This is Peter Gabriel performing live with a sizable studio audience at Maison De La Radio, Paris, back on the 24th October 2002. This performance was in support of his then 7th solo studio album 'Up' which had been released the preceding month and half the songs performed at this gig were from that album, including a stunning performance of 'Darkness' (a song about overcoming fears) which is the opening song both on the album and at this performance.
Peter talks to the audience in French and the station announcer adds commentary occasionally, however this seems to add to the whole show giving it a very personal feel and a reference in time.
In the Spring of 1995, Gabriel began work on the album. Its name was Up from the start, though at one point it was considered to be called I/O. Gabriel began saying the album was near completion somewhere around 1998 but did not release it until September 2002. In the months preceding the album's release, video clips of Gabriel talking about the songs as well as short demos of each song were released at the coming of every full moon on Peter Gabriel's official website.
Source: FM Broadcast.
Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@220kbps.
Genre: Progressive rock, art rock, experimental rock, pop rock, world music.
Set: Full set.
Set List:
1. Darkness 07:44
2. Red Rain 06:47
3. Growing Up 08:23
4 Mercy Street 06:49
5 My Head Sounds Like That 07:11
6 The Barry Williams Show 07:41
7 More Than This 06:06
8 Band Introductions 04:12
9 Sledgehammer 06:40
10 In Your Eyes (with Youssoun'n dour)11:16 11 Bonus - Youssou'n Dour live fiesta del sud, Marseille, France) 04:55
Background:John Seeger was definitely born a musician. Learning, practicing and mastering guitar was as much an everyday occupation to him as speaking Japanese and Spanish fluently, obtaining his black belt in karate, creating and building his successful NYC-based construction company, raising his 19 year old daughter and tending to his home and family. It may have seemed at times, even to John, that music was just another one of his passions and thirsts. Except that this one was impossible to quench.
John sets the bar high in every aspect of his life, music is no exception. Over 15 songs on his roster to date, all written over the past year, John’s songs are like paintings, a depiction of life’s tales in each one. The mixture of his musical style is as diverse as the man. Sometimes bluesy with a hint of funk, sometimes pop or folk rock, always about a love lost or soon to be found, relationships and friends, but mainly about a man’s journey to find and keep his heart’s desire. Not as easy as it sounds…The range of John’s technical guitar qualities knows no boundaries: classical, Spanish, electric, acoustic, blues. You name it, John plays it.
Inspired by a multitude of other bands since his teens, of course, by infinitely talented musicians over the years, indeed, by his own journey and love of the art of music, John Seeger has come to realize that it had to be done. He had to let it go, let it happen and see where it will take him. Just as obvious as ink on a blank piece of paper, John’s songwriting has been crafted into the pieces of life, which define him.
His live performances in NYC have recently given him proof (that he has been striving for) that there is an ever-growing receptive audience out there, loving his music. Just as much as he is loving his and his band,Wa2C’s, performances. A new chapter in his life begins.
The Candy Opinion: Concise, rhythmic, and delivered with passion, this is a good example of John Seeger. Solid vocals duel with his phenomenally good guitar playing.
Web: OfficialHERE. Listen: She's Gonna Be Mine. (mp3).
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Background: Listening to the sounds of singer-songwriter Markeisha Ensley is like indulging in a rich, flourless chocolate cake while drinking a well-aged, red wine. She combines piano- playing flair with smooth soul, her mellifluous voice soaring over unforgettable melodies. Originally from Aurora, Colorado, she is the winner of the 2011 Abe Olman Scholarship Award for Excellence in Songwriting from the Songwriters Hall of Fame/Songwriters Guild of America, with previous recipients including John Legend. A cross between Alicia Keys and Anita Baker, Markeisha strikes an uplifting groove and graces the stage with a powerful, undeniable presence.
Markeisha mixes a unique blend of Motown doo-wop harmonies, pop melodies and gospel singing on her new EP, Talk to Me, a sultry selection of up-tempos and ballads on love. Smooth and sexy, the 5 songs were written by the singer as reflection on her recent travels to France and the Caribbean. “It was my first time traveling abroad and I was so affected and inspired by the French culture, people, and of course, the food,” she laughs. Recorded with her band in New York at Flux Studios (Mick Jagger, Jennifer Lopez, Babyface), the EP is produced by up-and-coming producer, David Amber, and was released on Valentine’s Day, 2012.
As a child, Markeisha began her love affair with music when singing in her hometown Baptist church choir. While gospel music laid the foundation, she was also heavily influenced by her parents’ record collection with Aretha, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt on heavy rotation. Markeisha studied piano and began writing poetry while in high school, but it was the many nights spent writing songs in the school’s practice rooms while attending New York University that sent Markeisha down the road to singer-songwriter land. “I developed my own sanctuary and no matter what was going on in my life, I could sit behind a piano and sing and know everything was alright."
