This Ain't The Summer Of Love

Last Saturday Night! 02/27/16 Ace Frehley/ Selfish Machines/ Eden Burning/ Jason Kane & The Jive @ Fitzgerald's, San Antonio, TX

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 10:49:00 +0000

As we noted the other day, the coolest man on the planet is back out on the road.
Here, some video highlights from Saturday night in San Antonio, TX.

(Video: damiandoan X/Youtube)

Live Rewind: 02/20/16 Doug Collins and the Receptionists "Complicated Compliments" CD Release @ Harriet Brewing Tap Room, Minneapolis, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 01:24:00 +0000

In our opinion (not that you asked), the Harriet Brewing Tap Room in South Minneapolis was the place to be last Saturday night as Doug Collins and the Receptionists returned to the stage and played through a spirited live set for a few hundred fans and friends that came out to support the band and to check out their latest CD offering titled "Complicated Compliments." It had been some months since we last saw the band perform so we were quite looking forward to seeing the guys again and hearing their new music.

(Photos and video: NYCDreamin Archives)

Quickly, big props to Harriet Brewing as they are very big supporters of the local music scene here in the Twin Cities, offering singer/songwriter/musicians a place to perform live music most nights of any given week all throughout the year.

We arrived shortly before 8:00pm as Sarah Morris was just getting ready to begin her set. Within about 30 seconds the conversation we were having with a few friends stopped dead in its tracks. All eyes and ears were directed to the stage as Morris quickly took command of the room with her amazing voice and spunky stage presence. It is quickly very obvious to anyone with a functional set of ears that Sarah Morris is of undeniable talent from the minute she begins her set. Unfortunately for you, the reader, I did not manage to get any video. So you'll just have to take me at my word - she was great and we're hoping to get the chance to see her again at some point.

The crowded room (that the above photo does not really covey properly) was full of good vibes and laughter and people really seemed to be having an enjoyable evening as Doug and the Receptionists quickly set up their gear and got ready to unleash.

For those who may be unfamiliar - Doug Collins and the Receptionists are:

Doug Collins - guitar, vocals
Kevin Kluever - guitar
Charlie Varley - bass, vocals
Billy Dankert - drums, vocals

And with a brief introduction and a wave of the hand from the frontman, the band were off and running with a rollicking little stomper called "Breath of Your Reflection"

Easing back on the pace just a bit without really stopping they went right into the second song of their set, "Meanwhile In Memphis." This is also the second song on the new CD. That must mean something, right? What - I have no idea. But it's just too big of a numerological coincidence to ignore.

After stopping to take a quick selfie with the crowd (and just listen to the explanation behind that move for a glimpse into the humor of Mr. Collins), Doug told a quick back story of how and why he was inspired to write a song about a train. At this point he also introduced a special guest sitting in with the band for a few songs. Drummer Billy Dankert's Gear Daddies bandmate Randy Broughton was in the house to add some additional flavor. His lap-steel playing added an element to this country-punkabilly "Song About A Train" that would have been sorely lacking had he not been there to play along.

The entire band seemed in high spirits and were smiling and joking between (and during) songs with each other. Doug was rather animated in his song introductions and at this point took a bit of a good-natured ribbing about this from a local guitarist friend who shall go unnamed to protect his identity. The next number, the introspective "Lucky" comes from The Receptionists previous EPCD "Davenport Iowa."

After a brief shoutout to the producer of the new CD who was also in attendance to celebrate the release, the band once more slowed the pace for another new number, "Been There Before."

The title track to the EPCD "Davenport Iowa" was next. It's a tale so many of us can relate to I guess: wanting and waiting for years to get out of the place you come from - only to realize after you leave and explore the larger world a bit that the place you came from really does hold some special place in your heart after all.

Next up, also from the "Davenport Iowa" EP, a song that is (I think) about a heterosexual couple meeting and falling in love at a "Lesbian Wedding." This is a song that has received some regional radio airplay and garnered good reviews from some of the local music press.

Here, the band tossed in a plucky cover (the first of two they would pull out on this particular evening) of the 1970 Smokey Robinson and the Miracles Motown classic "Tears Of A Clown." I'm sure the purists out there would call this sacrilege but, in my opinion, The Receptionists version, with a just-right guitar solo from Kevin Kluever, buries the original. Nice job guys!

