Video of The Day #310: Nine Inch Nails

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.

It's been a difficult week, shall we say, so new Nine Inch Nails music today is making my week get a whole lot better. New EP ADD VIOLENCE is out today, and in honor of the new tunes here's a gander at some live footage from last week in Bakersfield. Two blistering, maniacally magnificent songs are featured here: "Branches/Bones" and "Copy of A." It captures the frantic, beautiful chaos (and epic strobe action) that one might encounter seeing NIN live and in person. Divine work by Mr. Reznor and his cohorts.    



[posted 7.21.17]

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Video of The Day #309: Morrissey

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.

The majority of this week week can already kiss my bumper, so I'm feeling like being vintage Morrissey levels of petulant. Here's the Moz visual ode to James Dean, one pompadoured gent's tribute to the life of a pompadoured gent gone far too soon. Also, it's hard to believe this classic gem is pushing 30. 



[posted 7.18.17]

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The Week In Shows: 7/17/17-7/23/17

A hot and steamy Monday afternoon in July 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!

I was getting my beach on this weekend, y'all, and it sure is hard to get back to the daily grind after a lazy, riverside weekend. Mondays can be so cruel. But at least there's some good shows to look forward to. And now, without further ado, here's a look at some of those very shows I happen to recommend for the coming week in the greater DC metro area. And you just might see me at any show with an asterisk...

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, 7/17/17

-The Zombies + Don DiLego (The Birchmere)*

-Gorillaz + Vince Staples + Danny Brown (Merriweather Post Pavilion) 

-Teen Mortgage + Dissonance + Tubefreeks (Fort Reno)

TUESDAY, 7/18/17

-The Who (The Theatre at MGM National Harbor)

-Count Vaseline + Two Inch Astronaut + Western Star (Black Cat)

-Stranger In The Alps (Kennedy Center Millennium Stage Presented by Hometown Sounds)

-Steve Earle & The Dukes + The Mastersons (The Birchmere)

WEDNESDAY, 7/19/17

-Ultimate Painting + Dot Dash (DC9)

-Rod Stewart + Cyndi Lauper (Jiffy Lube Live)

THURSDAY, 7/20/17

-Wylder + Skout (Black Cat)

-The Van Pelt + Positive No + Washers (DC9)

-The Hip Abduction + Black Masala (U Street Music Hall)

-Bitter Medicine + The Southern Ocean + Data Recovery Project (Fort Reno)

FRIDAY, 7/21/17

-Venn + Bottled Up + Melting Death Vapors + Hello Nurse (Black Cat)

-Tank and The Bangas + Sweet Crude (Songbyrd Music House - SOLD OUT)

-Frank Iero + The Homeless Gospel Choir (U Street Music Hall)

-Roxplosion Presents Caustic Casanova + The Meer + Red Feather (Comet Ping Pong)

-This Wild Life + Dryjacket+ A Will Away (Rock & Roll Hotel)

-Hoots & Hellmouth + Devon Gilfillian + LuxDeluxe (Gypsy Sally's)

SATURDAY, 7/22/17

-Chris Stapleton + Ansderson East + Brent Cobb (Jiffy Lube Live)

-Aztec Sun + Big Mama Shakes + Bencoolen (Rock & Roll Hotel)

-Ezra Mae & The Gypsy Moon + Mirrorsigns + Loi Loi (Velvet Lounge)

-Uhh Yeah Dude (9:30 Club)

SUNDAY, 7/23/17

-Ride + Froth (6th & I Synagogue)

-Thurston Moore Group + The Effects (Rock & Roll Hotel)

-The Max Levine Ensemble + Good Shade + Cherry + Psychic Subcreatures (Comet Ping Pong)

[posted 7.17.17]

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Video of The Day #308: Pinact

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.

With explosive bits of fuzz and a hint of 90s nostalgia to their shout insouciance, Scotland's Pinact brings a smile to the face. With "Seams," the trio offers listeners a breathless rush of impetuous energy, while the accompanying video hints at what the band gets up to when they're on stage. Not bad, not bad indeed.

The band is doing a clutch of US dates in a couple weeks, with dates smattered across the Northeast, so get out there and see them up close and personal.     





[posted 7.13.17]

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Video of The Day #307: Julia Jacklin

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.

