“Yet another post on bands I should know! So quickly!” I hear the reader say. . . . Well, that’s what happens when you’re stuck in an apartment with your family and are bored shitless. So, yet again, here I am for a post on bands you should know about. Today, I am going to be talking about a very cool band called The Fratellis. The Fratellis were introduced to me by one of my very awesome friends, and I have since become a big fan. So let’s get into it shall we!

The Fratellis have, in my friend’s opinion, only one good album. This album is called Costello Music and it’s extremely cool. On a rating of awesomeness, with 1 being not so awesome and 10 awesomely awesome, I would give it a 9.5! (Sorry about that little spiel, it’s wordplay from a movie.)

Soooo! Moving on from that awkwardness. Costello Music is a rock album, the kind of music you would love to hear at a pub. It sorta verges on the genre of Rockabilly, but not really. According to the Internet, their music genres include: alternative rock, indie rock and “garage rock revival”. As I have no idea what garage rock revival is, you should probably ignore that comment.

Costello Music is The Fratellis first album, and is very laid-back and fun. The lyrics are kind of unvarying, though. I will show this through a fun chart:

So, if you didn’t understand that (rather badly made) chart, I was saying that pretty much all The Fratellis’ songs are about on Girls, and particular relationships they have had in the past. Well, at least, that is what I have come to understand the lyrics to mean. Oddly enough, I hear the reader saying, “Well, that’s nothing new! Pretty much every rock band’s songs are about girls and relationships.” This brings me to my next point.

Despite The Fratellis’ typical lyrics, their music is very original, and definitely not rock clichéd. Their music is the type that keeps you interested for the whole song, and I certainly have never heard a band with a sound quite like theirs.

Costello Music is an album for fun lovers. There should be a label on it that says: “WARNING! Fratellis listeners should not include people who: are obsessive cleaners; are dainty; enjoy tea at the country club; carry a Chihuahua in their purse; are perfectionists; or only tolerate pristine and proper music.”

Instead of describing songs as I have previously (I was finding it quite hard to do so in words), I’ll be giving a rating to each separate song in the album:

• “Henrietta” (4.5/5)
• “Flathead” (3.75/5)
• “Whistle for the Choir” (4.5/5)
• “Chelsea Dagger” (4.75/5)
• “For the Girl” (4.25/5)
• “Doginabag” (4/5)
• “Creepin up the Backstairs” (5/5)
• “Vince the Loveable Stoner” (5/5)
• “Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night” (4.8/5)
• “Baby Fratelli” (4.9/5)
• “Got Ma Nuts From a Hippie” (3.75/5)
• “Ole Black ‘n’ Blue Eyes” (4.5/5)
• “Country Boys & City Girls” (4/5)

As you can see, this album has a very high average rating. (4.4769230769230, to be exact.)

In conclusion, The Fratellis’ album Costello Music is definitely one to pick up next time you’re near a music store. I hope you love it just as much as I do. Which is heaps!

Until my next article, so long, and happy gaffing!

Originally Posted Dec 31st 2007 via blog.myspace/daglovester

10.

Lifehouse ” Who We Are”

- Lifehouse, great band, but upon venturing into this album I really had no expectations. The album opens with “Disarray” and shows you this album is a different one for Lifehouse and also reminds you of how great Jason Wade’s raspy voice truly is. What follows are truly great songs such as “Broken” which is a simplistic song that gets it just right. “Easier to Be” is a song that shows just why this CD is so good, just basic melodies and lyrics that you can’t help but enjoy listening to; if any further proof is needed see the songs “Make Me Over” and “Mesmerized.”

9.

Timbaland “Shock Value”

- No matter how many times I play this album I can’t help but tapping my feet and turning the volume up a little louder. This is Hip-Hop; it’s so hard anymore to find feel-good rap albums that are truly classics. The combination of artists on this CD is spectacular, Justin Timberlake with Nelly Furtado are spectacular in “Give It To Me.” The song “Bounce” featuring Dr. Dre and Missy Elliot is simply amazing. “The Way I Are” is an incredible song that never loses its flavor even after the radio attempted to bastardize it. “Kill Yourself” is sadistically wonderful and probably one of my favorites. The OneRepublic song “Apologize” had a huge jumpstart on this album. The songs with the Hives and She Wants Revenge are very unique and really fun to listen to. I can’t help but loving the song with Fall Out Boy specially with a classy chorus like “wipe that smile off your f*cking face…”

8.

Jimmy Eat World “Chase This Light”

- I don’t even know where to start on this album…its fantastic. Its simply pure, enjoyable music that I am excited to hear every time I put the album on. I have always like J.E.W. and played “Bleed America” in high school till everyone around me wanted to kill me. Every song on this album is fantastic. The album as a whole has a great combination of a light punk sound with a pop-like influence. Songs like “Always Be” , “Feeling Lucky”, and “Here it Goes” are music just the way I like it. I was instantly drawn to the song ” Gotta be Somebody’s Blues”, its simply amazing and a good shift in tempo for the album. This album defiantly showed how mainstream rock can be done right and other artists should pay close attention.

7.

Miranda Lambert “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

-If I were to ever question my reasoning for listening to country music (which I won’t ever)…this is the kind of album that would remind me why I do. I was not sure if she could follow up her last album “Kerosene”, which I will vouch as one of the best modern country albums, but this album passed with flying colors. This girl is epic country at its true best; catchy songs with a little sass and soul. Miranda’s voice is such a joy listen to and she really uses it to portray a certain feeling to each of her songs. Songs on this album like “Famous in a Small Town” are why I will forever enjoy the country genre, simply incredible. “Gunpowder and Lead” is hilarious and is classic country. My Favorite track is probably “Desperation”, which is lyrically and musically as good as it gets. This is the only country album on my list and really deserves it, fantastic.

6.

The Fratellis “Costello Music”

-Its not often you will here music like this anymore sadly…very refreshing album. The Fratellis garage-band and indie styling is really enjoyable to listen to. From the bands very popular “Flathead”, featured on an Apple commercial, to some very different songs like “Ol Black n’ Blue Eyes”….the Fratellis debut album is outstanding. I feel that this band could be very big and really deserves more public attention. Songs like “Whistle for The Choir” and “Creepin up the Backstairs” are some of the better songs I have heard in awhile. Great Album, great band, very interested to hear more in next few years.

5.

Radiohead “In Rainbows”

-I originally had this album a lot higher on this list…but it was brought down to my dismay. This album may sit at number five….but it’s truly one of the better albums in years. Every song takes you on a different trip through musical and lyrical perfection that only Radiohead can bring. The album progresses from seemingly upbeat songs like “Bodysnatchers”, arguably one of my more favorites on the album, to truly wonderfully harmonious songs like “All I need” and “House of Cards”; the latter two probably being some of my favorite songs in the last several years. Album may be a little different for some of the diehard Radiohead fans, but I think its truly amazing……listen to “Jigsaw Falling into Place” kids…trust me.

4.

Paramore “Riot!”

-I bet that not many of you were expecting this one; I sure wasn’t. So why is this album number 4….um…. its pop/punk rock done so well that I was found speechless after listening to it. Not many bands that attempts an album like this have such a perfect blend of musical composition, every guitar solo…every change in the drums…every lyrical progression is dead on…I am not joking… its perfect. Add to that lyrics that simply are drilled into your head and a voice like Hayley Williams, who I thought had a simple voice until a song like ” When it Rains” or ” We are Broken” came on, and you get something that is simply great. If you can’t tell already, I really took a liking to this album…I simply can’t stop playing it. With so many women leading rock bands recently, it’s so refreshing to see one that really does it right. Congratulations Paramore and congratulations world for popular music that is actually good.

3.

Maylene and the Sons of Disaster “II”

- If there is some sort of metal or rock god out there…the messiah has come to save us. This album has so much power, so much aggression, so much ….well just plain “in-your-face” rock. I imagine that if guitars could sleep, they would dream of being played like they were on this album. Right from the start with “Memories of the Grove”, Maylene hits you hard and doesn’t stop until the last track is over. This album makes you want to bang your head, drive faster, and find someone to punch……its fantastically refreshing. I am not the dearest fan of harder rock and usually only take it in small doses, not with this one. This is southern rock at its finest….even on softer songs like the last two on the album, this band’s talent shines. Buy this album….buy it … put it in and turn the volume to 11.

2.

