2011 DFW Concert Calendar: Music You Should Go Listen To!

Hello sweet blog readers. I had some trouble formating this list and grew impatient and frustrated so I just PDF’ed it. CLick below for the actual content.

2011 DFW Concert list2

Tune In Tuesday: 6/29/10

Welcome back for yet another installment of Tune In Tuesday. 

Music’s connectivity varies by person but I believe that there is some resonating emotional cord that is struck when we are truly touched by the music.  While I appreciate the complexity of the instrumentation, I tend to gravitate to the lyrical aspect of music.  While this is not always etched in granite, it holds about 90% of the time.

Today I am going to go back a few years and highlight some albums that are indelibly etched in my fabric for various and sundry reasons.

Under the Table and Dreaming

Dave Matthews Band

This was the first studio album from Dave and the band and was a really musically liberating sound.  The combination of guitar, bass, violin, saxophone and drums just sounded so fresh in the early 90’s.  The vibe from the music was so upbeat that you couldn’t help but move while listening to it. 

This album was in heavy rotation during college and began a twenty year relationship with the band.  I’ve seen them live several times and own all their studio albums as well as the majority of the live albums. 

Key Tracks: The Best of What’s Around, Typical Situation, Jimi Thing, Ants Marching, What Would You Say

Singles (Soundtrack)

Various Artists

This is the best soundtrack to come out in the 90’s and may very well be the greatest soundtrack of all times.  I realize that is a really bold claim and I’m ok with that.  I’m a rebel!

This album captured Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, and Smashing Pumpkins on one album before they reached the collective conscience of the country.  The album went platinum and really caught the buzz of the Seattle grunge scene.  In addition to the great songs from the soon to be huge bands, there were several key tracks from stalwart Seattle bands such as Mudhoney and Mother Love Bone.

Key Tracks: Drown, Chloe Dance/Crown of Thorns, State of Love and Trust, Breath, Birth Ritual, Would

And Justice for All

Metallica

This was my heavy metal musical baptism and bible in the latter part of my high school years.  I was really into classic rock and when this album came out I could not get enough.  The guttural growls of James Hetfield, the relentless drumming of Lars, and just the all out anger of the sound was so intoxicating.  As a recalcitrant teen, this was my anthem.  As I’ve gotten older, I have learned to appreciate the level of skill that they possess as a band of musician and how they helped define the genre.

Key Tracks:  Dyers Eve, One, The Shortest Straw, Blackened

Green

R.E.M.

Green was R.E.M.’s sixth album but was their major label debut.  This album was also the debut of Peter Buck’s mandolin which would help define the band’s sound on subsequent albums.  The album had such a different sound from their previous albums.  Stipe’s singing is more deliberate and clear and the lyrics run a range of emotions. 

Key Tracks:  Stand, You Are the Everything, World Leader Pretend, Orange Crush, I Remember California

Full Moon fever

Tom Petty

This was Petty’s first venture into solo territory even though he had collaborations with his Heartbreakers and a Wilbury or two.  The album has a cleaner almost crisp sound compared to some of the earlier Heartbreakers albums.  Helmed by Jeff Lynne (Traveling Wilbury’s, Electric Light Orchestra) the album is solid with no real weak tracks. 

Key Tracks: Runnin Down a Dream, Free Fallin’, Love Is a Long Road, I Won’t Back Down,

Joshua Tree

U2

This is my all time favorite U2 album.  They had not quite blown up into the biggest rock band in the world but were well on their way.  Each track is unyielding in musical bliss and twenty plus years later, it plays like a greatest hits album.  The album is sonically heavier than their previous albums and is their foray into the influence of the blues. 

Key Tracks: With Or Without You, Running To Stand Still, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Trip Through Your Wires

Great music awaits!

Mixed Tape Monday:Movie Soundtracks

Happy Monday dear, sweet readers, I hope this installment of Mixed Tape Monday finds you doing well or ,at the very least, reasonably well.  I would hate to think that any of you are just completely sucking right now.  I know that in the past I have made reference to music being a soundtrack to my life.  So, I thought today, I would tackle the topic of movie soundtracks in a Mixed Tape Monday kind of way.

Today’s blog is not about the quality, or lack thereof, of the movie but about the songs on the soundtrack.   Many a bad movie has had an awesome soundtrack or at least a great song or cover on the soundtrack.

