HOT : Tonight ! Sugar Town Benefit For Girls Rock Philly @ Tritone

June 27, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
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An amazing lineup of music for an excellent cause tonight at Tritone when our friends at Sugar Town throw a benefit for the super cool Girls Rock Philly. Girls Rock Philly is an initiative to bring Philadelphia a girls-only, week-long summer day camp serving junior rockers ages 9-17. Led by a team of all female instructors & band coaches, girls in the program learn how to play musical instruments, write songs, make their own band merchandise, discover other women in rock & finesse their on-stage jump kicks. Come on down have a great time and support an awesome cause.

Sugartown Loves Girls Rock Philly Benefit
The Beloved Infidels

Acres Of Diamonds
The Lemon Treasures

+ DJ Julia Factorial
Saturday June 27th
$5 |9PM | 21+Up
Tritone
1508 South Street
Philadelphia PA

The Beloved Infidels – Trompe L’Oeil Girl
Acres Of Diamonds – Homecoming
The Lemon Treasures – Jasper

[GIRLS ROCK PHILLY] [BELOVED INFIDELS] [ACRES OF DIAMONDS] [LEMON TREASURES]

From The Mailbag : MJ Redux

June 27, 2009 by · 1 Comment
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I try not to post on the same topic multiple times in a row, but after this weekend these won’t really be relevant anymore, so it’s now or never.  A couple tunes for you that just arrived in the inbox, a gypsy lounge version of Billie Jean from Quebec’s The Lost Fingers and a special tribute to the King Of Pop by the master of the remix Don Diablo.

The Lost Fingers – Billie Jean
Buy Lost In The 80’s

Don Diablo – Song For MJ (Remember The Time)

5 On A Friday : MJ 1958-2009

June 26, 2009 by · 1 Comment
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RIP Michael Jackson 1958-2009
Although his eccentricities of the last few years were getting most of the spotlight time, Michael Jackson‘s musical influence over the past 40 years or so is undeniable, from his early days with his brothers in The Jackson 5 as an integral part of the Motown Sound to his impact on the dance music of the 80’s with his Off The Wall album and subsequent mega smash Thriller to his part in the MTV video revolution.  Who else could crown themselves The King Of Pop and actually having it stick.  The man leaves behind a pretty impressive musical legacy.

1: Graham Parker And The Rumour – I Want You Back(live)
Buy Squeezing Out Sparks + Live Sparks
2: The Jackson 5 – ABC
Buy Hitsville USA
3:Chris Cornell – Billie Jean
Buy Carry On
4: Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough
Buy Off The Wall
5: The Replacements(w Barrence Whitfield on Vocals) – I’ll Be There
Live 06.18.86 at The Channel Boston MA

June 25, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
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HOT: Weathervane Music Launch Party Thursday June 25

June 24, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
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Weathervane Music Organization collaborates with emerging and established independent musicians, record producers, film-makers and video-makers to produce and promote a wide range of innovative contemporary music and music related video productions.

At the end of March earlier this year Brian McTear announced the creation of The Weathervane Music Organization [more], a non profit collaborative effort to help artists in the rapidly changing career landscape they find themselves in today. Since it’s inception it has started a project series with releases from Austin band Sunset and Philadelphia’s East Hundred. Thursday night it celebrates its offical kickoff with a Launch Party at Philadelphia’s Kung Fu Necktie, where the songs and videos from the Project Series will be screened followed by live performances from Papertrigger and The Armchairs. There will also be commemorative event posters by artist  Mark Pernice available as well.  It’s going to be an amazing night, I have my tix, see you there !

Be sure to stop on by Weathervane’s site where you can find out much more detail about this great new endeavor and how you can help. While you’re there be sure to sign up and download free copies of the Sunset and East Hundred Project Series releases.

