Video: Wilco - War on War

Wilco - War on War (Late Night with David Letterman 4-30-02)

First Listen: Midlake's - The Courage Of Others

NPR is currently streaming Midlake's forthcoming record, The Courage of Others, which will be released on February 2. You can listen to the stream here.

[via NPR]

Video: The National - Mistaken For Strangers

The National - Mistaken For Strangers

Great Lake Swimmers Final Blog Post From China

I early January, Great Lake Swimmers embarked on their first ever tour of China. Tony Dekker guest blogged for Spinner and you can read his final post here.

[via Spinner]

Video: Great Lake Swimmers - New Light

Great Lake Swimmers - New Light (Legion Sessions) from nettwerkmusic on Vimeo.

Hump Day Happenings

It's only Wednesday, but it has been one hell of a week for me. Here is some news to help you get through your Wednesday.

• Merging Ticketmaster & Live Nation is a really bad idea
• Revolution Brewing will open in Chicago very soon
• LCD Soundsystem has resurfaced in the studio
• The music schedule was released for NOLA Jazz Fest
• Sigur Ros is on hiatus as Jonsi preps first solo album
• Pete Doherty must have thought bringing drugs to court is ok

My favorite Elton John records are Tumbleweed Connection & Honky Château. There is some amazing music on those records. While "Levon" isn't on either of those records, it is still a great song. Check out this video of Elton crica 1971.

Elton John - Levon (Live in 1971)

Monday Morning Coffee Break

• The Killers cancel Asian tour
• Sigur Ros frontman Jónsi debuts new solo material on radio
• Rothubry Festival will not go down this year
• Wilco asks fans to donate to Haiti relief organizations
• Erykah Badu will release new album in March
• Will Joaquin Phoenix release an album?

We can all agree that NBC royally screwed Conan, but he definitely got the last laugh. After an emotional speech, Conan closed out the show with a great version of Lynard Skynard's "Freebird" with a little help from his friends. Conan's super group was anchored by Will Ferrel, Beck, Ben Harper, Billy Gibbons and the Max Weinberg 7. Conan strapped on a silver and black Les Paul and showed some guitar chops of his own.

Conan Says Goodbye with Will Ferrell & Freebird

Video: Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla & Með blóðnasir Live On Jools Holland

Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla & Með blóðnasir Live On Jools Holland

Video: Queen - Death On Two Legs (Live @ Earl's Court '77)

The last couple of days I have been listening to Queen's A Night at the Opera. Here is a video of perhaps my favorite song on the record. Enjoy!

Queen - Death On Two Legs (Live @ Earl's Court '77)

Phish To Play Wrigley Field?

Fox News Chicago is reporting that the Cubs are in talks with Phish about having a show at Wrigley Field this summer.

[via PhishTwit]

Consequence of Sound: On Second Listen: Nirvana - Live at Reading

When I read that Nirvana would release it's legendary performance at 1992's Reading Festival on both CD & DVD, I was really excited. I wrote a little review of the record and you can read it here.

Consequence of Sound just did a great piece on the album. Below are two paragraphs that really stood out for me. You can read the whole article here. I couldn't agree with this piece anymore. Great stuff.

Nirvana’s remastering of Live at Reading is by far the best live recording to surface in 2009 other than when Phish let everyone download those Hampton shows for free back in March. The fact that somebody finally decided to put this out so the public could hear it again is spectacular. This recording is meant to be preserved for the masses. Not because it was their last UK performance, or because of Cobain’s legendary entrance, or because it’s the greatest possible set list Nirvana could have ever dealt. This recording shows why Nirvana was important.

Nirvana was important, even though numerous music pundits will argue otherwise. Hearing a live recording like this is like having your own time traveling Delorean. Live at Reading proves in every way that Nirvana was (arguably) the best band of the 90s because it shows them in the way any good band should be remembered, live, raw and uncut. If your band can’t play live, what’s the point? Good records can only do so much, but this recording shows Nirvana didn’t just make a few good records; these bastards could play, and that is what counts when it comes to commemorating any band: Live music will always be relevant.

