10 Songs: Thursday, April 23rd, 2015
Baby, Let’s Play House – Elvis Presley – sexy and violent, and a warning and maybe the single blueprint for John Lennon from “You Can’t Do That” to “Jealous Guy”. Yup, it’s that kinda song – A+
US Top 10 Singles 5-2-15
The US Singles chart is the most intensely conservative thing ever. How conservative is it? So far this year there has been a total of two songs at #1. Watching a record break is like watching dripping water on a rock, it takes money and it takes forever and it is the last absolute major label game in town.
Lee Ann Womack At City Winery, Monday, April 20th, 2015 Reviewed
It was all strategic. Playing a bigtime media gig at New York City Winery , Monday night, with a bad cold, a hacking cough, a million miles from the high notes, and the media, including Billboard, out in numbers to watch her present her fine 2014 album The Way I’m Livin’, the only way Lee Ann Womack could get through the set without capsizing into fits or losing her voice was through a strategy
US Top 10 Albums 5-2-15
I can’t see or, more to the point, hear the pleasure in Shawn Mendes. I thought he was OK but slight at Jungle Ball in December, and, opening for Taylor Swift this summer, it is not possible for him to bring the one band stuff the way Ed Sheeran did in 2013. Amway, what a Halestorm of mediocrity.
Sgt Pepper On Howard Stern
Stern is a happy man and on the occasions I listen to his show I don’t regret it, so a happy man who didn’t sell out. But he is also a minor player. He has removed himself from the zeitgeist and has stopped being an innovative force I the world of radio. He is rich and smart, but he isn’t powerful and he isn’t a force of life. America may have talent but it doesn’t have genius.
Singles Going Steady Week Of April 20th, 2015
Hallelujah – Panic! At The Disco – Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith kinda blew the now a duo back in 2011 (but no worse than the other half of the bands the Young Veins). However, all is forgiven with this fine Gospel meets emo rocker… time to panic again – B+
Rock And Roll Will Never Die, However Hard The Hall Of Fame Try To Kill It
As long as a lonely girl picks up her guitar in her bedroom, or a coupla of friends jam together in the garage, or a loft in Brooklyn, it will breath life into music. When seventy year old retirees plug in in their living room, that’s where the rock and roll hall of fame lives. It can’t be quantified or controlled. And it will never die.
Oldies But Goldies: Muse At MSG In 2013
It has been two years, April 15th, 2013, to be precise, since Muse played Madison Square Garden but now, with the band performing two local shows in May, to which none of us will be able to get in, perhaps it is time to remember the last time we saw em, on today’s Oldies But Goldies
10 Songs: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015
Shoegaze – Alabama Shakes – What gives with these guys? This is a fuzzed out indie rocker of the first order and while we miss Brittany Howard really wailing, what we get in return is Shakes go indie with the sort of song TVOTR would sneak by us from time to time – A
Amanda Shires At City Winery, Monday, April 20th, 2015, Reviewed
On stage she matched a passion for music, a sweet but slightly dry vocal, with a charm that felt like we were sharing her life, she let us in, like a door cracked just a little and you could see Shires through Jason’s eyes.
Be Here Now: New Album Reviews, April 20th, 2015
Waiting On You – Sam Lewis – Country singer songwriter, with a fine voice that sounds a little like Van Morrison, and some good and some really really good songs. The playing is delicious and sweet and the mood is complete in itself. This is a soulful, intelligent, lovely album. A pleasant surprise – ALBUM OF THE WEEK – B+
10 Songs: Tuesday, April 21st, 20415
Never had It (feat Young Dolph) – Young Thug – He sounds like an Atlanta youngster who has been listening to Rick Ross, but is young enough to still sound like a kid and still carry a grudge – B+
Damon Albarn: “Kids These days…”
Young artists talk about themselves, not what’s happening out there. It’s the selfie generation. They’re talking platitudes. What are any of them saying? I don’t hear anything other than: ‘This is how I feel.’