Since releasing her debut album, Ready, in 2006, Markeisha has received numerous awards and honors. Two songs from that cd, “The Strangest Thing” and “Loving You”, received an Honorable Mention in the Billboard World Songwriting Contest. Markeisha was also recognized by BMI/Songwriters Association of Washington, where she was asked to perform at the Smithsonian Museum alongside legendary Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier (“Stop! In the Name of Love”). She has toured throughout the country, appeared on “Showtime at the Apollo”, and recently completed a residency performing in St. Barth’s.
Now based in NYC, Markeisha is also a proud member of LIFEBeat’s Hearts and Voices Program, bringing the healing power of music to people living with HIV/AIDS. She is currently planning her 2012 summer US tour.
The Candy Opinion: If you are going to sing over a backing track that could have been performed for The Supreme's circa 1966 then you had better be extremely talented. Markeisha makes light work of it, with feisty powerful vocals that add to the soundtrack, go check her out some more!
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Still Yours. (mp3).
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Background: Berlin-based duo It's A Musical has released the first single and title track from its sophomore LP, For Years And Years, slated for an April 10th release with Morr Music. Comprised of Ella Blixt aka Bobby Blumm and Robert Kretzschmar, the duo wrote the new batch of songs together and recruited Norman Nitzsche (The Whitest Boy Alive) to help with the mixing stage. Their two voices are heard in unison as they uniquely layer the vocals both in verse and chorus throughout the album and in the 'For Years and Years' single.
Following the band's The Music Makes Me Sick debut LP, the tracks on the latest output have a certain DIY feel to them, a vibe that makes the listener forget that both Blixt and Kretzschmar are actually trained multi-instrumentalists (Kretzschmar also plays drums for Masha Qrella, and Blixt recently worked with Peaches). The song "Cleverness" is built from vibraphone sounds, organs, and drum rolls (just like in "Fish Song"), and "One Million People" is a catchy piano pop gem that owes as much to Carole King as it does to labelmate Masha Qrella. Furthermore, both members of It's A Musical help organize special rock camps for young teenage girls, all about keeping the original Riot-Grrrl vibe alive.
The Candy Opinion: Reminds me a little of St Etienne, however with quite differing vocal harmonies. Whatever the comparisons this is a really good song that stands on it's own merit.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: For Years and Years. (mp3).
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Background: After five years as a band, encompassing five EPs and two albums, Kent-based six-piece Tom Williams & the Boat might appear fully-formed but, with the release of their second album, Teenage Blood, they’re only just beginning to reveal their true colours.
Tom Williams & the Boat have created an album that embraces both their roots and cements a new chapter in the band’s history. The independent release (Teenage Blood is a co-release between Moshi Moshi and Wire Boat), interaction with fans and Tom’s intuitive storytelling reflect what’s come to be expected of the band, but in a new-found love of classic pop structures and dark, heartbreaking narrative styles, there’s something entirely different about the album’s approach. Tom, when talking about those who inspire him says that he’s stayed ‘respectful of great songwriting, but [wants] to make something just as good’, and it’s that confidence which permeates Teenage Blood. Tom Williams & the Boat aren’t just a band who want to emulate their heroes any more – they want to match them without undermining their own history or the independence of thought and spirit they cherish, and with Teenage Blood, they might have done just that.
The Candy Opinion: Kent, England - wind the clock back forty plus years and you had the 'Canterbury sound'. This most definitely is not that, it's powerful, immediate and hopefully will travel well across the Atlantic for the USA to enjoy!
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Teenage Blood. (player only).
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Background: Fronted by Joel Piedt, and featuring Rob Polischuck, Malee Bringardner, Patrick Chin, Erich von Hinken, and Landon Lee, Florida-based dream-pop/folk outfit Carrousel deliver nine beautifully crafted, symphonic dream-pop/folk songs on their debut, 27 rue de mi'chelle, set for release May 1, 2012.
Piedt graduated college in May 2009, statistically the worst year to graduate in fifty years, and packed his bags, turning down a lucrative job offer, as he set out for Tallahassee, Florida to meet up with a friend to make a record. The result is 27 rue de mi'chelle, an album that plays out like a musical novella, telling the story of self-loathing, regret, loss, sorrow, and ultimately acceptance.
The story behind the record isn't new; Piedt was heartbroken, having lost his love, Michelle, the protagonist of what would become the album. But, even though the story isn't new, Carrousel takes a daunting approach to it, twisting and turning it into their own.
Recorded over many late-nights, what was meant to be a four-month project became a two and a half year saga, with each passing month finding a new world unfolding, each song becoming it's own grand scheme within a larger story, it's own space within the world. Piedt's idea to piecemeal the songs together was heavily inspired by Brian Wilson's Pet Sounds and the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" single.
"We were inspired by Brian Wilson's modular recording, so we attempted to piecemeal parts of songs together to give the album a certain feel," Piedt elaborates. "As if the music were traveling through various times and places, different scenes. Different parts of songs were recorded sometimes months apart, and it's really fascinating to hear what that does to the feel of the music."