Video: Phish - Ghost Jam 7-6-98

Phish - Ghost Jam

Phish
Monday, July 6, 1998
Lucerna Theatre
Prague, Czech Republic

Set I: Buried Alive > AC/DC Bag, Ghost > Cities, Limb By Limb, Train Song, Roggae, Maze, Golgi Apparatus

Set II: Julius > Meat > Piper -> Makisupa Policeman, David Bowie, Loving Cup

Encore: Possum

Notes: The Maze jam was halted while Trey humorously thanked the crowd. The last line in Makisupa changed to "came to Vermont." Trey called Page "Petroff" before he took a piano solo. Trey let Fishman take a drum solo, but told the crowd to whistle if he (Fish) went on too long. Trey added that they had a "band rule" that they all begin whistling if Fishman, who likes to ramble when he talks, ever talks for longer than two minutes. Fish took a boring "drum solo," which drew whistles from the crowd.

Hump Day Happenings

I hope everyone is having a good week. Here is some news to help you get over the hump! If you enjoy IPA's, you should check out Bell's Hopslam Ale. It is released in very limited supply, but if you can get your hands on it, I suggest you try it.

• Soundgarden rumored to perform at Sonisphere
• Vampire Weekend's Contra debuts at No. 1 on the charts
• Bono & Jay-Z record song for Haiti earthquake victims
• Was Paul McCartney the original bass player for TCV?
• Rolling Stones, Jay-Z, Bob Dylan & Further for Bonnaroo?
• New Gorillaz song leaks online

Check out this video of Spoon performing on the Tonight Show.

Spoon - Written in Reverse

2010 Coachella Music Festival Lineup

Damn! Give the folks who put together the Coachella Music Festival a BIG hand. They have put together one hell of a lineup for the 11th incarnation of the festival. Jay-Z, Muse and the Gorillaz will serve as the festival headliners. Other acts include Pavement, LCD Soundsystem, Them Crooked Vultures, Faith No More, Hot Chip, Thom Yorke (solo performance), De La Soul and many more.

Tickets go on sale Friday, January 22nd. Layaway tickets for three-day passes and camping are also available through February 15th.

This lineup is so good that I am going to seriously consider going this year. Let me know what you think of the lineup.


[via Consequence of Sound]

Video: BlakRoc - Ain't Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo) Ft. Mos Def and Jim Jones

BlakRoc - Ain't Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo) Ft. Mos Def and Jim Jones

The Smashing Pumpkins Release New Song

The Smashing Pumpkins released a new song from their 44 song project Teagarden by Kaleidyscope. The song, which is called "Widow Wake My Mind" is currently being streamed on their MySpace page. The song will be taken down in 24 hours and will then stream on their website.

Teagarden by Kaleidyscope

1. Song for a Son
2. Widow Wake My Mind
   

[via Pitchfork]

Monday Morning Coffee Break

• Coachella will unveil their lineup on Tuesday
• Rivers Cuomo has been given the ok to start touring
• Phil Lesh will celebrate his 70th birthday with some friends
• Midlake prep the release of their new album
• Rolling Stone reviews GN'R's show in Winnipeg
• Wayne Coyne shows up in Google Streetview

I listened to this song before I left for work today from Phish's first show in Albany this past November. Enjoy!

Phish - Golden Age (Live)

Great Lake Swimmers Tony Dekker Blogs From China

Here is Tony Dekker's second blog post from Great Lakes Swimmers recent tour of China.

[via Spinner]

Tour de Friday

• Passion Pit add North American shows to their tour
• Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band announce summer tour
• NOFX announce "Fermented and Flailing 2010 Tour"
• Sea Wolf & The Album Leaf team up for West Coast jaunt
• Galactic brings their NOLA funk on the road
• Alec Ounsworth announces tour in support of Mo Beauty

The organizers of Wakarusa unveiled their initial lineup yesterday. STS9 and The Disco Biscuits top off this years bill. Other artists include Slightly Stoopid, John Butler Trio, Blues Traveler, Ivan Neville's Dumpastaphunk and many more. I am not a big fan of the lineup as I feel it's pretty weak up top, but there are some good mid and lower tier bands. Today, Wanee Festival announced their lineup and it's very solid. Widespread Panic and Gov't Mule will headline the festival that takes place in Live Oak, FL. Other notable artists on the bill include Stephen Stills, The Black Keys, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band and many more.