Muse Playing Webster Hall Gig May 8th, Presale Tomorrow (and unless you’re already a member of their fanclub forget a code)
Forgive him if you will, one thing for sure, Muse’s gig on May 8th at Webster Hall (they are playing an invite only gig the next day at IHEARTRADIO Theatre) should be quite an invent. They filled MSG, they should blow the roof off Webster Hall… but I’m not going.
Last Call: Week Of April 13th, 2015
Do You Wanna Dance – Jessie Baylin – If you dismissed her out of hand simply for being married to a King Of Leon, well, that’s understandable, but this dreamy cover of the old Bobby Freeman may go a long way in getting you to forgive her – A-.
The American Country Music Awards Goes Pop
At the start of the year I’d have absolutely embraced my inner Miranda Lambert ( “Thank you so much for allowing me to live my dream. I love you so much, thank you”) and been happy she walk away with album, female vocalist and Milestone awards, but after a lousy live show, I am seriously less thrilled .
Sir David Bowie? “No”
You might think Aldous, or maybe Harold Wilson, or God knows John Lennon, who returned his MBE “…as a protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and against ‘Cold Turkey’ slipping down the charts.”, would turn down a Knighthood but Bowie?
That Was The Week That Was: April 13th, 2015
I dragged myself to Citi Field and froze myself to death in order to watch the Mets win their seventh in a row, now up to eighth as I write. Impressed? You will be…
10 Songs: Monday, April 20th, 2015
Still Want You – Brandon Flowers – I don’t have much hope for the album but man is the song sticky, it has been on heavy rotation all week and after the disappointing song, the witty, 80s synthful hookiness of it all is a sweetheart of a song – A-
UK Top 10 Albums 4-26-15
Just in time for his upcoming tour of the the UK with Sting (I saw it when Iit played New York and liked it fine for what it’s worth… at least the Paul segment), this 19 song ultimate collection is Paul’s first # 1 since 1990. It is pretty darn good as well, a coupla S&G for taste and heapings of Graceland. That should do it, right?
UK Top 10 Singles 4-26-17
England is a different country, they do things differently, which is the only explanation I have for reggae singer Omi’s catchy “Cheerleader” hitting the charts three years after the fact. The “deep and chilly” German DJ’s Felix Jaehn remix is certainly a beauty, and it caught on fast forcing the remix to be rush released. No kick from this quarter.
Disneynature’s “Monkey Kingdom” Reviewed
Tina’s voice requests and receives empathy from us, as she explains the nature of the nature. We care so much because she cares so much. But we quite see them as fellow creatures with the rights of fellow creatures. It is intrusive without being helpful.
Adventures In Bluesland’s “The American Dream” Reviewed
This is pure artistry and alive pop art: it covers the bases. And it is New York, watching the traffic flow in a true blues greatness. “It’s gonna be alright”, Phil claims in the midst of the concrete jungle that is Blueslands. I believe him.
10 Songs: Sunday, April 18th, 2015
Tearing Me Apart – Robert L. Ross – rock nyc writer and power pop fiend Ross, gets this Pete Shelley sound alike so perfect, especially the bridge which is almost a blueprint for what the Buzzcock leader has done for years, you’d think (as I did) that there is a song in his catalog you’d misplaced – A
Gun Owner Tim McGraw To Play Sandy Hook Benefit
The thing about gun control is it makes more sense in suburban living, with miles between people, when, really, self-protection may be an issue. And while the “if there are stringent gun controls only the bad guys will have em” is a little on the specious side, please help me find the flaw.
Tyler, The Creator “Cherry Bomb” Reviewed
Synths and strings, dark and light, dick jokes and no hopes, money, pussy… a real disappointment but it is still Tyler, still the voice,still the deflated attitude, and still some very good songs. Just not the future of rap or the voice of his generation.
