A Case of the Fridays

Well, there’s another month of 2007 to check off of your calendars. Bye-bye, May, and hello, June. But the music just keeps on coming. This week we’re starting off with Private Eleanor’s “A Better Way To Run.” This shimmering indie-pop confection gets its sweet goodness from the ethereal male/female harmonies of Austin Stahl and Marian Glebes, along with those glistening keyboard lines. If you like what you hear, you can catch them at the Black Cat on Wednesday, June 6th.

MP3: A Better Way To Run – Private Eleanor

And we close out this week, as well as the month of May, with “The Devil In Me,” by Kate Voegele. It’s some well-constructed catchy pop-rock with a bit a punch that gives her a chance to flex some vocal muscle. Though for some reason at some points I seem to be hearing some vibrato and tone in her voice during the verses that’s strangely reminiscent of Shakira. Anyway, if you’re liking what you’re hearing, she’ll be at Jammin Java this Saturday, June 2nd.

MP3: The Devil In Me – Kate Voegele

The Forms Do 90210

I just couldn't pass this one up. Twins Jackson and Brendan Kenny from The Forms play the theme to Beverly Hills, 90210 on only one guitar. Oh, go ahead and watch it! You know you want to! And be sure to thank Stereogum.com.

Threefer

* I grew up playing with LEGOs a bunch, and this dude has done some crazy artwork with 'em

* I’m not really big into anime, but this trailer for the upcoming film Paprika is pretty trippy

* Looks like MTV’s Unplugged will be making a comeback

Celebrity Moustache

Oh, Celebrity Moustache, I love how you let me take pictures of the rich and famous and then make them moustachioed! Check it. Love it.

thanks to PopCandy for the tip

The Show

Alright, the show was pretty damn good, all through, from front to back, with The Damnwells rocking the house, just as I had hoped, though they lacked the beautiful backing and harmony vocals that are present on their CD. They recently changed drummers, and as per Seth, the old drummer handled the majority of the backing vox. Ah well. But otherwise, they bring a high-intensity show (even to the Birchmere!), and the pint-sized Alex Dezen has a huge voice, to go along with some killer guitar riffs. It was such a rush to hear them kick start into "I Am A Leaver" live on stage.

Ari Hest and his backing band put on a solid performance. He's got a few catchy songs, and his voice is solid, but he just doesn't do it for me. What can I say?

But the surprise discovery of the night? The above-pictured Julian Velard. This quirky New York-accented, keyboard-playing character has an amazingly rich and soulful voice that made CC and me turn our heads. His songs started out a little bit weak on the hooks, but his set (along with the songs) grew stronger as it went on. There's nothing I like better than a pleasantly surprising opening act. Lines Through Lines has a couple of his mp3s up over here.

The Damnwells Tonight

I'm off to see the Damnwells tonight. In the meantime, here's a video of them during their Air Stereo studio sessions. Here they're working on "I Am A Leaver."

Threefer

* Go get the Axel F Theme here

* Will there be another professional football league?

* The weekly House wrap-up, courtesy of EW.com

The Real World - Choose Your Own Cast

Yeah, I'll admit it - I can't pass up a juicy episode of The Real World when I'm channel surfing. And I've heard some people say that they're tired of the typical Real World castmembers year after year Well, for the next season, MTV is letting the people vote on who gets to live in the house here.

The Damnwells Are Coming!

Yeah, that's right! The Damnwells will be playing The Brichmere w/ Ari Hest this Wednesday, and CC and I have tix. I'm just a tad bit excited about seeing The Damnwells. Just a bit.

MP3: The Sound - The Damnwells
MP3: I Am A Leaver (acoustic) - The Damnwells

Baby Got Back - The Musical Version

I think the title of this post pretty much says it all.

New Velvet Revolver

Idolator's got a leak of the first single ("She Builds Quick Machines") from Velvet Revolver's upcoming album, Libertad, here. It's not really rocking my socks off, but it's nice to hear some new Slash shredding.

Jeter Gig Reminder

Don't forget, my band, Jeter, is going to be back at Bistro Europa in Old Town Alexandria tonight, Friday, May 25th. We'll be starting around 10:00, and we'll be playing until closing. It’s Memorial Day weekend, and there's no cover, so come on out, and bring your friends!

