Something to Look Forward To

The boys play Carini 11 years ago in NYC...


And some Vultures from Walnut Creek summer of 97...

Can't hardly wait til March!

Rock + Roll Means Well Tour - Drive By Truckers and The Hold Steady, State Theatre, State College, PA, 11/5/08

Winning the Lottery

Congratulations! You have just purchased the following tickets:
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3/6/2009 Phish, Hampton Coliseum
Number of tickets: 2, General Admission
Ticket Delivery: UPS 2nd Day Air (Domestic)
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3/7/2009 Phish, Hampton Coliseum
Number of tickets: 2, General Admission
Ticket Delivery: UPS 2nd Day Air (Domestic)
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3/8/2009 Phish, Hampton Coliseum
Number of tickets: 2, General Admission
Ticket Delivery: UPS 2nd Day Air (Domestic)

The Dead, 10/13/08, Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA

Listen to the show

Mrs. Bear scored tickets the day of the event from Barack's headquarters downtown State College. The Allmans came on before 7:00pm, and The Dead didn't quit until after midnight. I could tell you how great The Dead were, but I recommend you just give it a listen when you've got the time and the inclination.

Check out the review published in The Collegian.

Phish 3 678 9

Follow the link below for some outstanding news.
Call Sammy Smith - we need more Taddy Porter!

Phish 3 678 9

Phish Reunites!

"After a break of over four years, Phish reunited Saturday evening in New York City at the wedding of former road manager Brad Sands. The quartet treated the crowd to a three song set that included old standbys Suzy Greenberg, Julius and Waste. As if that wasn’t enough, shortly after Phish left the stage drummer Stewart Copeland of The Police joined the wedding band for Can’t Stand Losing You and The Meters’ Fire on the Bayou. Congratulations go out to Mr. and Mrs. Sands."

Thanks to Glide Magazine for the info!

Deadheads for Obama

Can it be true? It's almost as if I actually am located directly above the center of the earth!

Quit Your Job and Go On Tour

The stars are aligned... Phish will surely hit the road next year. Right?

LOVE/hate

She Said, She Said

...as performed by Mike Gordon and his band...

Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul

The Best of 2008, To Date

So they are... the albums from the first half of 2008 that will be contenders for the "Best Of" list at year's end. There are 22 releases I recommend so far, and here they are listed in alphabetical order. (And yes, that damn MMJ album really grows on you. Even though it's not what I had hoped for.) Give each one the justice of a listen, and hopefully you'll find something new to enjoy!

• Beck - Modern Guilt
• Black Mountain - In the Future
• British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music
• Cat Power - Jukebox
• Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
• Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
• Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
• Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
• moe. - Sticks and Stones
• My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
• Nada Surf - Lucky
• Santogold - Santogold
• She and Him - Volume One
• Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks - Real Emotional Trash
• The Black Crowes - Warpaint
• The Black Keys - Attack and Release
• The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
• The Kooks - Konk
• The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understatement
• The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
• Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
• Weezer - The Red Album

Phish! (almost... but probably soon?)

Phish fans get a rare treat at Rothbury

Our boys look happy to be back together! Let's hope it sticks.

New Band of Horses tune

Recorded live at Sweden's Accelerator Festival. Gus always comes through with the key finds.

Toe Jam

Best video ever? David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal provide the rhymes, beats by Fatboy Slim, directed by Keith Schofield.
Genius.

She & Him

M. Ward has collaborated with Jim James (MMJ), Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), Neko Case, and Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley). But I've never been as enthralled as I am right now as he joins Zooey Deschanel to form She & Him. The album is titled Volume One, and is worth checking out. Sorry Scarlet, but this actress makes a great singer.
I'm all about music that sounds like it comes from another time (timeless?). On April 29th, the pair performed at the Vista Theater in L.A. Check out this clip of "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here". Jason Schwartzman (go watch The Darjeeling Limited and listen to his band Coconut Records if you haven't already done so) plays the piano during this tune at the show.

Damn! That's Funky!

Lettuce is a seven-piece band including members Eric Krasno (guitar) and Neil Evans (keys) of Soulive. I first saw the light when we stumbled across Soulive playing in a tent surrounded by knee deep mud at Bonnaroo many moons ago.
Invest the time to listen to this compilation of live jams by Lettuce and then go get some funk for yourself! Damn!

The Last Shadow Puppets

The Age of the Understatement
Avatar Studios, NYC - 3/4/08

Do yourself a favor and click on the little play button at the bottom of the video.

Head over here to check out some more tunes from this session.

On the Road to Big Sur

Head over to Paste Magazine and read Ben Gibbard's essay entitled "The Meaning of Life" while you listen to Death Cab's new Album, Narrow Stairs. His writing does not disappoint in print or song.
Ben's description of Kerouac's imagery and blueprint for life is dead-on. I remember folding over the corners of pages in Big Sur so I could go back and reread sentences (paragraphs) that perfectly illustrated what I could not myself put into words. I sat on that ugly yellow couch in my college room and thought I had the world all figured out.
Ha!

