New Music : August 24, 2010 - August 30, 2010

Eels "Tomorrow Morning"

There’s pretty much nothing groundbreaking about this new Eels’ album, their ninth studio recording. Most loyal fans should recognize bits and pieces from the previous works of frontman and songwriter Mark Oliver Everett. The usual affected drum-and-electric piano stomp, winsome folk, the static of an old transistor radio. What they might not recognize is the optimism in his lyrics. It’s especially welcome after years of songs that plunged listeners into depression. This album is ostensibly about redemption, a peculiar concept to associate with Eels. Pulling away the gloom lets Everett’s songs shine, and helps coalesce the distant strands of a complex career. Songs like “Spectacular Girl” pushes a hard drumbeat, and calls to mind “Susan’s House” off 1996’s Beautiful Freak. “I Like The Way This Is Going,” meanwhile, is a bright-eyed love letter, with easy charm and a passing resemblance to “Packing Blankets,” off 2000’s Daisies Of The Galaxy. Both songs draw smiles, and they aren’t the only ones here that do. Everett is a complicated dude, and perhaps he’ll return to the dark stuff soon, but this new album should prove to be a welcome change of pace.

Kate Perry "Teenage Dream"

Throughout the summer of 2010, Katy Perry has dominated the airwaves with the irresistible "California Gurls" and seems determined to make the summer last as long as she can. Just in time for the summer to end, she finally releases the album with hopes to keep the sizzle going. Perry has cited Madonna, ABBA and the Cardigans as big influences on her sophomore studio album, the follow-up to her multimillion-selling debut "One of the Boys." Her 2nd coming definitely hits fans with radio-friendly grooves, produced by the pop-art sounds of Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Stargate, Tricky Stewart, and Greg Wells. In the "Hummingbird Heartbeat," the album nails that weird middle ground between heart-on-the-sleeve emo and Top 40 pop that Kelly Clarkson works so well. But much of the potential fun is undercut by dark sentiments ("Circle the Drain"), and overall the lyrics are cloying and clunky. "Teenage Dream" definitely delivers a sweet sugar rush, but also leaves a bitter aftertaste.

Fantasia "Back To Me" 

Has it really been four years since her last record?  The winner of Season 3 of "American Idol" has kept herself busy while time flew. She published an autobiography, was the center of a VH1 reality show, starred in a Lifetime TV movie and the Broadway musical "The Color Purple." Keeping herself busy by creating work to satisfy her beloved fans, Fantasia had been inspired to give the title of her third album, "Back to Me."  She felt that now was as good time as ever to go back to how things used to be when America first laid their eyes on her during 'American Idol.  As if her fans weren't already, Fantasia wanted to focus everyone's attention back to her and back to the music that everyone can relate to and enjoy. In addition to her current R&B hit, "Bittersweet," the disc includes writing and production credits from Ne-Yo and Jim Jonsin, a collaboration with Cee-Lo Green ("The Thrill Is Gone"), and a reprise of "I'm Here," her showstopping number from "The Color Purple." 

JJ Grey & Mofro "Georgia Warhorse" 

JJ Grey's sound has been called swamp music, but it's a helluva lot more than that. Grey’s fifth album, Georgia Warhorse, was recorded a St. Augustine, Fla.’s Retrophonics studio, and it’s a Southern-fried ride through funk, soul and straight-ahead blues. Grey writes, composes and arranges every aspect of this CD, and accordingly, his stamp is all over it — and this disc is evidence that he’s one of the freshest talents emerging from North Florida. From powerful opener “Diyo Dayo” to more poignant tracks such as “King Hummingbird” and “Gotta Know,” each song reads like a short story, with Grey putting on a show with his storytelling abilities and gritty vocal delivery. It’s not a fully consistent release — he loses his pace on tracks such as “All” and “Lullaby” — but it’s a keeper. Swamp music it ain’t, but it’s done the Everglades proud.

Little Big Town "The Reason Why"

The band best known for their platinum-selling 2005 album "The Road to Here" have undergone their share of personal heartaches over the years, but two things have remained unchanged since the country vocal quartet's inception back in 1998. The line-up of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet is still going strong after 10+ years. Their trademark vocal harmonies. And both still seem as strong as ever on their fourth full-length. The new release has had its share of ups and downs, from the heart-tugging "Shut Up Train" to the rip-roaring "Little White Church," but those differences are only matters of tempo and sentiment.

Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan "Hawk"

This new creation from the collaborate team of Isobel Campbell (formerly of Belle & Sebastian) and Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age). Though their voices don't sound very much like the perfect duet, they certainly possess enough complexities of an oddball cult duo. With Campbell's breathy soprano juxtaposed with Lanegan's gruff, weathered bass on eight of the 13 Americana-inflected selections, they give fans of both groups the satisfaction of mashing the band's distinctive vocal sounds together in harmony. Produced by Campbell, the pair's third collaborative outing also includes contributions from the Smashing Pumpkins' James Iha and singer-songwriter Willy Mason. Highlights include a mysterious reading of "Snake Song" by the late Townes Van Zandt.