USFL

Back in the day, I was a big fan of the old USFL, and I’ve found a couple of cool websites like here and here where you can relive the good old days. You can check out the old team uniforms, the team histories, team rosters, league statistics, and find out pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about the USFL. For a roto-geek like me, it's a beautiful thing.

Yellow Ledbetter - The Misheard Lyrics

Sometimes Eddie Vedder can be a bit hard to understand, so somebody’s made a video based on the misheard lyrics of “Yellow Ledbetter.” It's quite entertaining.

Fourfer

* Paul McCartney’s released the video for “Dance Tonight” and it’s up on Stereogum here – since when has his nickname been “Macca,” by the way?

* Why you shouldn’t sign with major labels, in case you have to make that decision...

* You can check out the video of Billy Corgan and his new Pumpkins live in Paris on Idolator here.

* Wondering what Michael Moore’s new documentary, Sicko, is about? You can view the trailer here.

The John Butler Trio - XM Studio Session

I was lucky enough to be invited to The John Butler Trio’s live XM studio session Tuesday afternoon. Since I won't be able to catch these guys at the 9:30 Club tonight, I was pretty pleased to get a chance to see them in such an intimate setting.

They went with an acoustic line-up, with Butler on 12-string (and a little banjo), Shannon Birchall on acoustic bass, and Michael Barker on drums and percussion. Barker was sealed off in the drum chamber, but his percussive exploits were still visible through the windows. Both Birchall and Barker sang harmony and backup vocals, which definitely was a plus.

Most of their songs were funky, groove-oriented numbers that were often punctuated by searing slide guitar fills and solos. Even though the band was “just” a trio, there was plenty of instrumental action, with the rhythm section expertly holding down the low end during guitar workouts. Butler worked his 12-string like a champ, picking up a storm at times, and electrifying the sound of his acoustic when it was time to play leads or fills with his slide.

Lead vocals came from Butler, via a quick, yet still laid back, vocal delivery, at times almost rapping words over top of the music. The band ran through a 7-song set, ranging from the lumbering groove of “Daniella” (an ode to Butler’s wife), to the reggae-tinged “Good Excuse” (about folks complaining when there are others with things much more serious to complain about), to my personal favorite, the foot-stomper of a closer, “Funky Tonight.”

I also got to speak to John Butler briefly after the show, and based on what I already knew about his socially-conscious nature, I wasn’t surprised to learn that he’s spreading his recent success around. He’s set up a very cool program called The JB Seed. It’s an arts grant fund designed to help developing artists in his native Australia (he moved there from the US at age 11) become self-sufficient.

So needless to say, I’d say it was a good afternoon.

Girlfriend - Remixed

Idolator's got a remixed version of Avril's "Girlfriend" here that features some guest verses from Lil Mama. Frankly, I wasn't down with the original version's incessant cheerleader claptrap, but adding Lil Mama's spitfire delivery for some verses almost makes the song fun to listen to. And it kind of turns it into Lil Mama sampling Avril, instead of the other way around.

The White Stripes - Fell in Love with a Girl

LEGOs and rock n roll, courtesy of The White Stripes' "Fell In Love With A Girl." I hadn't seen this until today, and I like.

Jeter Gig

My band, Jeter, is going to be back at Bistro Europa in Old Town Alexandria this Friday, May 25th. We'll be starting around 10:00, and we'll be playing until closing. It’s Memorial Day weekend, and there's no cover, so come on out, and bring your friends!

Fivefer

* CC took me to the Modernist exhibit at the Corcoran yesterday for my birthday, and I picked up this very cool-looking poster of designer chairs

* This summer’s most awaited CD releases, so says EW.com

* Harold & Kumar return to the silver screen with a sequel!

* Lo and behold, one of my favorite Scrubs characters, The Todd, has a Wikipedia entry!

* Stock up on your The Office currency!

The Fags

I’d meant to make a post for some time about how I’m digging the power pop of The Fags’ album Light ‘Em Up. Yeah, it’s a ballsy name for American rockers, but they back it up with some quality songs. Their music is kind of like the rock edge of Butch Walker melded together with the catchy harmonies of Fountains of Wayne, plus a nice dose of 80s rock added for good measure. They’re not breaking any new ground, but I’m having a good time listening to ‘em. Unfortunately, The Fags are no more, so I won’t be able to catch any of these songs live, but I’m betting they would have put on one kick-ass show.