Recent Discovery

How did Tom Petty sneak this one in on me? As I make my way through Mudcrutch's new album, I couldn't be any more excited about it. From the opening notes of the classic cover "Shady Grove" to the twangy Americana country-rock that follows, it's the rock album we've been missing thus far in 2008.

Mudcrutch was originally formed in the early 1970's as a precursor to The Heartbreakers. I've never heard (or heard of) that original material, but I sure do like where they picked up with these new tracks!

It turns out these rascals already toured California over the course of the last month. Read the album review from Rolling Stone and Glide Magazine.

Petty opens the track The Wrong Thing to Do with: "Well my daddy took me campin' out under the stars, left me by the fire while he hit the bars. And I broke my finger on a trailer hitch, mama called daddy a son of a bitch." Now that's the beginning of a story I want to hear!

Coming Soon: New Beck!

Rolling Stone proclaims: Beck Conjures 1960's Brit-Rock Vibe on Danger Mouse-Produced "Modern Guilt"
"It was the most intensive work I’ve ever done on anything,” Beck says the day after finishing his new record, sounding slightly dazed. For his 10th studio disc, Beck worked with Brian Burton, better known as Danger Mouse — who’s overcommitted as both a producer and a member of Gnarls Barkley, which just released a record of their own. “It was like trying to fit two years of songwriting into two and a half months,” Beck says. “I know I did at least 10 weeks with no days off, until four or five in the morning every night.” Burton remembers Beck’s stamina during their late-night sessions: “He’s like a machine. I always got tired before he did. I stayed pretty late, but I’d usually hear the next day how late it went.”
Click the link to continue reading...

Do you like Picdumps?

I do! Click on the picture to see the rest of the gallery.

LSD vs. Alcohol vs. Tree

Click Here to see the rest of the story!

The Monuments of Washington, DC

Nationals Park, Saturday 5/3/08, Nationals 9, Pirates 8

The weather was perfect - sunshine and clear skies. A great day to sit in the shade and watch a baseball game after an evening of bars and booze with Gus and Wifey in Old Town Alexandria. Both teams wore throwback Homestead Grays uniforms. The Pirates battled back from several defecits only to lose by one run in the end. Sub-par pitching from both teams made the game exciting with lots of runs being scored. It was a weekend full of adventures...

Recent Discovery

Check out Jamie Lidell's new album Jim if you need some sunshine for your summer days and nights.

BRMC Video

Here's some excellent quality video from the BRMC show at the State Theatre on Sunday night. No, I didn't film it myself - it's from YouTube. So, thanks to whoever did such a great job filming the show!

Red Eyes and Tears


Mercy


Restless Sinner


In Like the Rose

BRMC - State Theatre, State College, PA - 4/13/08

Tasty Beverage of the Week

As the weather turns warm, I find myself gravitating to summer style ales. I started with Sam Adams' offering, and then I tried Weyerbacher's Blanche. But when it comes to a Belgian style Witbier, go for the Victory Whirlwind.
"A swirling dynamo of flavor, with a steady calm of satisfaction at its heart, that's Whirlwind Witbier. Offering a tamed tempest of flavors both spicy and sublime, this softly fermented ale greets the nose and tingles the tongue. Imported Belgian yeast charges Whirlwind with an energy all its own. It is a refreshing interpretation of the classic, Belgian 'white beer' style."
But what do the Bros say you ask? They say: "Upfront, a smooth and creamy mouthfeel that immediately quells any thirst with a spicy and lemon puckering flavour. The beer's carbonation is tight and very active -- adding to the overall crispness. As everything calms down, husk tannins pull thru to create a bit of a dry palate, but the feel is soft throughout. Some grass and _extremely_ faint jerky-like flavours follow and linger into the aftertaste... Whirlwind Witbier could hands-down become one of my favourite "gotta quench my monster thirst" beers. A prime example of a Belgian-style Witbier in all respects."
You can't argue with that!

On a side note: we had our first barbecue of the season on Sunday. My favorite things in summertime are grilling and baseball. Maybe the Pirates will go .500 this year. Wouldn't 16 losing seasons in a row break a record held by the Phils?

New Raconteurs

It's been a long time (In Rainbows) since I've been this excited about a new album release...

Tasty Beverage of the Week

My favorite restaurant has unleashed their version of my favorite kind of beer. Otto's Pub and Brewery's newest seasonal offering is a Tripel. The Dubbel Ale is good, and the Tripel is 1/3 better!
The alcohol content is 9.8%, so it's served in a 12 oz. goblet from the bar. After a wonderful meal there on Sunday, I couldn't help but go back to fill up the growler last night.
Tasty, but strong as hell. It's one of the few beers I would both recommend and issue a warning along with it: treat it like wine - both in sipping speed and total amount consumed. It's so sweet, you could easily guzzle down a few before you know what hit you!

