Possum Kingdom

For those of you who were missing it, here's the video for Toadies' "Possum Kingdom."

This, That, and This

NOBODY: Aquarium Drunkard’s got various bits of the Neil Young score/soundtrack plus a video for Jim Jarmusch’s Dead Man (1996) here – a fine Johnny Depp performance in a quirky role…

PAIRINGS: You have to really hope these newly-married couples didn’t opt for the hyphenated last name (thanks, Pete)

HUNGRY: Was Duran Duran a big coke band? Simon LeBon says that he and the double Ds “tried pretty much anything” in the eighties in this Spin interview here

A Case of the Fridays

Well, we’re pretty much through with September, though I really can’t remember where the month went. That being said, the music still remains, and we start things off with Dappled Cities’ “Vision Bell.” It’s an unconventional pop track, yet it remains interesting and catchy throughout, with clever instrumentation and wise alternating use of falsetto vocals. If you like what you hear, Dappled Cities will be at the Rock and Roll Hotel Friday, September 28th.

MP3: Vision Bell – Dappled Cities

And we close out this week with “Can You Let Me Know,”a new track from Lupe Fiasco. I love how Sarah Green’s sugary smooth R&B vocals and keyboard samples provide a nice old-school backing for Lupe Fiasco and Verbal to lay down their free-flowing rhymes. Give it a listen.

MP3: Can You Let Me Know - Lupe Fiasco f/ Verbal & Sarah Green

New Springsteen

New Bruce is almost here (it's dropping October 3rd), but you can already stream Magic here, and check out the videos for "Radio Nowhere" and "Long Walk Home."

Vanilla Ice Invades DC

Yeah, Vanilla Ice is actually going to be at McFadden's in Washington, DC, "drinking, partying and hosting the night." Note that it doesn't guarantee performing. Sad as it may be, I'd consider popping in just to hear him do one last rendition of "Ice, Ice Baby."

Live Matt Nathanson

One of my favorite performers, Matt Nathanson, is on tour with a full band (he'll be hitting the 9:30 Club on October 18th, by the way), and Waves and Wires caught his CD release kick-off show at the Great American Music Hall and just posted the live show here. Cool.

Slash Interview

Can you pass up reading an interview with Slash? The A.V. Club's got one with him right here. Go check it.

Learning More About Women...

This comic skit about a guy trying to understand the feminine perspective is pretty damn funny, though not quite suitable for work. goes undercover You might also recognize a few of the players, like Michael Ian Black (The State) and Rashida Jones (The Office).

Threefer, Plus One

PLUCKY: Uh, would you believe an all-girl Metallica tribute band composed entirely of harpists? We’re talking upright harps, not harmonicas, keep in mind. Well, that’s Harptallica. (thanks, DCist)

CHEFERY: I missed the EW.com Top Chef recap from last week – it’s right here

SLOWHAND: There will be a whole lotta Clapton going on very soon, with the impending release of EC’s autobiography and career-spanning two-disc music set

MP3: Help Me Up – Eric Clapton

New TV

The new television season is underway, and last night’s How I Met Your Mother was hi-lar-i…(wait for it)…ous. You can check Barney’s blog here, by the way. And now I’m ready for the new season of House to kick off this evening! This week’s TV Guide has a pretty cool interview with the man behind the House, Hugh Laurie – you can check it out here (thanks, CC). I still can’t get over the fact that he’s doing an American accent for the character.

Some Bowie

Here's some Bowie, circa Tokyo 1978, rocking out on "Suffragette City." Just because.

This, That...Or This

COVER THIS: 23 album covers that changed everything here - I just can’t get enough of cover art.

PINK: David Gilmour talks a bit with Rolling Stone, and of course, he just says no to more Pink Floyd

DIRTBAG: My Old Kentucky Blog has got Girls Aloud’s cover of Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” (along with the original) here – I find the cover strangely compelling

The Honorary Title

Recently I’ve been enjoying The Honorary Title’s Anything Else But The Truth.
I love the brooding melancholy and beautiful lyrics of the track “Cats in Heat” – especially dark lines like “from the liquor cabinet, choose your mood and start to wreak havoc” and “interrupted by the flickering candles, well the darkness that softens the angles.” The song surges and sighs to eventually builds to a crescendo riding lead singer Jarrod Gorbel’s impassioned, almost theatrical vocals.

MP3: Cats In Heat – The Honorary Title

I’m also digging the more pop-oriented track “Frame By Frame,” with its nice little piano hook/synth line that matches up well with Jarrod’s haunting vocals.

MP3: Frame By Frame – The Honorary Title

The Honorary Title just released a new record, Scream and Light Up the Sky, and they’ll be in DC at the 9:30 Club October 7th.

Halloween Comes Early

Billy Corgan has Smashing Pumpkins has put up a bunch of new live Smashing Pumpkin shows on the SP website here. Even stuff from back in the good old days. Check it.