After seeing her with Mitski this past weekend, I'm now singing the praises of Julia Jacklin. "Eastwick" is some modern day Blue Hawaii blues, with Jacklin drowning out the world with her guitar (and a Blue Hawaiian). Really, I couldn't ask for more.   



[posted 7.11.17]

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Video of The Day #306: Protomartyr

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.

It's a good news day for those of us who dig Protomartyr. The Detroit outfit has newly signed to the excellent Domino Records, is releasing a new record in September, is going out on tour in the fall, and if that isn't enough...there's this video. "A Private Understanding" is brilliant and brutal, full of palpable anxiety, blistering disdain, and isolation. The video touches many of the same nerves, and is almost as engrossing as the complicated and wonderful song itself.      



[posted 7.10.17]

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Newsflash!: Win Tickets to Conor Oberst @ 9:30 Club, 7/26/17

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.

Really, Conor Oberst needs no introduction. This Omaha native has been wearing his heart on his musical sleeve for ages now, through various projects. These days, he'll stop by the 9:30 Club as he tours Salutations.

If you'd like to see Conor when he swings by the DC area on July 26, you're in luck. I'm giving away a pair of tickets to the show. To be considered, just send me an email and tell me why you'd like to see Conor live and in person. Make it good!

Fine print: Contest is for two (2) tickets to this show. Contest closes at noon Eastern on Monday, 7/24/17.



[posted 7.9.17]

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Singles Club: Shout Out Louds + Future Generations + Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

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.

New music from Shout Out Louds is reason for much rejoicing. Not only that, but the Merge stalwarts are coming over from Sweden to do some US dates in late fall. "Jumbo Jet" is thoughtful, effortless Scandipop perfection for troubled times and I've already fallen head over heels for it.  



The dizzying whirlwind of this here new Future Generations ditty is just what the doctor ordered for a late Sunday afternoon. The NYC outfit keeps it super catchy but with depth on "One More Problem," the song proving to be more than just a pretty face. Though it sure it pretty, and rather hard to stop listening to.   



London-based Kitty, Daisy & Lewis just so happen to be keeping it all in the family, literally. On b-side "You're So Fine," these siblings cook up a vintage soul/pop vibe that hits all the right spots with all that wanton shimmy. Mighty fine indeed.   



[posted 7.9.17]

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On The Road Again: Cults

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

It's been four long years since Cults last released a record, and to celebrate the impending Offering long player (out October 6 on Sinderlyn), the (mainly) duo is heading out on a rather extended US tour. The new songs feature plenty of vintage synths, and sound pretty dreamy to me. Consider going to see this delightful outfit when they roll through your burgh.

CULTS TOUR DATES

10.24.17 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
10.15.17 - Rock & Roll Hotel - Washington, DC
10.17.17 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY
10.18.17 - Brighton Music Hall - Boston, MA
10.19.17 - The Hollow - Albany, NY
10.20.17 - Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON
10.21.17 - Marble - Detroit, MI
10.22.17 - Lincoln Hall - Chicago, IL
10.24.17 - Fine Line - Minneapolis, MN
10.25.17 - High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI
10.27.17 - Riot Room - Kansas City, MO
10.28.17 - Globe Hall - Denver, CO
10.29.17 - Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
10.31.17 - Neumos - Seattle, WA
11.1.17 - Star Theater - Portland, OR
11.3.17 - The Chapel - San Francisco, CA
11.4.17 - Pappy and Harriet's - Pioneertown, CA
11.5.17 - The Irenic - San Diego, CA
11.6.17 - Constellation Room - Santa Ana, CA
11.7.17 - Teragram Ballroom - Los Angeles, CA
11.9.17 - Crescent Ballroom - Phoenix Arizona
11.11.17 - Dada - Dallas, TX
11.12.17 - Antone's - Austin, TX
11.13.17 - White Oak Music Hall - Houston, TX
11.14.17 - One Eyed Jacks - New Orleans, LA
11.15.17 - Saturn - Birmingham, AL
11.16.17 - Exit/In - Nashville, TN
11.17.17 - Aisle 5 - Atlanta, GA
11.18.17 - Cat's Cradle - Carrboro, NC
11.19.17 - Ottobar - Baltimore, MD



[posted 7.9.17]

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Video of The Day #305: Spencer Radcliffe & Everyone Else

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.