Upcoming Levon Helm Midnight Rambles

If you ever have a chance to check out one of Levon Helm's Midnight Rambles, please don't pass it up. It was one the coolest concert experiences that I have ever witnessed.

January 16 - w/ Pete Special
Little Sammy Davis & Fred Scribner w/ LHB
This show will be recorded by "The House of Blues Radio Hour"
Standing room only tickets available
January 30 - w/ Dorraine Scofield
Little Sammy Davis & Fred Scribner w/ LHB
February 6 - w/ David Bromberg and Angel Band
Little Sammy Davis & Fred Scribner w/ LHB
February 20 - w/ Redbird Round
Little Sammy Davis & Fred Scribner w/ LHB
March 6 - w/ Hayes Carll
Little Sammy Davis & Fred Scribne w/ LHB
March 20 - w/Allison Moorer (CD release) and Steve Earle
Little Sammy Davis & Fred Scribner w/ LHB

To purchase tickets for Levon's Midnight Rambles click here.

For information regarding Levon's Midnight Rambles click here.|

You can also catch Levon Helm's band on the road.
Feb 26 @ The Wellmont Theater - Wellmont, NJ
Feb 27 @ Harrah's Restort - Atlantic City, NJ
Mar 5 @ The State Theatre - Ithaca, NY
Apr 22 @ The Arkansas Music Pavilion - Fayetteville, AR
Apr 24 @ Horsehoe Casino - Robinson, MS
Jul 24 @ Floydfest - Floyd, VA
Aug 6 @ Edmonton Folk Fest - Edmonton, AB, Canada

A note to fans planning to see The Levon Helm Band: Levon lost his voice while we were on the road on June. The good news is that a biopsy of his vocal cord a few weeks ago resulted in a diagnosis of NO CANCER, however he does need to remain on vocal rest so that he can heal. He was diagnosed with a lesion on his vocal cord from acid reflux which was removed by laser. He will sing again, following some rigorous vocal lessons with his vocal coach, but he does need to take it slowly. Thanks to you, his loyal and loving fans, he's been welcomed to the stage with shouts and cheers and sounds of encouragement through this healing process.

Levon is back! As of December 12th Levon has been singing back-up vocals on Deep Elum Blues, the third verse of The Weight and all of Tennessee Jed!!

Thursday's News

• Soul legend Teddy Pendergrass passed away
• Check out this interview with Ashley Capps of Bonnaroo
• March 9 will see the release of a new Jimi Hendrix record
• LCD Soundsystem recording their last record?
• Trey Anastasio talks classic TAB on his website
• Plastic Ono Band plans first show in nearly 40 years

In some very sad news, Jay Reatard was found dead at the age of 29. While I was not very familiar with his music, he was a prolific musician and was known for his intense live performances.

Jay Reatard - I'm Watching You (Live in Brooklyn)

Video: Brann Dailor & Danny Carey Drum Jam

This kicks some major ass!!!!

Brann Dailor & Danny Carey Drum Jam

Consequence of Sound Reports Pavement To Headline Pitchfork Music Festival

I don't think it will take long for this years incarnation of Pitchfork Music Festival to sell out.

[via Consequence of Sound]

Video: Walter Meego - Wanna Be a Star (Rough Cut)

Walter Meego - Wanna Be a Star (Rough Cut)

Money Can't Buy Slash Guns Or Roses

Slash has revealed in a recent interview that Guns N' Roses were offered in excess of $100 million to reunite. Check it out here.

[via Gigwise]

Radiohead's Ed O'Brien Discusses The Release Of In Rainbows

It's amazing, but people to this day still talk about the way Radiohead released In Rainbows, including the band itself. Check out this interview with guitarist Ed O'Brien as he gives the reasons to why Radiohead did what they did.

Check out the video here.