Movie Soundtracks:

Song:              No Shelter

Artist:              Rage Against the Machine

Soundtrack:     Godzilla (See right from the get go, I give you a really bad movie)

Song:              Dead Souls

Artist:              Nine Inch Nails

Soundtrack:     The Crow

Song:              A Girl Like You

Artist:              Edwyn Collins

Soundtrack:     Empire Records

Song:              Sweet Child O’ Mine

Artist:              Sheryl Crow

Soundtrack:     Big Daddy

Song:              Such Great Heights

Artist:              Iron & Wine

Soundtrack:     Garden State

Song:              Walking After You

Artist:              Foo Fighters

Soundtrack:     X Files

Song:              Cry, Little Sister (Them From The Lost Boys)

Artist:              Gerard McMann

Soundtrack:     The Lost Boys

Song:              All I Want Is You

Artist:              U2

Soundtrack:     Reality Bites

Song:              Elis Unit One

Artist:              Steve Earle

Soundtrack:     Dead Man Walking

Song:              Paperweight

Artist:              Joshua Radin & Schuyler Fisk

Soundtrack:     The Last Kiss

Song:              Sweet Suzanne

Artist:              Buzzin’ Cousins

(John Mellencamp, Dwight Yoakam, James McMurtry, Joe Ely, & John Prine)

Soundtrack:     Falling From Grace

Song:              Between the Bars

Artist:              Elliott Smith

Soundtrack:     Good Will Hunting

Song:              Siren

Artist:              Tori Amos

Soundtrack:     Great Expectations

Song:              Wither I’m a Flower

Artist:              Whiskeytown

Soundtrack:     Hope Floats

Song:              You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away

Artist:              Eddie Vedder

Soundtrack:     I Am Sam

Song:              Hush

Artist:              Kula Shaker

Soundtrack:     I Know What You Did Last Summer

Song:              Turn To Stone

Artist:              Joe Walsh

Soundtrack:     Lords of Dogtown

Song:              I Disappear

Artist:              Metallica

Soundtrack:     Mission Impossible 2

Song:              Tha Crossroads

Artist:              Bones Thugs-N-Harmony

Soundtrack:     Pineapple Express

Song:              Help Myself

Artist:              Dave Matthews Band

Soundtrack:     Scream 2

 Great music awaits!

2010 Music Festivals (a partial list)!

Spring has sprung and the concert season is nigh upon us!  SXSW kicked of the festivals and the summer concert series is just weeks away.  Here is a list of the music fests that will draw a litany of artists and hordes of people.  This list highlights the main( in my humbly superior opinion) music festivals that take place in the continental U.S.  Most festivals are three days long and I’ve highlighted some of the featured (great) artists.

Festival	Date	Partial Line Up
Coachellawww.coachella.com	Apr. 16-18	Jay Z Them Crooked Vultures Gorillaz Pavement Thom Yorke MGMT
New Orleans Jazzwww.nojazzfest.com	Apr. 23-25	Lionel Richie Simon & Garfunkel Black Crowes My Morning Jacket Jonny Lang Darius Rucker
New Orleans Jazz Week 2www.nojazzfest.com	Apr. 29-May 2	Pearl Jam Aretha Franklin B.B. King Van Morrison The Dead Weather Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Summer Campwww.summercampfestival.com	May 28-30	Gov’t Mule Avett Brothers ALO Yonder Mountain String Band Umphrey’s McGee
Sasquatchwww.sasquatchfestival.com	May 29-31	Band of Horses Vampire Weekend The National Public Enemy She & Him Massive Attack
Wakarusawww.wakarusa.com	June 3-6	The Black Keys Slightly Stoopid Widespread Panic John Butler Trio Blues Traveler State Radio
Bonnaroowww.bonnaroo.com	June 10-13	Dave Matthews Band Kings of Leon Jay Z Stevie Wonder Nora Jones The Flaming Lips
Lollapaloozawww.lollapalooza.com	Aug. 6-8	Not yet released but always a stellar lineup
Austin City Limitswww.aclfestival.com	Oct. 8-10	Not yet released but always a stellar lineup

 The cool thing about the festivals is that if one takes place geographically close to you, you might catch some really good shows on both sides of the festival dates.

If you have attended any of the above or one not listed, let me know what was great about it and who you saw.