As Dankert laid down a smooth between-songs jazz beat, Randy Broughton once again plugged in and sat down to join the band on the next number, the swinging "Don't Change the Sheets." If I ever take the time to properly interview Doug I think I'll steer clear of asking him about the topical inspiration for this one. It's pretty self-explanatory.

"A Little Bit Of Hurt" showcases perfectly Doug's ability to seamlessly meld rock and roll and country styles together into the same song. It is a pleasing effect.

Here, we'd be remiss if we didn't send out some congratulations and love to "Grandpa Dad" Charlie Varley and his wife on news that they are "expecting" a new family member to be joining them later in the year. We're happy for you guys!

For "My Friends," another track from the new CD, Collins, Varley and Dankert join together on a sweet sounding harmonized vocal as Kluever once more places just the right amount of textured feeling into his guitar lines. I'm always impressed with his playing style each time we've seen the band because of his ability to put across a lot of emotion within just the right amount of notes and not overplaying the hell out of everything.

As the first notes of the next song began to come from the stage I knew immediately that the show was about to come to a close. "Slip Away," a song we've enjoyed since the first time we heard it seems to always come right near or at the very end of their set. There's just something about his one that makes it one of my favorites in the Doug Collins catalog of songs.

But they weren't done just quite yet. Charlie announced that the next song was to be done in the spirit of "The Who - because we don't know what the hell we're doing." Never really being a big Who fan myself, this elicited a hearty chuckle from me. I don't know if you know this but there are one or two lifelong old-school Kiss fans in the Twin Cities music scene. OK, maybe it's all of us. Sure seems like it sometimes. Pulling out the second of the two cover songs in the set, they finished off with a raucous and somewhat disjointed and slightly mangled version of what Paul Stanley likes to call the Rock and Roll National Anthem - the 1975 classic "Rock and Roll All Nite." They may not have played a note-for-not version and the lyrics...uh, yeah. Nice try Doug. But the spirit was certainly there and it was a great way to close out the show, many in the still very crowded room singing along because...how can you not?

The audience erupted into well deserved cheers and applause for the band as they finished up and cleared the stage for the last act of the evening, a duo calling themselves Lakewood Cemetery.

As I glanced across the room I spotted Sarah Morris who appeared to be getting ready to leave, so I hustled over her way to tell her how much we had enjoyed her set. I was hoping she had a copy of a CD or something and of course she did so I was glad to be able to pick up a copy from her in person. If you're interested you can visit her website here for information on how to obtain a copy for yourself.

We also picked up a copy of The Receptionists new release, once again that one is titled "Complicated Compliments." You can and should obtain a copy of that one as well as the "Davenport Iowa" EP and the earlier 2013 release "Those Are The Breaks." All three titles are available for preview and digital download over at Bandcamp.com as well as over at iTunes. And I do believe that Hi-Fi Hair and Records in Minneapolis may have some physical copies available for sale also should you prefer to go that route instead.

Up next? Doug Collins hits the road - solo - for a few dates out-of-state coming up next week. We wish him safe travels and would highly encourage anyone reading in the areas listed below to get out and check him out when he rolls through. Tell him TATSOL sent ya!

03/01/16 @ Buccaneer Lounge - Memphis, TN
03/22/16 @ Tapping for Happy Hour - Nashville, TN
03/04/16 @ Evangelines - St. Louis, MO

Tonight! 02/27/16 Tom Donohue Sr. Memorial Show @ The Dog House Bar & Grill, Maplewood, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 06:10:00 +0000

If you are reading this from in or around the Twin Cities metro area, come on out to the Dog House Bar & Grill in Maplewood tonight and enjoy great live music beginning at 8:00pm from five of the hardest rocking bands in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area as they throw down in celebration and memorial for Tom Donohue Sr. and his family.

Complete details: Tom Donohue Sr. Memorial Show Facebook event page.

One From The Archives: 02/27/91 Bad Company/ Damn Yankees @ Duluth Arena, Duluth, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

Tonight! 02/26/16 Ace Frehley/ Tame Fury @ Scout Bar, Houston, TX (Updated!)

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:15:00 +0000

-Ace Frehley.com
-Ace Frehley/Facebook
-ScoutBar.com

Update - Video!