Ryan Adams “Easy Tiger”

-Welcome everyone to good music down to a science. Upon first getting into Ryan Adams, I felt as if I was turning into my father…Ryan Adams has a similar sound to country influenced music of the 70’s with a very unique twist added in occasionally. I now find myself consumed by this album; it literally has changed my view on all music. This album is filled with pure songs like “Goodnight Rose”, “Everybody Knows”, The Sun Also Sets” , and so many others that are such enjoyably melodies to listen to. Ryan Adams’ voice combined with old fashioned lyrics make this album a true classic and one that I can’t wait to hear every time I play it. Everyone that respects real music should have this album and also the “Follow the Lights” album with the Cardinals.

1.

Josh Ritter “The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter”

I am going to quickly take a moment and pause so that you may go purchase and listen to this album…literally…do it now………ok….. u got it?…..goood….. I am not sure really how to describe this album….so I’ll give an example…it’s kind of like if our world was to be adducted by aliens who wanted some proof that the human existence was worth sparing…you would give them this CD; and we would be saved. It’s truly a stunningly beautiful collection of songs that have certain hints of Elton John at times mixed with a little country, some blues, and even a little Keith Green occasionally. You don’t hear songs of this type much in the last several decades. This album at first found its way in the middle of the list, but after listening to it more and more, I realized that she was the one. So there it is, my top album of the year….many will disagree…but then again…..most people are wrong so….

]]> http://canyoukeepup.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/kia-commercial/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:14:34 +0000 canyoukeepup http://canyoukeepup.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/kia-commercial/

The new Kia commercial (I don’t know which car it’s for, I didn’t pay that much attention) is obviously ripping off The Fratellis “Chelsea Dagger”.  Well, they rip off their car designs, might as well rip off their theme music too!

I don’t know what car it is, but one of them looks like a knock off Honda Accord.  My husband calls it the “Afford” (in a truly derogatory way).  Kias and Hyundais are designer imposters of cars.  And everyone knows that the imposters are never as good as the products they’re imitating.

Speaking of bad imitations, I just saw Shakira on Saturday Night Live (I know, it’s a repeat).  What happened to her?  She’s a cheap Beyonce knock off.  She’s lost everything that made her unique.  Even her outfit was a rip off of an outfit I saw Beyonce wearing.  And that song, She Wolf, is embarrassingly bad.  Seriously, if you’re going to howl, do it with feeling.  WTF is that half-hearted howl?  It’s a limp, damp handshake of a howl and nobody likes a limp, damp handshake.  I feel embarrassed for Shakira whenever I hear that awful song.  And that’s the single off that album.  I can’t imagine what shit the rest of the songs must be.

#100: Alien Ant Farm/ANThology (2000) — Besides the cover of MJ’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ this album boasted pop gems like ‘Courage,’ ‘Attitude,’ and ‘Happy Death Day.’ The great thing about the record is that it stood out as a cohesive pop rock album on the whole. Something the band couldn’t seem to do on subsequent albums…

#99: The Fratelli’s/Costello Music (2007) — one of the most unabashed fun albums of the decade combining 90’s Brit Pop (a la Oasis and Blur) with Punk (The Clash). The whole album has a swagger to it. Check out choice cuts: ‘Chelsea Dagger,’ and ‘Flathead.’

#98: Blue October/Foiled (2005) — ‘Hate Me’ was the modern rock anthem of the year in 2006, but it was the rest of the album that was the real jem. Heartfelt lyricism from Justin Furstenfeld and a musical backdrop that at times recalled vintage Peter Gabriel, while retaining a Post-Grunge soun…d that worked wonders on album opener ‘You Make Me Smle,’ and ‘Congratulations.’ Completely turned me on to the Houston band’s back catalog and an incredible live show, to boot…

#97: The Offspring/Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace (2008) — I have pretty much all of the Offspring’s back catalog, but Bob Rock has a tremendous ability to reign in a band’s focus as a producer. The band’s humor is intact and Noodles guitarwork still soars through the chug-chug of their true punk power chords. ‘Half-Truism,’ ‘You’re Gonna Go Far Kid,’ and ballad, ‘Fix You,’ are standouts.

#96: John Frusciante/The Empyrean (2009) — Frusciante has already established himself as one of the premier guitarists of the past 20 years, but none more cohesive than effort released earlier this year. A true record for guitar fans from 9+ minute opener ‘Before the Beginning,’ to album single ‘Unreachable,’ and personal favorite ‘Central.’

#95: Ryan Adams/Easy Tiger (2007) — Ryan Adams was one of the most prolific songwriters of the decade, but on 2007’s Easy Tiger, the pop polish seems to come a little easier and his southern rock struck a chord with a wider audience. Can’t miss cuts like ‘Two,’ ‘The Sun Also Sets,’ and ‘I Taught Myself How to Grow Old,’ highlight a full disc of album rock.

#94: Thirty-Six Crazyfists/Bitterness the Star (2002) — I remember Lou Mansdorf telling me to check these guys out when he was still with Roadrunner. I thought ‘Eh, I’ll give it a spin.’ And then…I got hit in the head with a shovel full of bricks. The absolute raw intensity of the band’s op…ening salvo on the world was jaw-shattering to say the least. While it seemed Roadrunner never fully understand what they had, I’ve followed the band since that day. Cathartic music for a troubled mind, at times. I’ll never forget seeing the band open for Mudvayne and One Minute Silence in a barn called Saratoga Winners years ago, meeting Brock and the guitarist and remembering how humble they were at the time. Seemed ironic a band with such power could be humble. Mudvayne could take a lesson. Check out: ‘An Agreement Called Forever,’ ‘Slit Wrist Theory,’ and ‘Left Hand Charity.’

#93: Devildriver/The Last Kind Words (2007) — Album #3 from former Coal Chamber frontman, Dez Fafara, and friends is as hard hitting as they come. A lot of detractors blame Devildriver for copying virtually every form of metal out there. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery a…nd this collection seems short on mimicry. From the opening thrash of ‘Not All Who Wander Are Lost,’ to the European-influenced ‘Horn of Betrayal,’ to the slinky, sludgy ‘ Monsters of the Deep,’ DD fail to disappoint.

#92: Cold/Year of the Spider (2003) — Cold’s most commercially successful album (thanks in no small part to radio’s reception of ‘Stupid Girl,’ co-written by Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo). But it’s Ward and company’s ability to escape typical nu-metal fare forged by Korn and Limp Bizkit, to cut to t…he chase with heartfelt lyricism, and maintain crossover sensibility in a modern rock landscape that would turn it’s back on the band by the time their third album was received in 2005. Fortunately the band is back with original guitarist Terry Balsamo and firing on all cylinders. ‘Suffocate,’ ‘Wasted Years,’ and ‘Sad Happy’ are standouts.

#91: Soulfly/Dark Ages (2005) — as one might notice already in my countdown, I have a penchant for metal. I was never a huge Sepultura fan, but Soulfly have continually ripped my face off, while also appealing to me with a world music/sount american tribal vibe that sometimes comes off as the vaied ‘eyes’ of the hurricanes that are built and swell in each album. 2005’s ‘Dark Ages,’ was a favorite and if memory serves correctly was the first full album with Marck Rizzo (formerly of Ill Nino) in the fold. While ‘Babylon,’ ‘I and I,’ and ‘Frontlines,’ all shred, ‘Innerspirit,’ ‘Riotstarter,’ and ‘Soulfly V’ create amazing tribal and Santana-like vibes. Cool shit.

#90: Doves/Some Cities (2005) — the opening drum beat and jangle of ‘Some Cities,’ will forever, indelibly be etched upon my ears. Despite the fact that my truck ended up in a ditch one snowy day in Vermont as ‘Snowden,’ played in the CD player, I still love the album. Perfect for a Sunday morning. ‘Some Cities,’ ‘Black and White Town,’ and ‘Walk in Fire,’ are personal favorites.

Si t’agrada l’indie, especialment el “no patrio”, segur que coneixes a The Fratellis.

Si és així, segur que reconeixeràs la veu masculina del duet que us presento en aquest post: Codeine Velvet Club és el projecte paral·lel del frontman dels Fratellis, que es presentarà amb un nou disc a finals de novembre.

Codeine Velvet Club sona als anys 60, a glamour i elegància. Sona bé, en definitiva.

Res a veure amb The Fratellis, cert, però no puc evitar parar d’escoltar aquesta cançó un cop rera l’altre…

There are only 5 songs in Cirque du Freak, but you can find all of them here. The soundtrack album for The Vampire’s Assistant only has the score by Stephen Trask, but here are the videos and downloads for tunes from James Brown, Cold War Kids, Nick Cave, The Fratellis and Brent Lewis.

