Chubby Jones

Peter Bjorn and John are 10 Years Old!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:32:59 -0600

Aww time really flies when you're having fun doesn't it? The whimsical trifecta of Peter Bjorn and John have made it into the double digits of performing together as a band and they want to celebrate with the world! Starting November 7th in Washington D.C. the boys will be headlining a tour with special guest El Perro Del Mar. But wait you guys, there's a whistling contest involved too! I'm not sure what that entails, but it's gotta be fun right? Hell yeah it does! Details below:

Fashawn "Boy Meets World"

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:53:59 -0600

Keep an eye and an ear out for Fashawn. The 20 year old MC is currently on tour with Ghostface Killah and can spit out lyrics with the best of the more seasoned pros. His debut album, Boy Meets World, is filled with R&B, jazz, hip-hop and a sense of nostalgia. Standout tracks include "The Ecology", "Stars", "Hey Young World" and the title track "Boy Meets World" which takes us on a tour of his past.

Fashawn "Sunny CA"

FASHAWN | MySpace Video

Catch him when he comes to a town near you. Oct 31 2009 4:00P BOULDER SCION Boulder, Colorado Oct 31 2009 9:00P Fox Boulder, Colorado Nov 2 2009 9:00P Waiting Room Omaha, Nebraska Nov 3 2009 9:00P Barrymore Madison, Wisconsin Nov 4 2009 9:00P House Of Blues Chicago, Illinois Nov 5 2009 9:00P Peabody’s Cleveland, Ohio Nov 7 2009 9:00P Skully’s Columbus, Ohio Nov 8 2009 9:00P Bluebird Bloomington, Indiana Nov 9 2009 9:00P Blind Pig Ann Arbor, Michigan Nov 11 2009 9:00P BB Kings New York, New York Nov 12 2009 9:00P Westcott Theatre Syracuse, New York Nov 13 2009 9:00P Paradise Boston, Massachusetts Nov 14 2009 9:00P Asylum Portland, Maine

Cracked Latin Hallucination for Everyone

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:45:40 -0600

Cracked Latin's aptly named song and video for "My Hallucination" is perfect for Halloween. It's a mixture of Un Chien Andalou, The Battleship Potemkin and Faster Pussycat Kill Kill (for all the film geeks like myself out there). Their debut album, "The World is Cracked Latin" comes out November 10th on Transparency and has been described as "The love child of Syd Barrett and Tito Puente". Luckily, it's just their sound and not their looks.

Gossip Live on Interface

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:50:49 -0600

I don't think I will ever tire of watching anything having to do with The Gossip. "Heavy Cross" is the first single off of their new album, "Music for Men" and as you can hear, it's a sexy funky rock jam.

Fan Death - Reunited (and it feels so good)

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:58:46 -0600

Ok, so the track is good (not like, amazing or anything) but the video makes me happy in so many ways. If you don't have your Halloween costume yet - you might want to watch this to get some inspiration. I mean...Big Tip Pee Wee anybody? Played by an old Asian man? LOOOOOOOOOOOVE!!

Florence & The Machine: Best Album of the Year Contender

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:09:14 -0600

If you have not yet heard of Florence & the Machine, by year's end you'll be seeing their debut, "Lungs", on many a "Best of 2009" list. The album pulls no punches, it kicks your ass so good you go back begging for more.

21-year-old Florence Welch is impossibly talented, each of her songs filled with a wisdom far beyond her years. She and her machine have crafted a darkly romantic story and a disk you need to be prepared to listen to on repeat. Stream the entire album right now on her myspace page and download a few tracks below.

Beautifully Haunting Video from Dead Man's Bones

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:54:54 -0600

For fans of the macabre (Tim Burton, Tool and the like) I give you the latest video from the Ryan Gossling and Zach Shields project, Dead Man's Bones. Their live tour is just beginning and will boast a circus variety show of local talent as their opening act. If you'd like to participate, check below for info.

In the course of bringing their monster-ghost-love-story to fans nationwide this fall, Dead Man’s Bones, the duo consisting of Zach Shields and Ryan Gosling, also intend to clue locals into homegrown talent in their own cities by hosting talent shows at stops along their tour rather than traditional music opening acts.