Tonight! 02/26/16 Cannibal Corpse/ Obituary/ Cryptopsy/ Abysmal Dawn @ The Cabooze, Minneapolis, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:10:00 +0000

-Obituary.cc
-The Cabooze.com

Tonight! 02/26/16 Voi Vod/ Vektor/ Eight Bells @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall, St. Paul, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

-Voi Vod
-Amsterdam Bar & Hall.com

Two Years After Returning From The Dead, A Taste Of Minnesota Calls It A Day

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 23:13:00 +0000

After defying the odds, coming back from the dead and relocating to rural Waconia Minnesota for the 2014 and 2015 editions, some disappointing news for live music lovers here in the state of Minnesota coming in this afternoon from A Taste of Minnesota. General Manager Linda Maddox has issued the following statement on the Taste of Minnesota Facebook page:

"With a mixture of sadness and excitement, I’m announcing today my retirement and the closure of A Taste of Minnesota. This festival was the pride and joy of my late husband Ron, who created it in 1983. I grew to love the event as we managed it together from 1996-2008. When the festival was sold and later closed, I missed the fun and exhilaration, and I often thought about making a comeback with the original team – minus Ron, who passed away in 2010. This dream became a reality in 2014, and our last two festivals have brought joy to a whole new generation in a new host community, Waconia. The 2014 and 2015 festivals fulfilled our goal of providing a fun, family-centered event for Minnesotans over the Fourth of July weekend – the same goal that Taste was founded upon decades ago. I’m confident that now is the best time for me to begin the next chapter of life as a retiree.

Thank you to the fans, vendors and visitors who supported A Taste of Minnesota throughout the years. I’m also deeply grateful to our gracious hosts in Waconia and Carver County, and to the team in Saint Paul who supported us in our first 26 years

Sincerely - Linda Maddox, General Manager"

TATSOL would like to wish Ms. Maddox all the best in her retirement. We also wish to extend our sincere thanks to her and her entire staff for trying to bring back the Taste for the last two years. All I have to offer in the way of further opinion is that this is a big loss to the entertainment schedule for so many people here who have made the Taste a part of their annual July 4th celebrations for so many years (excluding 2011 - 2013 when it wasn't held).

Losing it - just sucks. There's just really no other way to say it. Lots of good 4th of July weekend music memories throughout the years we've been going though: Foghat, Blue Coupe, Starship, The Oddfathers, Blue Oyster Cult, Rick Derringer, George Thorogood, Deep Purple, Georgia Satellites, Judas Priest, Chevelle, Whitesnake, Halestorm, ELO II, Dennis DeYoung, John Mayall, Rick Springfield. And many others as well. We're really gonna miss it.

View much more TATSOL coverage of Taste of Minnesota throughout the years.
Click HERE.

And here, some of the very first concert video we ever shot ourselves: Judas Priest at the Taste of MN, July 3rd, 2009. Not amazing quality or anything - but this was where we started.

One From The Archives: 02/23/11 Malevolent Creation/ Full Blown Chaos/ Absence/ Havok/ Demonicon @ Station 4, St. Paul, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

(Image: NYCDreamin Archives)

Reminder: Get Your Weekly Rock and Metal News Recap from Seth's Rock Report.com

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 10:17:00 +0000

You've breezed through another weekend and now that its already Monday morning, we would like to remind you once again that you can (and should) start your week - each week - by taking a few minutes to catch yourself up with the best recap of all of the latest news from the hard rock and heavy metal world that has gone down in the past seven days.

Tour announcements, new releases, special events, music videos, new bands on the rise and old favorites and of course the Rockucation Question of the Week - it's all there waiting for you over Seth'sRockReport.com. Also! Check out and "like" the Seth's Rock Report.com Facebook page as well for additional updates and fun, thought provoking topical conversations with cool people from all over the place throughout the week. Don't forget to tell him TATSOL sent ya!

Departs Today! 02/22 - 26/15 Monsters of Rock "Shredders from the Deep" Cruise 2016 - Miami, FL

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

-Follow along at: Monsters of Rock - Shredders from the Deep/ Facebook

Inappropriately Displayed Taxidermy Vol. 1: The Mardi Gras Armadillo & His Gross, Too-Curious-For-Comfort Lizard Friend

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 16:41:00 +0000

Currently on display at the Harriet Brewing Tap Room in Minneapolis.

One From The Archives: 02/21/76 "Rock Music, A Positive Force" (Minneapolis Daily American)

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

(Image: NYCDreamin Archives)

02/21/76
Minneapolis Daily American
"Rock Music, A Positive Force"
(Click images to see "larger")

Tonight! 02/20/16 Doug Collins and the Receptionists (CD Release)/ The Humbugs/ Sarah Morris/ Lakewood Cemetery @ Harriet Brewing, Minneapolis, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 06:10:00 +0000

Brand new music from Doug Collins and the Receptionists!