It’s not quite the Twilight soundtrack – in fact, the Cirque du Freak soundtrack is much shorter than most movie soundtracks these days – but the quality of the songs measures up.

Here are the songs from the movie:

• There Was A Time (Kenny Dope Remix) – James Brown
• Something Is Not Right With Me – Cold War Kids
• Red Right Hand – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
• Chelsea Dagger – The Fratellis
• Dinner At The Sugarbush – Brent Lewis
• Original Score – Stephen Trask

The first song in the trailer is Asleep from Day by Chemical Brothers.

Foi num dia quente (pelo menos lá no hemisfério norte) de julho que nomes consagrados como David Bowie, Black Sabbath, Queen e Mick Jagger subiram aos palcos da Filadélfia e de Londres para fazerem sua parte num festival de shows que tinha como objetivo arrecadar renda para ajudar a  Etiópia. Realizado em 1985, desde então a data tem sido celebrada como o Dia do Rock, e é apresentando algumas bandas que tentarei contribuir para esta data tão importante. E olha, foi difícil manter clichês como Elvis, Beatles e ACDC longe dessa lista, viu? Seja como for, aí vai, espero que gostem!

 

MGMT

MGMT – Kids

The Zutons

The Zutons – Don’t Ever Think

The Fratellis

The Fratellis – Everybody Knows You Cried Last Night

The Kooks

The Kooks – Victoria

The Hives

The Hives – Hate to Say I Told You So

Guardavo un canale francese (si, a Siena si riescono a vedere canali esteri con una normale, vecchia, Tv analogica) che trasmetteva l’ “Isle of Wight 2007“. Sul palco si succedevano gente come Muse, Paolo Nutini, The Fratellis, Kasabian, Donovan (si, è vivo), Amy Winehouse, Rolling Stones (loro o sono immortali o vengono mossi con i fili, tipo burattini). E stavo bene.
Poi ho pensato a Nek ed Eros Ramazzotti sul palco del “Wind Music Awards”. E ho sentito salire un po’ di nausea.
- Vabbè, ma non è certo il W.M.A. il festival per eccellenza, in Tv trasmettono il concertone del I maggio, quello si che è forte-. Artisti bravi e meno bravi che si dividono 15-20 minuti a testa, prima di assegnare le redini della musica italiana ad un’ora e mezza di Vasco Rossi.
- Pronto, chi è? -
- Dottore, ho un po’ di febbre, come posso guarire?-. Gli spiego un po’ la situazione.
- Ma lei dimentica il Festival portatore della vera essenza della musica del nostro paese-.
- E cioè?- (forse ho dimenticato qualcosa di importante, forse non è tutto perso, posso guarire!)
- Ma come, il Festival di Sanremo-
- Dottore, chiami un dottore!-
Si sente il rumore di una cornetta (si, come se qualcuno di noi usasse ancora i telefoni fissi) che cade a terra. Bip, bip, biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii. Encefalogramma piatto.
Cazzo sono morto. Certo me l’immaginavo diversa. Di sicuro non pensavo che l’ultima frase che avrei sentito (immaginavo un “Ti voglio bene” oppure un “Adesso siamo pari, figlio di puttana) sarebbe stata “Festival di Sanremo”.
Clinicamente morto, di febbre musicale.

Brit Pop Fun for the Whole Family!

I have been a fan of British bands Kaiser Chiefs and Arctic Monkeys for about 3 or more years now. Their music is high energy, hook-oriented and fun. Both bands write intriguing bass lines and simplistic lyrics on a variety of topics. Kaiser Chiefs are a bit goofier than other British bands, but their music is nothing to laugh about.

After coming into the Brit Pop scene through these bands, I began to fall in love with other similar acts, like The Fratellis*, Franz Ferdinand**, The Rascals, The Last Shadow Puppets, and of course, The Darkness. Listening to these acts got the flame rekindled for me to go back and rediscover my old Brit Pop favorites acts: Radiohead, The Stone Roses, Oasis, Cracker, Blur, Supergrass, Travis**, The La’s, Manic Street Preachers, The Smiths, The Verve, Super Furry Animals, etc.

With that in mind, I encourage you to try the above link and discover some of the newest stuff coming from our neighbors overseas. Good day!

*Actually from Ireland
**Actually from Scotland

I’ve got a bunch of songs stuck in my head this morning, and the best release is to share them with you.  Pass this along and enjoy!

1) The Fratellis – “Chelsea Dagger” (which you’ve heard in countless commercials and in the hidden gem of a film, “Run, Fat Boy, Run.”)

2) Glen Hansard – “Cry Me A River” (Justin Timberlake cover) I’ve heard his studio version of the song, and I think I like it better than JT’s!

3) Scissor Sisters – “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’”

4) Kris Allen – “Heartless” (Kanye West cover) – Better than Kanye’s and one of the best performances ever on American Idol.  Couldn’t find a REAL video, but here is Kris singing it live in Disney World:

5) Chris Daughtry – “Hemorrhage” (Fuel Cover) – That Kris Allen song got me thinking about hands-down the best rock performance EVER on American Idol…

Vi o estúpido filme do título deste post hoje. Eu estou muito num mood comédia romântica, e peguei esse na locadora. Achei que valeria a pena ver Patrick Dempsey nesta noite fria. Não faça o mesmo que eu – o filme não vale nem uma resenha medíocre num blog que é lido por umas três pessoas.

FUJÃO desse filme.

Mas não fujam, de maneira nenhuma, da trilha sonora.

Os ótimos meninos do Fratellis dão pinta por lá. 

Mas não é só indie rock que tem por ali, não. Tem Frankie goes to Hollywood, Oasis…

01. Smash Mouth – Walkin’ On The Sun
02. Sara Bareilles – Love Song
03. Lenny Kravitz – Love Revolution
04. Kanye West – Golddigger
05. Dorthy Moore – Misty Blue
06. James Morrison – You Give Me Something
07. El Presidente – Without You
08. Snap – The Power
09. Kool & The Gang – Ladies Night
10. Jimmy Shand – The Gay Gordons
11. Eddie Reader – My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose
12. The Fratellis – Henrietta
13. Oasis – Stop Crying Your Heart Out
14. Chris Isaak – I Want You To Want Me
15. The Tacticians – Respectfully Proceeding
16. Ray Charles – I Got A Woman
17. Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Two Tribes
18. Tomoyasu Hotei – Battle Without Honor Or Humanity
19. Dashboard Confessional – Stolen

Nádia Lapa

Wszystkie znaki na niebie i na ziemi wskazywały na to, że pierwsza edycja Selector Festival spotka się ze znikomym zainteresowaniem ze strony publiczności. Po pierwsze, Kraków to trudne miasto. Po drugie, konkurencja mocna – zarówno w samym mieście (darmowa impreza w Nowej Hucie w piątek, tani Kult w sobotę), jak i poza nim (przed chwilą Kylie i mnóstwo innych imprez okolicznościowych, w ten sam weekend Global Gathering w Poznaniu). Po trzecie, bilety drogie. Po czwarte, gwiazdy zacne, ale w Polsce niezbyt mocno ograne i opisane. Po piąte, obrzydliwa pogoda od tygodnia z okładem. I tak dalej, i tak dalej… tłumaczyłem dzisiaj znajomemu, kilka godzin przed imprezą. Pomyliłem się i dobrze mi z tym, bo trudno się nie cieszyć z tego, że fajna muzyka ma jednak u nas sporo fanów. Języki obce w kolejkach po napoje i pod sceną dowodzą, że i turyści dopisali. Tym lepiej. Niech przyjeżdżają do nas na festiwale, my już się dość do nich najeździliśmy.