MP3: List – The Fags
MP3: Rockstar – The Fags
MP3: Mistake – The Fags

New Pumpkins

Aight, just for NOAAgirl, here's the link to Idolator's leak of Smashing Pumpkins' "Tarantula." And just for fun, here's the link to Chris Cornell's rather strange cover of Jacko's "Billy Jean."

New Beasties - Off The Grid

Yep, the new Beastie Boys record is all instrumentals. Disappointing, but I really haven't been that into their last couple of albums anyway. Anyway, their new track, "Off the Grid," starts off slow and doesn't really kick in until about the 2:00 mark, but then it actually grooves quite heartily. No lyrics, though.

Rock You Like A...Pumpkin?

Idolator’s got a leak of a new Scorpions track, “The Cross,” that features some guest vocals by a certain brooding, shiny-headed, James Iha-hating frontman.

New Matt Nathanson Album Details

One of my most anticipated albums this summer is Matt Nathanson’s new CD. And he just released a snippet of information about it, but no streaming song on MySpace - what a tease! Anyway, the album title is Some Mad Hope, and it’ll be dropping in stores on 8/14/07. The first single is “Car Crash,” and he’ll likely be touring with a full band backing him up (finally!) this fall. I highly recommend catching one of those shows. Anyway, here’s he track listing:

Car Crash
Come On
Get Higher
Heartbreak World
Gone
Wedding Dress
Bulletproof Weeks
To The Beat Of Our Noisy Hearts
Still
Detroit Waves
Falling Apart
Sooner Surrender
All We Are

What Does Arlington Taste Like?

The 20th Annual Taste of Arlington will be going on this Sunday afternoon, May 20th, in the Ballston area of Arlington. There will be food from all sorts of restaurants, family activities & entertainment, and bands, including Taylor Carson, Brother Shamus, and Radio Mosaic. For more details about Taste of Arlington, visit their website here.

A Case of the Fridays

Warm weather is here, and it’s time to feel the heat, so we start things off with The John Butler Trio’s aptly-titled “Funky Tonight.” If you like Robert Randolph, you’ll most likely dig this track, with its burning slide guitar work over some hepped-up acoustic funkiness. It definitely moves. These guys will be at the 9:30 Club Wednesday, May 23rd, and I’m betting they can rock it.

MP3: Funky Tonight – The John Butler Trio

And we close things out this week with “When I Don’t See It Coming,” by DC’s The City Veins. I really like the building sense of urgency that’s created throughout the verses with the rhythm guitar and understated, almost fragile, vocals – and then how they eventually erupt into the choruses. And the keys provide a nice touch, adding an extra layer of sound to the layered, reverberating guitars. If you like what you hear, The City Veins will be at The Red & The Black Thursday, May 24th. And don’t worry, The Office will already be in reruns by then.

MP3: When I Don’t See It Coming – The City Veins

Aren't You Rehabbed Yet?

Still refusing to go to rehab? Then kick back with a few beers and take a listen to the Urban Legendz Escobar Mix of Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" leak here at Idolator. Yep, that's Pharaohe Monch and Jay-Z stopping by to name check and drop some lines of verse.

Threefer

* Kelly Clarkson sits down and has a few words with EW.com here.

* This is quite interesting – a few members of Congress are trying to eat off the current $21/week food stamp allowance, and the McGoverns are blogging about it in order to raise awareness about its inadequacy (tip courtesy of DCist).

* You can check out a cool Sirius MOKB Blog Radio Session by Cary Brothers here at My Old Kentucky Blog. I’m partial to the track “Blue Eyes,” myself.

David Condos

I was pretty psyched when I noticed that the Florida-based rockers Gasoline Heart are playing IOTA in early June. Of course, I also noticed that somebody I never heard before, David Condos, is opening for them. So I checked out his MySpace site. He's got an achingly lovely duet of a ballad, "Right Where It Belongs," up that's perfect listening when you're winding down from the evening. Go check it out.

Fourfer

* No, I haven’t leapt into 2007 and purchased a Wii. But for those of you who have, you can get a doll made in your Mii likeness. Kind of like your own bobblehead, but different.

* I’m really digging House these days, in case you haven’t been able to tell. And the weekly EW.com wrap-ups just make me want to watch it over again!

* Sotheby’s auctioned off this Rothko for $73 million? Frankly that color scheme just isn’t doing it for me.

* DC locals Georgie James have signed with Saddle Creek Records – congrats!