!!!(chk-chk-chk) "Strange Weather, Isn't It?" 

This Dance-rock combo have unleashed some amazing underground singles over the ast few years, most notably 2003's epic "Me and Giuliani Down by the School Yard (A True Story)," but their albums weren't nearly as impressive until 2007's "Myth Takes." Three years later, their newest release sounds like their most cohesive full-length album to boot. Recorded in Berlin, New York, and Sacramento, Calif., and co-produced by the band and Eric Broucek (former house engineer for the trendy DFA imprint), the album has already spun off a trio of summer jams: The mesmerizing "AM/FM," the metallic funk of "The Most Certain Sure," and the album's high point, "Steady as the Sidewalk Cracks," an Afrobeat-tinged post-punk freak-out that makes Vampire Weekend sound positively anemic. The album will surely get your groove on.

 

Other New Releases Worth Checking Out:
(Have not listened to, but please feel free to post a review)  

• The Dandy Warhols "The Capital Years: 1995-2007" 
• BARB "BARB" 
• Dead Confederate "Sugar"

Concert Attendance Is In Turmoil ... But Not In Philly?

Read amongst our reviews and you'll see no signs of concerts feeling the pinch of the economy. You might even go as far as to say that concerts are "recession proof" since music and entertainment are great ways to escape from world issues. With old festivals like The Lilith Fair and Lollapalozza revamping and the usual summer mega tours like the Vans/Warp Tour and OzzFest still active among all these years, who could even think of such a dilemma as low attendance would be present. Well, many have reported that this year, along with the past few years, has been burdened by low ticket sales and low attendance. As recent as the Lilith Fair Tour stop at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, one could spot a sea of empty seats. Just another sign for some concertgoers and concert promoters that Summer 2010 was proving to be a season of lowly figures and disappointing attendance.

 The estrogen driven Lilith Fair, in particularly, has had its battle with attendance and finances as most huge festival concerts in this industry have had.  Ten of the 36 originally scheduled shows for the tour were canceled due to lack of sales. Some of the more elaborate and expensive acts like Kelly Clarkson or Queen Latifah who were excited to originally be on as participants, have now dropped out of the rotating lineups. Up and coming, nu-soul sensation Janelle Monae also bid farewell right before the start of the tour.

Jonathan Takiff, writer for the Philadelphia Daily News, writes in a column that "by my nose count, fewer than 5,000 people were floating around the 25,000-capacity, riverside venue July 28. Most were planted, initially, in the really cheap lawn seats costing just $10, if you timed your purchase right." He also states that this years show lineups were even more weakened by the rash of cancellations of tours from big draws like Christina Aguilera, Limp Bizkit, Simon & Garfunkel and select date cancellations from the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna and the American Idol crew. Even the ever growing sensation and popularity of country music couldn't stop cancellations from country-rock crossover bill of the Eagles, Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. Even the popular Barenaked Ladies did even worse than Lilith and Kings of Leon still had a lot of seats to fill during the day of. Thats not to say that there were no great turnouts. The center's season opened to a packed house withthe WXTU Country Show. As well as the Phish and the Dave Matthews tours each doing their part to fill the huge venue. Jimmy Buffett's two shows looked promising - one already a full sellout, the other a few hundred seats shy of going clean.

Yeah, we know.

To ad to the dismay of the once powerful industry, reports of downturn in sales by Live Nation, the world's most dominant concert promoter and order processor through its recently acquired Ticketmaster division, are popping up in financial news medias. Being a publicly traded company doesn't help  Live Nation much as they are required to reveal their financial results every quarter.

The live show giant revealed a net loss for the concert division of $34.6 million for the last quarter while ticket sales are down 12.6 percent. Their projected adjusted operating income for the entire year looks to be down about 10 percent from 2009.

Even with the continued weakness of the economy, there are still many concert venues, regions and cities that are still performing above the economic turmoil. For the city of Philadelphia, this fact could not be any more evident.

The city just underwent a revitalizing of two major concert event venue in the Mann Center for the Performing Arts and the Dell Music Center. Both have scored some successful shows this summer. Working in a new partnership with AEG Concerts, the Mann lured 20,000 Dead fans to their West Fairmount Park for a two day 4th of July show. This even caused most of the concert goers to stay overnight in the City of Brotherly Love. Idina Menzel, whose fan base rose thanks in part to Fox's TV show, "Glee." Along with those successes, underground sensation Arcade Fire were able to raise their ticket sales in this region, for this venue, to about 8,000 ticket sales. The Grammy winning band never got airplay on commercial radio, but still had success in this area.

The municipally-owned Dell, formerly Robin Hood Dell East, reported its first sellout of the season by getting 7,000 concert goers to check out the double bill of Teena Marie and Keith Sweat. The refurbished (see sidebar) East Fairmount Park summer concert facility has booked top-billing from acts like George Clinton, War, the Urban Guerilla Orchestra and the Latin Jazz Ensemble which should garner even more success. The newly crowned Wells Fargo Center (formerly Wachovia Center) recently notched a 12,000-plus figure for Maxwell and Jill Scott on June 19 along with two full houses for the James Taylor and Carole King  "Troubadour" reunion tour. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' two shows recorded one complete sellout and the other close to it. The South Philly event arena is still going strong with fast sellouts already notched for Paul McCartney (two nights,) Roger Waters (three nights doing "The Wall") and teen sensation Justin Bieber.

