Tunes in June

It's been a rough month so far and I can't imagine a better way to get through the rest of the month with a series of great releases. Starting things off right is that time tested group Sonic Youth with another side winding album called, "The Eternal". After tuning into Pitchfork.com for a little background on the album its good to know Sonic Youth still has the drive and desire to produce some of the most avante gard rock out their. Plan on rocking out, "Sonic Trixster" should do the trick.

Next on the musical agenda is the fifth release from Mars Volta, "Octahedron". After only a year since the last Mars Volta release it seems like Omar and Cedric have seemed to produce another rockus electric filled majesty of tunes. If the cover is any testament of what is in store for fans I have no doubt what we have alot to look (or listen forward) to.

Last and certainly not least is Wilco's, "Wilco (the album)". Personally, I'm kinda torn between what to think or hear. A album full of self absorbed references back to the band in the form of a title and lead song can only leave me a little hesitant. But, after listening to the entire album via the WilcoWorld.net website I'm happy to say that just isn't the case. The album is reminiscent of some of the earlier studio albums like "SummerTeeth" and "Being There". Needless to say, this could possibly be a great sunny day album to kick start listeners to the end of summer.

Enjoy the tunes and here are a list of Notable Numbers currently in play:

Jesse Winchester -Jesse Winchester

Titus Andronicus - The Airing of Grievances

Justin Townes Earle - Midnight at the Movies

The Best Album No One Ever Heard...

Some collaborations seem like they should never come to be, but the teaming up of Sparklehorse, Danger Mouse, and David Lynch are a match made in heaven. The album I am alluding to the above collaboration called, "Dark Night of the Soul". I first heard about this album from a friend and listen via the NPR website, but was astounded to hear it would never see the light of day.

Originally, the album was to be released as part of a book of over 100 images from material by David Lynch with a the companion c.d. packaged with the collection. Unfortunately, due to legal issues with the boys from EMI, however a blank recordable CD-R with copies clearly labeled: "For Legal Reasons, enclosed CD-R contains no music. Use it as you will."

Featuring A-list contributors like Iggy Pop, Frank Black, and the Flaming Lips the album moves from harmonic melodies to rock-ous choruses. An album that could have easily been a great release of the season is shelved for the time being, but the year is not quite over.

For those of you wishing to listen to the entire album I highly suggest going to the NPR site, just click on the image above and you'll be whisked away to the album site. Which by the way, I've worn out the NPR site and can only wish this album will be released for many people to enjoy.

In the meantime, here is a list of notable numbers currently in play:

• DADDY - "Live at the Women's Club" , as well as, the new album to be released next week
• Pearl Jam - "Ten" reissue
• Dark Night of the Soul - Self Titled

I'll Be A Monkee's Uncle...

As funny as a title this may be unfortunately this post has nothing to do with the Monkee's, but I am a daydream beleiver if that helps.

After a month and a half of not posting anything for anytime now I've come to the conclusion that my musical tastes have taken full control of me and kept me from these duties.  We now turn to a long day of work the other day ending in one of the most spectacular ways.  I'm finishing up a project, when out of the blue Live Nation sends me one of the most important emails I've received to date.  Towards the middle of the page right sandwiched between the Tori Amos and Jamie Foxx (testament talent is not required to sing, thanks Idol) concert announcements SOCIAL DISTORTION @ the Murat this August.

My punk rock heart skipped a beat.  A mix of Rockabilly/Blues stirred in my veins and immediately, but gingerly began the ticket purchase process.  In a matter of 5 minutes, I had one ticket for the fourth row center for a show that I hope will be one of the most anticipated for yours truly in a long time.  I want rat rods, cafe racers, white tee's with packs of rolled cigarette boxes on the sleeves.  I want to see beutiful betty's and sexy kittens stirring on the side of the building.  I have so many expectations for a show put on by the punk rock legend from Orange County.  

I know have 2 months to prepare and listen to as much Social D/Ness material.  I might even consider growing out a pompadour.  

Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

This Is Where I Belong (the Songs of the KinKs) - Various

Social Distortion - Live at the Roxy  

"Anvil" Turns It Up to 13

As many of you heavy metal lovers may already know, the Canadian metal group "Anvil" are both hitting the road, promoting their new album 13, and supporting a new documentary about their band. As close to a "Spinal Tap" documentary as this may seem the group has already made its impact influencing acts such as Metallica, Motorhead, and other great hair bands of the early 80's.

