Confessions of a Music Addict

Puttin' on the Dog - May 12th

2012-04-19T14:41:00.002-05:00

It's no secret that I prefer the company of the four-legged furry variety over most humans. I have two rescues at home, and I always want to encourage others to help out the many different groups around Atlanta that help homeless animals. Here's a music event that does just that! Featuring the District Attorneys. You can get more info on tickets and scheduling from the New Leash on Life website.

Wednesday

2012-04-18T11:42:00.001-05:00

Uggggh. I don't get where all this music that's landing in my email inbox is going. As in, do people play instruments anymore, or is everything an electronic remix now? Seriously, I'm gettin' a little teary-eyed over here thinking about the fact that the majority of music I hear now can only be classified as a rip-off. Sigh.

>>I'm sorry, I don't know what to say about this except that I could have done without subjecting myself to it. Sometimes I wish I did drugs so I could understand the hype. E4RTH has a tune out there called "It's Where We Live" that you can check out here. It's pretty reminiscent of some of the music I posted yesterday. It has an African feel to it. I like that beat, but I can do without all the other noise. I hate being in my car and listening to a song that has police sirens in it. Anyone else?

>>I got a submission from BeBe Boohgz (yet another person who takes someone else's music and doctors it...), and as I listen to it, I'm so offended I'm deciding not to post it. Maybe it's my old age. Maybe it's my love of the English language and using it with more class than what my poor ears are currently experiencing. I don't know. Either way, I'm not going to post it. I'll tell you the name of it, and you can Google it if you want. Kanye West ft Arie Dixon & DJ Khaled - "Way Too Cold TheraFlu" (JACKED) I also think Kayne West is a pompous jackass.

Blondfire Burns with "Hide and Seek"

2012-04-17T10:41:00.000-05:00

No doubt these Blondfire kids are from L.A. When I'm listening to them, I'm reminded of the one time I visited there (I sported Pumas back then). While test driving one of their other songs, I feel it's a bit like a female-fronted MGMT, a band on a wagon that I could not force myself to jump on. I'll high-five 'em for their new single, but I ain't cray cray about ALL of Blondfire.

Listen to Hide and Seek.

Inbox Dump, April Edition

2012-04-17T08:30:00.001-05:00

>>It's Tax Day! Well, it is for all you procrastinatin' slackers out there, at least. Google Play is having a sweet little flash sale on some albums (there's some old school Weezer in there!). Also seen: LCD Soundsystem, The Black Keys, and David Bowie, among others. I'm about to go digitally stock up. Only $2.99! Uh oh, iTunes, you might have some competition.

>>Got this sweet little musical treat in the gmail: Viceroy's remix of St. Lucia's "Closer Than This." Hey, if you're gonna tempt me with album art that makes me think I'm on a boat (like Lonely Island-style), I'm gonna listen. I feel like this ditty is the love child of The Sounds and Youth Group (wouldn't you love to witness THAT conception?!). You can listen here.

>>Sweetwater Brewery is holding their annual 420 Fest April 20-22 in Candler Park. If you're a noodler, you'll make fast friends at this event. And by noodling, I'm not refering to catching you a big ass catfish, either.

>>If you're interested in broadening your cultural horizons, head on over to this square of cyberspace and listen to Los Miticos Del Ritmo's version of "Another One Bites the Dust." Is it just me, or is does this make you think of sitting in a Latin restaurant being served by people in lederhosen?

>>Summer's coming (and, it's gonna be a scorcher!)...you might be road-tripping because you like spending lots of money on gas. If that's true, Zimmer can help you out with the soundtrack for your next roadtrip. So sweet of him! Try out "Desert Drive" here.

>>Lastly, William Beckett will be performing at the Masquerade on May 25. I am WAY too old to be hittin' these all ages shows, but I thought I would mention it because he is, after all, my most prized guilty pleasure. And, it's only $10 to get in. I mean, really...listen to this:

Black Forest

2012-01-03T15:49:00.004-05:00

If you like the Avett Brothers or even early Kurt Vile (Constant Hitmaker era) then you might like the heady, indie-folksters Black Forest. The Brooklyn-based quartet's Seven Suns LP is now available for download or on limited edition vinyl. Ahhh, music so good you'll think the tree in your back yard looks super hot in high heels, ya dig?