Numerem jeden pierwszego dnia był dla mnie Dizzee Rascal. Świetne podkłady, mocne i hałaśliwe, jeszcze lepszy flow głównego bohatera i bardzo dobry kontakt z publicznością. Fisherspooner? Sporo działo się na scenie – jakieś lustra, neony, balety, roznegliżowane laski i panowie z fluorescencyjnymi krawatami – ale muzyka, o ile w miarę podoba mi się z płyty, na koncercie nużyła. Röyksopp chyba nieźle, ale byłem już tak padnięty, że wytrzymałem raptem dwie piosenki… Zgodnie z przewidywaniami największy szał był na Franzu. Nie dziwię się, bo koncert bardzo energetyczny, refreny chwytliwe, rytmy proste i skoczne. Szkoda tylko, że cały repertuar zespołu to właściwie wariacje na temat jednej, no może dwóch piosenek. Gdyby istniała sprawiedliwość na świecie, zamiast Franza Ferdinanda oglądalibyśmy dzisiaj Fratellis – grają podobnie, ale są bardziej zadziorni, mają lepsze piosenki i bardziej imprezowe refreny, a przy tym lepiej radzą sobie na scenie. W Anglii mają fanów, ale poza nią jakoś się nie przebili. Szkoda.
A co do grzywki Kapranosa – kiedy ja miałem podobną (środek podstawówki) i podobnie wchodziła mi do oczu, mama mówiła, że nieładnie odrzucać ją takim łobuzerskim szarpnięciem głowy. Alexowi widać nie miał kto o tym powiedzieć, bo głową potrząsał, a dziewczęta piszczały. Jakbym wtedy wiedział, że to tak działa na płeć piękną, może udałoby mi się mamę przekonać, żeby mi grzywki nie ścinała…

ByKEVIN ALLEN kjallen@suntimes.comChicago of the Chicago Suntimes

Blackhawks fans may be among the few Americans these days who don’t immediately think of Amstel Light whenever the Fratellis’ “Chelsea Dagger” plays. The infectious song — the soundtrack of an oft-aired Amstel Light beer commercial — gets blasted from the United Center loudspeakers after every Blackhawks goal, one of the many additions to the increasingly exciting atmosphere at Hawks games.

Pete Hassen, a Blackhawks spokesman, said “Chelsea Dagger” was chosen as the team’s goal song from a narrowed-down pool of six candidates before the preseason. Blur’s “Song 2,” “Tick Tick Boom” by the Hives and the Ting Tings’ “Keep Your Head” are among the others that were considered.  The reaction to “Chelsea Dagger” from fans was mixed at first, but Hassen watched as fans warmed to it. “We noticed about two months into the season that people were doing their own dance to it,” Hassen said. “And now you’re seeing as the team is taking off, the song is really taking off.” Need proof? Hassen said Cubs catcher Koyie Hill, who was at Monday night’s playoff game with some other Cubs, sent a text informing him that he and his teammates couldn’t stop humming it.

During the regular season, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp had more personalized songs that played after they scored.  The Scorpions’ 1984 hit “Rock You Like a Hurricane” played whenever Kane scored, while Toews celebrated to the tune of “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry and Sharp to ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man.” For the playoffs it’s been all “Chelsea Dagger” — with its bouncy hook and signature “duh duh duhs” that fans have been humming, shouting and chanting as they file out of the United Center after a Blackhawks win.

Lifelong Hawks fan Kasia Chalko said she has a “Pavlovian response” whenever she hears “Chelsea Dagger.” Upon hearing it, she gets the sense that something great just happened — even when it’s just the Amstel Light commercial.”Sometimes when I’m watching the game at home and the Blackhawks score, I’ll play it on my iPod,” she said. “I actually played it this morning as I was getting ready to leave my house because [Monday] night’s win was so big.”

During the White Sox’ championship series in 2005, Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” became a staple at U.S. Cellular Field. So is “Chelsea Dagger” the Hawks’ answer? “Music tends to play a huge part in every game,” Hassen said. “I don’t think you go into a year thinking, ‘We’re going to have a signature song.’ It just kind of happens.” “For the White Sox, I think ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ was a little more themed. This is just kind of a feel-good song.

There’s no lyrics [in 'Chelsea Dagger'] that have any meaning. It’s just the perfect call and response after a goal.” Hassen wasn’t sure whether the team will keep “Chelsea Dagger” next season. “You can’t really say that it’s going to stay,” he said. “But when things work, why mess with it?”

1.

Superb Hard Rock – Live inStaines This Week

Land of Cain

May 16 2009

Dog & Partridge

Staines

Land of Cain is a four piece rock/metal outfit from West London. Featuring superb guitar work, a pounding rhythm section, progressive strains and thought provoking lyrics the band are becoming
a force to be reckoned with in the UK hard rock scene.

The band started life as “One Bitter Pill” in 2004, with Grant Chambers and Aaron Waddingham in the original line-up, as well as Chris Jones (now of Voodoo Six).

With the departure of Chris in late 2007, Grant and Aaron decided to take the band in a darker and heavier direction, and with the additionof Spencer Dargue on Drums and Chris Jordan on Bass, the band began writing the new material which would later evolve into the songs for their first album
“Collapse the Control”.

The band began recording the album in early 2008 at The Lodge in
Northampton, and hope to be able to release it early in 2009.

Links:

www.myspace.com/landofcain

2. Saxy Lady – Jazz Live at Windsor

YolanDa Brown

May 16 2009

Firestation

Windsor

Think saxophones, and most of us will immediately start thinking
of jazz, specifically trad jazz. No bad thing, maybe, as there are few
instruments as stunning as the saxophone and few sounds as effortlessly
beautiful as jazz. YolanDa Brown is someone who has made the instrument
truly her own as a miraculously gifted saxophonist fluent in a whole
lot more than just one genre.

As her two EPs to date, July 2007’s ‘Finding My Voice’ and
August 2008’s  ‘A Step Closer’ attest to an artist who takes jazz and introduces it to all sorts: to soul, to R&B and gospel, to loping reggae and soaring Latin. She can take a sound at first emotionally raw and incontestably infectious, and make it sound like nothing else on earth. For the past three years she has performed with some of the world’s most respected artists. Selling out venues like London’s Jazz Café at the drop of a
hat and the recipient of a prestigious MOBO Award, YolanDa is in demand
and it is a great privilege that she will be appearing with her band
here at The Firestation for this very special concert.

Upcoming show:

YolanDa Brown Live In Concert

16.05.2009 20.00 h

The Auditorium – Firestation Arts Centre
Windsor

£10(GA) £9(Conc) £8(Mem)

Links:

www.myspace.com/missyolandabrown

http://www.firestationartscentre.com

3. Powerful Indie Rock Covers – Windsor

The Riots

May 16 2009

Old Ticket Hall

Windsor

THE RIOTS PLAY THEIR LAST GIG AT THE OLD TICKET HALL FOR 2009. We wish them the best in their musical career. The Riots are a
Berkshire based 4 piece band playing up to the minute indie rock covers
by popular names such as Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, Arctic Monkeys and
Fratellis as well as a few standards by greats such as Oasis, The
Beatles and The Kinks.

Having built up a collection of toe tapping covers, the band started by
getting their first gig at The Old Ticket Hall in Windsor in 2007. They
have played many gigs since and are currently writing their own
material whilst learning up to the minute covers to keep your ears
smiling

+ DJ PLAYING 80’s &
90’s HITS

- BAR OPEN TILL 2AM

The
Old Ticket Hall Windsor & Eton Riverside Station

5/8/2009 8:00 PM at AXIS

Links:

www.myspace.com/wearetheriotsband

4. Classic Rock Hits – Live at  Hampton

Cry Wolf

May 16 2009

Royal Oak

Hampton

Classic Rock Hits

Tom
Farmer (vocals, bass) David Farmer (drums, vocals) Gary Farmer (vocals,
guitar) Pars Evrenos (guitar)… make up the formidable local orginal
material / covers band CRY WOLF.

Described by our ADPONTES reviewer, Neil_Mach,  as ” heavy, bluesy,
mature and very, very serious – thoroughly recommended”  we
give them a five star rating !

Links:

http://www.crywolfrocks.co.uk/

http://www.blackfootsue.com/

5. Local Favourite Rock Party band  -   Live in Staines

Foulplay

May 15 2009

Sticky Fungus

Staines

w/ Four Wheel Drive – Classic  Rock

Foulplay are one of our favourite bands here in STAINES band mixing old-time rock and roll and skiffle, through to classics from the glam-rock seventies, big numbers from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and even into modern indie rock territory

May 15, 2009 at 8pm to May 16, 2009 at 2am

Location: Sticky Fungus Music Venue

Street: Elmsleigh Road

City/Town: Staines

Doors open at 8pm. £5 entry. Over 18’s only (ID required)

Links:

www.myspace.com/foulplayuk

www.myspace.com/4wdtheband

The past month, my life has been insanely busy.
I’ve been running around getting stuff in order to start school in the fall (transcripts from 3 colleges/universities and my high school, supporting material for classes I took more than 10 years ago, etc.), spring cleaning, end of the school year concerts and ceremonies and recitals for my kids, the start of softball season (and the hundreds of practices, also, I volunteered to help coach my oldest’s team when the coach is unavailable – I have no idea what to do for this), the start of summer swim team. Seriously, it’s insane. Add to this Mothers’ Day, and 3 birthdays of immediate family members (in fact, my oldest had a birthday party at my house today.  A house full of teenagers is loud and scary) and a nephew and all the normal running (dentist appointments, doctors’ appointments – I have 3 kids and this is checkup time of year) and it’s just been almost overwhelmingly busy.  This craziness probably contributed to the nasty cold I had Thursday and Friday.