During his interview with Jonathan Takiff for the Daily News, Chief Operating Officer for Global Spectrum, John Page stated "Philadelphia's such a great music market. It goes back to the infancy of the touring business. So as tough as the economics are, if it's priced right, people will still come out to see the show." Global Spectrum is the Comcast-Spectacor entity that operates the Wells Fargo Center. "So as tough as the economics are, if it's priced right, people will still come out to see the show."

Yet, one can't ponder upon this topic without taking a look at the high cost of tickets and ticket processing fees, not to mention the wacky ancillary fees. As most artists might argue, concerts are their only REAL means of income from their music since the advent of downloading mp3's.

As most in the industry know, in order to keep all its concert facilities buzzing, Live Nation makes exclusive deals with artists by agreeing to huge guarantees. The promoting company promised a reported $400,000 a night for this year's "American Idols" production and $700,000 a night to Tom Petty.

But these deals, essentially giving the artist all the ticket revenue, only work if there's a full house, and Live Nation can make decent money on the food, drink and parking fees. If attendance drops even just 10 percent, the deal goes down with it.

For this concert season, Live Nation offered tickets free of service charges to early buyers, and bargain $10 lawn seats for a limited spell a few weeks before the show, just to put fill in the empty seats in the house. Meanwhile, the mega promoters offered a buyer's remorse offer, giving you three days to change your mind and get your money back after making a purchase. In the future, there are talks about standardizing a now-experimental "all-in" ticket that wraps the Ticketmaster processing charge into the advertised price of a seat, rather than socking it to you separately at, say $20 a pop.

As good as most of the offers may do the concert business, industry experts say those discounted tickets cause as much harm as good because they allow concert goers to wait for a bargain deal instead and go to outside companies who resell tickets.This leaves everyone involve to count on last minute ticket buyers or "door" sales. Do they really need another reason to bite their nails? The Mann Center sold 1,000 tickets for the Arcade Fire show.

There can be a surmountable amount of issues that factor into why ticket sales in many areas are up. Many can go the financial statistic routes and say that global economic issues are the bigger cause or some may go the operational route and state that with increase of processing fees and the percentages of the ticket sales being divided into too many components may be causing the dismay. Others may go to even point at the social trends of people just hooking themselves up to their computers and hearing their favorite down loadable artists or watch them from their friend's Youtube posting of their cell phone recording of a great show.

 

 I'd like to go the simpler route in stating that if music these days weren't the digitally enhanced, auto-tuned, sample ridden, layer after layer of crud production that it is now and artists were left to be "artists" where as they sang their lungs out, played instruments, danced and engaged themselves with loyal fans, then perhaps many will flock in to be "dazzled." Should it be the economy that we're looking at or should we put some eyes and ears onto the quality of shows, acts and stage performances? A wise music lover once said - "if the music was worth hearing and the artist was worth seeing , then people will come at ANY price." 

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: August 19th

North Star Bar:

  Headliner: The Bridge

  Opening Act: Three Legged Fox

  Doors: 6:30pm / Show: 7pm 

  Tickets:$10

  The Bridge is a rock band whose music combines elements of blues and roots, added with some funk and then, soul. They've recently become known coast-to-coast, and even in Europe, for their gritty and grand live performances and poignantly hand crafted albums. Following in the tradition of classic / southern roots rock, and flavoring their sound with Americana sensibilities, the band has built their own niche between the jam, country, and bluegrass genres. They are traveling nationwide to promote their most recent CD, "Blind Man's Hill", which spent over 3 months in the Americana Radio Top 40.

   

Johnny Brendas:

  Headliner: Panic Years

  Opening Act: Atomic Square / The Defog

  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm 

  Tickets:$10

  Formed in 2007 by two former band-mates, Edward and Amy in the Virginia Beach area where they thought the local music community was lacking support and and were disheartened by being in bands. They decided to start collaborating on a few old ideas and a few new ones with the goal of simply writing good songs. In early 2008, they teamed up with old friends and former Capitol recording artists Mark Padgett and Rob Sweitzer, to produce and record their first self titled Ep. The collabo resulted in a collection of songs that reflect who Edward and Amy are as songwriters. After recording the album, Amy and Edward packed up and moved to Philly where they met Adam Smith and Kevin Kurtz, and are currently playing shows and writing new material. 

