Video Grab Bag: The Monkees
It won’t let me embed, but go and watch it anyway. This particular video for Daydream Believer showcases both Davy Jones’ voice and the daffy fun that was The Monkees TV show, which I know I watched as a small child, either in re-runs or in syndication. If Whitney Houston made me want to dance … Read more
Name That Face: Randy Travis vs Randy Newman
Good morning, NTSIBbers, and welcome to the first installment of Name That Face. It’s a new thing I’m doing, inspired by some of the epic and sometimes (often) ridiculous mistakes I’ve made over the years in confusing one artist with another for a wide variety of reasons. If you’ve got any suggestions (or puzzles you’d … Read more
Jon Gant & His Band: A Rough Start to the Night
A Rough Start to the Night is Canadian singer/songwriter Jon Gant‘s eighth album. It was recorded in Calgary with Lorrie Matheson, and Gant’s new band, which is Scott Munro (Chad Vangaalen, Gunther) on upright bass, Chris Dadge (Lab Coast, Samantha Savage Smith) on Drums, Chris Vail (Key To The City) on mandolin and Lawrence Nasen … Read more
Dolly Varden: Mouthful of Lies
Dolly Varden is: Steve Dawson (vocals, guitars, piano), his wife Diane Christiansen (vocals, guitar, organ), Mark Balletto (back-up vocals, guitars, lap steel), Mike Bradburn: (back-up vocals and bass) and Matt Thobe (back-up vocals, drums and piano). My favorite fact about them is that they named their band after a “rare and beautiful trout” that was … Read more
Video Grab Bag: Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears were the 2nd opening act at the Flogging Molly show I went to earlier this week, and they were excellent. Because of a combination of factors (being late because of school and mysterious venue shenanigans) I only got to hear maybe two and a half songs, but those two … Read more
Postcards from the Pit: TESLA / Built By Stereo, Irving Plaza, 2/17/12
TESLA, on the 25th Anniversary of the Five Man Acoustical Jam. I waited 25 years for this show, and it was worth every minute. The experience was all the sweeter because I made new friends in the line, and they saved me a spot on the rail. So not only did I get to see … Read more
Saturday Matinee: Motor City’s Burning
From John Lee Hooker’s stop-over up to Eminem, here’s a documentary on the incredible, influential, unforgettable contributions of Detroit, Michigan, to modern music. (Respect to Lenny Kaye for mentioning the Demolition Doll Rods.) Motor City’s Burning – Detroit from Motown to The Stooges – 2008 from sjx on Vimeo.
The Far West Play the Louisiana Hayride
Obviously that headline is a complete fabrication, but it made you look, didn’t it? If you don’t already have this great little song stuck in your head for all of eternity, here’s your chance! The brand new video for “Bitter, Drunk and Cold” from the Far West. Nice threads, guys! The Far … Read more
A Good Read, a Good Listen, and a Good Drink: Nate Burrell
It’s a simple yet sublime pleasure, and just thinking about it can make you feel a little calmer, a little more content. Imagine: You bring out one of the good rocks glasses (or your favorite mug or a special occasion tea cup) and pour a couple fingers of amber liquid (or something dark and … Read more
Wasara: Hehku
Wasara is a death metal/folk hybrid from Finland, and they just recently released a new record called Hehku (“The Glow”). It is a dark, brooding gem of a record, and as soon as I heard it I wanted to know more about both the songs and the people singing them. Here, lead singer/lyricst Antti Åström … Read more