass line to get an encore from Jack White – @cpayneonaplane
— billboard (@billboard) June 15, 2014
Jack White is 25 minutes over his scheduled end time and showing no signs of slowing down. – @AlexYoung
— Consequence of Sound (@coslive) June 15, 2014
…and Jack White is still going. Just broke into “Seven Nation Army” #bonnaroo – @cpayneonaplane
— billboard (@billboard) June 15, 2014
CLICK HERE TO SEE OTHER ACTS I WAS ABLE TO CATCH AT INK-N-IRON
Wanda Lavonne Jackson is known to many as the “Queen of Rockabilly” or the “First Lady of Rockabilly”. An accomplished singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist, the success that she had during the 50s and 60s paved the way not only for women, but also for rock and roll and country music genres; and she is duly recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an “Early Influence”.
I was able to get up front for her performance, joining a mixed-age crowd. It didn’t surprise me that she was able to pull kids who couldn’t have been out of their teens to her show. After all, one of her more recent albums, 2009’s “The Party Ain’t Over” was produced by Jack White (which, by the way, was her first album to break into the Billboard Top 200, peaking at number 58.
When the lights dimmed, and the band started playing, I could see a small woman in a flamboyant, pink top make her way downstage. The crowd cheered loudly as their heroine took her steps forward, and when she addressed the crowd with a, “Hello,” the concert hall within the Queen Mary erupted.
Though in her mid 70’s, Wanda Jackson, like Ray Campi, gave a performance with such attitude and passion, that I could only imagine what she would have been like back during her hey-day. She yodeled, she growled, and she punched out notes like a pro, and the audience ate up every second of it … as long as they weren’t singing along with her.
In between songs, she would tell some stories as a segue into what she would perform next. She spoke adoringly about her brief time “dating” (“If you called it that,” as she noted) Elvis before vamping into Heartbreak Hotel. She reminisced about her experience making music with Jack White and the “disagreement” she had with the uber producer about covering Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good” before singing it.
I loved watching Wanda Jackson perform. I loved the way she interacted with the audience, marveling at their youth, and even joking about their hair color and body piercings. I loved watching the look in her eyes when the youthful crowd sang along to her classic tunes.
Towards the end of her set, she reached out to those of her fans that were lined up at the front; shaking/holding whatever outstretched hand that was reaching out to her. I reached out as well, and when she grasped my hand, and mouthed, “Thank you,” while looking into my eyes, it was a moment I’ll not soon forget.
I couldn’t find a setlist of the songs that she performed online, but I did take a picture of it (which I know isn’t the correct order, as the “You Know I”m No Good” isn’t even listed, which is included in the photographs below. If you were there, and know the order of the songs performed, please let me know and I’ll add it here.
CLICK HERE TO SEE OTHER ACTS I WAS ABLE TO CATCH AT INK-N-IRON
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: Ariana Grande
She’s not even old enough to buy an alcoholic beverage yet, but 20 year old Ariana Grande gets my nod this week for Music’s Insta-Babe. This actress, singer-songwriter and philanthropist is wholesome beauty who’s artistic endeavors has already garnered her many awards: The People’s Choice Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, The American Music Awards Best New Artist Award, NAARM- Music Business Association’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year Awards, and the list goes on. If her very capable vocals don’t impress you enough, maybe her demure and classic looks will win the award of your heart. If have an Instagram account, why don’t you follow her @ArianaGrande
KILLER COVER: Dirty Loops Cover Adele
Dirty Loops is a band from Stockholm, Sweden, consisting of Jonah Nilsson ( vocals and piano), Henrik Linder (bass) and Aaron Mellergårdh (drums) whose “Classic Jazz-Jam” style of play is otherworldly. They are currently touring the U.S. in support of their debut album. Their cover of Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” blew my mind last year, and still does today. If you are into their style of music, you NEED to see them on tour.
DID YOU KNOW THAT …
Speaking of covers, did you George Harrison’s chart topping hit from 1987, “Got My Mind Set On You” was a cover?!?!? I sure didn’t until Gizmodo let me know. George Harrison’s covered James Ray’s 1963 recording “I’ve Got My Mind Set On You”, and personally, I like the original more. Take a listen to both versions below, and chime in.
