This Ain't The Summer Of Love

The Entire Rock The Garden 2013 Experienece...In Just 10 Minutes!

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 02:44:00 +0000

We posted HERE last Saturday about the 2013 Rock The Garden Festival on the grounds of the Walker Art Museum in Minneapolis. Looking for more footage I just found this brilliantly put together video recap of the entire festival - kudos to Dylan608 - whoever you are...

...and Rock The Garden has released this "official" time-lapse video recap as well:

Tonight! 06/17/13 Metal Hammer Golden Gods 2013 @ Indigo2, London, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:20:00 +0000

Motorhead to be honored with the "Golden God" award this evening at the annual Metal Hammer Magazine Golden Gods 2013 event in London, England. The Golden God award celebrates and recognizes bands and musicians that have significantly contributed to, shaped and/or inspired the world of rock and metal.

TATSOL joins the chorus of legions of joyous Motorheadbangers from around the globe in salute to Lemmy and company on the occasion of this well deserved honor.

Complete Event Information: GoldenGods2013.MetalHammer.co.UK

One From The Archives: 06/17 - 18/06 Def Leppard/ Cheap Trick/ The Sensational Alex Harvey Band @ Sheffield, England & London, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:15:00 +0000

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One From the Archives: 06/17/07 Foo Fighters/ Motorhead/ Queens Of The Stone Age @ Hyde Park, London, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:10:00 +0000

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One From The Archives: June 2008 Journey UK Tour

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:05:00 +0000

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New Music From Grant Lindberg: "Supergroup"

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:43:00 +0000

Got a message in our inbox yesterday from our pal, the one-man, D.I.Y. musical force known as Grant Lindberg. He's been busy recently, as always, working on some new tracks and he kindly passed along a link to this video of the recent demo tracking sessions for a new song titled "Supergroup." Check it out!

Listen to lots more music from Grant on his Bandcamp page, including the 11 track collection titled "The Narrows," released this past April. Don't forget to tell him that TATSOL sent ya!

One From The Archives: 06/16/10 Stone Temple Pilots @ O2 Academy, Brixton, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:14:00 +0000

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Today! 06/15/13 Rock The Garden 2013 @ Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN (Updated!)

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:25:00 +0000

(Ad 1 - No Bands Listed)

(Ad 2 - /W/ Bands Listed)

Full event details: RockTheGarden2013.com

UPDATE: 06/16/13

*The show was broadcast LIVE on 89.3FM - The Current. Since we were unable make it out for this one, we tuned in (and stayed glued right to the very end!) starting at 5:45pm - just in time to catch the Bob Mould Band who delivered an incredibly incendiary performance. The Silversun Pickups, rained out of their scheduled performance at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs, IA on Friday night, took the stage around 7:20pm and delivered a pent up set of their always amazing sounding psych-alt-rock. Metric finished things off, their set beginning around 8:45pm and coming to a close just over an hour later.

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89.3FM The Current.org provided updated online coverage throughout the course of the event:
Bob Mould Band Photos * Silversun Pickups Photos * Metric Photos
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06/15/13 Kare11.com - "Heavy Rains Impact Rock The Garden" (/w/ Photos)
06/16/13 Minneapolis Star Tribune: "Rock The Garden Goes Underground, For Real"
06/16/13 Minneapolis Star Tribune: "Rock The Garden - Set By Set"
-----

*We'll be adding some video here as it begins to pop up on Youtube...

Bob Mould Band - Helpless

Bob Mould Band - Hoover Dam

Silversun Pickups - Panic Switch

Worst Dancer Ever Rocking Out To Silversun Pickups

Metric - Early in their set.

Metric - Youth Without Youth

Metric - Gold Gun Girls

Shadow Dancers!

Metric - Sympathy - Last song of the night!

Same song, different angle, with the Minneapolis skyline in the distance.