World Cafe Live:

  Headliner: Lee "Scratch" Perry

  Opening Act: Lionize

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm 

  Tickets:$28 - $38

  The Godfather of dub and reggae, Grammy winning reggae icon Lee 'Scratch' Perry returns with the sexually charged club anthem "Pum Pum," - the debut single from his latest LP. The album, "Repentance," touches on a multitude of genres ranging from hip-hop & dancehall to club ready dance hits. Perry created a sound in the 60's and 70's that can easily be seen as the prelude to the dance, hip hop and pop music genres which makes it easy to see where artists from Jay Z, Santogold, Hot Chip, M.I.A., to Spank Rock cut their teeth and found their sound. He continues to influence the musical landscape of today by redefining every genre of music he touches with his unprecedented vision and production expertise. He remains revered by his peers and seen as one of the most influential artists by many of todays contemporary performers.

Trocadero:

  Headliner: Dean Wareham (plays Galaxie 500)

  Opening Act: Dean & Britta Band / Crystal Stilts

  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm 

  Tickets:$21

  Though there's 4 different bands mentioned on this show, the concert revolves around 3 acts that Dean Wareham created. Dean was responsible for or is a member of Galaxie 500 and Dean& Britta.  He formed the band Galaxie 500 in 1987 and after leaving in April 1991, he founded the band Luna. Since Luna's breakup in 2005, Wareham has released albums with fellow Luna bandmate (and wife) Britta Phillips. He also works as a film composer, Dean & Britta have been working on film scores (most notably Noah Baumbach's movie, The Squid and the Whale), and promoting the documentary film of Luna's farewell tour Tell Me Do You Miss Me.

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: August 18th

Rittenhouse Square Park:

  Headliner: A Place To Bury Strangers

  Opening Act: Homophones

  Show: 7pm 

  Tickets: FREE 

  One of the loudest bands from New York is back in town for a free show tonight. Their sound is indeed loud, heavy, fuzzed out and heavy on the shoegazey. Rumor, however, has it that their newest record ditched much of the volume for more concise songwriting and a focus on melody. The first track "It Is Nothing" is a total amp melting Bailter Space style dream fuzz blowout, looped mantra like vocals, massive washes of blurred guitar, hypnotic drumming that you'll come to enjoy at their shows. The sonic touchstones of influences or similarities apply - Jesus And Mary Chain, Loop, My Bloody Valentine, Spacemen 3 and especially Bailter Space. With vocals being quite washed out and weary, the drums a solid propulsive pound the bass wiggly and melodic, a band like this could be all about the guitars. They are seemingly always on the verge of careening out of control, throbbing and buzzing, soaring and screeching, grinding out thick chunks of caustic crunch, or unfurling a gauzy sheet of glimmery haze.

North Star Bar:

  Headliner: Patterns 

  Opening Act: Welter / Plushgun / Cheat To Win

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm 

  Tickets: $8

  Patterns is an experimental rock project from West Philly. They came together in late 2008, the current line-up of the band consists of founding members Brendan Burke(guitars, effects, noise), Mike Wyman(bass guitar, effects, noise), and Brian McClure(drums, percussion). Their show tonight is to showcase their 2 year long project of playing with each other, formatting their sound, solidifying an identity to what they've been experimenting on. They'll catch your ears first with their riffs and noise as they often have more of than vocals in their songs.

Trocadero:

  Headliner: Desoto Jones

  Opening Act: Bright & Early / Opening Day / Eyes On The Prize

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 7:30pm 

  Tickets: $12

  After a long hiatus both from the studio and from tours, Desoto Jones are back. In their absence, however, they were pretty busy. For one, they had to say goodbye to close friends and family, guitarist Chris Gill and drummer Justin Staszewski. It was very hard but it was what made the most sense for everyone.They then went through a search for new members and welcomed in new rhythm guitarist and backing vocals Greg Townsend and new drummer Adam Francois. After a few sessions together and finding their new and awesome sound to be in working order, they partnered with the Camden Riversharks baseball team to write and record the team's new theme song to commemorate the baseball team's 10th season and will be heard at every game for the 2010 season. They also released "Inward Telescopic," a new EP this past June. Check out their new sound tonight. With their new line up, they still kept their sound and could possibly have had an upgrade.

Electric Factory:

  Headliner: Crystal Castles 

  Opening Act: None Listed

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm 

  Tickets: $25

  This thrash, hypnotic, techno, experimenting duo, named after She-Ra's home, are in town tonight to promote their new release, "Crystal Castles II." Ethan Kath and Alice Glass will be showcasing their pulsing and pounding sound topped with Alice's often haunting vocals. Get ready to get your groove on to their disco tech, experimental, yet danceable tunes. The rhythms and beats they garner tend to get that trippy aura that only a few rave and techno DJ's are able to pull off, but then they total do a 360 and bring you to heavy rock, thrash sounds to trigger your senses. It just gives you a great listen to the versatility of their sound and the strength and range of their vocals. So whether your grooving to the beats or raving to the rhythms...just make sure you do it with them in the room!!