As of today there is an open casting call for performers to participate. Each talent show is to consist of 5-8 slots, open to performers of all ages and any kind of talent. These are not to be a contest , but rather a good natured showcase for people to display their natural talents. Halloween-themed acts will be given preferential treatment. Sword swollers, tap dancers, magicians, impersonators, kid bands, and anyone with an talent of any kind to display is eagerly invited to perform.

Due to the extravagant nature of the Dead Man’s Bones stage show, there will be no opportunity for soundchecks, and no groups requiring full band equipment or consisting of more than four members will be considered.

Please submit a video link of what you do to: deadmansbones@anti.com

Any DVDs or VHS submissions can be sent to:

Attn: Dead Man’s Bones Talent Show
ANTI
2798 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Tour dates below to see if they are coming to your city.

TOUR DATES:

10/14-Middle East, Boston
10/15- LPR, New York
10/16-First Unitarian Church Sanctuary, Philadelphia
10/17-Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, Washington
10/19-Le National, Montreal
10/20-The Music Gallery, Toronto
10/21- Schubas Tavern, Chicago
10/21-Schubas Tavern, Chicago
10/23-The Triple Door, Seattle
10/24-The Venue, Vancouver
10/25-Mississippi Studios, Portland
10/27-Swedish American Hall, San Francisco
10/30-The Regent, Los Angeles

Gossip Gives Us "Music For Men"

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:32:26 -0600
If you've been reading Chubby Jones for more than a few posts you'll know my love for the Gossip. Beth Ditto, Hannah Billie and Brace Paine have put out some of the best music (and live shows) in the past ten years. Their latest album, "Music for Men", was released today and while it strays from the all-out sweaty punk rock disco I'm so fond of - it doesn't disappoint.

Legendary music producer Rick Rubin hand picked the band to work with - which is no surprise since he has a bit of a golden ear. It's impossible to deny Beth Ditto's overpowering vocals, stage presence and ability to get the crowd up off their feet, ready to dance to every song and scream back the lyrics of the songs that brought them there in the first place.

What some fans may miss is the gritty garage rock of the previous albums. "Music for Men" is more polished, perhaps leaning more on the disco funk than punk rock. Either way, there's a reason Jim DeRogatis has said, "If she weren't gay and I were single, I'd want to marry Beth Ditto."

Debut Album from Hockey Too Good Not To Own

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:39:45 -0600
Spinner's "Full Album Listening Party" is just about the best shindig in town. I've had some good luck finding musicians I otherwise wouldn't have known about. This week, I've been blowing up the debut LP from Hockey, "Mind Chaos". These guys could totally kick Vampire Weekend's ass.

There are some sexy sexy bass lines mixed with dance rock and funk sensibility. The first track on the album, "Too Fake" is a perfect opener, setting the tone for an all-out raucous party time throughout the rest of the album. Each track is different enough to set it apart and be a standout from the next.

They're currently touring Europe but will be headed stateside next month with Portugal the Man.

Oct 8 2009 8:15P Majestic Theatre w/ Portugal The Man Madison, Wisconsin
Oct 9 2009 8:00P Turner Hall w/ Portugal The Man Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Oct 10 2009 8:00P Schubas Tavern w/ Portugal The Man Chicago, Illinois
Oct 11 2009 8:00P Schubas Tavern w/ Portugal The Man Chicago, Illinois
Oct 13 2009 8:00P The Magic Bag w/ Portugal The Man Fernadale, Michigan
Oct 14 2009 8:00P Horseshoe Tavern w/ Portugal The Man Toronto, Ontario
Oct 16 2009 8:00P Maxwell’s w/ Portugal The Man Hoboken, New Jersey
Oct 18 2009 8:00P Paradise Rock Club w/ Portugal The Man Boston, MA
Oct 19 2009 8:00P ABSOLUT FREE-QX Concert Series- Jillian’s Albany, New York
Oct 20 2009 8:00P Higher Ground w/ Portugal The Man South Burlington, Vermont
Oct 21 2009 8:00P Pearl Street w/ Portugal The Man Northhampton, MA
Oct 30 2009 8:00P EMU Ballroom-U. of Oregon-FREE SHOW w/ Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head Eugene, Oregon

Miike Snow - Black and Blue

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:04:26 -0600
Something to further tempt you to get your booty out to their nearest show:

Miike Snow and Mayer Hawthorne Weekend!!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:03:29 -0600
Last week while I was watching the season premiere of Gossip Girl, I was pleasantly surprised when out of nowhere Miike Snow's "Plastic Jungle" came on. You know you've made it when you're included on a CW soundtrack.