Iron & Wine - Buckhead Theatre - 11/11/11

2011-11-14T14:28:00.000-05:00

I hate when I am so stoked to see a band, and then can't make myself stay for more than three songs. This was, admittedly, my first time seeing I&W live in all of the years I've been listening to them. So, I have nothing as a comparison. But...here goes...

I feel like I should ask for my money back. When did this ethereal, lullaby-inducing group turn into the hipster's version of the Grateful Dead? Did I miss something? I&W had 11 people on the stage. I think two of them were donning brass instruments. It sounded nothing like anything I know of them. It was like the band is some kind of manic-depressive, and I've been having a relationship with the depressive part, only to show up to the wedding and realize I'm about to marry the manic. What gives?

I remember this happening to Dave Matthews. You know, they used to be good. They used to be a musical force to be reckoned with. Original. Witty. Passionate. And then, they started jamming and all the noodlers took over. Iron and Wine is next. I may cry.

I left the show after 3 songs. I'm REAL glad I spent $36 on a ticket. Really, I am. It was a lesson to never buy another ticket to Iron & Wine again. Jerks.

Barsuk's Newest Addition

2011-09-21T16:50:00.005-05:00

Laura Gibson - Milk-Heavy, Pollen-Eyed from Mason Jar Music on Vimeo.

Barsuk recently added Laura Gibson to their roster and it looks like she will have an album out sometime in early 2012. Her last effort with Ethan Rose under the name Bridge Carols was tasty. You go girl! I can't wait to hear what's up next.

New Music from The Wandas

2011-09-20T11:15:00.004-05:00

I kind of dig the Wandas but it looks like their two month tour is skipping over both Atlanta and Austin. Boo. If you're in the mood for a little Old 97s-flavor material, check out their new track "Longtime Running".

Emo's East

2011-09-16T15:43:00.004-05:00

Believe it or not, Emo's is opening a new location in East Austin appropriately titled Emo's East. If you lived in Austin in the 90s you probably remember The Backroom. I had the pleasure of playing there once with my band and vaguely remember a stabbing occurring in the crowd while we were on stage. Moving along, Emo's has renovated the joint and opened it this week with a Butthole Surfers show. Yelpers are getting their mixed reviews on so I think I am going to have to investigate Emo's East for myself.

Bored at Work? Get Your Stream On.

2011-09-15T10:26:00.002-05:00

Father, Son, Holy Ghost

2011-09-13T14:25:00.007-05:00

Today is Tuesday, the weekly national holiday for all music listeners. Yep. You guess it. Albums come out on Tuesday ;) Pick up a copy of Girls new album Father, Son, Holy Ghost. If you're into buying your music by the track, download "Vomit" or "Honey Bunny". The "Vomit" video is also on Myspace. You can thank me later.

Oberhofer Signs to Glassnote

2011-08-31T16:36:00.003-05:00

I know that I have blogged about Oberhofer before, but I'm doing it again in honor of the rockin' good time I had last weekend listening to "o0Oo0O" (how the hell hard is that song name to Google?) whilst driving around with Barbra G. and the horn-rimmed glasses brigade. Oberhofer recently signed to Glassnote. Kudos. Apparently they're in a good enough mood to share a little free music. Download "Gotta Go" and check out their new album October 4.

Neon Indian - Fallout

2011-08-31T11:05:00.006-05:00

Chillwave at its best. Download the new track, Fallout, from Neon Indian by sharing your email address. If you aren't familiar with Neon Indian, and want a tasted of their older stuff I recommend "Sleep Paralysist".

Gringo Star

2011-08-22T11:11:00.006-05:00

Gringo Star - "Shadow" from Consequence of Sound on Vimeo.

Gringo Star is releasing a new album, Count Yer Lucky Stars, on October 25th. Ben Allen who produced Animal Collective (ick!)and Gnarls Barkley, worked on this one.

Check out their video for “Shadow”, which I am assuming is the first single.

Mint Julep

2011-08-19T09:04:00.004-05:00

I am digging the new Mint Julep track, Aviary. Listen here.

2011-08-11T11:29:00.008-05:00

About two months ago Mr. Slocumb turned me on to Kurt Vile and the Violators. Now I see that Vile is on the cover of Stomp and Stammer this month and is playing in September at ACL. Epic success. Good for him. I am really loving "Baby's Arms". Get ya some before he's too cool for school.

