BMW 1 Series

Very interesting. BMW is coming out with a 1 Series Coupe in 2008. Of course it'll be cheaper than the 3 Series, but I wonder by just how much. Anyway, it looks pretty cool at first glance, though I'd like to see it in person...

Threefer

THEY’RE NOT DOLLS! ToyFare has listed the top 100 action figures of the past 10 years – I’m not sure how I feel about them using the “updated” versions of the classics (like Snake Eyes) – isn’t that cheating? (thanks, Pop Candy)

MORE? Britney's comeback single has leaked - though its pounding beat may be club-friendly, it's no "Baby One More Time" - check out "Gimme More" here or download here

SEX, DRUGS & OPERA: CNN has a very cool article about the darker, drug-infused side of opera that nobody talks about – it’s not just Valkyries and fruit-laden headdresses anymore

Snoop Is Coming To DC

Yep, that’s right, folks – Snoop Dogg is coming to town! He’ll be at Love Nightclub in DC this Saturday, September 1st. How freaking awesome is that! I wonder what kind of show he puts on...

MP3: Gin & Juice – Snoop Dogg

The Office - Summer Vacation Update

Check out this video clip to find out what your favorite characters from The Office did over the summer...

Quick Hits

LeBON: Tasty new Duran Duran, or no-no-no? Go listen to “Falling Down” here

BRUCE: Some Springsteen news: tour dates have been announced and iTunes is offering the album’s first single, “Radio Nowhere,” as a free download

COLICCHIO: Whitney Matheson over at Pop Candy has an interview with Top Chef head judge (and Cal Ripken doppelganger!) Tom Colicchio here in her podcast this week

NEW WORLD: Stereogum has a good bit of the video for Jimmy Eat World’s “Big Casino,” from their upcoming album Chase This Light here

HAWKEYE: Alan Alda played one of my favorite characters in one of my favorite TV shows evar, and A.V. Club has a cool interview with him here

Eight Questions With Pawnshop Roses

Philly’s Pawnshop Roses will be hitting the Rock & Roll Hotel this Friday, August 31st, bringing their Stonesy, Black Crowesy sound down to DC. They’re definitely an act I’m looking forward to seeing live, and I was able to get a few questions in with lead singer Paul Keen online.

1. Do you think living in Philadelphia area adds a certain flavor to your music?
Yes and no. I think the hard-edged sound comes from living in Philly. As much as I love Philadelphia, it definitely is a dirty town. Very blue-collar and pissed off. As far as the southern country-rock flavor...that comes from me growing up in a very rural area. (Kennett Sq., PA) My Dad always listened to country. I hated it at the time, but it reminds me of home. Even though I’m not from the South, country just “fits” with where I grew up.

2. Describe the Pawnshop Roses’ sound in three words using no adjectives.
Twang Rock Energy

3. So you won the online YouTube contest for “Best Live Performance” video (here), and got a date with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America. How was rocking out at 7:00 in the morning?
Well, we didn’t actually play. We were just given an award by Diane Sawyer along with 3 other bands. But yeah, it was tough getting up after hanging out in NYC the night before. The next morning Justin and I had to get up at 6am for a radio interview. It was all worth it of course.

4. Who are some of your biggest influences?
I’d have to say the Rolling Stones, the Faces, the Flying Burrito Bros and Oasis.

5. What are your favorite tracks off of your new album, Let It Roll? It’s OK - I won’t tell your songs you picked one over the other – I promise.
Ah, I don’t mind if you do tell! :>)
I really like how “It Gets So Hard” and “Everything That Blew Away” came out. “It Gets So Hard” was mostly recorded at home, but I love the energy. “Everything That Blew Away” is probably the best song I’ve written. IMO

6. Where do you get your lyrical inspiration from?
Just life in general. I started out as just writing songs for chicks, but I’ve branched out a bit since the beginning. I’ve written a couple of songs from someone else’s point of view, and I’d like to do that more.

7. Who are a few current bands/artists y’all are digging right now?
I really dig the new Bright Eyes album. I guess it all depends on what you consider current. Most of my favorites are career artists. Ryan Adams, Marah, Matt Mays, Wilco, Gillian Welch (could go on and on). Some unsigned bands to check out would be Pepper’s Ghost, Jealousy Curve, Justin Jones, and Greenland.

8. What do you hope most people will take away from a live Pawnshop Roses show?
Just that they had a great time at the show, and keep wanting to come back for more.

LISTEN UP:
MP3: Let It Roll – Pawnshop Roses
MP3: Here We Go – Pawnshop Roses

*Catch Pawnshop Roses live at the Rock & Roll Hotel in DC this Friday, August 31st.

