Television Lite December 23rd – December 27th, 2013
No way are the networks gonna give you anything more than brass tacks when they know full well you’re either in the depths of holiday depression or drunk has hell and puking on your neighbors lawn.
My Top 18 Albums Of 2013: # 11 Mother – Natalie Maines
The complaint is the songs don’t link thematic in your mind, it is more like a random collection of tracks, a playlist, but both the sound is the linking and Natalies voices sounds unique throughout. A terrific album.
Active Viewin': rock nyc's picks 12-23-13
So Feinstein’s is so no more and Michael has moved himself to San Francisco and opened a new room and yes, folks, it is missed but here he is again back for a Christmas stand at Birdland. A little pricey but should be worth the admission fee –I’ll be there Christmas Eve and Mike will be jazzing things up through December 28 th.
Hear Ye: What rock nyc Is Listening To 12-22-13
You Send Me – Sam Cooke – The smoothest of all soul singer seduced a white audience with this grown up puppy love masterpiece of 50s; pure and innocent but with the suggestion of sex – A+
Bobby Womack At City Winery, Friday, December 20th, 2013, Reviewed
The amazing thing here is how involved the big man is in the music, how alive Womack is to the sounds, how at 69 years old he might still be l a badass but he is a joyful, surviving badass; it’s like the world has grown only as big as the stage he controls and this world is timeless soul greatness.
At The End Of 2013, 'Reflektor' Doesn't Unite But Divide The Music World
At this time of the year when people compile their lists of best albums of the year, Arcade Fire’s ‘Reflektor’ is on a great number of these lists. Is it really justified? It would probably on mine but I have to be honest, I am not sure I would have put it on any list if the same album had come from another band that I had never heard of.
My Top 18 Albums Of 2013: # 12 Home – Rudimental
The big thing with Rudimental is dance pop is fun, and they are having fun presenting it to us but Home takes awhile because they don’t record it with the sumptuous oof they give it live. “Feel The Love” doesn’t achieve the anthem quality on stage, the cresting waves of melodic soul hooks, and it is still great.
Thee Oh Sees Are On Hiatus, But Rejoice, John Dwyer Is Moving To Los Angeles!
Thee Oh Sees are taking an indefinite hiatus! That’s so sad because they are an unique band with an extraordinary energy, and their stoner-garage-punk-surf-psychedelic rock combines everything you want to hear and see at a live rock show. Frontman John Dwyer announced the news, this week, during a show at the Great American Music Hall.
Eat To The Beat, Hipster Pizza and So Much More
Considering that I am not a fan and the whole hipster seen sorta makes me ill it is appropriate that it be chock full of dead flesh. This pizza contains tasso ham, chicken, andouille meatballs, and pepperon
Dave Grohl Delighted? He Would be
“This is a great honor. Thank you to the people who nominated and voted for us. Thank you most of all to Kurt Cobain. And to everyone who’s kept rock music going strong for 60 years and counting.”
Hear Ye: what rock nyc is listening to 12-21-13
Anything Could Happen – Ellie Goulding – This is a big song for Ellie, completely addictive with those “wee wee wees” playing in the back of your head long after its over and a chorus of Ellie’s bringing it back home. Huge in the UK – A
Neck Deep "Growing Pains" Video Reviewed
“It almost feels like a scene in Skins, or an old punk scene. Seeing a bunch of guys just hanging out and having fun and being friends is so cool to see, and everyone in the pop punk scene claims it, and don’t quite show it as genuinely as ND did in this video. It’s adorable.”
Live From Maria Taylor's Kitchen this Sunday!
So with new son and husband in tow, and just before Maria’s US “Up All Night” Tour (actually, the tour doesn’t have a name, I named it for her), she is performing a half show with her family live from her kitchen
It's A Bad Brains Christmas, Charlie Brown, Video Review
Where the idea comes from I have no idea but the editor and creator of this YouTube masterpiece deserves some sort of awards for the skill used to create this video. Don’t be confused though, the tune used as accompaniment to the cartoon is not a holiday song at all
My Top 18 Albums Of 2013: # 13 – Modern Vampires Of the City – Vampire Weekend
This isn’t subtext on Modern Vampires Of The City, with its strange echo of “The Elders Of Zion”title? I still don’t see why more isn’t being made of Ezra being Jewish when it reverberates through Rolling Stones album of the year
Justin Bieber Announces Retirement And Internet Hysteria Follows
For many unbeliebers like me, I must admit it sounds like a Christmas present, People magazine has already set up a poll ‘Should Justin Bieber retire?’ and has so far received a 92% for a yes, but they have to be kidding right?