Billy Joe Shaver

I had wanted to listen to some Billy Joe Shaver for awhile - he's got a reputation as a great Texas songwriter, along with being a tough guy who shoots people. But I've had so many individuals in my "people I want to listen to" list, it's hard to remember 'em all. Anyway, Pete just sent me a link to this story about Billy Joe's blasting a bar patron in the mouth with a .22 (don't worry, BJS is out on bail) from a little bit ago. Which, of course, finally inspired me to go over to Billy Joe Shaver's MySpace, and take a listen to his stuff. I'm really digging "Live Forever" and "Freedom's Child" alot - I just might have to pick myself up some BJS in my next Amazon order.

New Pumpkins

In case you're excited about the new Billy Corgan solo...I mean, Smashing Pumpkins album, it seems the Pumpkins have leaked 30 seconds of their first single, "Tarantula." You can read more and hear it over at Blender here. But I can't guarantee you'll feel all gishy inside...

Ryan Adams' "Two"

The new Ryan Adams album, Easy Tiger, is due in stores June 26th, and it's getting some good advance press so far. While you're waiting for your hard copy, you can take a listen to "Two," his duet w/ Sheryl Crow, over at his MySpace site here.

Threefer

* AutoVantage has released their 2007 “Meanest Drivers” list, ranking the driving rage of US cities. Good news, folks, DC is #5! However, the fact that NJ didn’t even make the top 15 totally discounts these rankings.

* As long as stuff is fried, people will eat pretty much anything. Especially at the ninth annual Testicle Festival in Elderon, Wisconsin.

* I’m not one for doing a lot of moshing. But for those of you who enjoy the occasional mosh, the “How to Survive in a Mosh Pit” might come in handy.

Some More Acoustic Damnwells

I'm really looking forward to seeing The Damnwells later this month. In the meantime, a bunch of acoustic versions of tracks from their awesome Air Stereo album have been hitting the blogosphere. Lizzy over at Come Pick Me Up has an acoustic version of "You Don't Have To Like Me To Love Me" over here.

Your Job's Your Credit!

While we were driving back from Philly today, I heard one of my absolute favorite commercials on the radio - the Eastern Motors commercial! They've got television commercials with the same awesome song, too!

Wilco Album Release Party

Excited about the release of Wilco’s new album, Sky Blue Sky? Then head on over to The Big Hunt in DC Monday night from 8-12 for the Wilco album release party. There will be free beer and pizza, and Melody Records will be on hand to sell the CD. The first 30 people purchasing a copy will receive a free Wilco T-shirt, and there will be various Wilco DVD, CD, and other prize giveaways throughout the night. Check it out.

Off To Philly

I'm heading out to Philly for a weekend wedding, so no posting for the next couple of days. But before I go, some good news - Friday Night Lights, which I got addicted to late in the season, got renewed for a second season.

Threefer

* Check out The 25 Greatest Hip Hop Albums of All Time, as voted on by the internet, on The Passion of the Weiss here, along with mp3 selections. I’ve been digging this music blog a bunch recently.

* Got a burning desire to hear bands cover of “All Along the Watchtower”? Then head on over to the most recent covers project post on My Old Kentucky Blog here.

* These Operation Kitten Calendar shows (from Acceptable TV) that NOAAgirl has linked on her blog here are strangely surreal, yet entertaining. And they’re short, which is good for those of you with ADD.

Maybe It's World Lupus Day

Why, yes it is. For more information on lupus and World Lupus Day, go here.

What Does Prince Smell Like?

Prince is keeping himself pretty busy these days with a variety of things, ranging from his upcoming string of 21 London shows this summer, to his increased interest in the Bible, to the impending release of his 3121 Perfume. In the meantime, go get some live Prince over at IckMusic with the 2/10/07 Prince & the New Power Generation 3121 Jazz Cuisine Aftershow recordings here.

Free Cedars

Might you dig Cedars? Might you desire a chance to win a free copy of their EP, Another Season, or perhaps 2 tickets their show tonight at the Rock and Roll Hotel? You might? Then head on over to DCist here right away to enter the contest they’re having!

Fourfer

* If I was a big Wilco fan, I’d be reading this interview with Jeff Tweedy on Pitchfork right now.

* There’s been quite a few tracks leaked from GNR’s Chinese Democracy so far – won’t the album just drop already! Anyway, Stereogum has links to four of the songs in one post, for those of you who like semi-entirety.