[via Consequence of Sound]

Monday Morning Coffee Break

I had a rather busy weekend. On Saturday, I witnessed a rare Bulls win and celebrated it with a Poperings Hommelbier at Map Room. Yesterday, I watched the Ravens take care of the Patriots and ice skated at Millennium Park. Here is some news to jump start your Monday.

• Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings return with a new album in May
• Great Lake Swimmers at Marquette Waterfront Festival
• Yoko Ono may write a book on her life with The Beatles
  
• Hidden Track's Scotty B chronicles his Jam Cruise experience
• Check out this article from The Onion
• Get Live Music Blog on your iPhone

One of my favorite bands is Great Lake Swimmers. I discovered them shortly after they released their third album Ongiara, which is an amazing record. The band recently released Lost Channels to critical acclaim and has toured extensively. You can check out my review of their recent show at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. The band is currently wrapping up a brief tour of China. Tony Dekker has been blogging about his experience for Spinner. Check out his blog entries here.

Video: Phish - Fluffhead

Check out this video from 4/29/90

Phish - Fluffhead

Listen To The New Vampire Weekend Record

Tour de Friday

It's almost time for festival organizers to start unveiling their initial artist rosters. The folks at Consequence of Sound has the 411 on rumors and early confirmations. You can check it out here. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

• The Disco Biscuits map out their first dates of 2010
• Wilco just keeps adding dates to their massive world tour
• Vampire Weekend beef up their busy touring schedule
• From Istanbul to Chicago, The Bad Plus hit the road this winter
• English quintet Gomez will tour the US in March
• Singer/Songwriter St. Vincent cross the country in February

The Allman Brothers Band recently announced their annual residency in NYC this March. This time they will be calling the United Palace Theater home. Due to a scheduling conflict, the band will not be able to hunker down at the Beacon Theatre,which has usually hosted the band during the residency. The band has eight shows confirmed (March 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20). Last year the band celebrated their 40th anniversary in style. Guests included Eric Clapton, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Buddy Guy, Levon Helm and many more. Check out the video below showcasing the United Palace Theater.

The City Concealed: United Palace Theater from Thirteen.org on Vimeo.

Hump Day Happenings

As the Chicagoland area braces for up to 9 inches of snow tomorrow, here is some news to help you over the Wednesday hump.

• Jeff Tweedy is producing Mavis Staples next album
• Beyonce's sister appears on the new Of Montreal record
• Wilco announce winners of haiku contest
• Lady Gaga bought a $100,000 bathtub
• Lil Wayne as the voice of Jesus in a new cartoon show. WTF?
• Peter Gabriel announces second London show

In light of the Soundgarden reunion announcement, I thought I would post this video. Enjoy!

Soundgarden - Mailman (Live 1996)

Official Trey Anastasio February Tour Dates

After several dates were leaked onto ticketmaster's website yesterday, it was just a matter of time before there was an official announcement. The Big Red will hit the road in February and play 16 shows mainly in the Midwest & East Coast. The band is currently rehearsing and it appears that there will be some new material debuted as well. You can check out the dates below.

The February 8 show at the Jefferson Theatre will be a special benefit show. Proceeds from the show will go to the Kristine Anastasio Manning Memorial Fund.

A limited number of tickets for all shows will be available through a real-time ticket presale directly through Trey's online ticketing system at http://treytickets.rlc.net. The presale begins tomorrow, January 6th at 10am ET and will end Thursday, January 14th at 5:00pm ET. Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning Thursday, January 14th at 10:00am ET.

For more info on the tour check out Trey.com

Joining Trey this tour will be:
Russ Lawton - drums
Tony Markellis - bass
Ray Paczkowski - keyboards
Russell Remington - tenor saxophone and flute
Jennifer Hartswick - trumpet and vocals
Natalie Cressman - trombone and vocals

Trey Anastasio February 2010 Tour Dates
2/08 - Jefferson Theatre, Charlottesville, VA
2/09 - 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
2/11 - Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
2/12 - House of Blues, Boston, MA
2/13 - Oakdale Theatre, Wallingford, CT
2/14 - Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ
2/16 - Terminal 5, New York, NY
2/18 - The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee, WI
2/19 - Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL
2/20 - State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
2/21 - Uptown Theatre, Kansas City, MO
2/23 - The Pageant, St. Louis, MO
2/25 - Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
2/26 - The Fillmore, Charlotte, NC
2/27 - Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA
2/28 - Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN

