Video of The Day #327 (Premiere Edition): Mandy Sloan

There's a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video of The Day are a cut (or two) above.

On this special day of natural celestial wonderment, it makes me so very happy to premiere this rather special video from Mandy Sloan.

"Drift" is heartbreak and hope knotted together by Sloan's beautiful, shapeshifting vocals. Sloan, a self-taught talent, covers the conflicted emotional gamut of a post-breakup heart brilliantly, her voice emoting the deep sorrow, longing, and ultimate optimism with her impressive turns of tone. There's something magical about Sloan's voice in "Drift," almost as though it's a kind of illusion that's here and gorgeous, but one that could sneak away into the ether at any given moment. Which, of course, just means you'll have to listen to this a whole heck of a lot. 

The song is obviously a stunner, and the video, directed by Beca Rodriguez, is pretty gorgeous in its own right. Among breathtaking California scenery, a lady blazes her own trail and comes to terms with her own personal anguish. 

Sure, it's hard to look at all the incredible natural beauty and not feel hopeful, but somehow Mandy Sloan takes that sentiment even further. This is a voice to sit up and take notice of.       



[posted 8.21.17]

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Newsflash!: Win Tickets to Washed Out @ 9:30 Club, 8/31/17

You love going to shows. I love giving you tickets to shows. It's a match made in heaven. Read on for how you can win some tickets.

I've been going to shows at the legendary 9:30 Club since I was a teenager, and have seen some of the best of the best grace that venerable stage. It is a pleasure to be offering a pair of tickets to the following upcoming 9:30/IMP show.

Y'all, I'm not going to beat around the bush here. If you haven't seen Washed Out yet, you just plain need to. Having just released newest record Mister Mellow, Ernest Greene is hitting the road to blow some minds.

One stop on the Mister Mellow Tour just so happens to be the 9:30 Club, and I just so happen to have a pair of tickets to give away. 

If you're wanting to get your hands on these tickets (and frankly, why wouldn't you?!), just send me an email with your best pitch about why the tickets should be yours. Make it good. 

Fine print: Contest is for two (2) tickets to this show. Contest closes at noon Eastern on Tuesday, 8/29/17. 

Do me proud, my friends.   



[posted 8.19.17]

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Video of The Day #326: The Cure

There’s a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video Of The Day are a cut (or two) above.

I've been watching the heck out of that classic MTV channel lately, which has been great for getting my much-needed nostalgia fix. Seeing the video for The Cure's "A Night Like This" earlier this week reminded me just how much I adore this song, and why it's one of my favorite Cure numbers. A beautiful, melancholy, gothic love song. The video is just so 80s. And the hair. So much hair.    



[posted 8.19.17]

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The Week In Shows: 8/21/17-8/27/17

Another pretty humid Saturday morning in August seems as good a time as any to plot ones weekly live music schedule, I think. Let's take a look at what's happening in the greater DC metro this week, shall we? Hot diggity!

Have you got your hands on some eclipse glasses yet? Don't forget to exercise caution if you plan on watching Monday's solar eclipse. No one wants burned retinas, my friend. That makes it pretty challenging to see shows. And now, without further ado, here's a look at some of the shows I happen to recommend for the coming week in the greater DC metro area.

And as an aside, if you've got a show coming up you'd like me to consider including in my weekly calendar, just shoot me an email with "Calendar" somewhere in the subject line. Thanks y'all!

MONDAY, 8/21/17

-Waxahatchee + Palehound + Outer Spaces (9:30 Club)

-No Small Children + Petty Indulgences + The Dusty Stars (DC9)

-Lubec + Bo from Harpo (Galaxy Hut)

-Joy on Fire + California Accent + Lost Civilizations (Dew Drop Inn)

WEDNESDAY, 8/23/17

-Sheer Mag + Haram + Roshomon (Black Cat)

-Surf Curse + Lala Lala + Teen Mortgage (DC9)

-The Mattson 2 + FootsXColes (Songbyrd Music House)

-Deep Purple + Alice Cooper + The Edgar Winter Band (Jiffy Lube Live)

THURSDAY, 8/24/17

-Hyetension + Glen Echo + The Slang + Madly (Velvet Lounge)

-All Get Out + Ratboys + Wild Pink (DC9)

FRIDAY, 8/25/17

-Strand of Oaks + Dave Hause & The Mermaid (Rock & Roll Hotel)