This came just at the right time for me since I'm seeing them Saturday in Chicago at my favorite venue, The Empty Bottle. I better wear my dance pants for this. Download Animal.

Sep 26 2009 7:00P 7th Street Entry Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sep 29 2009 7:00P Venue Vancouver, British Columbia
Sep 30 2009 7:00P Neumos Seattle, Washington
Oct 1 2009 7:00P Doug Fir Lounge Portland, Oregon
Oct 3 2009 7:00P Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, California
Oct 4 2009 7:00P Echo - SOLD OUT Los Angeles, California
Oct 5 2009 7:00P Casbah San Diego, California
Oct 6 2009 7:00P Detroit Bar Costa Mesa, California
Oct 7 2009 7:00P Spaceland Los Angeles, California

If you weren't lucky enough to get a ticket early, you can thank your lucky stars there's another great show happening just around the corner at The Darkroom (which I'll also be hauling ass to). Mayer Hawthorne will no doubt be making jaws drop with his sweet Detroit soul sound. Download Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin'.

Sep 25 2009 9:00P Darkroom Chicago, Illinois
Sep 26 2009 9:00P Blind Pig Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sep 27 2009 9:00P Drake Hotel Toronto, Ontario
Sep 29 2009 9:00P Great Scott Boston, Massachusetts
Sep 30 2009 9:00P Johnny Brenda’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oct 1 2009 9:00P The Knitting Factory Brooklyn, New York
Oct 2 2009 9:00P Mercury Lounge New York, New York
Oct 4 2009 9:00P DC9 WASHINGTON, Washington DC
Oct 5 2009 9:00P Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Oct 6 2009 9:00P Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, Georgia
Oct 7 2009 9:00P The Social Orlando, Florida
Oct 9 2009 9:00P The Parish at House of Blues New Orleans, Louisiana
Oct 10 2009 9:00P Red 7 Austin, Texas
Oct 13 2009 9:00P The Rock w/ Ghostface Killah Tucson, Arizona
Oct 14 2009 9:00P The Clubhouse w/ Ghostface Killah Tempe, Arizona
Oct 15 2009 9:00P Canes w/ Ghostface Killah San Diego, California

The Raveonettes: Tall Drink of Danish Water

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:32:00 -0600
To listen to the music made by super-duo The Raveonettes you'd think for sure they have Detroit Rock City flowing through their veins. But no, Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo are not from the midwest - they're from Denmark.
Instead of feeling the need to choose between rock 'n roll and Motown soul, they combined the two, added some noir and bore a glorious sound of their own (which has been mimicked since their 2002 debut EP, Whip It On). The 4th studio album from the pair, In and Out of Control is out in less than a month, and has all the makings of a true fall classic. You know what the best thing is about a new album? Promo tour!! Hell yeah, they'll be coming to your town to throw it DOWN!! To whet your appetite, here's a lil download: The Raveonettes - Suicide. Just a warning, they've got potty mouths. October 02 Austin, TX @ The Parish tickets 03 Austin, TX @ Zilker Park (Austin City Limits Festival) tickets 14 New York, NY @ Webster Hall* tickets 15 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar* tickets 16 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club*tickets 17 Philadelphia, PA @ TLA* tickets 18 Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg* tickets 20 Boston, MA @ Paradise* tickets 21 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda* tickets 22 Toronto, ONT @ Phoenix*tickets 23 Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick* tickets 24 Newport, KY @ The Southgate House* tickets 25 Chicago, IL @ Metro tickets 26 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue* tickets *w/ The Black Angels November 05 Vancouver, BC @ Venue tickets 06 Seattle, WA @ Neumo's* tickets 07 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir* tickets 09 San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo's* tickets 10 Costa Mesa, CA @ Detroit Bar* tickets 12 Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up* tickets 13 Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater* tickets 14 Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse* tickets *w/ Crocodiles

My Main Man Esser

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:27:16 -0600
The morning before Lollapalooza I was headed into the office and as I was about to get into the turnstyle to give the security guards my daily, "Hey, how's it goin'. Only (x) more days 'til the weekend!" I noticed this tall head of hair moving around in the windows of our morning radio show. Is that? No, it couldn't be....it IS!