-Rock The Garden 2013 - One Fans Perspective:

Official Rock The Garden 2013 Time-Lapse Recap

Tonight! 06/15/13 Hairball/ New Medicine/ Ladies Of The 80's @ Medina Entertainment Center, Medina, MN

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:20:00 +0000

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HairballOnline.com

One From The Archives: 06/15/10 Ratt/ Anvil/ Girlschool @ O2 Academy, Islington, England & 06/17/10 @ Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:15:00 +0000

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One From The Archives: 06/15/10 Aerosmith @ O2 Arena, London, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:10:00 +0000

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One From The Archives: 06/15/10 Hellyeah/ Nonpoint @ London KCLSU, London, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 05:05:00 +0000

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The Oddfathers & Eddie Kramer: "Pre-Production: The Movie"

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:22:00 +0000

As we previously reported HERE, back in early May The Oddfathers spent a few days doing some recording with master Producer Eddie Kramer at The Terrarium in Minneapolis. Yesterday the band released this short audio/video clip featuring some of what went down during those sessions.

No word on exactly when we'll finally get to hear the finished track(s). As soon as I know a release date I'll pass the info along right here.

Starts Today! 06/14 - 16/13 Download 2013 @ Donington Park, Leicestshire, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:23:00 +0000

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One From The Archives: June 2010 Anvil/ Girlschool UK Tour

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:19:00 +0000

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One From The Archives: 06/13 - 15/08 Download 2008 @ Donington Park, Leicestshire, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:10:00 +0000

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One From The Archives: June 2008 Queensrych UK Tour

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:05:00 +0000

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06/08/13 Nazareth/ The Oddfathers @ Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA - Part III: Nazareth

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 02:12:00 +0000

06/08/13
Nazareth/ The Oddfathers
@ Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA

Part III: Nazareth
(Continued from: PART II - The Oddfathers)

After a brilliant, take-no-prisoners opening set by the Minneapolis-based Oddfathers, a brief equipment change followed and then it was time for the headliners, Nazareth, to take the stage at the legendary Surf Ballroom. The hard rocking 70's era Scottish band are currently in the U.S. for an 8-date early summer tour. This show in Clear Lake, Iowa was the second stop on their current road trek.

I remember the first time I ever heard Nazareth pretty clearly actually. I was around 7 or 8 years old and my Mom and I were visiting my aunt and her kids, my rowdy cousins. A few my age and a few teenagers. An always active home to say the least. They were all a bunch of typical 70's kids - listening to rock and roll records was a big part of their lives and I credit them for passing this influence on to me in a big way at an early age. The first real rock 'n' roll record I ever owned besides a few Elvis LP's was a scratched up 7" single of BTO's "Takin' Care Of Business" that one of my cousins had pilfered from an older sibling and for some reason had risked an almost certain ass kicking by giving it to me. But that's another story.

On the afternoon in question, I remember being in my cousins bedroom, sitting on the floor intently looking through a stack of his older brothers albums and as he placed this one particular album on the record player, he told me with some authority that I should "definitely listen to this."

This turned out to be "Hair Of The Dog," the 1975 album by Nazareth. Now, I ask you, in 1978, what 7 year-old kid wasn't gonna fall in love with some dude screeching "Now you're messin' with a....SON OF A BIIIIITCH!!" at top volume? Of course I loved it. I think we just listened to that song a few times and had some laughs about being bad kids for listening to it or something. I don't think I heard the full album for several years, probably at some point in my early teens was the next time. To me by that point they were just another "O.K." hard rock band and there were so many other bands to check out and try to keep up with. I guess this is all a just a rather long winded way to say that, despite the fact that I always enjoyed listening to Nazareth, I was never a huge, dedicated fan waiting for them to come to town so I could check them out live or waiting in line at the record store on release day for their new albums.

And to be honest, I probably would not have driven from the Twin Cities to Clear Lake to see them had The Oddfathers not been added to the bill at the last minute. But when it was decided we were going - I got a bit excited to see Nazareth for the first time too. I've seen Foghat and B.O.C. and Grand Funk, why the hell not Nazareth too?

...and then it was on!

So being I'm not this life-long Naz-head or whatever you'd call an extreme Nazareth fan, I'm not really familiar with their music catalog outside the aforementioned "Hair Of The Dog" album. I know they have a bunch of records going back to like 1970 or something...so I know I wasn't gonna know most of their stuff possibly. Didn't know that first one. Wasn't too sure if I even wanted them to finish it actually. I wasn't really feeling it but I figured things would tick up a notch, and, thankfully they they did - it just took a few songs.