Trey Anastasio Feburary Tour Dates

All signs point to a Trey solo tour in February. Three dates have been put up on Ticketmaster's website with on sale dates set for Friday, January 15. Look for an official announcement very soon. These dates have NOT been confirmed
Updated 1/5/10

Feb 8, 2010 @ Jefferson Theater - Charlottesville, VA
Feb 9, 2010 @ 9:30 Club - Washington, D.C.
Feb 11, 2010 @ The Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA
Feb 12, 2010 @ House of Blues - Boston, MA
Feb 13, 2010 @ Oakdale Theatre - Wallingford, CT
Feb 14, 2010 @ Count Basie Theater - Red Bank, NJ
Feb 16, 2010 @ Terminal 5 - New York City, NY
Feb 18, 2010 @ Pabst Theater - Milwaukee, WI
Feb 19, 2010 @ Riviera Theatre - Chicago, IL
Feb 20, 2010 @ State Theatre - Minneapolis, MN
Feb 21, 2010 @ Uptown Theater - Kansas City, MO
Feb 23, 2010 @ Pageant Theater - St. Louis, MO
Feb 25, 2010 @ Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
Feb 26, 2010 @ Fillmore - Charlotte, NC
Feb 27, 2010 @ Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA
Feb 28, 2010 @ Tennessee Theatre - Knoxville, TN

[via Phantasy Tour & Live Music Blog]

Monday Morning Coffee Break

I had a great trip to St. Louis except for the fact that we had to take a flight back because our train broke down before even getting to St. Louis.

• Vampire Weekend is streaming Contra on their MySpace page
• Consequence of Sound offers thier 2010 1st quarter music preview
• Phish.net gives their take on how Phish pulled off their NYE prank
• Jimmy Page is planning a solo album and tour in 2010
• JamBase rounds up some NYE setlists
• Eddie Vedder is being sued by Canadian musician Gordon Peterson

It didn't take long for Chris Cornell to make news in 2010. At the stroke of midnight, Cornell tweeted that Soundgarden is back! Matt Cameron, who is Soundgarden's drummer currently drums for Pearl Jam. Pearl Jam is scheduled to headline the NOLA Jazz & Heritage Festival and has some summer European shows line up. It will be interesting to see if Pearl Jam keeps Cameron as their drummer. Superunknown is one of my favorite albums from the 90's and I can't wait to see these guys live. There is no word on an album or tour dates, but check out Soundgardenworld.com for updates.

Happy New Year!!!!

I hope everyone has a safe and healthy new year. I am on my way to St. Louis to catch the Blackhawks vs. Blues game tomorrow.

Setlist: Phish @ American Airlines Arena 12/31/09

Phish
Thursday, December 31, 2009
American Airlines Arena
Miami, FL

Set I: AC/DC Bag , 46 Days, Water in the Sky, Bathtub Gin, Punch You In the Eye, The Moma Dance, Guyute, Swept Away > Steep, Demand > Seven Below, Lawn Boy, Julius

Set II: Rock and Roll > Piper, Simple > Theme From the Bottom, Shine a Light, Ghost > NO2, Suzy Greenberg

Set III: Party Time > Auld Lang Syne > Down with Disease, Fluffhead, Joy, The Squirming Coil, You Enjoy Myself Encore: Blue Moon, Loving Cup

Notes: Bag and Ghost contained Auld Lang Syne teases. Swept Away and Steep were played for the first time since July 1, 2000 (145 shows). Demand was played for the first time since November 14, 1996 (392 shows). N02 was played for the first time since July 13, 1999 (219 shows). Blue Moon was a Phish debut and was played while Trey thanked the entire crew. From the staff at phish.net, a very happy 10th anniversary to the Big Cypress celebration and a Happy New Year to all!

[Setlist via Phish.net]

Reviews:

Download the show:

• LivePhish.com
• Bittorrent: Schoeps mk41> KC5> M222> NT222> SD 722 (@24bit/48kHz)