Hear Ye: What rock nyc Is Listening To 12-20-13
The “and I’m sticking to it” has more stickiness than the rest of the album combined, which is why it was a minor hit, though it doesn’t explain why Black Panties, is Kelly’s bestselling album in years. Maybe the album cover does that – B+
Morrissey Donates Biography For PETA Auction
As much as Moz is a negative Nelly is as much as he brings awareness to topics you may not want to hear about. He is well schooled in politics and social issues and for a guy with no real formal education he gets the point across quite eloquently.
Panic! At The Disco Acoustic Billboard Session Reviewed
“They’re all so tight together and it fits so well, and is clearly extremely rehearsed. It’s so polished and addicting, and the deeper register of Brendon’s voice takes over and when it hits the chorus, the three of them harmonizing is absolutely stunning”
My Top 18 Albums Of 2013: # 14 – Southeastern – Jason Isbell
The band are a touch generic though it sure doesn’t hurt the knockabout “Super 8” ( and the accumulation of stories work themselves into a worldview and while it isn’t a happy one, it is true one, and while it is mostly a bunch of stories and they don’t always end well, they always show people at their most humane.
US Top 10 Singles 12-28-13
Pitbull is right back at the top after his phenomenal performance at Jingle Ball last week and “Timber” is the only song I’d listen to for, how you say, pleasure. I hate “Counting Stars” although I can hear how some other people might love it…
US Top 10 Albums 12-28-13
Beyonce is head and shoulders above the rest with a ridiculous 750K + units moved at fifteen bucks a pop and no overhead, no publicity, all digital. Brooks is quite impressive with his non-digital release. It might be more last hurrah than new paradigm but as hurrahs go, I’m impressed.
Hear ye: What rock nyc Is listening to 12-19-13
Low key, ambient dubby sound with Charlotte’s whispery willow vocal all adding something desirable and sexy to the blues song. From her upcoming movie “Nymphomaniac” –a picture of which nearly crashed the website. Produced by beck, maybe she should get out more – B+
The Devil Wears Prada At Best Buy Theater, Tuesday, December 17th, 2013, Reviewed
A good set, all four bands gave everything they had, it was generous, the sets weren’t overlong, DVP played for only 65 minutes, and it allowed the audience to come to them, to join with them. More people of faith should use the Devil Wears Prada as their example.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Begging for Irrelevance
As the RRHOF becomes more desperate for repeated visitors to their Cleveland pyramid and their online gift shop, the lowest common denominator will continue to define cultural excellence. At the 2023 induction ceremony, P. Diddy will strut across the stage and proclaim repeatedly with great bravado that, “It’s all about the Benjamins!”
Junip's José Gonzalez Scores Ben Stiller's new film, 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'
The Junip frontman ended up singing 3 songs on the soundtrack, and watching the trailer of the movie, it is probably once again one of these perfect collaborations that becomes essential to the movie, like one of the characters. Shapiro even explained how it all started:
Love And Loss And A Rock Star
It’s the idea that heartbreak isn’t actually such a big deal. I know– that’s sort of weird coming from me. But it is. In fact, it’s almost minuscule in comparison to some of the other things that go on in a person’s life. Or just life itself
My Top 18 Albums Of 2013: # 15 – Shellshag Forever – Shellshag
The album is strong and yet supple, it is a Taoist achievement about how life comes to it, to the couple and its friends, and how that is enough. In the familial, or at least in the communal, in the me and my friends at the center of these wonderful friends is a vision of a musical life as an ongoing community.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2014 Fan Vote Winner? KISS
This year the tally put makeup legends KISS on the top of the heap. I’m not surprised but I’m also not overwhelmed with joy- since I have very little respect for the award itself. Although I will pause to say that the museum in Cleveland is a nifty idea I for those so inclined to look at Elton Johns car keys.
Top Five Hip Hop Albums 2013
Tis the season to make lists and thank god for that because there is nothing going on in the music business and I’d be left reviewing Jingle Ball again in anticipation of next years where I think we will finally be getting Katy Perry. Or Taylor Swift. Or most likely both because they owe us for the disastrous 2013.
What? Target Does Not Want To Sell Beyoncé's Album?
Interesting, but kind of ridiculous, the album has already reached some sales records (617,000 copies sold in the US and 828,000 worldwide through Sunday) in the iTunes Store after being only 3 days on sale, so if Target wanted to ‘punish’ Beyoncé for selling her album digitally before making it available to physical retailers, they look totally stupid!
11 Of NPRs best Albums Of 2013
Who will judge the judgers? I will! NPR have put up their top 50 albums of 2013 and I have only two questions 1) Do I know it and 2) is it any good… no wait here is 3) Where is Queen Bey!. Well, let’s take a look at what the lefty muckety mucks have been listening to, 11 of em
Hear Ye: What rock nyc Is Listening To 12-18-13
Kiss Me Last – We The Kings – A “Save The Last Dance For Me” for the 21st century and as sweet an idea as pop music can throw up, in a world of black panties, it is so innocent and emo in name, in nature it is pure pop for now teens – A-
Be B.o.B Now: New Album Snapshot Reviews Week Of 12-16-13
Yes, folks, the industry is napping but B.o.B., the Georgia rapper who opened for Eminem and Jay Z back when he was 22 years old is back and he has his moments here, though not enough to justify a purchase.