Threefer

HALL: Pitchfork interviews the non-moustachioed half of Hall & Oates here

YANKS: Be careful what kind of “special” Yankees cap you buy – that is, of course, unless you’re in the Bloods, Crips, or Latin Kings (thanks, CC)

THE BREAK: Fox is streaming the first 17 minutes of the season premiere of Prison Break here - call me old-fashioned, but I'm gonna wait to watch the whole thing on TV

Swing, Baby, Swing

Admit it - you were jonesing for a Paul Anka cover of The Killers' "Mr. Brightside," weren't you? Well, he's finally obliged! Check out the track, as well as more information about his new album of covers, done up Anka-style, over at Stereogum here.

Bruce Springsteen, Live @ the Roxy, 1978

Check out Ickmusic's three-part "Bruce Springsteen, Live at the Roxy, 1978" posts with Part I, Part II, and Part III. I'm currently enjoying a nice stripped down version on of my favorite Bruce tracks, "Independence Day," on Part III.

Sick, Still

I've been knocked on my ass for the past several days with what felt like a combination of a cold and the flu. I feel a little bit better now, but I'm still a bit out of it. Anyway, go check out eyegas.com and put some words in George W. Bush's mouth, and then hear him say them.

New Bruce Springsteen

Heather over at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has got a leak of the first single ("Radio Nowhere") from Bruce Springsteen's upcoming CD, Magic, here. It's an uptempo rocker, set to the "867-5309" chord progression, so go take a listen.

Sick

Man, some kind of summer cold and flu thing is kicking my ass at the moment, and it's hampering my posting and life in general at the moment. Unfortunately, the stuff I've been taking so far hasn't been doing much good.

MP3: Dr. Feelgood – Motley Crue

Jeter News

Just a little advance warning that my band, Jeter, has got a show coming up Friday, September 7th at Bistro Europa in Old Town, Alexandria. We’ve also got a couple new tracks (“Earthquake” and “The Gathering”) streaming on our MySpace site, so give ‘em a listen.

MP3: Lay Down - Jeter

Rock Bits

LOW PLACES: No more having to slum it in Wal-Mart to buy your Garth Brooks CDs – with the release of his 34-track The Ultimate Hits (greatest hits plus the requisite four new songs), Garth will now be available at all retailers

SKIDS N’ ROSES: Looks like Axl Rose has recorded some guest vocals on a couple of tracks on Sebastian Bach’s soon-to-be released solo album, Angel Down. Please insert your own obligatory Chinese Democracy joke here - I'm just too tired.

BEFORE WHO CHEATS?: Check out this cover of Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” by R&B crooner Joe - he puts a little twist on it by flipping the pronouns around and singing it from the guy’s perspective

New Middle Distance Runner

DC-based Middle Distance Runner will have a new self-titled EP dropping soon, and they were kind enough to let Instrumental Analysis post the opening track, “The Sun and Earth,” here. They're also streaming a second track on their MySpace site here.

Elvis

I just realized that I gave Elvis no blog love on the anniversary of his “death.” So I want to make sure to give the big man some props, even if it’s a few days late. Nobody could swivel those hips like The King! And nobody can shred guitars and vocals like G n' R...

MP3: Heartbreak Hotel (Elvis Cover) – Guns N’ Roses

Brendan Benson

I’ve gotta thank my friend Seth for introducing me to the music of Brendan Benson – at least BB’s Lopalco album. Anyway, I’ve been digging the Beatles-influenced indie-pop/rock. Especially the bouncy, quirky “You’re Quiet.” Love the lyric “I need a pick-up, and I don’t need mean truck – I think you know where to get some.” Take a listen...

MP3: You’re Quiet – Brendan Benson

Damnwells Demos / New CD Coming...

Yeah, I'm a big fan of The Damnwells, and Heather over at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has got some Damnwells tidbits of interest up in her post here. The guys will be going back into the studio later this year to start work on a new record, and she's got a bunch of old demos from their Poor Man's Record + 1 EP and the Heart Hazard EP.

Keith Urban in DC

Keith Urban will be at the Verizon Center tomorrow night w/ The Wreckers (Michelle Branch’s country duo) opening, and CC and have tix! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Keith and his band rock out on stage. I’ve seen ‘em play live on TV before, and they, unlike some country acts, seem to put on a fiery show. I still can’t resist the banjo hook of “Somebody Like You.”