On a side note, the Tasty Beverage of Last Week should be noted as Weyerbacher Merry Monk's Ale. Also a Tripel, I thought it would make an excellent Birthday Beer for Rug. Jason the Beer Advocate describes it as "Moderate body, aggressively crisp with a sharp carbonation that stays at a medium-high level. Nutty and earthy from the yeast. Herbal and medicinal from the phenols. Peppery with a quick flash of sugar syrup from the sweet n’ spicy alcohol, relatively dry beer though a minute amount of residuals are apparent. Fruitiness borders on banana, pineapple and plum. Hops are minimal and are hardly noticeable. Dry clove and peppery flavours are dominant with a nutty dry finish. Alcohol warms more and more throughout the beer with mild solvent flavours from the fusel part of the alcohol."
I couldn't have said it better myself. Also very tasty.

Pictures From the moe. Show

Just Announced - BRMC!

Can you believe it? Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will play the State Theatre in downtown State College on Sunday 4/13.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

Who's coming with me?

moe. State Theatre, State College, PA 3/5/08

I think everyone had the same idea - start out the adventure with some pre-moe. beers at Zeno's. My wife and I enjoyed a few of the best: La Fin Du Monde, Weyerbacher Hops Infusion, and Delirium Tremens.

Although I have always respected moe.'s music, I was never a huge fan. When I heard they were coming to the State Theatre, I almost passed on the opportunity. I sure am glad I got some of the last seats in the house before the show sold out. Seeing them live in such a small venue was a mind-bending experience. I have seen alot (alot) of bands over the years, and I must admit - moe. is one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Dueling guitarists, dueling drummers, and an awesome bass as the centerpiece. We're talking some serious jams here.

My love affair with jambands has been hot and cold lately, but moe. just reignited the passion. The light show alone will blow your ass away. This video is of terribly shitty quality, as I took it with my cell phone. But, it's enough to give you a pretty damn good idea of the intensity of the show. It's a four hour roller coaster ride with haunting valleys and ominous peaks. Check 'em out!

As the Years Go Passing By

The world lost blues legend Jeff Healey yesterday, Sunday 3/2/08, to cancer at the age of 41. Jeff was blind since he was 1, and he played the guitar since he was 3.
I saw Jeff play once in the Pittsburgh area in the mid-1990's, and it was one of those experiences I will never forget.

Needs vs. Wants

Just because you don't actually need something doesn't mean you shouldn't have it. Sometimes it's the little things in life that get us through the tough times. Although I agree that these items are not something any human could actually need, they are quite valuable nonetheless. So check out 10 Things You Don't Need. If you had to pick just one, which would you buy?
I've already decided...

Kanye West for President

After catching Kanye's mind-shattering performance with Daft Punk at the Grammys, there is no doubt left in my mind that he is THE entertainer of the new millenium. The man is headlining at Bonnaroo! I can't even imagine how much fun that show would be. And now this new video for "Flashing Lights"? You've got to be kidding me. Kanye's on fire.

If you haven't already heard, her name is Rita G. Check it out at rita-g.com, where she'll even sell you her worn panties for the low, low value price of $24.95.

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?

Recent Discoveries

Vampire Weekend's full length debut album is the most exciting new music I've heard so far this year. They're from New York City, where they formed the band while attending Columbia University. Although they are the darlings of the blog community, there are those out there who don't appreciate the tunes. I recently heard this joke: "Why are they called Vampire Weekend? ... Because they suck."
I disagree, and I appreciate their original sound. Check out this clip from 6/17/07, Roosevelt Island, Manhattan. It's how real bands get their start. It reminds me of my buddy Verno and I back in high school, only we actually did suck.

My Favorite Day of the Year

Super Bowl Sunday only means one thing in 2008 - Puppy Bowl IV. Check out some clips from last year's action, and then tune in to Animal Planet from 3pm-3am for the most aniticipated TV program of the season! Be sure to check out this year's Starting Lineup.

New Crowes!

Wow! Listen to that slide guitar by Luther Dickinson (of the North Mississippi All-Stars). He seems to fit in perfectly with the new Black Crowes lineup. Follow this link to check out the new track from the forthcoming album, Warpaint. It appears as though the "Most Rock n Roll Rock n Roll Band in the World" is about to deliver exactly what we've come to expect once again - straight up bluesy classic rock music.

Only 30 days until the new album drops on 3/4/08!

Before They Were "Cool"

In almost all cases, there is nothing more satisfying for a die-hard music fan than to have been a fan since the beginning. This allows one to talk about how their favorite band sold out and went commercial.
Anyone who didn't go to the shows in the early days isn't a real fan. They don't deserve to listen to the new albums without understanding where the band came from. In most cases.
This article from Cracked.com entitled "Six Musicians with Pasts They Hope You'll Forget" sheds light on the opposite side of the glory. It's quite comical to see the evolution of some of music's biggest names. Apparently selling out to the capitalist machine sometimes has benefits greater than fame and fortune.

Is There a Ghost in My House?