-Durand Jones & The Indications + RAYGUNOMICS (DC9)

-Oneida + Heavy Breathing (Comet Ping Pong)

-9:30 Club Summer Movie Series - Purple Rain (9:30 Club)

-Mix Master Mike (Songbyrd Music House)

SATURDAY, 8/26/17

-Puff Pieces + Governess + TK Echo (Comet Ping Pong)

-War On Women + Bat Fangs + We Were Black Clouds (Rock & Roll Hotel)

-Handsome Hound + Bearcat Wildcat + Lucy Isabel (Black Cat)

-The Cowards Choir + Run Come See + The Pinkerton Raid (IOTA Club & Cafe)

-Greta Van Fleet + Goodbye June (DC9 - SOLD OUT)

-The Flamin Groovies (Hill Country Live)

SUNDAY, 8/27/17

-United Against Islamophobia Concert Series (Black Cat)

-Caz Gardiner (Galaxy Hut)

[posted 8.19.17]

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Video of The Day #325: Lost Balloons

There’s a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video Of The Day are a cut (or two) above.

I'm really enjoying this one, my friends. The deceptively tranquil "Noose" from "2-man summertime pop explosion" Lost Balloons is placidly moody, full of much dreaminess and much introspection along with the late summer night sky starriness of the instrumentation. The video is a visual treat, adding some extra whimsy while capturing the essence of the song just so.   





[posted 8.18.17]

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Singles Club: Frankie and The Witch Fingers + Versing + Jess Cornelius

Consider Singles Club your musical matchmaker. I do hope you'll give all these ready to mingle bachelors and bachelorettes your ear as you listen to some new favorite tunes. Read on in the hopes of finding your musical love connection.

Like Ogden Nash gone psych rock, the new single from LA's Frankie and The Witch Fingers is all sorts of out there. From forthcoming long player Brain Telephone, "Learnings of The Light" is a dizzying, stratospheric trip through supernatural strawberry fields, an immersive sonic experience that might very well leave you breathless by the time it's over.     



From the forthcoming Nirvana EP, "Radio Kinski" is a powerhouse. It's Seattle band Versing's vehement, raucous think piece on people who do shitty things but don't get called out about it. Full of unpredictable, textured and tempestuous shifts and about-faces, this one's hard to ignore.  



Jess Cornelius has a pretty fine band, Teeth & Tongue. "Jealousy" is her first solo single, and the lyrical content focuses on that nagging sin we've probably all been saddled with from time to time. The song showcases an ethereal, yet raw voice, simmering with an undeniable smolder. 



[posted 8.13.17]

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On The Road Again: Downtown Boys

Well, well, well. Look who's taking their show on the road?

I've been seeing so much about the new Downtown Boys record on social media lately, it almost feels like everyone's talking about it. And with good reason, it must be said.

The Providence punk purveyors are taking to the road in honor of the release of Cost of Living, and they're not messing around. This tour is long, and it is thorough. Which means, of course, there's lots of chances for lots of folks to go support this badass band.

DOWNTOWN BOYS TOUR DATES    

8/13: Portland, ME @ Space Gallery
8/14: Burlington, VT @ ArtsRiot
8/15: Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar
8/16: Buffalo, NY @ Sugar City
8/17: Detroit, MI @ Marble Bar
8/18: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
8/19: Omaha, NE @ MAHA Festival
8/20: Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
8/21: Lawrence, KS @ White Schoolhouse
8/22: St Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
8/23: Nashville, TN @ DRKMTTR
8/24: Birmingham, AL @ Syndicate Lounge
8/25: Knoxville, TN @ Pilot Light
8/26: Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
8/27: Cincinnati, OH @ Northside Yacht Club
8/28: Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe
8/29: Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Roboto
9/2-9/3: Philadelphia, PA @ Made In America Festival
9/4: Washington, DC @ DC9
9/5: Durham, NC @ Pinhook
9/6: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade - Purgatory
9/7: New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa
9/8: Houston, TX @ Walters
9/9: McAllen, TX @ Yerberia Cultura
9/10: Austin, TX @ Hotel Vegas
9/11: San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
9/12: Dallas, TX @ Dirty 30
9/13: Springfield, MO @ Outland Ballroom
9/14: Iowa City, IA @ The Mill
9/15: Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock
9/16-9/17: Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest
9/19: Vancouver, BC @ Fox Cabaret
9/20: Seattle, WA @ The Vera Project
9/21: Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
9/22: San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
9/23: Los Angeles, CA @ Summer Happenings at The Broad
9/24: Oakland, CA @ Starline Social Club
10/9: Leffinge, Belgium @Cafe De Zwerver
10/10: Paris, France @ Le Point Ephemere
10/11: Brighton, UK @ The Haunt
10/12: Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
10/13: Edinburgh, UK @ Sneaky Pete’s
10/14: Glasgow, UK @ Stereo
10/16: Dublin, Ireland @ The Workman’s Club
10/17: Liverpool, UK @ The Shipping Forecast
10/18: London, UK @ Dome Tufnell Park
10/19: Sheffield, UK @ Picture House Social Club
10/20: Manchester, UK @ Deaf Institute
10/21: Bristol, UK @ Simple Things Festival
10/22: Birmingham, UK @ All Years Leaving Festival
10/24: Cologne, Germany @ Tsunami Club
10/25: Berlin, Germany @ Urban Spree
10/26: Hamburg, Germany @ Hafenklang
10/27: Amsterdam, Netherlands @ London Calling Festival
11/15: Baltimore, MD @ Windup Space
11/16: Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts - Black Box
11/17: Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Night Bazaar