The band pulled off a nice, thick swagger on this version of "Beggar's Day" and I'm enjoying the guitarist. He could be louder I remember thinking. I'm usually thinking that at any show I go to so...you know...whatever. But they sounded pretty good.

So by this point in the show the band had kind of really got their groove together - I wasn't so sure for the first few songs but they seemed locked in together by this point and even though they weren't blowing me away or anything...I was definitely enjoying listening to them rock this room full of people and was glad for getting the opportunity to catch them on their brief tour.

Ha! Hands down that was the BEST version of that song I've ever heard. Never cared for it much at all but that was pretty kick ass.

And then...that was it for the camera battery.

By this point I was beginning to think about the long drive back home after a pretty long day and we ultimately decided, a song or two later as the band played on, that we'd slowly begin working our way towards the exit so we could get on our way. I figured they had to be wrapping it up rather soon anyway. We walked outside, the sound of the band fading into the distance, I was thinking I was glad to see Nazareth is still out there road-dogging it and bringing their music to their fans...even if, it seemed from my perspective, their best performing days might be a bit behind them at this point. The fact that they're still out there at all, obviously enjoying it from what I could see, and sounding like they're giving it 100% as they're able to do - I guess that's all that matters.
-end

New York City Images As Album/CD Cover Art #126: West End Records (7" & 12" Single Sleeves)

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:15:00 +0000

OK - so technically these are not examples of "New York City Images As Album/CD Cover Art." But I figured the New York City skyline represented on 7" and 12" singles produced by West End Records (a popular New York City-based dance/disco label founded back in 1976) qualified them to be included in this series.

West End Records 7" single (paper sleeve)

West End Records 12" single (cardboard sleeve)

So how did I come to know about these West End Records NYC sleeve images in the first place? I'm so very glad you asked!

A few weeks back, our friend and fellow insatiable music lover Tim B. posted a great piece over at Stupefaction titled "Movie Of The Week: The Godfather of Disco: Mel Cheren and West End Records." This amazingly well put together, nearly one-and-a-half documentary examines the formation of West End Records in 1976 amid the then still exploding dance/disco music craze and how, eventually, label founder Mel Cheren came to be considered by many as the "Godfather Of Disco." And don't think for a minute that just because you might consider yourself some hardcore Punk or Headbanger that you shouldn't watch this movie because it's a "Disco flick." I consider myself to be some fucked up mix of Metalhead and Punk (who admittedly also has a small, secret admiration for some disco music - Shhh! Don't tell anyone!) - and I still found this movie to be an absolutely fascinating look at a segment of the music industry I'm not really so knowledgeable about. I would highly recommend "The Godfather Of Disco" as essential viewing to anyone who seeks a greater knowledge and understanding on the topic of both underground and popular dance/disco music produced in the 1970's - 1980's as well as the culture and life styles of those involved in its creation and distribution.

Just click on over to Stupefaction HERE to check it out.

One From The Archives: 06/12/08 White Lion/ Crimes Of Passion @ Astoria2, London, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:10:00 +0000

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One From The Archives: 06/12/06 Metal Hammer Golden Gods 2006 @ Camden Koko, London, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:05:00 +0000

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Released: 06/11/10 Ozzy Osbourne "Scream"

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:02:00 +0000

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From The Archives: 06/11/07 Motley Crue/ Papa Roach @ Hammersmith Apollo, London, England & 06/12/07 @ Manchester Apollo, Manchester, England

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:01:00 +0000

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06/08/13 Nazareth/ The Oddfathers @ Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA - Part II: The Oddfathers

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 03:06:00 +0000

06/08/13
Nazareth/ The Oddfathers
@ Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA

Part II: The Oddfathers
(continued from Part I)

(Images via NYCDreamin Archives) *Unless otherwise indicated.