A tricky thing, trust. Some people give it too easily, some never feel it. In the video for "Trust," Spencer Radcliffe & Everyone Else examines some basic tenets of trust under a gorgeous, tough Wild Western backdrop. Cinematic in its own right, the song itself ambles along a dusty, ramshackle road of its own hard truths.    





[posted 7.9.17]

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The Week In Shows: 7/10/17-7/16/17

The second hot and humid Saturday morning of July 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!

I hope y'all had a wonderful longish weekend, friends. Now it's back to business as usual, which thankfully includes a lot of good shows. And now, without further ado, here's a look at some of those very 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, 7/10/17

-BRONCHO + Billy Changer + Raindeer (DC9)

-Signal 30 + Apollo 66 + The Dupont Circles (Fort Reno)

TUESDAY, 7/11/17

-The Flatliners + Pkew Pkew Pkew + Garrett Dale (Black Cat)

WEDNESDAY, 7/12/17

-Sir Sly + Shaed (Rock & Roll Hotel)

-The Meer + Glen Echo + Rail City (DC9)

-Beth Ditto + U.S. Girls (U Street Music Hall)

THURSDAY, 7/13/17

-Woods + John Andrews & The Yawns (Rock & Roll Hotel)

-Sam OB (Songbyrd Music House)

-Lunamvtic + Tempercrush + Furniteur (Fort Reno)

FRIDAY, 7/14/17

-Royal Headache + The Rememberables + Wildhoney (Black Cat)

-My Morning Jacket + Gary Clark, Jr. (Merriweather Post Pavilion) 

SATURDAY, 7/15/17

-Rent Party + The Radiographers + Cool Baby (Black Cat)

-Night Birds + The Love Songs + Psychic Subcreatures (DC9)

-Nassau + Louis Weeks + Keeper (Songbyrd Music House)

-Merriweather 50th Anniversary Concert (Merriweather Post Pavilion)

SUNDAY, 7/16/17

-The Movies + Weston Smith + Jesse Magenta (Velvet Lounge)

-The Kickback (Black Cat)

[posted 7.8.17]

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Video of The Day #304: The Horrors

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 was really in the mood to talk about The Horrors today, friends. "Still Life" has to be one of my favorite songs of the last decade, and the video is as dizzying and dazzling as the mercurial, magical song for which it was made. Simply breathtaking.  



[posted 7.5.17]

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Newsflash!: Win Tickets to Okkervil River @ The Hamilton, 7/25/17

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.

Okkervil River has been making beautiful music in one iteration or another for just a whisker under 20 years. After a few years of quiet, with ringleader Will Sheff going through some heavy times, the band last year released a new record, and is now hitting the road on a brief jaunt. This "Rarities & Requests" tour will see the band in an acoustic trio format, which will surely lead to some special moments as the band plays songs old and new.

This tour just so happens to be coming through DC on July 25, at the Hamilton. Yours truly just so happens to have a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky person. To win said pair of tickets, email me and tell me why you want to see this very special show. The most moving/touching/inspiring/tear-inducing entry will be my winner. Tickets are going fast for this one, friends, so get your skates on! 

Fine print: Contest is for two (2) tickets to this show. Contest closes at noon Eastern on Friday, 7/21/17. 

For some inspiration, my favorite Okkervil River song. Good luck lads and lasses!     



[posted 7.4.17]

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Singles Club: L.A. Witch + The Lovebirds + Dakota

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.

There really is no end to my love for L.A. Witch. These wonderfully witchy women bring some serious slink to their gritty, feisty racket. "Kill My Baby Tonight" plays up their purringly vintage, blackest midnight beach party vibe, proving to be as incredibly infectious as it is teeth-baringly menacing.   



From L.A. to San Francisco, where The Lovebirds perch. Instantly, "Filled With Hate" calls to mind the undeniable appeal of vintage Teenage Fanclub, with some mighty fine fuzz keeping things from being overly twee. Catchy enough to get your foot tapping in no time.     



Dutch damsels Dakota come across mercurial in their ethereal new concoction "Silver Tongue." Dream pop with an underlying urgency lurking underneath all that pretty languidity, the song is lush and layered, with breathy vocals and complexity the order of the day. 



[posted 7.2.17]

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