Weathervane Music – http://weathervanemusic.org

Weathervane Music Launch Party
A viewing and listening party followed by
performances from Papertrigger and The Armchairs
Thursday, June 25
Kung Fu Necktie
1250 North Front Street Philadelphia PA

Papertrigger – We Are Nations Now !
Buy Riot Lovers EP
The Armchairs – Sammy Ghetz
Buy Stuff

Some Photos From This Past Thursday’s Battle Of The Blogs 2

June 20, 2009 by · 1 Comment
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A few photos from this past Thursday night’s Battle Of The Blogs show at The North Star Bar In Philadelphia. The last minute addtion to the bill of the band 100 Monkeys ensured a good crowd of barely 21 year old girls, who while clearly there in adoration of Twilight vampire actor Jackson Rathbone, watched all of the night’s band with rapt attention and much applause. Lima Research Society started it off with an energetic set that kicked the night into high gear with the crowd singing along and dancing and it never looked back. My band Splash1 was up next and I’ll say it went really well from the band’s perspective but I’ll need to leave any review of our set to an unbiased source. Next up was Victor Victor Band, my first time seeing them, they’re an impressive two piece boy-girl combo that unleashed a blistering blend of garage rock in a vein similar to the White Stripes or The Black Keys. 100 Monkeys closed out the night with a bluesy/reggae influenced set of rock that definitely had a west coast beach party jam feel to it.  Big thanks to Heyday and North Star Bar for hosting the party as well as my fellow bloggers Jessica from Popwreckoning and Trip from Teenage Kicks,  the entire night was a blast.

Lima Research Society



Splash1

Victor Victor Band

100 Monkeys

Battle Of The Blogs Round 2 This Thursday June 18th @ North Star Bar

June 14, 2009 by · 4 Comments
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LATE BREAKING UPDATE !!! Just added and playing immediately following The Battle Of The Blogs this Thursday, a special set by the band 100 Monkeys which features Jackson Rathbone of the movie Twilight and friends.
Their recent shows in Philadelphia all sold out quickly, get your tickets NOW ! North Star is 21+Up only, sorry.

[100 Monkeys MYSPACE]

This Thursday June 18th it’s time for round two of the Battle Of The Blogs sponsored by Heyday Entertainment and five of Philly’s favorite music bloggers, Girl About Town, The Broken Bell, Popwreckoning, Teenage Kicks, and yours truly, Bag Of Songs.

One Thursday each month in May, June, and July each blog will showcase their selection of bands with the winning bands/blogs competing in a finals on a Saturday night in August, all at the North Star Bar.

Round 1 was May 21st with Girl About Town vs The Broken Bell vs Bag Of Songs with The Robes/Girl About Town coming up the night’s winners.
Round 2June 18th is Bag of Songs vs Popwreckoning vs Teenage Kicks
Round 3July 16th is a four band/blog night with Popwreckoning vs Teenage Kicks vs The Broken Bell vs Girl About Town

The final round will be held on a Saturday night in August with the three winning bands/blogs from each of the nights.

For this Thursday’s show Lima Research Society will will be the Bag Of Songs representative, Splash1 will be playing for Teenage Kicks, and Popwreckoning will be bringing The Victor Victor Band. It’s going to be an amazing night of music with the most important attendee being YOU, as the winner each night is decided by audience vote.

Lima Research Society @  M Room 04.26.09

Lima Research Society @ M Room 04.26.09

I’ve previously described  Lima Research Society’s sound as a potpourri of influences from soft folk, to prog rock musical acrobatics, to trippy psychedelica, to new wave dance and all points in between. Their live show is an equally engaging and entertaining blend of musicianship and audience participation that is truly a lot of fun to witness, and has often earned them comparisons to bands like the Flaming Lips.

Lima Research Society – Giant Moth – The Beauty of Things
Lima Research Society – NewtLife
Buy Don’t Give Up Don’t Get Down

Round 1 was blast so come on out for Round 2, meet your local bloggers, hear some excellent music, have a really great time, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite band of the night.