As mentioned in previous blogs I am a ACL acolyte and would strongly recommend that if you have the time and disposable income, you need to check itout.

Great music awaits!

50 Artists you should be listening to and own at least one album!

Ok, I thought yesterday’s blog was fun and elicited some reaction from you, the sweet , gentle reader  and a few David Cassidy fans( ITILY ladies and possibly gentlemen) and also caused a bit of a stir on facebook as well.  So, let’s go and reverse the whip.

I will attempt to continue to WOW you with my vast musical knowledge and then silently judge you if you are not impressed with my musical prowess.  Just kidding, I would never judge you or your poor musical taste. 

I do think that there are some artists that transcend genres and have universal appeal.  Others have a loyal following and then have that one album that regales the masses and they are beloved for generations.  Some of us grew up on music and we think it is greatness based solely on the nostalgia for the time and place in which we first heard it.  And then there are music purist who likes a band /artist because they respect the lineage and the impact that they had on music.

I tend to be a bit of all of the above.  There are some artists that I like because there is some form of connectivity that I really can’t explain, while others are truly a moment in time that has endeared me to an artist, and then there is the whole musical heritage piece.  I am intrigued by the evolution of music and the artists that find themselves compelled to play.  As mentioned previously in a blog, I have no musical talent.  I do not play and instrument, I do not sing close to well, and I’ve never had aspirations to do either.  I simply love to listen to music. 

As much as I have a propensity to scorn/judge, in my humble opinion, awful music, I really respect the fact that those dreadful musicians had the nerve to attempt to play, at some point get signed, and were able to release an album or at the very least a single.  When it comes down to it, I don’t judge the horrific musicians as mercilessly as I judge the faction who listens and procures the music.

So, below is a listing of artists/bands that you should be listening to and would be in any reputable music collection.  

• Ryan Adams
• The Band
• The Beastie Boys
• The Beatles
• Beck
• The Black Crowes
• Jimmy Buffet (with love to Gwendolyn)
• Johnny Cash
• Eric Clapton
• Credence Clearwater Revival
• Drive-By Truckers
• Bob Dylan
• The Eagles
• Steve Earle
• Foo Fighters
• Pat Green
• Merle Haggard
• Ben Harper
• Jimi Hendrix
• Robert Earl Keen
• Led Zeppelin
• Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Dave Matthews Band
• John Mellencamp
• Metallica
• Willie Nelson
• Nirvana
• Pearl Jam
• Tom Petty
• Pink Floyd
• The Pixies
• Joe Purdy
• Radiohead
• R.E.M
• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• The Rolling Stones
• Rush
• Paul Simon
• Sonic Youth
• Sound Garden
• Bruce Springsteen
• James Taylor
• Traveling Wilburys
• U2
• Stevie Ray Vaughan
• Wilco
• Whiskeytown
• The Who
• Neil Young
• ZZ Top

I just listed the artist and not the album or albums that you should be listening to and really own by said artist.  Also, I stopped at 50 and that took a considerable amount of restraint.

This is fundamentally meant to light the candle of thought and get you to think about your 50 artists.  If you only had 50 artists that you could listen to, who would they be?  Think of yourself as Tom Hanks in Cast Away and instead of Wilson the volleyball, you have an iPod with 50 artists and their entire catalog. 

So take some time, peruse the list and let me know who you would have added or deleted from the list or send me you complete list.

Great music awaits!

You should be listening to The Avett Brothers!

The Avett Brothers are the folksy, rocking, alt/country with a tinge of bluegrass band from North Carolina.  With such a diverse pedigree, is it any wonder the Rick Rubin took notice, signed them to his label, and produced their major label debut “I and Love and You”?

As mentioned, I and Love and You is the major label debut but actually finds The Avett Brothers in the double digits for their release total. They have released numerous albums as well as EP’s and live albums.

Loosely formed in 2000 just prior to be the end of Seth and Scott Avett’s rock band Nemo, the brothers are joined by Bob Crawford on stand up bass.  Their self titled debut was release in 2000 and in 2002 released their first album “Country Was” as a full band.

In 2007 the Avett Brothers won the Americana Music Association Duo/Group of the Year award and 2007 Emerging Artist of the Year.  In 2009 they opened for the Dave Matthews Band’s spring tour across the southern United States as well as an opening spot for Wide Spread Panic.  And, to add to an already great year, Rolling Stone Magazine named The Avett Brothers “The Artist to Watch in 2009”. 