Keswick Theater:

  Headliner: Mary Chapin Carpenter

  Opening Act: Dar Williams

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 7:30pm 

  Tickets: $36; $46

  Mary Chapin Carpenter was part of a small movement of folk-influenced country singer/songwriters of the late '80s. Although many of these performers never achieved commercial success, Carpenter was able to channel her anti-Nashville approach into chart success and industry awards by the early '90s. Many have been fans of MCC's kickback celebrations of fiercely independent women and her somewhat introspective ballads. She had a long hiatus of not performing, but is now back and a lot of fans couldn't be happier. There will be plenty of the kickback felt in her show with the big band that she travels with and whose members are all the very top notch and at the top of their game. Her vocals are from the soul, her lyrics from the heart and when they come together she creates songs that talk about being true to yourself and the world around you.

Susquehanna Bank Center:

  Headliner: Last Girl On Earth Tour Presents - Rihanna

  Opening Act: Kesha

  Doors: 6pm / Show: 7:30pm 

  Tickets: $31 - Lawn; $46 - $106

  Since the turn of the century, every American summer has seemed to produce one or two Caribbean-styled dance-pop hit sensations, and the summer of 2005 was no different, as the relentless dancehall-lite booming rhythms of Rihanna's "Pon de Replay" seemed as omnipresent as sunshine. Like Daddy Yankee ("Gasolina") and Sean Paul ("Get Busy") in summers prior, Rihanna emerged initially as an unknown superstar, known far more for her song than for herself. Unlike Daddy Yankee and Sean Paul, however, she is a woman -- a young and beautiful green-eyed one, to be more specific. Her show is sure to bring about a great performance with a lot of energy. She's riding a sort of comeback wave to erase her dram with Chris Brown. Everyone knew, though that as soon as she went back into the studio, recorded a few tracks and sent the album into shelves, everything would be ok. Well, it went far from just ok. Single after single from her new album, "Rated R", brought about monster tracks and tons of publicity for the young singer from Barbados. She spent the next few months being almost everywhere and at times, all at once! This show promises to give fans a glimpse of her new album that set to release in late 2010.

New Music : August 17, 2010 - August 23, 2010

John Mellencamp "No Better Than This"

The "cougar" is back from a long studio album hiatus with his sepia-tone Americana sound. Working alongside producer T Bone Burnett (who previously helmed the stellar "Life Death Love and Freedom"), Mellencamp recorded at a trio of historic locations: First African Baptist Church in Savannah, GA; Memphis' legendary Sun Studios; and a San Antonio, TX hotel room where bluesman Robert Johnson recorded in 1936. These thirteen stripped-down songs were captured on vintage equipment, using a single microphone—the kick drum at points sounds like someone thumping a shoebox—yet that unique element embodies Mellencamp's performances with added gravity.


Ray LaMontagne "God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise"

Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs has come about with a down home vibe for their new album. They recorded it at LaMontagne's domicile in western Massachusetts. The follow-up to "Gossip in the Grain," which entered the charts at #3, is the raspy-voiced troubadour's first self-produced full-length. The overall sound here is brighter, but the both albums still share similar musical sensibilities, blending elements of country, blues, gospel, and more. The chugging "Devil's in the Jukebox" gets an extra jolt from some inspired harmonica playing, while "Beg Steal or Borrow," with its underpinning of pedal steel, is eerily reminiscent of Joni Mitchell.


Trace Adkins "Cowboy's Back in Town"

This "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" hit-maker has been an everywhere in the media for the last few years, as a finalist on "The Celebrity Apprentice," the inspiration for a comic book, even the voice of a KFC television commercial. He also racked up trophies from the ACM and CMT for "Hillbilly Bone," his recent album duet with Blake Shelton. His latest features the cuts "Hold My Beer" and "Kick A Man's Ass," as well as the single "This Ain't No Love Song." He racks up a few twangs and great new tunes to keep him in the limelight and hopefully not have to leave town. This new Adkins album marks his debut for Toby Keith's Show Dog record label.


Iron Maiden "The Final Frontier"

 
It's been four years since Kings of Metal's "A Matter of Life and Death" and boy, have fans been waiting for a new studio album. Good thing they filled the gap up with some tour dates to keep fan appetites from diminishing. This marks the longest gap between studio albums from the British metal icons in their 35 year span. Their popularity, however, remains undiminished, as evidenced by last year's "Iron Maiden: Flight 666" tour documentary. And they make up for lost time on this new album. Working with producer Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Journey), the band gives fans something substantial to chew on: Running more than 75 minutes, this is Maiden's longest record yet. The majority of the tunes are over seven minutes long, with the epic closer "When the Wind Blows" clocking in at 10:59.


Kem "Intimacy: Album III"

Detroit native Kem spent five years making his latest cut, but claims the personal trials he faced while writing and recording the disc pushed him to reveal more of himself in the music. The purveyor of sophisticated, adult-oriented R&B, who scored big in 2002 with his hit "Love Calls," is joined here by a couple notable guest stars. Grammy Award-winner Jill Scott contributes a spoken word bit to "Golden Days," while Motown alumnus David Van De Pitte—the conductor and arranger on Marvin Gaye's 1971 masterpiece "What's Going On"—puts the string section of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra through its paces on the lead single, "Why Would You Stay."