MP3: Somebody Like You – Keith Urban

Rock Bits

KING ME: I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has got mp3s from Elvis’ last show – Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, IN (6/26/77) – up here

NATHANSON: Don’t forget, kids, Matt Nathanson just released his new CD, Some Mad Hope this past Tuesday – I just received my signed copy from Awarestore today

THE BOSS: Looks like Bruce is gonna be making some Magic with the E Street Band

LIGHTER: In case you haven’t been catching Jefitoblog’s “Power Ballad of the Day” postings, you can get Cinderella’s “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” here

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1 - Live!

Here's an interesting and a bit trippy live video of my favorite Flaming Lips song. It's been a busy day.

Addicted To Blogging?

Wondering just how addicted to blogging you are? Take the test here and fine out. I’m apparently 67% addicted to blogging. [thanks, Arjewtino]

Threefer

TRAVIS: Music blog So Much Silence has got some live Travis here – in particular their 7/24/07 KCRW session

NOT LUPUS: I was all set to buy me this effin’ cool House t-shirt, but then the vendor just emailed me and said they couldn’t sell it because it "contains an image in violation of Hugh Laurie's rights of celebrity/publicity" - damn.

JIMMY: A little more info is revealed regarding Jimmy Eat World’s upcoming album, Chase This Light

A Case of the Fridays - Early Edition

It’s never too early for Friday, right? So we’re kicking things off this week with an early edition, beginning with “Wedding Gown,” by The Vicious Martinis. It’s some power pop with heart – and a few layers of tasty electric guitars. Singer Glenn Hall’s raspy vocals draw you into this slickly produced track, and some cool guitar tones and solos leave you coming back for more. If you like what you’re hearing, The Vicious Martinis will be having their CD release party at IOTA this Friday night, August 17th.

MP3: Wedding Gown – The Vicious Martinis

And now we close out this early edition with a track from the Hershey, PA-based The April Skies. I am definitely liking the darker eighties sound of their track, “My Love Is In This House,” with its shimmering synths, reverbed guitar lines, and cool vocals. The song gradually builds in intensity throughout, and reaches a nice anthemic peak to finish. The April Skies will be at The Red and The Black Thursday, August 16th.

MP3: My Love Is In This House – The April Skies

Threefer

WEEPS: On Wu Tang’s new album, 8 Diagrams, they’ll be covering one of my favorite Beatles songs, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” with a little help from their friends on guitar - George Harrison’s son, Dhani will play acoustic, and RHCP John Frusciante will play lead

DRIPPER: Newsweek’s got a very interesting article about the pending exhibit and path to authenticity of paintings that could very well be (or not be) by Jackson Pollock

DEJA VU: In case you haven’t heard, Van Halen is reuniting with Mr. Roth for a little stadium tour (but no DC show!). Wonder how little Wolfie will do on bass…

Nationals' Stadium Tour

DC blogger Arjewtino took himself on a little self-guided tour of the Washington Nationals’ still-being-constructed new stadium from the inside. And he even managed to snap some cool pics. Check out his post here. That’s some bold work, Arjewtino!

International Lefthanders Day

It’s International Lefthanders Day. Here’s a few brief facts about lefties, courtesy of MSN, or you can go whole hog on wikipedia here. It’s quite interesting, especially to me! So just make sure you go out there and celebrate a local southpaw – or you can just wish me a happy lefty day.

Get Your Car On

That's right, kids. It's time for MSN's 2008 Model Year Preview. So go check it out here.

Heartbreak Station

I was browsing the bargain bin at CD Warehouse yesterday, and I came upon Cinderella’s Heartbreak Station, the group’s infamous “country” album. Now for $3.99, I couldn’t pass it up, having recently read about it a little bit ago over on Ickmusic. I’ve listened to the first half so far, but the songs don’t seem to be on par with the tracks from Night Songs and Long Cold Winter. Still, “Shelter Me” has got some swagger, and I could easily hold up a lighter for “Heartbreak Station.”

MP3: Shelter Me – Cinderella
MP3: Heartbreak Station – Cinderella

Whiskey Lullaby

I heard "Whiskey Lullaby" on the radio for the first time in a long time this morning. It just reminded me how beautiful and sad this duet between Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss is. And yep, that's Rick Schroeder doing a fine acting turn in the video.