* Top Chef returns on June 13th – wait a minute, didn’t Season 2 just end?

* Tired of hard drugs that lack quality taste and whatnot? Dealers are helping right some wrongs with flavored meth (Strawberry Quick) and less imposing varieties of heroin (Cheese). Awwww!

Desire / Ryan Adams

I saw an episode of "House" Monday night, and heard a song at the end of it that I liked. So of course, I had to track it down and figure out what it was. Turns out it was Ryan Adams' "Desire." So here's a live version of the beautiful acoustic song from a 10/10/01 show at Park West, courtesty of Archive.org.

MP3: Desire - Ryan Adams

E-Cards

I just discovered the e-cards offered over on someecards. They're really quite effing hilarious! The sophisticated illustrations paired with the inane dialogue are priceless. And there's a ton of 'em to go through!

thanks to Bee Log for the tip

Come Together Covers

Dodge over at My Old Kentucky Blog has got a bunch of bands' versions of The Beatles’ “Come Together,” as his covers project continues here.

How's Your Facilities?

Usually I try to avoid public restrooms. However, a woman is actually going around to different DC metro area restaurants, big and small, and reviewing their public restrooms in her blog. Well, now that I think about it, I suppose she’s only reviewing their women’s restrooms. I’m not sure whether to laugh or cringe.

Borf

My new office building is located right by the train tracks, and I like to mosey on over to the window when a train is passing by. Why? No, not to dream of riding the rails, but to look at the brilliantly-painted graffiti on the sides of the tanker and freight cars. Anyway, above is a little artwork from DC graffiti artist, John Tsombikos, who gained fame for his “Borf” graffiti a couple years ago. It's not shockingly-colored, but it's pretty cool-looking, nonetheless.

Threefer

* Idolator has a leak of Guns N' Roses “Chinese Democracy” (the title track, not the whole album) up here and a leak of the GNR track "There Was A Time" here – get 'em before they're gone…

* The 25 Most Exquisitely Sad Songs in the Whole World – or so says the folks at Spinner.com

* Marilyn Manson reveals some interesting things about his personal life in this recent interview with MTV

Live Van Halen, Circa '76-'77

Jefitoblog's got some live Van Halen from 1976 and 1977 performances up over here. Go hear Eddie shred.

Weird Band Names

Why not? Go kill some time and glance over the The Canonical List of Weird Band Names. Right now I'm liking Don Knotts Overdrive...

A Case of the Fridays

The forecast for this weekend is looking quite sunny and promising, so let’s start things off with some shimmering poppy goodness from Melee. “Built to Last” builds off of its initial piano hook into a really lush pop song. The lead singer’s voice soars throughout, and is lifted even further with wise use of backing “oohs” and “aaahs” in the choruses. If you like what you hear, Melee will be at the Rock N Roll Hotel this Friday, May 4th.

MP3: Built To Last - Melee

And we close out the week with “Let It Roll,” by Pawnshop Roses. It’s swaggering southern boogie rock that’s a dead ringer for vintage Black Crowes. And I mean the Shake Your Money Maker/Southern Harmony-era Black Crowes that rocked. Give ‘em a listen.

MP3: Let It Roll – Pawnshop Roses

Pulp Muppets

Alright, more than one Muppet posting a month is too many, yes. But I just couldn't not show you this Pulp Fiction trailer with Muppet heads superimposed over the actors' heads. Awesome.

Threefer

* Scrubs potentially may be finished (again) – at least on NBC

* Check out the new Fountains of Wayne video for “Someone to Love” here on Stereogum

* Might the VW Scirroco be making an awesome comeback?

iPod in the John

How come nobody told me about this already? In case you really can’t go anywhere (and I mean anywhere) without your iPod, this device is definitely for you. It’s the iCarta iPod Dock and Toilet Paper Dispenser. But you already knew that, right? And you can pick it up at Amazon here. But hey, don't look at me - I don't even have an iPod!

thanks to Gizmodo for the pic, and Idolator for the tip

American Idol - Bon Jovi Style

Blake Lewis put a pretty cool twist on Bon Jovi's "You Give Love A Bad Name" last night. I was pretty surprised he pulled it off, but it worked.

Kelly Clarkson - Never Again

Kelly Clarkson gets her revenge on in her new video for "Never Again." It's a bit entertaining...