Gimme New Five

New $5 bills will be put into circulation this coming spring, so don’t be too surprised when your fiver starts having a big purple ‘5’ in the corner. It seems like our currency gets re-designed more often than NBA team jerseys. Maybe we’ll eventually have a “road” and “away” version of our money.

More Ryan Adams

Yep, more Ryan Adams is on the way on October 23rd, when Ryan Adams and the Cardinals will be releasing the seven song EP Follow The Lights. Because you don't have enough Ryan Adams already...

MP3: This Is It (live) - Ryan Adams and the Cardinals @ Brown Theatre 7/7/2007

Magnum vs. Minivan

I just read an interesting little article where Inside Line tests the 2007 Kia Sedona EX minivan versus the 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi (Magnum’s car) in a legit comparison. What I found the most exciting, actually, is that they both currently cost the same amount! I have to say that the 308 body design (and its various iterations) is pretty much my favorite car design evar.

Single of the Fiscal Year

Yeah, the government fiscal year is almost up, so I figure it’s a good a time as any to pick a single of the year. And I’ve gotta go with Kanye West’s “Stronger.” It’s just Robert Palmer (simply irresistible), with excellent use of sampling and best of all, it’s damn catchy. I'm still digging it. Here’s the single, as well as an excellent mash-up with former Destiny's Child member, Kelly Rowland.

MP3: Stronger – Kanye West
MP3: Stronger Like This – Kanye West & Kelly Rowland

This, That, Or This

REDHEAD: In order to go to the Ferrari dealership prepared to purchase your F430, you can plan out your options/configuration online in advance here

DIRTY: So, did you wash your hands today? I really hope so.

BARS: Did you miss last night’s season premiere of Prison Break – Panama? Yeah it’s a bit ridiculous, but it did include Mahone’s coolest moment evar. Get your recaplet over at TWOP here!

What To Do With Barry Bonds' Ball?

Looks like the fashion designer Marc Ecko was the winning bidder for Barry Bonds’ 756th HR ball. And he’s supposedly letting the public choose the ball’s fate at this website. The three choices? (1) Donate it to Cooperstown (2) Brand it with a huge asterisk, and then donate it to Cooperstown (3) Launch it into outer space with the next space flight. Go and be heard.

Cape Cod Pics - Part II

Here's the next group of three pictures that I'm posting from Cape Cod...

Beach View - Provincetown, MA

Flower on Aquinah Cliffs - Martha's Vineyard

Red Star Boat - Provincetown, MA

Howard Jones

I was just checking out local venue calendars, and I was surprised to notice that 80s popster Howard Jones is going to be playing at the Birchmere in October. And I’m kind of tempted to go see him. Yeah, he’s not rock – more like adult contemporary – but I like his stuff, and he was pretty solid on NBC’s “Hit Me Baby One More Time” back in 2005.

MP3: No One Is To Blame – Howard Jones
MP3: Someone You Need – Howard Jones

Threefer

MANHANDS: How many Seinfeld references can you spot in this poster? Or just go listen to audio clips here

BELT? Better hold your pants up or John Q. Law might come after you!

CHICKS ROCK: Stereogum’s got the video premiere of The Donnas’ “Don’t Wait Up For Me” here

Cape Cod Pics - Part I

I finished sorting through my Cape Cod vacation pics, so here's three for y'all to view...

The Lobster Pot - Provincetown, MA

Girl at Firehouse Door - Provincetown, MA

Ferry Seats in Blue - Martha's Vineyard Ferry

Mindy McCready

Well, it looks like country artist Mindy McCready is going to be spending some time in prison – one year, to be exact – for violating her parole. It’s certainly been a sad turn of events for her, since when she came onto the country scene back in 1996 with her debut album Ten Thousand Angels and looked to be a star on the rise. Unfortunately, depression, various addictions and domestic abuse have since sent her into an endless spiral downward…and now into prison. Anyway, here’s my favorite song of hers, and one of my favorite sappy country ballads of all-time.

MP3: Maybe He’ll Notice Her Now – Mindy McCready

A Case of the Fridays

I just got back from vacation, and now the weekend is starting. Perfect timing. Anyway, leading off this week we have Jesse Harris’ track, “Feel.” The writer of Norah Jones’ hit “Don’t Know Why” channels an earthy, acoustic vibe, and keeps things catchy and breezy throughout the track. If you like what you hear, Jesse Harris will be in town Tuesday, September 25th at IOTA.

MP3: Feel – Jesse Harris

And we close out the day with “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles. She's got an amazing voice with great range that slips effortlessly into a killer piano pop song. Yeah, I posted about it before, but don't give me any flack. Just give it a listen, cus it's tasty!