The most adorable musician I've seen in a while, Esser, was about to do a live performance and I was pissed that I hadn't known about it earlier. Frantically, I ran upstairs and called everyone I knew to see if I'd be able to hit up the music booth. At the last minute I was told to run down there, and I did with camera in hand and was able to hear the first to last note of my favorite song of the summer, "Headlock".

Esser is back in Chicago on September 11th at The Double Door (which happens to be one of my favorite venues). If you're around, you should definitely check him out, his music style has something for everyone. Check out and download some of it here:

See him when he comes to your side of the tracks: Sep 6 2009 8:00P Broken City w/ Datarock Calgary, AB Sep 7 2009 8:00P The Starlite Room w/ Datarock Edmonton, AB Sep 9 2009 8:00P The Zoo w/ Datarock Winnipeg, MB Sep 10 2009 8:00P 7th Street Entry w/ Datarock Minneapolis, MN Sep 12 2009 8:00P Grog Shop w/ Datarock Cleveland Heights, OH Sep 14 2009 8:00P Paradise w/ Datarock Boston, MA Sep 17 2009 8:00P Highline Ballroom w/ Datarock New York, NY Sep 18 2009 8:00P Johnny Brendas w/ Datarock Philadelphia, PA Sep 19 2009 8:00P Rock and Roll Hotel w/ Datarock Washington DC Sep 20 2009 8:00P Local 506 w/ Datarock Chapel Hill, NC Sep 22 2009 8:00P Masquerade w/ Datarock Atlanta, GA Sep 23 2009 8:00P The Republic w/ Datarock New Orleans, LA Sep 24 2009 8:00P Warehouse Live w/ Datarock Houston, TX Sep 25 2009 8:00P Emos Lounge w/ Datarock Austin, TX Sep 26 2009 8:00P Granada Theatre w/ Datarock Dallas, TX Sep 28 2009 8:00P Rhythm Room w/ Datarock Phoenix, AZ Sep 29 2009 8:00P Brick By Brick w/ Datarock San Diego, CA Sep 30 2009 8:00P El Rey Theatre w/ Datarock Los Angeles, CA Oct 1 2009 8:00P Slims w/ Datarock San Francisco, CA Oct 2 2009 8:00P Holocene w/ Datarock Portland, OR Oct 3 2009 8:00P Nectar Lounge w/ Datarock Seattle, WA

Wildbirds and Peacedrums Premiere "My Heart" Video

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:31:10 -0600
Not only is the song great in so many ways, but this video for the Wildbirds and Peacedrums single "My Heart" is like a cornucopia of awesomeness for your eyes. This is a true testament to creativity.
Wildbirds & Peacedrums - My Heart from Leaf Label on Vimeo.

Dejha Colantuono - Tea and Vodka

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:46:27 -0600
Dejha Colantuono is no newbie to the music scene but she seems to be taking her seductive growl to new territory with her solo debut, Tea and Vodka. Much like the soothing punch a cocktail like that can give you, the album is mixed with varying styles.

One of my favorite tracks on the album is the very first song, "Beginning to End". It is filled with an evil power like a woman finally figuring out she doesn't need the dude she's been sleeping with for the last two years. It's reminiscent of 90's acts like Tracy Bonham and Alanis Morrisette, which were big parts of my teenage soundtrack.

"Anxiety" is another standout that pulls no punches. Regardless of the subject matter, she's like that cool older girl you wanted to be like in high school - the one with Kool-Aid dyed hair who listened to Bikini Kill and wore safety pins in her jacket. "Second Sight" hits your ears with a vengeance and "Poolside" is a fantastic closer.

The album loses me a bit when Dejha dips her toes into the warmer side of the pool with songs like "Feel You're Going Nowhere" and "Waltz for Lucy". The rocking guitar riffs turn to more emotional and whimsical arrangements. I can understand wanting to branch out and show versatility but her rock side is so overpowering that there isn't room for her softer side (at least in my ears).

Regardless of some of the small issues I have with the order of songs and finding her softer songs less-needed, Tea and Vodka is a great solo debut for Colantuono.

To see how well Dejha rocks it, here's a video of her with her old band Rotten Apples. It kicks ten thousand asses and it would be unfair of me to not share it with you.