Matthew Dear "Black City"

The self proclaimed electronic music polymath just recently relocated from Detroit to New York, but he really got down in a musical metropolis of his own making. His newest is an aural adventure full of curious, nocturnal grooves, such as the minimalist funk of "I Can't Feel" and the mix of ultra-glide keyboard sounds and sinewy bass running through "Little People (Black City)." While not quite as overtly poppy as its predecessor, 2007's top-notch "Asa Breed," Dear's fourth album under his own name (apparently he has aliases) exerts an irresistible allure nevertheless.



Other New Releases Worth Checking Out:
(Have not listened to, but please feel free to post a review)  

• Leslie Stevens and the Badgers "Roomful of Smoke"
• Original Soundtrack: "The Switch"  
• Brian Wilson "Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin"
• Megan McCormick: "Honest Words" 
• Chief: "Modern Rituals" 
• Esperanza Spalding: "Chamber Music Society" 

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: August 17th

Kung Fu Nectie:

  Headliner: Delta Mirror

  Opening Act: The Ropes / Soars

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm 

  Tickets: $10

  This trio from Los Angeles claim their likeness to bands named the Big Pink and Fuck Buttons. Their style is a mix of shoegaze and electronics. DM is less expansive and less noisy, respectively, than most acts: Their debut album, "Machines That Listen" is more mello and a bit down-tempo, but a definite ear candy that may get the repeat button worn off. Their musical beats are savvy as they seamlessly transition their sounds from tempo to tempo. The trio’s Craig Gordon and David Bolt no doubt picked up most of their thump while working on their previous hip-hop project . Lyrically, each song takes place in a different room of a hospital; it’s an emotional and conceptual palette that mirrors the Antlers’ Hospice. There are three voices at play, including bassist Karrie K’s, but it’s a gothy baritone that pushes most of the songs.

Johnny Brendas:

  Headliner: Cave

  Opening Act: Birds of Maya / The Signals

  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm 

  Tickets: $10

  When their new album, Pure Moods, released late this spring, little was known about them or their sound. However, Chicago's Cave were thought to have spiritually hailed from some weird world where the German pulse of Can and Amon Düül II overlap with the sound of post-punk Britain. This made for an interesting comment as well as something that the band had to live up to. They've got a great rythmic tempo to their riffs and chords and absolutely take you in with the thumps on their beat. Lyrically, their all about some nonsense and parties, but definitely a great mix of vocal echoes harmonies within screams. Their speedy psychedelic rhythms are enough to bring any concert goer back to the sixties, but as soon as you get there, they fast forward you back to help you remember what year you're really in. Groove ON!!   

Susquehanna Bank Center:

  Headliner: Creed

  Opening Act: Skillet / Theft

  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm 

  Tickets: $16.25 - Lawn; 26.25

  The rock band from Tallahassee, Florida , who disbanded in 2004 after three multi-platinum albums along with selling 26 million records in the US and 35 million records worldwide, are back after their 2009 reunion announcement. Original members consisting of lead vocalist Scott Stapp, guitarist and backing vocalist Mark Tremonti, drummer Scott Phillips and bassist Brian Marshall have been back together since spring of 2009. They are continuing the support of their latest album,"Full Circle," with a stop in the Philly area. After nearly 7 years apart, they come back and seem to be better than ever with a performance their fans will never forget. These days, the band is more all about rock power, harmonies, riffs, energy and they show lots of it. They're sure to hit up the stage with their classics, but when they channel their performance to their new sound and album, you'll even here Tremonti's take on vocals. Welcome Back Boys - Keep it Comin!

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: August 13th

Kung Fu Nectie:

  Headliner: The Hounds Below

  Opening Act: The Great Unknown / Ari Shine

  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm 

  Tickets: $10

  The Hounds Below, a new group formed by Jason Stollsteimer of the Von Bondies, inject a fresh vitality into the moonlit sounds of early rock and roll. Comprised of one voice, two guitars, bass, organ, trombone and drums, the band utilizes a full range of dynamics, swelling from sparse to full, as directed by the mood of the song. All this provides a lush background for Stollsteimer's reverberating voice. Inspired by a classic era of music, the Hounds Below have an innovative sound--think Roy Orbison meets Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Whether live or recorded, their alluring melodies will captivate and haunt all who listen. 

Starlight Ballroom:

  Headliner: This Is Hardcore - Kickoff Weekend

  Acts: Sheer Terror / Ink And Dagger / Kid Dynamite / Cro Mags / Merauder / Killing Time / Bane                      Ceremony / Blacklisted / Cold World / Bulldoze / Trapped Under Ice / Ringworm / Horror Show                Wisdom In Chains / Pulling Teeth / Title Fight / Foundation / Starkweather / Clubber Lang                      OutBreak / the Rival Mob / Touche Amore / Punch / Agitator / Death Before Dishonor                            Killer / Backtrack / Creatures / New Lows / Judas / Xibalba / The Love Below / Seraphim
           Expire / Cut Short / Reign Supreme / Mother Of Mercy / Hands Tied / Ruiner / Nails / Mindset
           Truth N Rights / Homicidal / Almost Home / Hour Of the Wolf / Accident Prone

  Doors: 4pm / Show: 5pm 

  Tickets: SOLD OUT!!