WATCH JACK WHITE’S CONCERT AT THE FONDA THEATRE
I wasn’t able to get tickets to either of Jack White’s concerts in Los Angeles, but God bless NPR (National Public Radio) because they taped the show at the Fonda Theatre and have it streaming on their website. If you were as unfortunate as I was, and aren’t able to score tickets to any of the shows he has coming up in the city you live in, CLICK THIS LINK TO WATCH JACK WHITE’S CONCERT AT THE FONDA THEATER IN ITS ENTIRETY!
MUSIC NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
It may have taken over 40 years to get there, but The Ramones’ debut album finally goes gold (sold 500,000 copies). About damn time, if you ask me.
There’s a Kickstarter campaign to win the auction for The Wu-Tang Clan’s latest album. For what you may ask? To destroy it. Kindly silly (and pointless) if you ask me.
Death Grips latest EP (below) “features” Bjork. I dunno … I think I heard her vocals in a few spots here and there. Can you? It’s like an auditory “Where’s Waldo”. LOL.
Chad Smith (drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Will Farrell challenged Lars Ulrich (drummer for Mettallica) to a drum-off challenge … and the battle was accepted!!! This should make for some hilarious television.
Most people aren’t aware that prior to becoming an acclaimed soul/funk singer, Sharon Jones worked as a corrections officer at Rikers Island back in the 90s. Rolling Stone Magazine asked her to weigh in on the authenticity of the new Netflix show “Orange Is The New Black”, and she had some interesting things to say. Personally, I thought this article was a great read.
A band outsmarted Spotify for $20,000 to give their fans free concerts. This was an awesome story. More power to them.
SNOOP AND PSY DOMINATING SOCIAL MEDIA
It was released less than a week ago (June 8, 2014), and as of 6/12/14, Snoop’s and PSY’s video for their collaboration, “Hangover”, already has over 47,000,000 views … 47,000,000 VIEWS, people!!!! Mind Blown. You can criticize the track as much as you want. Criticize K-Pop. Criticize Snoop. Criticize music, generally. Let’s just say, everyone behind this collaboration knew what was up. For better or for worse, this track isn’t going away anytime soon, and Snoop and Psy will reap the rewards (translation = $$$).
UPDATE: 6/13/14: The video now has over 52,000,000 views…
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: Jhene Aiko
http://instagram.com/p/oKBprnD350/
Jhene Aiko is an R&B, soul singer with the voice of an angel who is of mixed race background: her mother is of Japanese, Spanish and Domincan Descent, while her father is of African American, Yaqui, Choctaw, Cherokee, Navajo and German Jewish descent. What ever she is, she is super find. Follow her on Instagram @JheneAiko. I’m pretty sure you won’t regret it.
KILLER COVER: Kings of Leon Covering Robyn
I like Swedish, synthpop recording artist Robyn plenty, but I happen to like the Kings of Leon a lot more. Their cover of Robyn’s hit single “Dancing On My Own” is an example of how talented musicians can make a composition used in seemingly disparate style of music their own.
OH, FIDDY. STICK TO THE RAP GAME
Some musicians are athletic enough to play certain sports. 50 Cent is a ripped dude. Maybe his muscles got in the way.
MUSIC NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Beats By Dre was purchased by Apple Inc. for $3 BILLION! Surely, this will make Dr. Dre the first hip-hop billionaire. Hopefully, he uses some of the pocket change to help bolster the community he grew up in.
As reported in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Jack White goes OFF on everybody from Adele to the Black Keys.
UK crooner Sam Smith comes out of the closet. I still wonder why this kind of stuff is “news”.
Oh, and Steve Perry, the ORIGINAL lead vocalist of Journey performed live for the first time in two decades. The video below brings tears of joy to my eyes. Hopefully, he keeps popping up at shows to perform songs here and there. His voice has been missed.
BECAUSE IT’S HISTORY
I’m Korean, but I’m not a fan of K-Pop. The fact that PSY’s “Gangnam Style” music video passed the 2 Billion view mark this week, making it the most viewed video on youtube, proves that I know nothing about music. Want to be a part of music history? Watch the video below, and be able to say, for the millisecond that Youtube registers your view, that YOU broke the world record for PSY. LOL.
#DKLPHOTOS 