MP3: Love Song – Sara Bareilles

Goo Goo's Greatest Hits On Its Way

And by the way, I just found out that my guilty pleasure band, the Goo Goo Dolls, are finally releasing a greatest hits album this November. I’m a big fan of their arrangements, especially of how they expertly blend acoustic and electric guitars, and you can always count on ‘em for a nice big, meaty chorus. And here’s one of my favorite songs just to celebrate…

MP3: Black Balloon – Goo Goo Dolls

Ben Lee

I'm a big Ben Lee fan, and I'm pretty psyched his new CD, Ripe, will be dropping next Tuesday. But Berg Loves Pizza can make the days go a little faster, since he's posted two tracks, "Just Say Yes" and Love Me Like The World Is Ending,"in his post here.

Elliott Yamin

I'm back, baby! CC and I did a bunch of driving around Cape Cod, after we flew up there, of course. So we got to listen to quite a bit of car radio, and I've come back addicted to Elliott Yamin's "Wait For You." Man, it's an irresistably smooth slice of R&B, along the lines of Brian McKnight. Listen over at his MySpace here.

Muffy, *Do* Let's Go To The Cape...

Well folks, I’m going to be away on vacation in Cape Cod until Thursday (no, we won’t actually be fishing, but I like the logo), so hopefully the other links on my blog will keep you entertained while I’m gone. Feel free to have silly discussions in the comments during my absence.

MP3: Homecoming King (Back In Massachusetts) - Guster

Impending Zep Reunion?

Looks like Led Zeppelin might be jumping on the reunion bandwagon. It appears that Robert Plant has been talking to Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones about a reunion tour that would kick off in London beginning this November (w/ Jason Bonham on drums?).

MP3: Black Dog – Led Zeppelin

Jeter Gig Tomorrow!

Don't forget, kids. My band, Jeter, has got a show tomorrow, Friday, September 7th, at Bistro Europa in Old Town, Alexandria. We'll be starting around 10:00 and playing until closing. There's no cover, so come on out, and bring a friend. We’ve also got new songs streaming on our MySpace site that you can check out.

MP3: Lay Down - Jeter

This, That...Or This

RYAN: Stereo Subversion just did an interview with one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Matthew Ryan, here

DUDE: They're no longer "the Wachowski Brothers," since Larry is now Lana Wachowski

CALI: Have you been looking to download N.W.A.’s kick-ass track, “Straight Outta Compton,” but just couldn’t find it? Jefitoblog’s got it here.

Le Loup Contest

DC's recently-signed Le Loup is having their CD release party at Black Cat on 9/29 w/ These United States. And Instrumental Analysis is having a contest here in which you can win a free copy of the new CD and/or 2 tickets to the show. Check it out.

Mo' Marah

Marah's new full-length CD, Angels of Destruction, isn't due out until 2008, but in the meantime, Yep Roc is releasing Can't Take It With You, an EP containing unreleased new and vintage material, as well as a couple songs from Angels of Destruction ("Can't Take It With You" and "Angels on a Passing Train"). The EP will be available on limited edition 10-inch vinyl, and available digitally on October 30th. You can stream the EP now right here.

This, That...Or This

JETT SET: Licorice Pizza has got a live Joan Jett and the Blackhearts set from 1/3/82 @ 320 in NYC here

TELEVISED: Enjoy a snarky look at the upcoming fall 2007 season premieres here, courtesy of TVaddict.com (thanks, Pop Candy)

NOWHERE: You can check the new Bruce Springsteen for “Radio Nowhere” here on Amazon video. Somewhere Tommy Tutone is pissed.

Monday Morning QB Link

You’ve probably never heard of NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker, but he just got cut from the Redskins, effectively ending his short, journeyman NFL career. Anyway, I really enjoyed the little piece he wrote for Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback column - it’s a very good read for all of you out there who want to know what it's like to barely hold onto a dream, and then have to let it go.

Jeter Gig - Friday @ Bistro Europa

My band, Jeter, has got a show coming up this Friday, September 7th at Bistro Europa in Old Town, Alexandria. We'll be starting around 10:00 and playing until closing. There's no cover, so come on out, and bring a friend or twelve. We’ve also got a couple new tracks (“Earthquake” and “The Gathering”) streaming on our MySpace site that you can check out.

MP3: Lay Down - Jeter

Twofer

SIXX: Blender's readers drill the coolest member of one of my favorite bands (Motley Crue) with some questions in this interview here

RUBIN: The NY Times has a most interesting article on Rick Rubin - it's long, but it's definitely worth a read

Sara Bareilles

Recently I've been enjoying the sophisticated pop of Sara Bareilles (bar-rell-is). She's got an amazing voice with great range, slipping effortlessly from a killer piano pop song (check out "Love Song" below) to the Sarah McLachlan-esque stateliness of "Gravity." And even CC is smitten, having been heard uttering an emphatic,"I think I love her!"

MP3: Love Song – Sara Bareilles
MP3: Gravity – Sara Bareilles

A Duran Duran Labor Day

Since there's a Duran Duran CD sitting on my desk here at home, courtesy of CC, I figure I should provide some music for today's Labor Day of non-labor (I hope y'all aren't working!).

MP3: Come Undone – Duran Duran
MP3: A View To A Kill – Duran Duran