  The fest has had 4 successful years because of its KICK ASS lineups year in and year out providing 3 days of the best bands in a great venue.Hardcore fests have grown from a few dotting the two coasts to a twelve month calendar full of regional fests that have given light to the many bands that are popping out of this nation and abroad. It's been known to mix bands that have been in hiding and on the come up, as well as the old veterans who are looking to make comebacks. They've built a "chill" atmosphere boasting a venue with no barricades, friendly security and zero violence on top of not overcharging for a lackluster lineup. What else do you need to get in?? Besides a ticket because its SOLD OUT! This year's lineup isn't littered with bands that you’ll see on every fest going on, but it will give you all the chance to see many bands who aren’t touring 8 months a year or playing 3 other fests.

North Star Bar:

  Headliner: The Dead Peasants Featuring Chris Shiflett (of the Foo Fighters)

  Opening Act: The Great Unknown / Ari Shine

  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm 

  Tickets: $10

  The Foo Fighters' guitarist Chris Shiflett has taken a detour off the radio rock superhighway and found himself on a country road. This time around, he finds himself coaxing twangy laments out of his Martin acoustic, finding giddy-up in a couple of open-road electric numbers and rounding out of the Peasants' sound with mandolin, pedal steel and keys.

Johnny Brendas:

  Headliner: The Armchairs ( CD Release)

  Opening Act: The Extraordinaires / Hop Along, Queen Ansleis / Agent Moosehead

  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm 

  Tickets: $10

  Philly native and psych-pop quartet the Armchairs make their sound seem more like they come from some forgotten desert commune where psychedelia never went out of style. The band claims to have the Os Mutantes and the Mothers of Invention among their influences, and it's clear why. Their fun, tripped-out, harmonized breakdowns and bizarre lyrics, dips deep from the well of quirky pop.

World Live Cafe:

  Headliner: Beth Orton

  Opening Act: Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm 

  Tickets: $29 ; $40; $50

  Beth Orton is a Brit Award-winning English singer-songwriter who has released five albums to great critical international acclaim. Known for her much imitated sound which mixed elements of folk and electronica, she is also reknowned for her collaborations with the Chemical Brothers, and also for her albums Central Reservation and the UK top 10 hit Daybreaker. Her 2006 release, Comfort of Strangers, saw her completely move away from the electronica style, to a much more stripped down folk-based album. Well-known single releases are the hits "She Cries Your Name" and "Stolen Car" and Beth has also received much attention for her stirring cover of The Five Stair Steps' "Ooh Child". In between shows, Beth is working on her new album that's set to be released late Summer, 2010.

Trocadero:

  Headliner: Public Enemy

  Opening Act: None Listed

  Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm 

  Tickets: $27

  When we first heard of this, we checked our wardrobe to see if we had on some Cross Colours and LA Raiders hats or even if black and white flannels with only the top button fastened was in style. NO such luck!! But hey, that style isn't making a comeback so we dare not call this a comeback tour. Not even a Public Enemy reunion. Even if you snoozed on their last few discs and festival romps across five continents, Chuck D and Flavor Flav have perpetually marched forth in raucous righteousness. When you're hip-hop's longest-lasting instrument for change, with a celebration-worthy catalogue, eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. Their album, "Fear of a Black Planet," will rightfully be immortalized at the House of Blues this Monday. You may have thought they didn't exist for a while, but they pretty much never stopped touring - from day one. In 2007, it was 20 years of the group existing. Then in 2008, it was 20 years of It Takes a Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back. After, in 2009, it was 20 years of 'Fight the Power.' And now this." Public Enemy have achieved more road success than any other rap group ever, but fans, accolades, and tour rewards don't come in a vacuum. 

Mann Music Center:

  Headliner: Herbie Hancock

  Opening Act: None Listed

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm 

  Tickets: $20 - Lawn; $40

  Pianist and composer Herbie Hancock is a true icon of modern music. With an illustrious career spanning five decades and 12 Grammy® Awards including the 2007 Album Of The Year, he continues to amaze and astound audiences.Herbie returns to the Mann stage with his dynamic band for a night of unforgettable music, featuring jazz classics and music from his new recording, The Imagine Project. He'll most likely span an evening with seven decades worth of  music celebration. The show promises to feature a stellar lineup of some of the greatest jazz musicians of the last half century as well as plenty of other notables. Look to also catch selections from the just-released globalization-themed "Imagine Project," for which Hancock collaborated with a dozen guest artists from throughout the world, some of whom may be on hand to reprise their performances.