Wetbars for Wetnoses - September 8th

2011-08-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Get your tickets now for a posh doggy event on September 8 from 6-10pm at the W Downtown Hotel. BHV Rescue is hosting a lovely event on the roof to benefit their rescue efforts. Check out the info on their site and in this flyer:

Neko Case & Nick Cave & True Blood - Epic Win

2011-06-24T14:11:00.001-05:00

I had to share this because I'm one of those ridiculous people who has been sweating blood waiting for the new season of True Blood...

Neko Case and Nick Cave (they should call their venture NC Squared, shouldn't they?!) have teamed up to duet out the Zombies' "She's Not There" and I can't think of anyone better for this. Wow, HBO, kudos to your marketing team on that one. It's only the hottest, spookiest, sexiest tune to hit TV since...well, ever, as far as I'm concerned. Mmmm!

Listen to the Neko Case and Nick Cave cover of "She's Not There"

Download from iTunes here.

The official press release has all the juicy details..

UNIQUE DUET OF NEKO CASE & NICK CAVE TO BE RELEASED DIGITALLY ON JUNE 26 AFTER THE SERIES PREMIERE EPISODE

TRUEBLOOD®– MUSIC FROM THE HBO®ORIGINAL SERIES – VOLUME 3 TO BE RELEASED THIS FALL

WaterTower Music has announced the upcoming release of “TRUEBLOOD – MUSIC FROM THE HBO ORIGINAL SERIES – VOLUME 3” due in stores and online this fall. The follow up to the first two Grammy® nominated soundtracks will consist of new songs from the upcoming forth season of the acclaimed HBO drama as well as music from the show’s wildly successful 3rd season.

Music is an essential element in developing the tone and atmosphere on the hit television series. The sexy, supernatural world of Bon Temps comes to pulsating life through the edgy songs and season three is no exception. An exceptional duet recorded by Neko Case and Nick Cave will be the first track from the collection to make its debut. Case and Cave have recorded a new version of The Zombies’ classic “She’s Not There” which will be available at all digital retailers on June 26, after the premiere episode.

"I am so excited about Neko and Nick's cover of ‘She's Not There,’" says True Blood music supervisor and soundtrack producer Gary Calamar. “I would have been thrilled to have either Neko Case or Nick Cave individually work with us this season, but to have a collaboration like this blows me away. Two of my favorite artists whose music is perfect a fit with the atmospheric and soulful Louisiana settings of True Blood. This is a fantastic way to musically kick off the new season!”

Washington-bred Neko Case’s mix of country, gospel, torch, and pop, and her five full-length solo albums have won her much critical acclaim, countless devotees and two Grammy nominations. Internationally renowned as a singer, songwriter, performer, script writer and novelist, Nick Cave’s career spans from the 80s Australian post‑punk group The Birthday Party, to legendary band Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds to the irrepressible raucous and raw Grinderman.

Information on the additional tracks included in “TRUEBLOOD – MUSIC FROM THE HBO ORIGINAL SERIES – VOLUME 3” will be released later this summer.

Centered in the fictional town of Bon Temps, the Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning True Blood series follows the romance between waitress Sookie Stackhouse (played by Anna Paquin), who can read minds, and 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton (played by Stephen Moyer).Alan Ball (creator of the Emmy®-winning HBO series Six Feet Under) is creator and executive producer the show, which is based on the best-selling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.

Gary Calamar serves as music supervisor and soundtrack producer for of “TRUE BLOOD – MUSIC FROM THE HBO ORIGINAL SERIES – VOLUME 3”

Rock n Ride - June 25th in Atlanta

2011-06-22T11:15:00.000-05:00

Here's some info on something super fun going on in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon. The Grady Rock n Ride! This is for a really good cause and has a roster of some stellar Atlanta bands. I may have to stop over to catch the Pelvis Breastlies and Yacht Rock. Read on!