With the Surf Ballroom rapidly filling up with people that really seemed ready for some high-octane Saturday Night rock and roll, the clock was slowly ticking around to 8:30pm. A few minutes before show time we spotted the members of The Oddfathers getting ready off to one side of the stage - all of them smiling, looking quite pleased and probably rather excited to be playing to a nice sized crowd of over 1,000 people in this historic music venue, opening the show for 70's era hard rockers Nazareth.

And then, finally, it was time...

The house lights dimmed, and a moment later KLKK 103.7FM The Fox DJ Mark Skarr stepped out on stage. He introduced himself and then got right down to business, announcing the Iowa debut of The Oddfathers. This was show number seven for the band and their first show any place outside of Minnesota.

The band came on strong right away with their usual show opener, "Eight Track Stereo." The sound was loud and crystal clear - each band member separated and completely distinguishable from the others, yet all of them blending into the most beautiful, heavy thumping, guitar-drenched noise. At the end of the song when vocalist/guitarist Brynn Arens asked the crowd if they were with him there was an enthusiastic sounding wave of cheers and applause in response. Things were off to a good start.

After a issuing a brief greeting and not having much time to waste, the band went right into song number two, the highly infectious "California Sunshine." On the first time through the chorus on this one, "Iowa" was substituted for "California" at one point. Rules for Rock Stars 101 dictates that it is always advisable to stroke the hometown crowd.

Taking a quick breather before starting the next song, Brynn introduced the rest of the band: Krys "Vino" Baratto on Bass, Casey "The Canceller" Gooby on Lead Guitar, and "The Wonderful" Tom Cook on drums. Then it was right back to the task at hand - kicking some Iowa ass!

The hard driving, rip-rollicking "Hey You!" was next. This is a newer song, debuted live for the first time when the band opened for Night Ranger in Mound, MN late last month. This was the third time "Hey You!" has been played live and it seems to go over better and better with each successive crowd that gets to hear it. I would imagine this is one song that will remain in the Oddfathers regular set list for the foreseeable future.

The Oddfathers live in action at the Surf Ballroom! "Hey You"
Thanks to Youtube user Millershane71 - (whoever you are!) - for uploading this!

After inquiring as to whether or not there were "any motorcycle riders in the house," and receiving a loud and positive response in the affirmative as an answer, the band proceeded to treat the crowd to what is one of my favorite songs in their set, "The Ride."

Things lightened tempo-wise just a bit for the next two numbers. The love-bordering-on-obsession song "Everywhere She Goes," was next, followed by "Bleecker Street," a great song about the street with that name on New York City's Lower East Side. Bleecker Street has several buildings filled with their own ghosts and memories of rock and roll and music history, much like the Surf Ballroom here in northern Iowa.

With time running short, only enough left for a few more songs, "Shake You Up," was next. As the show was nearing its unavoidable conclusion, the band seemed to have won over most of the crowd by this point, receiving loud applause, cheers and whistles after finishing each song.

(Photo: Mike Tickal - used with kind permission)

All too soon it was time for the final song of The Oddfathers inaugural Iowa performance. To finish off their set, the band tore into a blistering version of their usual show closer, "Another Tear Goes Dry." The receptive crowd with them right on to the very end then erupted into cheers and applause when it was all over a few minutes later.

The Oddfathers took their bows, tossed out a few guitar picks and drum sticks to som of the eager, outstretched hands of new fans who were trying to catch themselves a momento from the band. A minute or so later they were off the stage, their presence replaced immediately by their own crew guys, tearing down their gear, and the Nazareth crew guys, who began hastily setting up for the evenings headliner.

A while after finishing their set and taking a few minutes rest, the members of the Oddfathers reappeared, made their way to the merchandise booth and then spent a good amount of time meeting new fans, shaking, hands, taking some photos and signing several autographs. The Gorgeous One and I were both very happy for the band to see that they were so well received and that more and more people are finally being exposed to their unique sounding brand of rock and roll and their always great live show.

*If you haven't heard it yet, you can still check out The Oddfathers debut recording, the 4-track "Double Live 45" - available for streaming and download at Bandcamp.com, or you can purchase a physical copy (as well as t-shirts and hoodies) directly from the band at RockSteadyRecords.net.