They may not be Rock "N" Roll Hall of Fame material, but at least they can find relief in the fact that they have die hard fans and still know how to rock with the best. Let's just hope they keep the stonehenge props at home.

Those interested in the movie can click on the image and be directed to the trailer. Enjoy

Let's Do The Time Warp Again...

Titling my blog with a Meatloaf/Rocky Horror Picture Show song might be an odd reference, but trust me I've got a reason or two. First, to set the record straight (musical pun) it has been a long time since I've posted anything to the blog, but do to all my massive listening to a great online radio station called WOXY it's been difficult to focus on much else. This leads to my second point and reasoning for my time warp reference I mentioned above. WOXY SIMPLY ROCKS. As a former terrestrial station that ended up closing its doors in January 2004. They found another life as a strictly online station and have been a model for others across the nation.

With only a handful of disc jockeys and a desire to turn our eardrums inside out they have received rave reviews from such entities as Q Magazine, Wall Street Journal, and Penthouse. As for you non beleivers just give them a listen or test drive one of the many vintage stations. It's a musical meltdown and an opportunity to revisit some gems of yester year.

Musically, it's been an odd month for me and for the notable numbers I'm going to have to go with a mix of art rock and hip hop. Enjoy and if you get a chance give them a whirl.

Notable Numbers Currently in Play:

1. Artist: Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth member), Album: Trees Outside the Academy
2. Artist: Bedouin Soundclash (punkish/rocksteady), Album: Street Gospel
3. Artist: Kero One (San Fran Hip/Hop Man), Album: Easy Believers

With A Little Moderation...

It's come to that time where I lay down the facts all about the tracks that I've been enjoying and as I'm well aware it's been an awfully long time. So to start things off, I'd like to thanks Ben Nichols and the boys from Lucero for announcing an up and coming show here at the local Radio Radio club. If nothing else this is a reason for Indianapolis to celebrate and prepare for the most rock'in-est bands that has been filling these ear drums for some time now. I would suggest this album as the best or another album as a more ambitious of all, but to do that would be just wrong. I'm telling everyone now they just rock the socks off the joint and that's what I'm sticking with. If you don't beleive me just click on the band's photo and get magically whisked away to their home on the web.

On another note, I've thourghly been enjoying the most recent release by Omar Alfredo Rodriguez-Lopez named, "Old Money". A kind of concept album loosely based on (as the Stones Throw label says) exploitative industrialists and, well, their old money, but talks nothing to the fuzzy distorted sounds that gives an excellent modernization of the psychedelic sounds. Regardless, "Old Money" provides experimental listeners with something to rock out to while at the same time testing their musical fortitude.

Folks, it's been a long day and I need to enjoy a little Patrick McGoohan as the one, the only "Secret Agent-Danger Man".

Other Notable Numbers Currently In Play

1. John Spencer Blues Explosion
2. James Brown-Motherlode
3. DJ Format

Josh Rouse and his Wonderful World

Everyone I know it's been a two week hiatus or should I say to that one reader out thier (most likely my mom) I've been neglecting my duties as a musical afficiando. It is truly the start of a new month, many New Years Resolutions have gone down in flames, but I'm lucky to report Mr. Josh Rouse as blessed these ears with another great selection of live tunes and his single of the month.

I will start off by saying the new single of the month is great. I will admit I'd never come across this paticular Cure song, but it's in true Josh Rouse fashion it's soft and sweet as the first as any kiss from that paticular someone in your life.

In addition, Josh has added another group of tunes from July 2002 prior to his recording of the "1972" album. The recording itself is as clear as any store bought copy and the vocals are as sound as any I've come across from pre produced material. I will have to praise Josh for posting this show and it's ability to rock out with the best of them. While a bit more upbeat than previous posts, it's a welcome change to a quieter Josh who can truly prove he's got a handle on how to make all the ladies and gents get up and boogie.

With that I'm putting my mark on this and hitting the road. Please let me know how you feel about the commentary and if you get a chance click on the above picture to get whisked away to wonderful world of Josh Rouse. Everyone take care and keep warm for those readers not in a subtropical climate.

Other Noteable Numbers Currently in Play:

Ben Nichols - The Last Pale Light In the West

Van She - Van She (EP)