[posted 8.13.17]

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Live Review: The Zombies @ The Birchmere, 7/17/17

I didn't plan on reviewing this show. Having reviewed (and been totally wowed by) The Zombies once before, this was meant to be an off duty outing. I bought tickets to the show as a birthday present for my mother (who's a huge fan of the band), and I was so serious about being a total spectator that I didn't even have a notebook with me at the show. But as the set went on, it became apparent that I would once again be talking about just how much I love seeing The Zombies live.

I wasn't alone in that feeling, either. The Birchmere was totally packed, by the time we got there (well before the show started) the only seats available were way in a dark back corner. The crowd was mixed, the band drawing new generations of fans along with the generation who came of age listening to their impeccable songs. 

From the opening notes of first song "I Love You" it was clear that this was going to be a special night. I don't know how it's possible, but this band manages to sound even better than they did on record all those years back. Colin Blunstone delivered every line with a beatific smile, simply beaming as his heavenly voice gilded each note. 

The banter between songs was charming, my favorite moment perhaps being the anecdote about the band playing a Zombies cover of a Tom Petty cover of a Zombies song ("I Want You Back Again"). The entire 19-song set (encore included) was nothing but gem after gem, so many wonderful songs flowed from this band. All were delivered with precision and passion. But more than that, all were delivered with heart and soul. I don't mean that in a cliched or cheesy sense. I mean it in the sense that this band, more than quite possibly any other band I've ever seen live, plays in a way that expresses just how much they love what they do. And to have been playing these songs for so many years and still give that impression, well, it's a special thing indeed. 

I was almost moved to tears because of the overwhelming feeling of joy that was bestowed upon the audience from these wonderful musicians. It was truly incredible. This show reminded me just how amazing it can be to experience music made by musicians who love what they do, and who love sharing their music with others. To see The Zombies is to see something truly special, and I hope they'll be back soon so more fans can experience it. And when they come back, I hope they'll add their version of "Got My Mojo Workin'" to the set. Because to me, that would truly make them perfect. As it stands, they're pretty darned close.

[photo copyright Megan Petty]

[posted 8.13.17]             

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Video of The Day #324: Split Enz

There’s a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video Of The Day are a cut (or two) above.

File this one under "oldie but (very) goodie," my friends. I've loved this Split Enz gem for a long time now, and the video is sheer 80s silliness. The song itself is blissful new wave addictiveness, perfect for lazing about on a Sunday afternoon. Or, frankly, just plain perfect.   



[posted 8.13.17]

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The Week In Shows: 8/14/17-8/20/17

A humid as all get-out Saturday afternoon in August seems as good a time as any to plot ones weekly live music schedule, I think. Let's take a look at what's happening in the greater DC metro this week, shall we? Hot diggity!

Talk about a dark and stormy night last night. Are we closing in on the Dog Days? As long as there's good music around, who cares, right? And now, without further ado, here's a look at some of the shows I happen to recommend for the coming week in the greater DC metro area.

And as an aside, if you've got a show coming up you'd like me to consider including in my weekly calendar, just shoot me an email with "Calendar" somewhere in the subject line. Thanks y'all!