(-end Part II)

-To be continued: PART III (Nazareth)

06/08/13 Nazareth/ The Oddfathers @ Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA - Part I: A Look At The Historic Surf Ballroom

noreply@blogger.com (NYCDreamin) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 02:25:00 +0000

(Photos via NYCDreamin Archives)

06/08/13
Nazareth/ The Oddfathers
@ Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA

Part I: A look at The Surf Ballroom

We were pleasantly surprised to get news this past Wednesday morning that The Oddfathers had been added at the last minute as openers for Nazareth's Saturday June 8th show at the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. After a moments pause, a plan was being put together to make it down there for the show.

The Gorgeous One and I had last been to the Surf Ballroom back in April of 2011 as we had been passing through Clear Lake on our way home from some family function or other in central Iowa. The Surf was all closed up that day when we arrived, but after some quick research, we did manage to make a trek out the quiet field, the site of the tragic plane crash that, in the early morning hours of February 3, 1959, took the lives of three early rock and roll pioneers, Buddy Holly, J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson, and Ritchie Valens. The Day the Music Died. Indeed.

Naturally, we were both pretty excited to finally get to see the inside of this historic music venue where these young performers played their final show all those years ago and where so many others have played since then. Incidentally, this was also the first time either of us had ever attended a rock concert in Iowa...so there's that as well! I guess it was inevitable at some point. I'm surprised it took this long, actually.

So we arrived in Clear Lake around 4:00pm, with cloudy skies and a light drizzle falling. After kicking the seats back in the car and resting up from the drive for about an hour we went to some overrated joint next door and had a quick bite to eat. The less said about this unfortunate experience the better. A bit later we found a spot near the front of the line back at the Surf and waited for the doors to open at 8:00pm.

I think I overheard this blonde cutie muttering something about wanting to send in some goons to inquire as to why The Oddfathers were not listed on the marquee along with Nazareth. Then again she might have just said, "Hey, let's stand over here."

Around 7:30pm a pretty good crowd had gathered outside in the continuing light drizzle, waiting patiently to get in and get to the rock and roll. We heard that around 1,100 tickets had sold in advance and more people seemed to be arriving by the minute.

A couple of the DJ's from classic rock radio KLKK 103.7FM "The Fox" were on hand to announce the bands on stage and their presence was immediately noted outside the front of the venue. At least I'm pretty sure this was their vehicle. If not...that's one dedicated listener.

This box office poster, above, lists some of the shows coming later this summer to the Surf.

Hare's a great look inside the Surf Ballroom, take a few minutes to watch this promo video:

Before we get to the Nazareth/ Oddfathers show itself, here are some additional images from in/around the Surf Ballroom.

Not too long after our last visit, on September 16th, 2011, the Surf Ballroom was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, as commemorated by this plaque outside the venue.

A "Rock and Roll Legends" memorial statue on the other side of the box office. This one also pays respect to the pilot Roger Peterson who also died in that 1959 plane crash just outside of town.

I know I said the less mentioned of the food place next door the better...but they did have a few interesting things hanging on their walls. Above: A high quality Winter Dance Party 1959 repro-poster. Below: An original Buddy Holly image print, signed and numbered by the artist. Still below that: Winter Dance Party 1959 "Collage" print.

Back at the Surf Ballroom and a look at the really cool stuff...

Of course there's plenty of Buddy Holly, Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens related material, including a piece not seen here in photos unfortunately, the original phone booth (mentioned and seen briefly in the video above) and pay phone from which Buddy Holly made his final phone call - placed home to his young wife after he finished his set at the Surf, just before he and the others left to catch that ill-fated flight at the Mason City Airport.

Just beyond the gift shop there is this hallway that leads to a bar and restaurant area, both sections of the building featuring walls absolutely filled with autographed photos, signed guitars and other cool historical music related items. Incredible but true: everyone from the Lawrence Welk Orchestra to Anthrax have played at the Surf Ballroom.

And then, after getting your fill of the amazing wealth of music history represented on the walls, you walk into the ballroom itself. This was the scene inside just a few minutes after the doors opened.

And this was the view from right down in front just minutes before The Oddfathers took the stage...

To be continued: PART II (The Oddfathers)