Think Visual: The New Beyonce Videos Viewed And Graded
She wants to be us and she wants to be Queen Bey at the same time, and she manages the trick by cutting in old footage of herself, it is a humanizing element. All of it wouldn’t matter if the songs weren’t so great and great they are; the equal of 4, maybe better, and after Yeezus the hip hop album of the year.
Stephin Merritt's Father Wants To Record An Album Of His Son's Songs
If you know about Merritt’s anti rock star image, you’ll probably think that the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree! And it seems that the two men have truly found each other, as Fagan wants to cover his son’s songs! He has started a Kickstarter campaign to fund the album, simply called ‘Scott Fagan Sings Stephin Merritt’.
Morrisseys Pants At The Nobel Peace Prize Concert
Let’s start this off with Morrissey giant pants. Many people wish they could fill his shoes.. but no one..nobody will ever fill those pants. Ann Demeuelemeeter gets mad props for these luxe pantalones and ayyy it’s nice to see the Dries Van Noten zip front shirt back in circulation..
MY TOP 18 ALBUMS OF 2013: # 16 -Elvis Club – The Del Lords
From the kick it into gear “When The Drugs Kick In” to the jammed out masterful Neil Young cover “Southern Pacific” this album doesn’t falter for a moment, the guitars are tactile, ringing, powerful -a thing of real beauty and smartness like scalpels of sound.
Not With The Band: Should Performers Boycott Homophobic Russia?
We have our homophobic idiots at home, but imagine an actor saying this publicly? He would certainly be under fire beyond recovery, since we aren’t talking about Alec Baldwin screaming his usual faggot slur at paparazzi.
Hear Ye: what rock nyc is listening to 12-17-13
Vivir Vi Vida – Marc Anthony – A “My Way” for the Latin American superstar stands as an anthem to living your life in the way you choose, for Anthony that means horns handling the melody – A
The Devil Wears Prada Concert Setlist 2013 (Opinionated)
The setlist is about what you’d think, six off 8:18 (the latest album, guess what the album refers to, I’m sure you can do it), three off the one before it, the somewhat superior Dead Throne, three off the personal best genius Zombie EP and two off With Roots And Branches Below. SO no shockers there
CCF Devastators," Why Didn't You Put Up That X-Mas Tree", Video Review
What up US bands, we thought you had holiday spirit. I think its more a tribute to the Great White North that those fools are banging out holiday magic better than we do– so wrong and I cant help but wonder if Santa loves them more.
My Top 18 Albums Of 2013: # 17 – 3.0 – Marc Anthony
At 45 years of age, Anthony has had his midlife crises and has now returned to his roots on this huge hit in Latin American, a perfect album which proves Anthony has the voice and the chops, and the arrangements, and the ear, to still be the biggest Salsa star living.
Fall Out Boy's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Performance Reviewed
“It was so nice to see them up there in front of such a massive audience because it truly is the recognition they deserve. The band was spot-on, clearly seasoned from over a decade of experience. This new hit is a perfect crowd pleaser and, consequentially, a good song for a runway.”
I Think I Got It, Beyoncé's New Album Is Here
Because of the visual-album concept, her album comes at the hefty price of $15.99, at times when people don’t buy music anymore! And she is selling, selling a lot of them nevertheless. She can do whatever she wants she will always be the queen of sales… . But she preaches consumerism it’s normal that she inspires it.
UK Top 10 Albums 12-21-13
I really do love the Eminem but the lyrics stop it from being a masterpiece, two Michael Bubles? Christmas we get, but To Be Loved??? But I am happy my old pal Olly Murs is back in the charts!
UK Top 10 Singles 12-21-13
A blip upwards this week at least because of Jason’s awesome ballad “Trumpets” and goes a long way to saving a short ripping, acrobat dancing, background taping loud mess at Jingle Ball! Looks like clear sailing for Lily’s song of Christmas
Hear Ye: What rock nyc is listening to 12-16-13
Runner – Laura Stevenson – Not only is her singing lovely, her lyrics are kinda great “Static transmit me to the other side of another room in pieces; like a steady beating, the summer hurts” but the guitars are all zoom lens Byrdsy excellence – A
So Macaulay Culkin's The Pizza Underground Was Plagiarism?
A few weeks ago, we heard about Macaulay Culkin’s new band, The Pizza Underground, which basically recorded the Velvet Underground’s greatest hits with reworked lyrics all centered around a totally pizza theme, with cheesy titles such as ‘Papa John Says’, ‘I’m Beginning to Eat the Slice’, ‘Pizza’,