Saturday - 02/20/16 - 7:00pm
Doug Collins and the Receptionists (CD Release)
The Humbugs/ Sarah Morris/ Lakewood Cemetery
@ Harriet Brewing, Minneapolis, MN
21+ /w/ I.D.

Copies of "Complicated Compliments" as well as the "Davenport Iowa" EP will available for purchase at the show. Visit the Facebook event page with complete details and updates.

One From The Archives: 02/20/95 Overkill/ Avalanche/ Porcelain God @ Mirage, Minneapolis, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

(Image: NYCDreamin Archives)

Jaws hit the floor here at TATSOL when we recently stumbled across this sweet, full set video (below) of the ferocious Overkill tearing it up at the long-gone but fondly remembered Mirage here in Minneapolis, MN. The date was 21 years ago today, 02/20/95. Of course we had the show ad already here in the archives, having no trouble finding it almost immediately to confirm the date of the video.

(Video: WV Monster)

Ah. The Mirage. We lost a really good one when they closed the doors there, not too long after this show was filmed actually. For a whole lot of Mirage ads, photos, video history and discussion, check out the "I Rocked The Mirage Mpls." Facebook page HERE. I contribute there frequently as do a lot of other cool people who really, really loved that club. When you see the national and local Rock and Metal history that took place there while it existed...you'll know why we remember it with a big smile.

Tonight! 02/19/16 Kick/ The GooDBarS/ The Grande Machine @ Mayslacks, Minneapolis, MN (Updated!)

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 06:10:00 +0000

-The GooDBarS/ Facebook
-The Grande Machine/ Facebook
-Kick/ Facebook

Update: Video!

Tonight! 02/19/16 "We Can Be Heroes: The Bowie Tribute" @ The Parkway Theater, Minneapolis, MN (Updated!)

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 06:07:00 +0000

Tonight - One Night Only Twin Cities All-Star Special Event!

We Can Be Heroes: The Bowie Tribute
@ The Parkway Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Tickets: $35.00

Some info from the Facebook event page: (Click the link above for more details)
"Join the finest musical talent in Minneapolis for a circus like night of art, music, and fashion as we celebrate the life and genius of David Bowie. The All Star Line Up includes former members of Prince, Soul Asylum, The Suburbs, The Rembrandts, Greazy Meal, The Oddfathers and more! Led by renowned local singer Julius Collins, and joined by Michael Bland, Winston Roye, Brian Gallagher, Cory Eischen, Phil Solem, Jeremy Ylvisaker and special guests Dave Pirner, Shannon Curfman and Ryan Smith. DJ Phat will be spinning the hits from 8pm. The Bowie Tribute begins at 9pm.

Update 02/20/16
So far this is the only video I can find. I'll update again when/if I find more.

One From The Archives: 02/19/05 Soulfly/ Morbid Angel @ The Quest, Minneapolis, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

(Image: NYCDreamin Archives)

One From The Archives: 02/18/03 Cheap Trick @ The Vogue, Indianapolis, IN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

(Image via: NYCDreamin Archives)

Another F'n Podcast with Izzy Presley: Episode #92 - Kyle Kruger (Guitarist, Bullet In The Chamber)

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 12:32:00 +0000

(Almost) each and every week at about this time (give or take a day) and whether you want us to or not, TATSOL is proud to bring you...not so live, direct from someplace in Hollywood, California...the latest episode of Another F'n Podcast with Izzy Presley! Episode #92 is now available for your listening pleasure and post-play discussion!

This is the final episode of Another F'n Podcast...for February. It's that time of year once again - Izzy will be at Sea with rock stars for the next few weeks. Another F'n Podcast is scheduled to return again on March 2nd and he will recap those adventures at that time.

This week! Izzy plays the audio from his stand up comedy debut last week in Los Angeles for those of you who were unable to attend. Then! Kyle Kruger from the band Bullet In The Chamber and the movie "Hair I Go Again" calls in to talk about the film, the struggles, working with Ron Keel, and taking the film on tour...in his jeep. This episode is a can't miss for anyone that has ever been in a band, wished they were in a band, or just plain given up on their dream.