MONDAY, 8/14/17

-Ezra Mae and The Gypsy Suit + J. Flax & The Heart Attacks (Galaxy Hut)

-Abrams + Jacuzzi Suit (DC9)

-Venn + Looms + Flowerbomb (Jammin Java)

TUESDAY, 8/15/17

-Witch Coast + Growl + Rom (Comet Ping Pong)

-In The Valley Below + Flagship (DC9)

-Olivia Mancini & The Mates + Lisa Said Project + Park Snakes (Black Cat)

WEDNESDAY, 8/16/17

-Fyonha + Nuex (Black Cat)

-Mark Lanegan Band + Duke Garwood + Lyenn (Rock & Roll Hotel)

THURSDAY, 8/17/17

-Oak House + Easter Island + Collider (Black Cat)

-Mystery Friends + Breakfast. + Queue (Rock & Roll Hotel)

FRIDAY, 8/18/17

-The Districts + Sam Evian + Soccer Mommy (9:30 Club - win tix!!)

-Lee Fields & The Expressions + Aztec Sun (Rock & Roll Hotel)

-Bacchae + Ear + Keeper (Black Cat)

-Milo In The Doldrums + Color Palette + Kid Brother (Comet Ping Pong)

SATURDAY, 8/19/17

-Boat Burning + Jao Ocean (Bossa)

-Get The Led Out (The Hamilton)

-Redline Graffiti + Jenna Camille + Crue (Rock & Roll Hotel)

SUNDAY, 8/20/17

-The Beach Boys (Wolf Trap)

[posted 8.12.17]

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Video of The Day #323 (Premiere Edition): Wall of Ears

There's a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video of The Day are a cut (or two) above.

My loves, it brings me the greatest of pleasures to premiere the video for this oddball psych pop nugget from Wall of Ears. 

This kooky kaleidoscope of impossibly catchy sonic curiosities comes from Seattle, CW Lott and company creating a far out, frolicsome gem that's so very weird and wonderful. For an outfit with a mission to "create a surreality we can all live in together," with "We Go Outside" they tick all the boxes. From the new record Hello Beautiful Nothing, the song inhabits all manner of pleasingly peculiar places. It's succor for those who crave the delirium a song like this can inspire.   

The video is exactly as it should be, the vintage footage and effects (and a few don't-try-this-at-home moments) playfully and perfectly giving visual life to the song's every colorfully jangling note.

Check out the video, check out the record, and keep your eye on Wall of Ears.
       





[posted 8.11.17]

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Newsflash!: Win Tickets to Waxahatchee @ 9:30 Club, 8/21/17

You love going to shows. I love giving you tickets to shows. It's a match made in heaven. Read on for how you can win some tickets.

I've been going to shows at the legendary 9:30 Club since I was a teenager, and have seen some of the best of the best grace that venerable stage. It is a pleasure to be offering a pair of tickets to several upcoming 9:30/IMP shows.

It's only natural to be excited about the idea of seeing Waxahatchee live. Badass babe Katie Crutchfield is touring her second long player for Merge, Out In The Storm, and what I've heard so far is mighty fine.

One of the stops on the Waxahatchee summer tour just so happens to be the 9:30 Club, and I've got a pair of tickets that could be yours. 

To win these tickets, send me some email telling me why going to see Waxahatchee would make your day.  

Fine print: Contest is for two (2) tickets to this show. Contest closes at noon Eastern on Saturday, 8/19/17.

Good luck my pretties! 



[posted 8.10.17]

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Video of The Day #322: Frankie Rose

There’s a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video Of The Day are a cut (or two) above.

This here new Frankie Rose song "Dyson Sphere" positively purrs, my friends. Coupled with a divinely brooding, so very 80s synth heartbeat, the honeyed smoke coil of the vocals make this a hard to resist little gem. The video keeps it simple, almost as though the camera was bewitched by the song.   





[posted 8.10.17]

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Video of The Day #321: Bloody Knees

There’s a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video Of The Day are a cut (or two) above.

I'm kind of obsessed with the Bloody Knees song "Not Done." Their fuzzed to the heavens, 90s grunge-inspired ditty is inescapably addictive, all growling riffs and shouty vocals. The video picks up on the throwback feel with grainy home movie footage, showing the band both in action and gallivanting in fields, arcades, and bodies of water. Highly recommended.     


Not Done by Bloody Knees on VEVO.



[posted 8.9.17]

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