While their major label is not a dramatic musical departure from their previous work, however, there is less reliance on banjo, with the exception of “January Wedding” while the piano plays a prominent role on this ballad heavy album.  The album is sonically rich with harmonies provided by Scott and Seth.  The melodies are tight and the musical arrangement has a certain level of complication but not in an overly dramatic fashion.

The Avett Brothers Discography:

• The Avett Bros.
• Country Was
• Live at the Double Door Inn
• A Carolina Jubilee
• Swept Away (EP)
• Mignonette
• Live, Vol. 2
• Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions
• The Gleam
• Emotionalism
• The Second Gleam
• I and Love and You

 Key tracks form I and Love and You:

• Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise
• Ten Thousand Words
• I and Love and You
• Ill With Want
• Kick Drum Heart

Check out The Avett Brothers @ www.theavettbrothers.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgnZ0wEi2JU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqZZlL0l5Uk&feature=channel

The Avett Brothers’ music is available at iTunes, record stores, and www.theavettbrothers.com

Great music awaits!

Under the Covers: Cover songs you should be listening to

Some songs are so great that everyone wants to sing them and add their own unique style.  Some do it to pay homage to an artist, others feel a certain connection to the song and/or artist, and yet others are just looking to be the next American Idol.

The cover tune is the metaphorical equivalent of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Anyone can do it but not everyone does it right.   To make it right, PB&J requires lightly toasted bread, an abundance of peanut butter on both slices of the bread, and a generous slathering of jelly.  I’m a grape or raspberry fan myself. 

So, let’s get under the covers:

• “Masters of War”                       Pearl Jam
  • Original Artist                   Bob Dylan
• “War Pigs”                                  Faith No More
  • Original Artist                   Black Sabbath
• “Hurt”                                          Johnny Cash
  • Original Artist                   Nine Inch Nails
• “Hard to Handle”                        The Black Crowes
  • Original Artist                   Ottis Redding
• “Chimes of Freedom”                 Bruce Springsteen
  • Original Artist                   Bob Dylan
• “Cortez the Killer”                      The Dave Matthews Band
  • Original Artist                   Neil Young
• “Billie Jean”                                 Chris Cornell
  • Original Artist                   Michael Jackson
• “Paradise”                                   Pat Green
  • Original Artist                   John Prine
• “Hard Sun”                                 Eddie Vedder
  • Original Artist                   Indio
• “Play it All Night Long”             Drive-By Truckers
  • Original Artist                   Warren Zevon
• “Climbing up the Walls”            Erin Ivey
  • Original Artist                   Radiohead
• “Rocket Man”                             My Morning Jacket
  • Original Artist                   Elton John
• “Such Great Heights”                 Iron & Wine
  • Original Artist                   The Postal Service
• “Hallelujah”                                 Jeff Buckley
  • Original Artist                   Leonard Cohe
• “Little Wing”                               Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • Original Artist                   Jimi Hendrix
• “Lungs”                                       Lyle Lovett
  • Original Artist                   Townes Van Zandt
• “Breadfan”                                  Metallica
  • Original Artist                   Budgie
• “Badfish”                                     Jack Johnson
  • Original Artist                   Sublime
• “Hey Ya”                                     Obadiah Parker
  • Original Artist                   Outkast
• Love Reign O’er Me                   Pearl Jam
  • Original Artist                   The Who
• “The Ghost of Tom Joad”          Rage Against the Machine
  • Original Artist                   Bruce Springsteen
• “Levelland”                                 Robert Earl Keen
  • Original Artist                   James McMurtry
• I’ve Got to Know                         Son Volt
  • Original Artist                   Woody Guthrie
• “Signs”                                         Tesla
  • Original Artist                   “Five Man Electrical Band
• “Ruby’s Two Sad Daughters”   Pat Green
  • Original Artist                   Walt Wilkins

So, now that I have lit the candle of thought of great cover songs; let me know some of your favorites.

Great music awaits!

Music you should have been listening to in 2009

Greetings music fans,

 As we eagerly anticipate ringing in the New Year and 2009 comes to a close, I thought it would be entertaining to do a little musical year in review.  Here is smattering of albums that were released in 2009 that you should be listening to.  The list is compiled alphabetically by artist.  This, of course, is for my own personal benefit and helps calm my little OCD head.