But I have to say, I’m an incredibly lucky girl. And I’m very thankful.

I put in an online entry for Kings of Leon tickets today at a local radio station.  I really, really wanted to see them.  And I just sat down to check my e-mails and …….. I actually won! My husband is almost angry.  He said that he put in hundreds of entries for other contests and he’s never won anything.  I put in six entries for this, and before about a week ago, I’d never put it any entries for anything.  I’ve only actually put in 8 entries.

I’ve  gone to a ton of concerts in the past year.  The only time I’ve ever gone to more concerts was when I was a teenager, but most of those were local bands at tiny little venues (Akron Agora and Flash’s anyone? Later on, it was the Odeon.  I think all three of these places are gone.  The first two have been gone for ages).  Really, until last year, I’d only seen three bands at big venues:

• Kiss on tour for Hot in the Shade at the Coliseum
• Pink Floyd on the Divison Bell tour at Cleveland Municipal Stadium
• Metallica – Suicidal Tendencies and Danzig were openers – I think they were promoting their Live Shit album at Blossom

What’s really sad about that list is that two of those three venues have been gone for over 10 years!

In the past year, I’ve seen:

• Fratelli’s (with Airborne Toxic Event – who rule) at the House Of Blues – I thought this was an incredible concert.  Airborne Toxic Event was so good, I bought their album and it’s one of my favorite new albums.  I’m really glad to see them get some radio love.  The Fratelli’s drummer was not feeling well, but they still played a great show.  I like the House of Blues too, but I hate the bartenders.  They can fuck up almost any drink.
• Van’s Warped Tour 14 at Tower City Amphitheater – if you can’t find something you like here, you’re just a cranky shit. This was sooooo much fun.  I loved Norma Jean, Bouncing Souls, Family Force Five, Protest the Hero, Katy Perry, Angels and Airwaves.  I can’t even remember who else we saw.  We did run into our lawyer here which was totally surreal.  He was chaperoning one of his sons.  I felt strange talking to him with purple and violet-dyed hair and a wife beater. Oh well, he was very lucky to get to see me looking so cute and funky (I’m always cute, but not always funky).
• Buckethead (with That One Guy, they are both totally insane) at Cleveland Agora (which is an awesome little venue. It’s totally grubby and graffiti covered and it doesn’t look like it’s been updated at all since before I was a teenager)
• Cheap Trick (they opened for Heart and Journey) at Blossom – I love Cheap Trick.  As good as their big hits are, the stuff that’s not played on the radio is even better.  They really are such an underappreciated band.  My husband really turned me on to them. Honestly, I don’t care that Journey was the headliner and Heart even rated higher, I bought the tickets because of Cheap Trick.  I think, with the ticket charges, that lawn tickets cost about $70.  And I paid that money to see Cheap Trick.  Journey and Heart were just throw ins for me.
• The Pretenders at the House of Blues – This was the worst concert I saw ever.  I would rank a lot of local band shows higher than this show.  Chrissie Hynde was so hostile to her fans, cursing and complaining, stopping during the middle of the hits to protest people taking pictures, that it sucked all the fun out of the show.  The new music was really self-indulgent (masturbatory), and they played way too much new stuff.
• Flogging Molly (with the Aggrolites) at the House of Blues – the first supporting act was really not very good but the Aggrolites were great and Flogging Molly is just incredible.  Dave King is a total trip.  He was so relaxed, making jokes and such.

In between the Van’s Warped Tour and Buckethead, we had tickets to see Stereophonics (who are my favorite currently recording artists) outside of Pittsburgh.  We even booked a room and drove all the way there, but the show was cancelled.  It totally broke my heart.  We ended up bowling in this god awful little town.  But they’re currently recording an album and I can only hope that they’ll play a show nearby (I should’ve bought tickets to their show in Chicago, they played that one.  Also, Chicago is much nicer than Pittsburgh).

So, I thought that my first live event was going to be next month but now, I get to kick off my live entertainment summer this Wednesday at the Tower City Amphitheater! I’m so excited.  Now, I just have to figure out how to find time to pick up the tickets and how to get my three kids to their activities that night.  But I’m not complaining.  That’s the kind of fun “problem” I like to solve!

I can’t wait to hear Use Somebody and Sex on Fire!

Use Somebody

I’ve been roaming around
Always looking down at all I see
Painted faces fill the places I can’t reach

You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody

Someone like you
And all you know
And how you speak
Countless lovers undercover of the street

You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you

Off in the night
While you live it up I’m off to sleep
Waging wars to shape the poet and the beat

I hope it’s gonna make you notice
I hope it’s gonna make you notice

Someone like me
Someone like me
Someone like me
Somebody

Someone like you
Somebody
Someone like you
Somebody
Someone like you
Somebody

I’ve been roaming around
Always looking down at all I see

Sex on Fire

Lay where you’re laying, don’t make a sound
I know they’re watching, they’re watching
All the commotion, the kiddie like play
Has people talking, talking

You, your sex is on fire

The dark of the alley, the breaking of day
The head while I’m driving, I’m driving
Soft lips are open, knuckles are pale
Feels like you’re dying, you’re dying

You, your sex is on fire
Consumed with what’s to transpire

Hot as a fever, rattling bones
I could just taste it, taste it
If it’s not forever, if it’s just tonight
Oh, it’s still the greatest, the greatest, the greatest

You, your sex is on fire
And you, your sex is on fire
Consumed with what’s to transpire

And you, your sex is on fire
Consumed with what’s to transpire

The Fratellis, banda proveniente de Glasgow, Escocia, formada en el año 2005;  no es otro grupito lanzado como el culmen del rock (Que no lo son) llegaron con nuevo material en el 2008 titulado “Here we Stand”, que se queda algo flojo al lado de su muy coronado debut “Costello Music” Que es de tono más desenfadado y divertido.

Sin embargo “Here we stand” es  un disco fácil de escuchar, de armonías agradables y abrasivos fondos guitarreros, que revela agitadas y enérgicas piezas; algunas con corte garajero de tono amenazador.  Un disco que se propulsa a sonidos  brit poperos, indies, “post-punkeros” y que emplea un interesante juego de voces.
Buena banda, con buena propuesta.

Descargalo aquí

Here We Stand - The Fratellis

Tracklist:

1. “My Friend John”
2. “A Heady Tale”
3. “Shameless”
4. “Look Out Sunshine!”
5. “Stragglers Moon”
6. “Mistress Mabel”
7. “Jesus Stole My Baby”
8. “Babydoll”
9. “Tell Me a Lie”
10. “Acid Jazz Singer”
11. “Lupe Brown”
12. “Milk and Money”

This is a DJ set performed at ‘the velvet’ music venue in Second Life and contains only Scottish bands/artists.

Tracklisting

Franz Ferdinand – No

Idlewild – Little Discourage

Fratellis – Baby Fratelli

Fratellis – Chelsea Dagger

Sons and Daughters – Medicine

Sons and Daughters – Monsters

Dananananaykroyd – 1993

Mogwai – Travel Is Dangerous

Biffy Clyro – Folding Stars

Aereogramme – Nightmares

Delgados – I Fought The Angels

Emma Pollock – Fortune

Belle & Sebastian – For The Price Of A Cup Of Tea

Belle & Sebastian – Sukie In The Graveyard

Camera Obscura – Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken

Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out Of This Country

Aberfeldy – Need You To Know

Aberfeldy – Let Down

Glasvegas – Geraldine

Glasvegas – Legs N Show

Frightened Rabbit – The Twist

Frightened Rabbit – My Backwards Walk

Malcolm Middleton – Fuck It, I Love You

Malcolm Middleton – We’re All Going To Die

Mull Historical Society – The Final Arrears

Teenage Fanclub – Metal Baby

Teenage Fanclub – Pet Rock

The Jesus And Mary Chain – Some Candy Talking

The Jesus And Mary Chain – Sowing Seeds

Orange Juice – Blue Boy

Orange Juice – Rip It Up

Paolo Nutini – Jenny Don’t Be Hasty

1990s – Thinking Of Not Going

1990s – Enjoying Myself

Dykeenies – Death To The Dancefloor

Dykeenies – Things You Cannot See

1.