Life is unpredictable. We could all go at any minute. You'd hate to be the one who missed out on this one before you go...so get to it and push that play button and listen already!

-Another F'n Podcast with Izzy Presley/ Facebook
-Izzy Presley Productions.com

Released: 02/15/05 American Head Charge "The Feeding"

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

(Image: NYCDreamin Archives)

To start your day: "Kick Your Ass Into Oblivion Metal" - Minneapolis style!
American Head Charge - The Feeding. Released 11 years ago today.
Turn it up loud and rip the knob off! Let your neighbors know you are alive!

Tonight! 02/14/16 "Sally Can't Dance: A Tribute to Motorhead" @ The Bowery Electric, NYC, NY

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

-The BoweryElectric.com

Tonight! 02/14/16 AC/DC @ Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN (Updated!)

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 06:01:00 +0000

For those about to rock...We salute your ability and willingness to dig deep to have the privilege of doing so! AC/DC, seen above all nice an de-wrinkled by some really poor and obvious photoshop job done for their current tour advertising, returns to the Twin Cities tonight for what I imagine will be most likely the final time. One of the few that got away over the years for me. I never saw them live for whatever reason each time they rolled through. And now, without Malcolm Young? I just can't force myself to do it, especially given the ticket prices for this one: $117.50 - $142.50?!?

Gimme a friggin' break already! Much like some of these classic bands coming through on "final tours" - maybe my days of attending any arena shows at all are too coming to an end. I can go see three or four shows at Neisen's or Pickle Park for that price and good bands too - Y&T, Uli Roth, Glenn Hughes, Kix just to name a few coming up soonish here in our area. And so many of those 80's era bands are surely just a few years from following the Sabbaths and AC/DC's of the world off the big stage for the "final time." And with money being so tight and economics the way they are these days for so many people, I can't justify one band like AC/DC getting all the cash when I can spread it around a bit - and get more for my concert ticket buying dollar as well.

Lets just do a 'fer instance here:

It's Valentines day.
You gotta take your Baby to the AC/DC show too, right? She loooves that one AC/DC song...what is it? "You Schtupped Me All Night Long" or something like that? Yeah! She loves that one!

So...

(2) X $117.50 (cheap seats) = $235.00
(2) X $? (assorted B.S. ticket fees - say approx.) $25.00
(1) X Event Parking @ $20.00
(1) X Gas - Round Trip to and from show: $5.00 - $7.00

You're around $280-ish give or take already. And you haven't even bought flowers, candy or a card for your lady yet. You haven't included a few $8.00 sodas or $10.00 beers and maybe a $10.00 snack at the show. Oh! Dinner! Before the show or after. Minimum of $25 on up to a more realistic $50 or more depending how nice you want dinner to be. And it's Valentines day. You want it to be nice, not some White Castle/Arby's/McDonalds bullshit. You get my drift.

A Valentines Day date with my Baby to the AC/DC show for damn near $500.00 in total for the evening? That's not happening this year, or any other.

If you wanna give it a whirl, the Gorgeous One and I hope you have a great time!

Xcel Energy Center - 7:30pm.

---------------------
Update: 02/15/16
---------------------
*Setlist:
Rock Or Bust/ Shoot To Thrill/ Hell Ain't No Bad Place To Be/ Back In Black/ Got Some Rock N Roll Thunder/ Dirty Deeds/ Thunderstruck/ High Voltage Rock N Roll/ Rock N Roll Train/ Hells Bells/ Givin' The Dog A Bone/ Sin City/ You Shook Me All Night Long/ Shot Down In Flames/ Have A Drink On Me/ TNT/ Whole Lotta Rosie/ Let There Be Rock/ Highway To Hell/ For Those About To Rock

*Review and AMAZING photos shot at the show by our friends Kyle and Tracy from RKH Images over at 1013MusicReviews.com.

*Review: 02/15/16 Star Tribune.com
"AC/DC Predictable But Still Electrifying at Xcel Center"

*Review: 02/15/16 CityPages.com
"Indestructible AC/DC Sears Through Valentines Day Shred-Fest at Xcel"

Tonight! 02/12/16 Winger/ Firehouse @ Medina Entertainment Center, Medina, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 06:10:00 +0000

-MedinaEntertainment.com

One From The Archives: 02/12/10 April Wine/ Head East @ Medina Entertainment Center, Medina, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 06:05:00 +0000

(Image: NYCDreamin Archives)