Rock Bits

RIO: Duran Duran on the same track with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland? Yep. You can stream their new track, “Night Runner” here

PUSH: Looks like Matchbox Twenty has a new album, Exile on Mainstream, coming out - is this really necessary? You can take a listen to Rob Thomas deliver lyrics at a speed that’s really out of his comfort zone on the new single “How Far We’ve Come” here

NO, NO, NO: Amy Winehouse may have overdosed, and now she’s just feeling exhausted

STAMPS: I’ve always wondered what a Postal Service concert would sound like. Jefitoblog’s got a live 2003 show up here

Jesse Malin's "Broken Radio"

Apparently Jesse Malin's got a new video out for "Broken Radio." And yep, Mr. Springsteen does indeed stop by to add some hearty harmonies.

A Case of the Fridays - IA Edition

Baltimore/DC music blog Instrumental Analysis is turning one, and there’s partying to be had this Friday night. Keep in mind, of course, it’s not going to be the typical “pizza at Chuck E. Cheese’s with the parents” kind of party for a one-year old. This will be a bit different – we’re talking indie pop and indie rock at the Rock and Roll Hotel with Le Loup, Lejeune, Bellman Barker, and Jette-Ives. It’s free before 9:00, but $10 after.

MP3: Charles Kil – Bellman Barker
MP3: Darker Than You – Jette Ives
MP3: We Are Gods! We Are Wolves! – Le Loup

A Little Bit O' Weiland

Blender has got a pretty cool interview with Scott Weiland here. I like his following answer to the "What drugs have you never done?" question -

There are a couple I’ve never done, and that’s just because I couldn’t find them. Quaaludes — never got a hold of the “leg spreaders” — and Seconals. Both over before my time. I wish I could’ve gotten a hold of ’em, though. Missed the boat on that!

Layla Tells Her Story

Pattie Boyd, George Harrison’s former wife and Eric Clapton’s Layla, has had more than her share of quality songs written about her (“Something,” “Layla,” “Wonderful Tonight”). She’ll be releasing her memoirs later this month in the UK, and you can check out this two-part excerpt in the Daily Mail. It’s verrrry interesting stuff. Curiously enough, Amazon lists the title as “Wonderful Tonight,” but the article lists the title as "Wonderful Today.”

Stream the New Matt Nathanson CD

I’m pretty psyched about Matt Nathanson’s upcoming album, Some Mad Hope. It’s not dropping until August 14th, but you can stream it now over on VH1.com here.

Threefer

WOOF: Dogs turn the tables and get a chance to chew on Michael Vick

MR. JONES: New non-soundtrack Counting Crows? Yup. Go listen to “Come Around” over at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends here

RECORDS: Check out the Guinness World Records 2008 slide show - it’s definitely worth a peek

Eight Questions With Julian Velard

Julian Velard’s smoky Noo Yawk baritone drew me in from the moment I heard him open up for The Damnwells awhile ago. This keyboard-wielding, genre-hopping singer/songwriter was kind enough to sit down for a little email interview with me, and he’ll be in town at Jammin Java this Friday, August 10th.

Obviously, your songs are distinctively piano-based - but at any point did you ever get the urge to pick up the guitar and go the more conventional instrumentation route?

Not a huge guitar guy. For some reason the sound makes me bored, especially acoustic guitars - they tend sound to like plastic being scraped. 20th century audiences have been beaten to death by six strings. Three hundred years ago, people musta felt that way about harpsichord. Personally, I’d rock out to harpsichord all day. Oddly though, I listen to mainly guitar-playing songwriters. Very few piano-based guys make it into my world (Ben Folds, Harry Nilsson, Tom Waits… NO BILLY JOEL!...okay maybe a little). I’m a weirdo, I know.

Whom do you consider your biggest influences, instrumentally and/or vocally?

You got a few right there [see above]. Also Steve McQueen, Bill Murray (there are movies where they sing - check ‘Baby The Rain Must Fall’ and the ‘Star Wars’ sketch on old SNL). Huge Dylan fan. Been in a deep Dylan phase recently. He seems to come around for me every 8 months or so. Plus we are brothers in jew-fro.

Do you have any favorite tracks off of your current album, The Movies Without You? It’s OK - I won’t tell your songs you picked one over the other - I promise.

I go back and forth on this one a lot. If you had to force my hand, I’d say the one that gets the least love, ‘You Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me.’ He’s a lonely child and needs his father’s support.

Characterize your music in three words or less, using no verbs.

Bedtime explosion hovercraft

What are a few current bands/artists you’re digging right now?

I’ve got a few faves, mostly people I know. Maybe it’s cause I’m so burnt on music, but I have a much easier time getting into my friends’ music. Ian Love is great. Trevor Exter is another friend and amazing artist, and I saw this incredibly tight band in London called Haunts. They rock!

So what’s this I hear about you heading back to the studio later this August?