Let’s Active: rock nyc Concert Picks Week Of April 20th, 2015
“Solitary Drinking”, “I Hope You Dance”, “I’ll Think Of A Reason Later” –three great Lee Ann Womack songs right off the top of my head, though really, just about anything from last year’s The Way I’m Livin’ will do just fine from this wonderful country singer, will be joined by Amanda Shire, who plays a mean fiddle and whose 2013 Down Fell The Doves, is pretty good… not to mention Amanda’s work with her husband Jason Isbell, at City Winery on Monday .
Sneak Peaks Most Anticipated Albums For The Week of April 20th, 2015
OK, let’s discuss who the most anticipated won’t be. It won’t be Tom Delonge not acting his age again, it won’t be the overrated Speedy Orti, or the overrated Passion Pit or the plaily lousy Yelawolf. I gotta go with Alamaba Shakes, if for no other reason than the first single is the “Tusk” soundalike “Future People” -which is just excellent.
10 Songs: Saturday, April 18th, 2015
Swimming Pools – Kendrick Lamar – His star making turn and may I just add that the chorus to this track is catchier than anything on Pimp/Butterfly, and his Twista with a hangover verses are a blast – A
Gary Clark Jr to Join D’Angelo At Forest Hills On June 21st (A Shame It’s A Sunday)
So figure this as an evening of neo-black blues and soul for the masses, all that’s missing is Kendrick. This is black mafia as black art. But really, there is no one D’Angelo can out do his Apollo gig and while I wouldn’t mind seeing either guy again… on a Sunday night???
Tony Succar And Friends “Unity: The Latin Tribute To Michael Jackson” Reviewed
Tony gives everything to the album, especially a playfulness and a depth of artistic integrity. On his website, Succar is quoted as saying “Even the horn lines, I would transcribe them from Quincy Jones’ productions and then apply them to the arrangement in a different way. The essence of every song was respected. I gave it my best to create this very thin line between what Michael did with his production and what I brought to the project.”
Medium Cool: Best Talk Show Hosts Week Of April 20th, 2015
With barely more than a month left till David Letterman signs off, it should be all David all the time although I really thing between the heart attack and the intern scandal, Letterman began to lose it, and I have found him nearly uwatchable for the past couple of years. The first time I watched Letterman, Marshall Crenshaw was appearing and Letterman ran late because of elevator races… oh to be youg, right? The end of an era, not the way Carson was, but nevertheless…
The Future Punx Is Here
a band that references Ray Davies may have a little more up their sleeve than Future Shock, and the lead singers robot in love vocal has a hint of qu’est que ce about it…. It’s a nice vibe and should take em far, and they are opening at Baby’s All Right on Saturday May 15th…
White Schoolgirls “Racist Rap” Reviewed
Though as offensiveness goes, this is a little on the pathetic side, it is worth noting that the Texas community in which Grapevine resides is quite wealthy (median annual income for a male is a healthy $55K) and 80%white (3% black) which might explain this story a little bit clearer.
Kanye And Kendrick’s “All Day (Remix) and Drake’s Non LP B Side “My Side” Reviewed (Stream It Here)
You can’t play without a scorecard fellow pop pickers, and as the terrain of new releases changes like at the speed of a blink of the eye, here are two newer new releases.
The Only Coachella Review You Need Ever Read
A lot more people were catching Action Bronson than I imagined and also, despite a ragging from me for his Best Buy appearance last year, Bronson was actually pretty darn good. A killer version of “Easy Rider” was quite the surprise as was his (relatively speaking, he’s a big lad), the athleticism with which he jumped off the audience to mix and match with the audience.