 Arctic Monkeys “Humbug” 

Third album for the band with several tracks produced by Joshua Homme of (Queens of the Stone Age), (Eagles of Death Metal) and (Them Crooked Vultures)

Dan Auerbach “Keep it Hid”

Dan is half of the genius behind (The Black Keys)

The Avett Brothers “I and Love and You”

Major label debut produced by Rick Rubin

The Black Crowes “Before the Frost and Until the Freeze”

Two disc set (“Until the Freeze” only available as download) that was recorded in Levon Helm’s (The Band)Woodstock Studio.

The Dead Weather “Horehound”

Yet another reason Jack White is musical greatness

Drive-By Truckers “The Fine Print”

A collection of oddities and rarities that includes a cover of Tom Petty’s “Rebels”

Steve Earl “Townes”

In homage to the late, great Townes Van Zandt, it is an amazing collection of songs, with “Lungs” being my favorite track.

Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard “One Fast Move Or I’m Gone”

Music from Jack Kerouac’s “Big Sur”. These songs were recorded over a five day span with minimal revisions.

Grizzly Bear “Vectatimest”

A diverse collection of songs that will take a few times to appreciate.

Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 “White Lies for Dark Times”

Ben ventures beyond his Innocent Criminals and adds some Texas folks to the band.  Another solid Ben Harper venture.

Patterson Hood “Murdering Oscar (and other love songs)”

Hood, of (Drive-By Truckers), releases his 2^nd solo disc.  Check out “Pride of the Yankees”

Iron and Wine “Around the Well

Two disc set of previously unreleased materials and cool covers.

Jay-Z “The Blueprint 3”

Come on, it is Jay-Z.  What is not great about this?  If you are into Jay-Z, check out his unplugged album with (The Roots) as his backing band.  Pure greatness.

Dave Matthews Band “Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King”

First album since the death of founding member Leroi Moore.  I’m a huge DMB fan and make no apologies for it. 

M Ward “Hold Time”

2009 was a busy and fruitful musical year for Mr. Ward. 

Monsters of Folk (Self titled)

Well, you have Jim James (My Morning Jacket) Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes) and M. Ward.  How could you go wrong?  They brought back the multi part harmony that is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, & Nash and The Eagles.

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band “Outer South”

This dude has been recording since he was 13.  Dropped the “Bright Eyes” moniker but still exploring and expanding the boundaries of music.

Pearl Jam “Back Spacer”

Great follow up album to their 2006 self titled album.  I saw them live at the 2009 Austin City Limits Music Festival.  Two plus hours of amazing music played with such fervor and with guest appearance by Ben Harper and Perry Farrell. 

Tom Petty “The Live Anthology”

This four disc set is a must have for any Petty fan.  This set spans 30 years of concerts and is absolutely amazing.

Phish “Joy”

Great to see the boys back together and playing nice.

Silversun Pickups “Swoon”

Second full length release that is a gradual departure from “Canvas”

Son Volt “American Central Dust”

From the ashes of Uncle Tupelo, Jay Farrar created Son Volt.  Not a disappointing album in the collection.

Sonic Youth “The Eternal”

After all these years, still making relevant music and inspiring others to do so as well.

Bruce Springsteen “Working on a Dream”

The Boss has been rather prolific in the 00’s.  This was a great way to round out the year and decade.  Saw him in Charlotte NC in 2008.  Amazing!

State Radio “Let It Go”

This is the third full length disc from Chad Stokes formerly of (Dispatch) and company.  A great live band if you ever have the opportunity.

Street Sweeper Social Club (Self titled)

Tom Morello  (Rage Against the Machine), (Audioslave) and (The Nightwatchman) and Boots Riley (The Coup) come together and create revolutionary party jams.

Them Crooked Vultures (Self titled)

Dave Grohl (Nirvana) and (Foo Fighters), Joshua Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and (Eagles of Death Metal), and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).  Need I say more?

U2 “No Line On the Horizon”

Getting back to the greatness of The Joshua Tree.  Bono and Co. show why they continue to be in the running for world’s greatest rock band.

Wilco (Self titled)

From the ashes of Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy created Wilco.  Not a disappointing album in the collection.  Funny how that worked out for both he & Jay.

Pete Yorn “Back & Fourth”

I’ve always been a Pete fan but have found a new appreciation for him in the last few years.

Great music awaits!