Yeah, I’m headed back in to turn the EP into an album. Got a bunch of new tunes. You know, making the magic, being the magic man and all.

What do you hope people will take away from your live show?

A date, cause most guys look pretty flabby after seeing me on a stage. I’m buff.

And just so she doesn’t kill me, my girlfriend desperately wants to know if you’ve ever been compared to Lou Rawls…

No, I’ve never heard that before. Tell your lady she’s an intuitive genius. Seriously consider getting her tested for extrasensory powers. I love Lou Rawls, he is the pimp!


LISTEN to Julian Velard’s tracks, like “Joni” and “A Dream” over at his MySpace page here. You can catch him at Jammin Java in Vienna, VA this Friday, August 10 with Shane Hines & the Trance and Getaway Car (acoustic).

Threefer

YUM-O: This video montage of Rachel Ray’s exaltations of cuisine is quite hilarious

ROCK: Did you miss Pearl Jam at Lollapalooza? No problem – Heather’s got the full set over at I Am Fuel You Are Friends here

BRACKETS: Your favorite Top Chefs from all the seasons compete, March Madness-style – go pick ‘em

Evan Taubenfeld / The Black List Club

Evan Taubenfeld, the former guitarist for and collaborator with Avril Lavigne, now fronts his own band, The Black List Club. It’s pretty good harder-edged pop rock with a tinge of angst thrown in for good measure. Anyway, I haven’t been able to find anything of theirs to download except Evan's acoustic demo. It’s still pretty damn catchy, in the vein of Dashboard Confessional and more heartfelt Butch Walker. You can go stream a few Black List Club tunes from their upcoming CD on their MySpace page here. I’m liking the track “So Suddenly.”

MP3: The Best Years of Our Lives – Evan Taubenfeld

Bond vs. Bourne

You know, I used to think James Bond was top dog when it came to international agents, but you know, I realize now that I think Jason Bourne would take him down. You really don't know how much it pains me to say that. Anyway, although not quite as delightfully raw and taut-as-a-wire as its two predecessors, The Bourne Ultimatum still delivers more than its share of suspense and action, with Paul Greengrass’ trademark car crash jolts of intensity. I think that's pretty much all that needs to be said - if you liked the first two, definitely continue 'til the end of the ride.

St. Elmo's Fire

For some strange reason, I've been wanting to hear John Parr's "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" recently, and thanks to YouTube, I was able to make that possible. I remember that playing on the radio over and over - can't believe that was 1985...

The Alphabet Adventure Video

Alright, I'm really getting a kick out of this Alphabet Adventure Video thing on Shutterfly. You upload a photograph of yourself (or somebody else), and then it superimposes your face on an animated character that goes on all sorts of adventures. I recommend sticking your friends' pictures in it! [thanks, Shailoo]

A Case of the Fridays

Yeah, it’s hot here in DC, kids, and it’s only gonna get hotter. We kick things off with “Just One Kiss,” from The Red Romance. It’s irresistibly catchy indie-pop with eighties hooks and a The Killers-esque swing to it. It’s definitely worth a listen. Anyway, if you like what you hear, they’ll be at the Rock N Roll Hotel this Friday, August 3rd.

MP3: Just One Kiss - The Red Romance

And now we close out the work week with Stars of Track and Field’s “Movies of Antarctica.” It’s anthemic indie rock, filled with chiming guitars and soaring vocals. If you like what you hear, they’ll be at Jammin Java Thursday, August 9th.

MP3: Movies of Antarctica – Stars of Track and Field

Threefer

GNR: Check out some clips of vintage live Guns N' Roses from back in the 80s right here

SENTIMENTAL: The Top 25 Best Movie Tearjerkers ever, so says EW.com

MOVIES: Here’s trailers for Bourne Ultimatum and Hot Rod, which are both coming out this weekend…

Instrumental Analysis Anniversary Mix

Joe over at Instrumental Analysis is celebrating his music blog's first anniversary, and he's thrown up a huge mix (2 CDs worth!) of local DC metro area/Baltimore music to celebrate. Check it out here!

Juniper Lane Is Going To Vegas

Congratulations to DC's Juniper Lane, who emerged victorious in the 98 Rock band vote-off, and as a result, they'll be heading to Vegas to audition for the American Idol-ish "The Search for the Next Great Great American Band."

Pearl Jam / Demos, Outtakes, Rarities

Heather over at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has got the tracks from the recent Pearl Jam promo CD, Rarities Unreleased Cuts up over here. It's got various demos, outtakes, and rough mixes dating back to Ten-era PJ. Go take a look...