Susquehanna Bank Center:

  Headliner: Zac Brown band

  Opening Act: The Wood Brothers / Casey Driessen / Gary Mule Deer

  Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm 

  Tickets: $26.75 - Lawn; $40.75

  The 21^st century version of country rock is making its way though the Philly area tonight. Most people's traditional assumptions of ‘new’ country music and southern rock may come to a change once they see and hear The Zac Brown Band roar into the city, high off its recent 2010 Best New Artist Grammy win. Nominated for four Country Music Awards including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year for The Foundation, Single Record of the Year for "Toes," and Top Vocal Group.  Brown himself also received two additional individual nominations as the producer for both Album of the Year and Single Record of the Year. The Sailing Southern Ground Tour is more than Mr. Brown and his band mates; their opening act promises to be an hour and a quarter worth of top notch concert of its own. Zac Brown is a burly presence, and a kind of a cleaned up version of Jack Black…far from the distilled ‘new’ country artist stereotype. From the beginning it’s clear this won’t be your daddy’s country fried rock, aka The Eagles and Skynyrd.  Its roots based but definitely ‘now.’ These own some of the more certifiable country music songs accented in a gumbo of influences, ranging from Almond Brothers jams, to Dave Mathews styling and Clapton riffs, Marley reggae, even some psychedelic.  All these influences will emerge time and time again throughout the show, but the energy and artistry is definitely unique.

Summer Season Concert Series - Philly Style: August 11th

Mann Music Center:

  Headliner: The Silk Road Ensemble w/ Yo-Yo Ma

  Opening Act: None Listed

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm 

  Tickets: $15; $20; $35; $56; $72 

 

  The Silk Road Ensemble is a collective of internationally renowned performers and composers from more than 20 countries. Each member's career illustrates a unique response to what is one of the artistic challenges of our times - maintaining the integrity of art rooted in authentic traditions while nourishing global connections. Many of the musicians first came together under the artistic direction of Yo-Yo Ma in 2000. Since then, in various configurations, Ensemble artists have collaborated on a diverse range of musical and multimedia projects, presenting innovative performances that spring from Eastern and Western traditions and contemporary musical crossroads. The Silk Road Ensemble has recorded five albums and performed to critical acclaim throughout Asia, Europe and North America. The Boston Globe has called the Ensemble “a kind of roving musical laboratory without walls,” and the Seattle Times, “instrumental and vocal artists of almost unimaginable virtuosity.” 

North Star Bar:

  Headliner: Radio 104.5fm Presents New Politics

  Opening Act: Funeral Party / Overlook

  Doors: 6:30pm / Show: 7pm 

  Tickets: FREE SHOW!!

   

  New Politics pulses with frenetic energy, dynamic beats and smart lyrics. Their motto, “Fuck It” is crass and apathetic, but for the Copenhagen band it doesn’t mean giving up - its simply their meaning of taking chances with reckless abandon. David and Soren had been writing songs together for years had experimented with every imaginable style of music (every imaginable style) and suddenly recognized that the combination of their musical sensibilities, as witnessed on the 300 songs they’d penned together, created something new and interesting. David and Soren called Poul, another lifelong musician about to call it quits. In fact, the call came just a month after Poul had decided to give up music in favor of learning to be a professional bricklayer. Their trick is not to spend too much time worrying about the technical aspects of the music. Just play it with energy and passion, say “Fuck it” and everything else will take care of itself eventually.

Rittenhouse Square Park:

  Headliner: Phosphorescent

  Opening Act: Gang

  Show: 6pm 

  Tickets: FREE SHOW!!

  

  Matthew Houck, the Brooklynite behind Phosphorescent, is a rootsy singer-songwriter with a gothic sensibility and a way with a tune. But he also demonstrates an interest in pure sound. Stately countrified weepers dominated his 2005 album "Aw Come Aw Wry", as dry production emphasized the Will Oldhamesque cracks in his voice. But then there were tracks like "Endless Pt. 2", which added Beach Boys-style harmonies and toyed with the structural conventions of song. These latter inclinations move to the fore on his latest "Pride", his third full-length and first for the Dead Oceans label, that got him tons of internet attention! He's sure to cool off the night's heat and humidity for fans.

Trocadero:

  Headliner: Adalie - CD Release Show

  Opening Act: Sink or Swim / The Anchor Boys / The Running Ground

  Doors: 7pm / Show: 7:30pm 

  Tickets: $12 

   Hailing from the streets of Philly, these four young guys have accomplished a lot since starting the band in 2007. Founded by Derrek Siemieniuk (vocals/guitar), John Young (bass), and drummer, Matt Siemieniuk, the band has evolved their sound significantly. The progress became more evident when they inquired local friend and musician, Dan Kirk to join and share vocal and guitar duties to balance out their lineup. In 2009, following John's departure, Dan's brother D.J. stepped in to take his place as Adalie's permanent bass player. They've played in festivals such as Van’s Warped Tour, Rockstar’s Taste of Chaos Tour, as well as opening for many national acts. They draw a wide range of influences such as Taking Back Sunday, Thursday, Coheed and Cambria, Underoath, Glassjaw, as well as others, the band brings high-pitched vocals, the occasional raw-throated yowl, buzzsaw guitars, a healthy dose of sweet melodies and catchy choruses. Love or detest it, there’s a pretty happenin’ emo/screamo/pop-punk scene in Philly that only continues to grow, and local four-piece Adalie has vaulted near the top of that heap of bands just two years after forming.