Why IS Music Less Important? Because People Are Older
The age of the average American in 1967 was 27 years of age, in 2015 it is 37 years of age. Since the average person dies at the age of 78, that ten years is something like a change of 15%. Also, the difference between 27 and 37 is the difference between first job out of college and married with children
rock nyc Top 10 Songs Week Of April 13th, 2015
A quiet week with both Sufjan and Brian leftover from the week before and two big time country albums and a Christian album leading the charge for this week. Bop English? I like it, not sure it will last. The Michael Jackson latin album? I like it a lot, but wish there was more than one Tito song
10 Songs: Friday, April 17th, 2015
American Oxygen – Rihanna – I have this theory where Rihanna and Drake are the same person, they are both 20 something grumpie pains in the neck who can’t stop whinging how good they have it, in an irritating monotone. Do I exaggerate? Sure, some of the time – B
No Answer To Streaming Music, No Answer To Music Not Being As Important
Blaming music distribution for the state of music is asinine, if you don’t wanna make music because you’re not getting real paid, don’t make music. If you are a teenager and in a band and you don’t want to change the world, why are you in a band? If you don’t want to be the Clash, what do you want to be?
Why Christian Contemporary Music Sucks
It is the urge to contemporary, it is the faking of rock that harms CCM. Dylan means it on Shot Of Love, he handles the complexity and stalwartness of faith, Amy Grant is as interested in the music.
Singles Going Steady: Week of April 13th, 2015
Feeling OK – Best Coast – Third song off the upcoming album, and really, don’t we get the point by now? At some time her ongoing depression is so boring, she hasn’t even really depressed. She is just bland and meh and going through the motions. For years on end. It’s not significantly worse than anything else… still, it is like when you have a friend who always complains about their boyfriend… after awhile you’re like “for godssake knock it off” – B
US Top 10 Singles 4-26-15
Walk The Moon are a Cincinatti indie pop band who signed to RCA, added synths to their sound, and hit the lottery with this bland sliece of electro pop rock. It isn’t bad, you know, and it is hard to object at Walk The Moon getting lucky. Somebody has to.
US Top 10 Albums 4-26-15
Perhaps I am too cynical for the charts… so many albums come on and disappear and it doesn’t seem to really signify very much at all. From last week, Wale, Surfan Stevens and Ludacris are already gone, and I bet All Time Low will be gone before you know it. The moey isn’t in charting, it is in staying. It is Taylor, Ed , Sam and Adam -hanging on from LAST YEAR. As for F7… not a very good album in my opinion.
10 Songs: Thursday, April 16th, 2015
Yeah! – Usher, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Ludacris – While this was a huge hit for Usher, as was the album Confession, it heralded the end of Usher as great black hope, heir to Michael Jackson’s crown, it crossed over, yes, but only to a white audience that loved black r&b – A
Sunflower Bean: Straight Outta A Brooklyn Loft
The EP has a youthful intensity and given the nobody in their twenties trio, Jacob Faber (drums) Nick Kivlen (vox/guitar) as well as Julia, that isn’t quite surprising. There is a sort of inquisitive arrogance to the band, who live together in a four room loft in Brooklyn like they are awaiting for the director of their reality show to shout action.
The Facility Charge: Petty Thieves
If I don’t want to buy a ticket to a gig, I am free to pass on it. And I am sure the world at large feels much the same. But even so, racking on a fee for nothing is upsetting, they are like a thieving bartender who short changes you a little because you won’t noice it.It is petty thievery, It degrades us both.
10 Songs: Wednesday, April 15th, 2015
Power In The Blood – Amy Grant – her time in secular music has given Amy a loudness and force here, like getting whacked on the head by the Bible, a country rockers spirituality… and an acquired taste – B
Be Here Now: New Album Reviews, April 14th, 2015
Second Hand Heart – Dwight Yoakam – Hip honky tonk lives on, and this is better than the 2012 album 3 Pears, which was pretty good itself. In full voice, Dwight dials back the years with a collection of country rockers from left of Bakersfield… “Dreams Of Clay” sounds suspiciously like “Suspicious Minds” (just sayin) – ALBUM OF THE WEEK – A-
US- UK Special relationship Over
“The UK may not be viewed as centrally relevant to the United States in all of the issues and relations considered a priority on the US agenda…” I feel like Fredo in the last scene of Godfather II.