Live and Fresh Rock & Metal – in Staines

Kamikaze
Test Pilots
Mar 12 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines

With ABSTRACT GENIUS

KamikazeTest Pilots mostly come from a country called Zimbabwe which is why they have the funny accents, although they have been living in the UK for near on a decade, so the accents are funnier still.

Ryan (aka Beans) plucked up the courage to ask his grandfather, a 6 foot plus ex-cop, if he could have a set of ancient jazz drums to fulfill a dream thought up during the long and hot african summers. His request granted, he set off forming a band with his younger brother Wes. It was soon obvious that Wes had a natural gift for the drums, so Ryan picked up the guitar, learned a few chords and slowly progressed to writing songs. They took their “band” to the boarding school they went to and it was then they met Martin.

Martin started on 6 strings, learning the very few licks and chords that Beans knew and with a revolving door of bassists, a band was born. However, turmoil created within Zimbabwe forced all matters of music to be put aside and for us to take stock of what options were available to us. We decided that it was time to spread our wings.

Kamikaze Test Pilots was eventually formed in 2005 by Beans and Wes. There were a number of member changes, with Martin joining the band as bassist in January 2006. The last of the changes happened in January 2008 when the band were joined by Jim Davies (ex-Loki) on guitar. To date we have enjoyed local radio and internet radio airplay, have self released a six track EP (“Into The Sun”-BUY IT NOW!) and are constantly gigging some bar somewhere. . .

Link:

www.myspace.com/thekamikazetestpilots

http://www.buckleuppromotions.com

2.

See these Local Punks Reborn…  Live at Egham

No Lip
Mar 13 2009
Compasses
Egham

“OLD SCHOOL PUNK FOR OLD SCHOOL PUNKS.”

After a long time of thinking of a new name (better) No Lip was born out of Sux Pastilles. With more shows upcoming No Lip are looking for fans to come to shows and go back 30 years to when punk was great. Doing covers from Ramones to The Damned and more obscure ones like the Wasps and Wire with a healthy smattering of Clash,Pistols and Ruts

Playing with our very own local STAINES faves : New Assassins

www.myspace.com/nolipband

If you don’t catch ‘em at The Compasses this week (shame on you) try to see these punksters at:

Apr 17 2009      8:00P   The Phoenix             Staines
May 2 2009       8:00P   Dog and Partridge     Staines

3.

Melodramatic Art-Pop Band – Live in Staines

A Genuine
Freakshow
Mar 15 2009
Hobgoblin
Staines

With oompah sounds, creaking violins,  rumbling cellos,  screachy guitars, burbling bass and scatty drums this lot are a genuine freakshow…lots of fun and experimentation. Cool as ice and twice as nice… see ‘em now for a truly freaky experience…

With ACACIA SNOW

If you miss the HOB Freak Show (and please DON’T)  then I suppose you can catch ‘em here:

Apr 11 2009      8:00P  The Peel supp/ Cats and Cats and Cats    Kingston
Apr 12 2009      8:00P  The Oakford Social Club supp/ Vessels     Reading
Apr 24 2009      8:00P  Reading University     Reading

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/agenuinefreakshow

http://www.buckleuppromotions.com

4.

Three Piece Power Trio- Live Windsor

The Indie
Killers
Mar 14 2009
Old Ticket Hall
Windsor

The Indie Killers are a 3 piece power trio, covering songs from the best Indie and Rock bands in the world today. With 5 record deals between the 3 members as well as extensive world tours and several charting records, these guys know how to make any party take off from the very 1st minute! The Indie Killers recently performed at The Killers latest album launch party where they were joined by members of Snow Patrol live on stage for a rendition of ’Mr Brightside’! + DJ PLAYING 80’s & 90’s HITS – BAR OPEN TILL 2AM

If you LIKE the KILLERS you are gonna LURVE these boys !

03-14-2009 21:00 at The Indie Killers
THE OLD TICKET HALL, WINDSOR, SL4
Cost: £3

Link:

www.myspace.com/indiekillers

5.

Soul Funk Disco Party -  Live at Ascot

Citizen Soul
Mar 14 2009
Jagz
Ascot

Citizen Soul is the ultimate soul, funk, disco and motown covers band for your party, wedding or corporate event. The fantastic vocalists and rhythm section are complemented by a 6,piece horn section, guaranteeing a sound like you have never heard before!

The band comprises some of the very best young musicians on the London music scene. All of the members of the band have studied at London’s most prestigious music colleges, such as the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music.

The band’s repertoire has something for everyone, from classics by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Earth Wind & Fire and Michael Jackson to contemporary hits by Joss Stone, Jill Scott and Jamiroquai. Whether you want the newest tunes or the cheesiest anthems, Citizen Soul can meet your needs.

Saturday, 14th March JAGZ ASCOT
Show will start at 8.45
Ticket cost: £8.00
Doors open from 7.30pm. £26 for 2 courses and entrance (£30 for 3 courses). Entrance for the bands is £8 but is strictly limited and on a first come first served basis. Entrance for dining or just the band INCLUDES free entrance to the nightclub

Links:

http://www.jagz.co.uk

-Visit AdPontes-Staines Regularly for Staines Arts-

it’s my birthday.

i am twenteen.

this is not an age i feel. infact, i still feel like a tiny, wee baby. five, maybe. that’s a good age.

being twenteen sucks.

going to see kings of leon and the fratellis today. best birthday present.

macdonalds also gave me a birthday present. amazing.

oh and so did some random boy on the train. he gave me fruit tingles. friggin’ love those.

p.s. why did my birthday (bar the 3 hours of kings and leon and the fratellis) suck so lame?

Flogging Molly

For Christmas, Santa gave my husband tickets for the Flogging Molly show(the Green 17 Tour) at the House of Blues in Cleveland.  And these weren’t just any tickets, these were reserved seats in the second row in the balcony!

So, last night was the concert.  Flogging Molly played two shows here at the House of Blues, Saturday night’s show was the second show.

The doors were supposed to open at 7, but when we pulled up at 7:15, there was a line all the way around the corner to get in.  Apparently, no one working at House of Blues owns a watch.  Or they just wanted to make us stand in the literally freezing rain.  I really should have worn my coat that makes me look like the Michelin Man.  I would have looked fat but I would’ve been warm.  When they did finally open the doors, they sent out guys to check I.D.’s and put on wrist bands for those people who would be drinking.  That was a welcome bit of thinking.

I had to buy Flogging Molly merchandise.  There were so many cool things to buy.  I got a really wicked green, fitted tee that shows a devil/demon sitting in a full moon with a fishing pole.  I love it.  I just have to wear it to work.  It’s totally inappropriate, so I’ll have to wear a zip up hoodie, but I have to show my buds.

Our seats were really excellent.  This was the first time I’d seen them use the curtains on the stage. The sound in the balcony is perfect.  It’s so much better than the sound on the floor.  I did miss being in the crowd on the floor though.  I love when everyone gets excited and dances for a show. And there’s nothing so cool as feeling the sound of the bass drum smack you in the chest.  It’s not quite as intense in the balcony.

I told my husband, before we got there, that I refused to drink anything that wasn’t bottled or canned.  HOB must hire retarded bartenders because I have yet to have a drink that didn’t taste like hairspray.  I’ve even specified brands of liquor, for example: Bacardi and diet, and tasted the distinct flavor of rubbing alcohol.  YUCK! Someone must be filling the bottles of brand name liquor with cheap shit (Paramount anyone?).  Unfortunately, I don’t like beer and HOB doesn’t have anything like Mike’s or Strongbow.  All they have is beer in a can.  I don’t even like to drink out of cans, but I started my evening with a tall Bud Light in a can (I know, I know, at Flogging Molly I should have been drinking Guiness, but that stuff will put hair on your chest, and I have enough problems).  Eh, I’ve had worse.

We ordered wings and onion rings to go with my beer in a can.  I swear those must have been pigeon wings.  They were the tiniest wings I’ve ever seen.  And they tasted odd.  They really, really had to be wings from an animal other than a chicken.  Truly putrid.  The onion rings were some of the best onion rings I’ve ever had a bar. Go figure.

My husband was truly saddened to see me nursing my beer in a can, so he went to the bar to see what the bartender could do for me.  He brought back the worst Long Island ice tea I’ve ever had.  It tasted the way hair spray smells which is never a plus for a drink.