Heyday Entertainment Presents:
Battle Of The Blogs Round 2
Bag Of Songs vs Teenage Kicks vs Popwreckoning

(BOS) Lima Research Society [MYSPACE]
(TK) Splash1 [MYSPACE]
(POPW) The Victor Victor Band [MYSPACE]

Thursday June 18th
$8 | 8PM | 21+UP
North Star Bar
27th & Poplar Streets
Philadelphia PA

New Music : Get Back Guinozzi Cover Police and Thieves

June 10, 2009 by · 2 Comments
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Photo By T Glaser via band's myspace

Photo By T Glaser via band myspace

Although a strong contender for worst band name ever,(no offense to the band intended, maybe I just missed the joke in there somewhere) Get Back Guinozzi have just made available for your advance listening pleasure,a song from their debut 7″ single.  Part 60’s day-glo pop mixed with early new wave, a breezy, bouncy, ready for summer rendition of Police and Theives, a cover of the Junior Murvin/Lee Perry song, probably best known via The Clash’s version.  A perfect accompaniment to kicking back poolside with your favorite libation of choice on a hot day, it’s got me curious to hear the rest of their upcoming album.

Splitting it’s home base between London and the South Of France the band has a euro-tinged sound augmented by the distinctive and enchanting vocals of Eglantine Gouzy. The balance of the band includes co founder Fred Landini as well as Regis Laugier (bass), Luc Benito (drums) and Fabrice Giuisiano (guitar, keyboard).

The Low Files Tropical b/w Police & Thieves 7″ will be released on September 14th, with their full length titled Carpet Madness due October 19th on FatCat Records out of the UK.  They’re also promising an Autumn tour. Watch for them.

Get Back Guinozzi – Police and Thieves

[MYSPACE] [FATCAT RECORDS]

Big Star, The Kids Love ‘Em

June 5, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
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Alex Chilton, Chris Bell, Andy Hummel, and Jody Stephens,you may not know their names but if you’ve listened to any rock music in the past three decades you’ve undoubtedly heard their influence. Much like the Velvet Underground, Big Star records have become required listening for anyone looking to start a band.

It’s been over 35 years since Big Star initially released their influential first two records, #1 Record and Radio City. This June 16th marks the beginning of a treasure trove of releases for the band as Ardent/Stax Records reissues completely remastered versions of those two records on one cd, including a never before released single mix of  In The Street, a song which Cheap Trick brought new life to as the theme to “That 70’s Show” and a single edit of O My Soul form Radio City. Wholly underappreciated in their day, Big Star’s quirky and unique take on jangly guitar power pop is still influencing bands today from REM to Teenage Fanclub to Wilco to countless others.

But thats just the beginning, in September, Rhino records releases Keep An Eye On The Sky, an amazing 98 track box set spanning from 1968 to 1975 and including pre Big Star recordings,unreleased demos,and many live and alternate takes. It also promises extensive liner notes and rare and never before seen photos of the band.  I for one, can’t wait, this looks amazing.

Never one to rest easy, Rhino completes the trifecta by also releasing the same week a special Rhino Handmade Deluxe Edition of Chris Bell’s exquisite solo album I Am The Cosmos.

Buy Big Star – #1 Record/Radio City (Remastered)
Buy Big Star – Keep An Eye On The Sky
Buy Chris Bell – I Am The Cosmos

In celebration of their influence, an array of videos today of various Big Star / Chris Bell covers for you, plus one original by the man himself, Mr Alex Chilton.

Feel

The Ballad Of El Goodo

In The Street

Thirteen

Don’t Lie To Me

Alex Chilton – When My Baby’s Beside Me

Give Me Another Chance

Watch The Sunrise

Way Out West (with a bizarre Styx song intro)

Back Of A Car

September Gurls

I’m In Love With A Girl

You and Your Sister(Chris Bell)

This last one’s not a Big Star cover but I though it ws a fitting way to close out this post.

Citizen Helene – The Alex Chilton Song