Health Foundation’s “Rock‐N‐Ride” presented by AirTran Airways is right around the corner. On Saturday, June 25 motorcyclists will gather at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell to kick off the event that benefits Grady Health Foundation and Gold Shield Atlanta. Ride registration begins at $40 and includes a commemorative Rock‐N‐Ride T-shirt, a ride pin and complimentary bike parking downtown at the festival. The event starts at 11:00am with entertainment by RATL at Killer Creek Harley‐Davidson in Roswell. Kickstands up at 2:00pm and the group will head downtown for the “Party on Peachtree” – MusicFest ‐ which begins at 3:00pm. Don’t ride? Don’t worry you can join in the fun at 3 p.m. on Peachtree Street which will be shut down between Harris Street and Ellis Street for the first time ever. You won’t need a ticket to get in, so stop by and shop at the local artist market, purchase your exclusive Rock-N-Ride merchandise, eat drink and be merry and do it all with a light heart knowing that a portion of the proceeds from this public event will benefit the two organizations. In addition, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department will also be out hosting a boot drive, so make sure to bring a little extra cash and say thanks to those who put their lives on the line each day for our states resident’s. The event honors first responders from across Georgia and supports traumatic injuries treated at Grady Health System, metro Atlanta’s premier Level 1 Trauma Center. Gold Shield Foundation is dedicated to assisting surviving spouses and dependent children of law enforcement officers and firefighters inured in the line of duty.

11:00am – 1:30pm: Ride Registration and Pre‐Ride Party at Killer Creek Harley‐Davidson featuring RATL
2:00pm: Ride leaves Killer Creek Harley‐Davidson for MusicFest
3:00pm: Rock‐N‐Ride MusicFest Opens

**3:30pm: Six Shot Revival ‐ Main Stage
4:30pm: Pelvis Breastlies ‐ Velvet Underground Stage*
5:30pm: Yacht Rock ‐ Main Stage
6:30pm: Stonerider ‐ Velvet Underground Stage*
7:30pm: Mother’s Finest ‐ Main Stage
8:45pm: Ledfoot Messiah ‐ Velvet Underground Stage*

*Velvet Underground is located inside the Hard Rock Café
** MusicFest is located on Peachtree Street between Harris Street and Ellis Street

All Time Low - Free Ticket Giveaway - July 14th Tabernacle Atlanta

2011-06-20T13:37:00.001-05:00

Yo! AT&T is having a summer concert series throughout the US, and one of the cities they're gracing with a show is Atlanta. I have two pair of tickets to pop-punkers All Time Low up for grabs. If you'd like the tickets, shoot me an email and tell me what your favorite All Time Low song is. I would hate to give these away to someone who isn't a fan...ya know. Don't email me unless you're sure you'll be able to make it to the Tabernacle on July 14th. My email address is on the right side of the bloggity blog.

**I HAVE FOUND A WINNER SO THE TICKETS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE. THANK YOU!

Save the Date to Save the Dogs

2011-06-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

Here's a fun little event featuring a way to help out some adorable furry pals. Head over to the Family Dog in Morningside (love this place; get Shawn to make you a fun drink!) on June 22nd from 4pm on to help benefit homeless puppy doggies through Barking Hound Village. It's free to hang out, and 10% of the proceeds go to BHV Rescue. We looooove puppy doggies!

Bright Eyes' "Jejune Stars" Video

2011-06-10T11:38:00.000-05:00

I like signs that light up. I also like this song.

June 16 - Star Bar - FREE!

2011-06-10T08:02:00.002-05:00

Free show at the Star Bar June 16th presented by Team Luis! Ya got Baby Baby headlinin' this shizz! This is a band I can get behind thanks to their quirky lyrics and dancey dance tunes. You should go, because it's all, like, FREE and stuff!

Arctic Monkeys - Suck It and See

2011-06-09T10:04:00.000-05:00

I'll admit it, it's been a quick minute since I've caught up with the Arctic Monkeys. At least since that "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" bit was playing all over the damn place. I'll give them this, the buzz they create is almost immeasurable. I managed to find a couple places to preview a bit of this new album they released this week, Suck It and See (love the album title, btw, guys). What to say, what to say...the music iteself is full gritty, grabby rock yum. Their use of guitars is so freakin' fabu. The snarky overtone of lyrical content ("Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair") is admirable. I like a band that just says it. Ya know, let's not sugar coat stuff. The world is a happier place when we just tell it like it is. So, my verdict is a thumbs-up!

Grab the album at their online store.

Stars - The Bedroom Demos

2011-06-07T11:37:00.002-05:00

Just a heads up that one of the most amazing bands I've ever had the pleasure of exposing my critical ears to has dropped a new album, The Bedroom Demos. That band is Stars. I've been privy to them for a few years, and they never do me wrong. You've got the ethereal lady vocals that meet up with breathy man vocals and electronic/rock music in a most beautiful way. Looks like my favorite from them of all time, "My Favourite Book" is on there in a more calm-like version. Ahhhh, thank you, Stars. I needed this little gem. Fan-freakin'-tastic!