So, my husband went back to the bar and gave specific instructions for a mixed drink (Bacardi Orange, Malibu Coconut Rum, and sprite -  at home we use a diet soda instead of regular sprite) and I got the only good drink I’ve ever had at the HOB.  I was stunned that those bartenders were capable of making a drink worth drinking.  They must never taste a drink that they’ve made or they would correct the problem of the awful, undrinkable drinks that they keep making.  The waitress brought me two more of these drinks, we told her the recipe, and none of them were as good as the one that my husband watched them make.  However, they were still the only good mixed drinks I’ve had there.

Aside from onion rings and my homemade drink, HOB does do two other things right: 1) cherry bombs – they actually have sugar free Red Bull! and, 2) pizza – they handed out some pizzas about halfway through Flogging Molly’s set and this was the best food I’ve had there (that’s a very low standard, I just told you that I’m sure that they serve pigeon wings).  Even a retarded bartender can make a cherry bomb, as is proved by HOB bartenders every time I go there. Also, I believe that there must be a maximum height and weight for HOB servers.  The servers are TINY! The girls, everyone I’ve seen anyway, have to shop in the childrens’ department.  I don’t know what the advantage would be since these girls have to force their way through (rowdy) crowds. They are so tiny, you could measure their height in apples, like Smurfs.

The Mighty Stef

The opening act was The Mighty Stef and they are from Dublin, Ireland (as they had to say about five million times).  They were interesting, very high energy.  A solid opening act. The whole band was very odd looking though, especially the lead singer.  He’s a little on the heavy side, but his outfit made him appear gigantic.  He was wearing this little, waist-length leather jacket that were two sizes too small and a pair of tapered leg, black jeans/slacks.  These pieces of clothing made his middle look really round. He also had a hat that looked several sizes too small.  It looked like he jumped some little guy and stole his clothes.  You know, like in a cartoon or a bad movie when they need to knock someone out to steal his outfit in order to sneak past the guards.  To finish his “look” he had pointy-toed, white patent leather boots.  And he kept kicking a leg out in front of him and, I swear, I wanted to rush on stage and catch him because he looked like he was going to fall over.  It was rather unintended comedy. At least, I believe that it was unintentionally funny. A guitarist and bassist also wore some awful giant white sunglasses.  It made them look rather douche-y. I felt that I should do a fashion intervention.  I realize musicians are often crazy (I say this in a very loving way, I’m a musician) and crazy people shouldn’t be expected to make good fashion choices, but dear god, someone could help them out.  They have to have a manager.

Dear manager of the Mighty Stef,

The Mighty Stef

Please buy the lead singer an outfit that fits and take away those awful sunglasses from the bassist and the guitarist. Also, what is up with the plastic bad coming out of the hole on the bass drum?  As with the bad outfits and sunglasses, it was really distracting. Please remove it.

Thank You.

The Aggrolites

Next up was the Aggrolites.  Oh my. The music was fantastic.  The rhythm guitarist never stopped jumping/hopping the whole show.  They so rocked.  I had never heard of them before.  They are a reggae/ska band.  They did a reggae/ska version of Don’t Let Me Down.  I never want to hear another version of this song again.  No disrespect to the Beatles.  The fact that so many young people in the audience could sing along to the song is a testament to the incredible songwriting abilities of the Beatles. But song is so fresh this way.

I met the lead singer of the Aggrolites on the way out.  He is so smoking hot.  But he’s not even my height.  How depressing.  I have a theory on short, hot guys.  Short guys can be hotter because they have less height to spread the hotness over.  The hotness is concentrated.  A tall guy is at a disadvantage.  But I love me some tall men.  A big giant man wrapping his arms around me makes me feel so safe.  I love that.  But I’ll still look at the short pretty men.  Yummy eye candy. Anyway, the singer was way hot and really pleasant. I bought an album and shirt on the way out.  Ok, pretty men (and good music, seriously, I would’ve thought the music was good even if the singer wasn’t pretty.  My husband liked the band too, and he didn’t think that the singer was pretty.  At least, I don’t think my husband was checking out the singer.  Maybe he was.  Hmmmm.  I’ll have to keep an eye on him) can get me to do lots of things.

The Aggrolites

Of course, the reason I went was for Flogging Molly, since I’d never heard of the two openers.  But I’m so happy I got to see both bands.  Especially the Aggrolites.

Flogging Molly didn’t disappoint.  The lead singer, Dave King, was really funny and self-depreciating.  I never realized that he was the lead singer for Fastway! That’s so wild.  He sounds (and looks) so different.  My husband bought me a Fastway CD for my birthday over 10 years ago because I like hair band music (don’t hold it against me, I like good music too.  I can like Skid Row and the Beatles.  I can appreciate Cinderella and Marvin Gaye).

Flogging Molly had a pretty sweet pit going.  I really wish I could’ve been in it.  I stood for their entire set, but I was in a very small minority of people who stood in the balcony.  What a bunch of lame asses.  The old dude behind me asked me to sit down.  I politely declined.  Then his buzz-kill date decided that she would reason with me.  She asked me to sit down.  And I asked why one would go to a concert to sit.  Then she said “but I paid money”.  So I asked if her money was worth more than mine.  They had the usher ask me to sit too.  Fuck that! Why would you go to a show where there’s a legitimate mosh pit (although, tame in comparison to some that I’ve seen) and think that people are going to sit and watch quietly?  Go see the orchestra.  Seriously, the Cleveland Orchestra is fantastic and could always use to sell more tickets.  Severance Hall is beautiful and everyone sits politely in their seats for the concert.

Flogging Molly

A few other people around me did stand.  We were having a bit of a love fest, us true fans with the balls to stand.  One guy behind me kept taking my picture! He was hilarious.  My husband wonders if any of those pictures are non-blurry pictures!  The dude was so drunk.  He kept putting his arms around me and giving my high fives! Then there was a guy directly across the aisle from me.  He was doing a very strange irish-y “jig”? It was great.  I have to admire the energy.  He fell once.  He kept hugging me too.  I like happy drunks.  I’m a very happy drunk.

I jumped for about 70% of Flogging Molly’s set. I was soooo sweaty and happy and totally loving it.  That was the best show I’ve seen at House of Blues.  Fratellis was really close. I really love the Fratellis.  But I think that, lame ass balcony sitting fans aside, that this was the best show.  The band is incredibly tight.  And the banter with the audience was really fun and relaxed.  But it’s so much fun to see a great band and be a little crazy and drink and have a good time.  The vibe at this show was exactly that.  Everyone was there to have a good time, except that old bitch behind us, and it was a good time.

Flogging Molly

Flogging Molly

Posted by Sarah

Glasgow gets a bad rap these days, as far as Scottish holiday destinations go. But in my experience, the bustling, vibrant city centre is a world away from the dark and seedy underbelly you most often hear about on TV. I’ve been a few times and I really love it – it’s got all the attractions of a big city without being overcrowded and oversized. In my mind, it’s one of the UK’s most ideal cheap break destinations.

For starters, it’s easy to get to: trains from London run along the West Coast Mainline through the Lake District, or up the east coast via Newcastle and Edinburgh. Both journeys are picturesque and relatively inexpensive if you buy tickets early; but if time is a major factor, it’s probably quicker to get the plane, especially if you’re travelling from the south or Ireland. But whichever way you’re getting into Glasgow, one thing that’s sure to hit you first off is its impressive skyline. From attractive bridges spread across the majestic River Clyde to innovative venues like the Clyde Auditorium (the ‘Armadillo’ to locals), it’s a magnificent place.

A lot of its main attractions are free too. My favourite has to be the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a superb Victorian building that’s set in a wide expanse of parkland (Kelvingrove Park). There’s quite a vast collection of art and natural history exhibits, but it’s the astounding architecture that’s floored me every time I’ve visited. Not so far away are Glasgow University’s main buildings, which are also quite commanding, and you have to visit the Glasgow School of Art – popularly considered to be influential Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s finest building.

What’s more, Glasgow’s really well-known for its eclectic music scene – Franz Ferdinand, the Fratellis and Glasvegas all came from here. For a taste of what’s around now, I’d suggest visiting smaller venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on St Vincent Street or Stereo, where you might occasionally get to see the odd great band at no cost.

It’s so easy to get around Glasgow too – the Subway (which is sure to seem novel to anyone au fait with London’s vastly more complicated network) is around £1.20 flat fare or £3.50 for unlimited day travel, so is still quite affordable. In fact, the hardest thing about Glasgow for most tourists is the accent! Be prepared to here plenty of smatterings of ‘pure’ (meaning ‘very’) in every other sentence.

But despite their verbal impenetrability, I think Glaswegians are very friendly – especially if you partake in local habits. Drinking ‘Buckie’ or Buckfast (a kind of strong fortified wine), for instance, is definitely something to try before your break is over – it’s cheap too!

From/De: EA – **ROCK BAND MEDIA ALERT**

Cambridge, Mass. – February 6, 2009 – Harmonix and MTV Games announced today that Scottish alternative rock band The Fratellis will make its Rock Band debut with the addition of three tracks to the Rock Band® Music Store catalog of downloadable content.

The 3-pack setlist includes “Creepin Up the Backstairs,” “Flathead,” and “Henrietta,” all featured on the band’s 2006 debut album Costello Music. The Glasgow-based indie rock trio has garnered several awards including the 2007 BRIT Award for Best British Breakthrough Act.

Release Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 (Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360®)
Thursday, February 12, 2009 (PlayStation®Store)

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change **

Tracks:
The Fratellis “Creepin Up the Backstairs”
The Fratellis “Flathead”
The Fratellis “Henrietta”

(All tracks are original master recordings)

Locations: Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360
PlayStation®Network

Website Links:
For more information, please visit:
Rock Band Website
The Fratellis Official Website

Rock Band 2 is available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems and Wii™ home videogame console from Nintendo.

There are now more than 560 tracks available to date via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at www.rockband.com/music). Rock Band continues to satisfy music fans’ and gamers’ voracious appetite for rock with more than 30 million paid downloads since its launch on November 20, 2007. The Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks and packs from the vast selection of offerings available to date without ever leaving the game as they build their own custom Rock Band library.

Rock Band and Rock Band 2 are rated 12+ by PEGI. For more information on Rock Band 2 and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.

 The countdown of the Best Albums of 2008 continues…as we’re down to the top ten!

Guinness, mate!

 

10. The Love Me Nots:  Detroit

Jim Diamond might be my favorite producer of late; if for nothing else I should just let him enroll me in some “album of the month” club to take advantage of his scouting skills. But credit for the huge improvement between first and second albums sits squarely on the band’s shoulders, especially Michael Johnny Walker’s stinging guitar and Nicole Laurenne’s retro Farfisa and dynamic lead vocals. Laurenne can move from a seductive husky purr to a full-throated yowl with ease, and either will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.

The first six or seven tracks, three minutes all, could just as easily be audition tapes for Nuggets as hit singles. “You’re Really Something”, “Bulletproof Heart” and “Secret Pocket” is a fierce one-two-three punch that grabs you by the neck, beats you like a piñata and tosses you back in a dazed heap. “Walk Around Them” – stay with me here – takes the hook from “The Munsters” theme, drops it into a pair of go-go boots and blasts it back through a wall of fuzz and reverb. The sexy shuffle “Treat Him Good” is so guttural it could be the theme from a Halloween film noir flick, while the seductive “Birthday Present” will probably start a long queue of (unwanted) suitors panting for Laurenne. Diamond has framed their sound so perfectly that you might be surprised to know the band is from Phoenix. Detroit is a far more apt title for their attitude, and with this exciting, danceable, rocking garage platter, they’re earned that association.

9. The Revisionists:  The Revisionists

If you told me that the rhythm section from Tonic and the director of a Wilco documentary were going to form a band, I’d have nodded ambivalently and asked you how things were going, sure to let yet another aimless piece of pop trivia fall by the wayside. But you didn’t tell me, so I didn’t even have the lowest of expectations. Instead, I was able to savor the joy of three guys capturing something organic and strong, one track after another. Sorry…I guess I ruined that for you.

The band touts its love of punk as well as classic 70s rock, but the sweet spot is somewhere between The Del Lords and AM-era Wilco. In other words, catchy and melodic enough to have been on the Big Deal label but meaty enough to slap next to anyone from The Figgs to The Foo Fighters. The first sounds you hear on the album are the guys plugging in and getting set to go, which is appropriate for a project recorded quickly in weekend sessions. It’s just ten songs in thirty-five minutes, but they’re tight and energetic, and Jones has the vocal chops to sell both the urgency of the music and the social commentary of the lyrics. I find myself drawn back most often to “Fic-Fic-Fiction”, a Credence/Motown hybrid, “Good And Bad” (Eric Ambel meets The Beat Farmers) and “See You Around” (The Gin Blossoms decide to R-O-C-K in the USA).

Bonus points for the urgent anti-war anthem “IDWK” (I Don’t Wanna Know)… and for mocking the required copyright notice in the liner notes.

8. The Fratellis:  Here We Stand

The phrase “rollicking beat” is probably as overused as “stadium-size anthems”, but in the case of The Fratellis, I must apologize for extending the common vernacular. Once again, an album brimming with clean, crisp melodies, big choruses, handclaps, perfectly timed key changes…it’s as if the songs were written to be debuted at Glastonbury in front of a sea of waving hands and teary-eyed fans. But damned if that doesn’t resonate out of a simple set of car speakers, even half a world away. Maybe it is just that simple: playing Fratellis albums just makes me feel good.

It’s great to see modern bands crib from their 60s ancestors in just the way those classic bands reached back to pure country, urban blues and three chord rock to create a foundation to build upon. The opening notes of “My Friend Tom” sound like they’re going disco, then country, but when the lead guitar snakes in you’re witnessing as good a cop of psychedelic rock as you’ll hear all year…and that took all of fifteen seconds! Next track, it’s as if Oasis were covering Squeeze (and permitting Jools to man the piano) but by mid-song there are enough handclaps and kick drums to make the Bay City Rollers jealous. Track four (“Look Out Sunshine”) a huge anthem, like every trick Oasis ever used rolled into one song, except…it’s fun! Track six - the bass player throws the band on his back and runs downfield (stopping to nick a chorus from “My Sharona” and “Virginia Plain” on the way). And so it goes, for every song…joyous, exuberant, and irresistible. My favorite song is apt to change every spin, but today it’s the incredible “Acid Jazz Singer”, which I’m feeling guilty about omitting from my “top ten singles”.

So in conclusion…what’s wrong with a huge sounding fun record, anyway? The only thing I was disappointed in was the cover. Where are my Sam Hadley babes?

7. Mitch Ryder:  You Deserve My Art

One of the true rock legends is not only still among us, but continues to carve out an amazing career and musical legacy…in Germany. Here in the United States we can barely muster up the energy to pay tribute to him at a summer oldies tour. God knows it’s far more important to find that next highly buffed American Idol than to listen to one of the greatest soul singers we’ve ever had. Frankly, it’s insulting that a record industry can make a fortune littering the cultural highway with the tripe that Britney Spears or Nickelback spews out, but they can’t spare a few coins for a Mitch Ryder. But then again, I lived to see the day Johnny Cash lost his Columbia contact because he wasn’t right for their target demographic, so I shouldn’t be surprised…I’ll just stay angry, thanks.

But enough about injustice; let me instead bring focus where it deserves to be. In Gandalf Murphy (Joziah Longo), Mitch has found a songwriter who is as suited for him as Burt Bacharach was for Dionne Warwick. “Rocket” and especially “Moondog House” fit Ryder’s voice perfectly and draw out wonderful vocal performances; I hope they collaborate more. But Ryder’s own songs are also vivid and exciting, and with Engerling (the German band he has been working with in recent years) he is able to slide from Mexican tinged gospel (“The Naked Truth”) to heartbreaking blues (“All The Fools It Sees”) to Doug Sahm Tex-Mex (“Under That Big Ole Texas Sky”) to straight-ahead, fun, rock’n'roll (“Strolling With My Mouse”). “The 21^st Century” is flat out killer, Mitch starting slow and serene like the soulful funky music, then exploding into that classic bluesy rasp when the tempo kicks into a funky “Bonie Maronie” vibe.

Sure, the voice occasionally shows the wear and tear of sixty-plus years, but that’s like bitching about a pimple on a planet. Man, what pipes the man still has! I don’t know if he will ever again recapture the pure unbridled naked energy that made his Detroit Wheels singles so timeless and priceless, let alone the furious energy of the Detroit album (still a landmark almost forty years later). But that’s unfair, because no one else will either. Mitch Ryder isn’t back, people…he’s been here all this time making majestic, soulful, timeless music. America, you owe your son a fucking apology. And as for you, dear readers…seek and be rewarded.

Tomorrow, the countdown of the Best Albums of 2008 continues with 6, 5 and 4…