He pauses for a moment and then continues, "Honestly, we probably couldn't do it over exactly like we did even if we tried--but it worked. We pulled it off, and I absolutely love it - I love how it sounds, I love how it feels, and I love how it presents these songs." Another inspiration for the album is Ernest Hemingway's A Moveable Feast, where he describes his time spent with expatriates at 27 rue de Fleurus. "I found it all very beautiful and inspiring, a personal renaissance of sorts," Piedt says. "Conveniently enough, the name Michelle was French. So 27 rue de mi'chelle was born."
Taking in as much Romantic era as he could, Piedt submerged himself in Hector Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique," falling in love with the idea of impressionistic music; to him music that evoked strong images and feelings by way of recurring melodic themes. Taking the Romantic's lead, he wanted his album, 27 rue de mi'chelle, to tell an emotionally evocative story, unfolding one note at a time.
Referencing the jagged, piecemeal, and sewn-together quality of "Good Vibrations," Piedt set out to make a record that was professional but not polished, well-thought but never calculated, and improvised but not sloppy. They spent hours finding the perfect sounds, but never at the cost of the emotion of the song. They wanted each song to feel inspired, never strangled, as so often happens throughout a strenuous recording process.
The outcome is something Piedt describes as "perfect imperfection." Now that the record is done and will soon be released, Piedt is happy to share the record with fans and soon-to-be fans alike. Piedt is now ready for his next challenge: pulling the songs off live for audiences across the U.S. The travels to 27 rue de mi'chelle were by no means easy, but they were cathartic, to say the least. And with new roads ahead of Carrousel, the catharsis will most certainly reach new heights.
The Candy Opinion: This is a lovely song. Somehow everything stands out, the vocals, the instruments, all mixed with a delicate touch that simply lifts your spirits.
Web: Reverb Nation HERE. Listen: "14". (mp3).
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Background: Electrifying indie-rock group Hell&Lula is ready to take the West Coast by storm with their upcoming gigs as part of the Adrenaline Rush Tour starting April 4th in Flagstaff, Arizona and extending until late April. The four-piece fireball will share the stage with Fort Worth rock band, Sonar Lights. The bands will be hitting major cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Portland.
Although their music has the cohesiveness of a seasoned band, Hell&Lula was only formed two years ago. Programmer/writer/guitarist, Devon Culiner, and vocalist, MAK, met in 2009 during their collaboration on the song "Set The World on Fire," the first single off their debut EP Catch Up!!! Catch Up!!! They later teamed up with band mates Alex Vega (drums) and Russell Henson (bass/synths) to release Catch Up!!! Catch Up!!! and are currently finishing their second EP, Fermi's Paradox. Laced with catchy pop choruses, conceptual lyrics and captivating electro-dance beats, the band's music is proving to be a catapult for their budding buzz and popularity. Hell&Lula have toured the Southwestern U.S. twice, showcased at SXSW 2011, and played shows with the likes of well-known acts such as Friendly Fires, Foster the People, and Matt & Kim. Currently signed to MTV's HYPE Music, the band's catalog has been featured on several hit shows such as MTV's Jersey Shore, Real World and VH1's iHeartRadio Festival.
As if Hell&Lula's rock-star appeal was not enough to impress, they are also advocates of the Earth on a mission to reduce their carbon footprint. The environmental activists have recently converted their "Cool Bus" (the school bus they tour /live in) from running on diesel fuel to waste vegetable oil (WVO), thanks to recent contributions from fans as part of their Pledge Music Campaign. Restaurants along the West Coast will be donating their used veggie oil to Hell&Lula to support the cause. The band will also be selling whistles for Falling Whistles, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the war in the Congo. In addition to these efforts, the quartet is also reducing through their Recycled Merchandise Program, in which fans can purchase one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly items.
With an unforgiving energy and passion for their music, society and the environment, Hell&Lula are destined to win over dance floors and living rooms everywhere.
April 4 - Hotel Monte Vista - Flagstaff, AZ
April 6 - Jumping Turtle - San Marcos, CA
April 7 - Cheetah's - Hollywood, CA
April 8 - Hemlock Tavern - San Francisco, CA
April 9 - Little Red Lion - Eureka, CA
April 10 - Ash Street Saloon - Portland, OR
April 11 - Glow Club - Bellingham, WA
April 12 - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
April 14 - John's Alley - Moscow, ID
The Candy Opinion: Environmentally friendly band that knows how to party and dance, whats that all about? You can care about the planet and still enjoy yourself ??? Outrageous - this must be stopped!
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Set The World On Fire. (player only).
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Background:Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real earned themselves a stellar 2011 with gigs nearly every night, spots on such mega-events as Farm Aid, Bridge School, and Stagecoach, national TV airtime on Letterman, Leno, and Kimmel, and rave reviews for two simple reasons: Great songs and even better live shows.
Now, they’ve found a way to bring that performance experience to their second full-length release, Wasted, both lyrically and musically. “Neil Young suggested that we record the album live in the studio in analog, which is something we didn’t do on the last record,” explains Lukas Nelson, who penned all of the tracks and produced the record with his band – Anthony LoGerfo (Drums), Tato Melgar (Percussion) and Corey McCormick (Bass) – and Jim “Moose” Brown. “It really added a lot of magnetism, energy, and that live feel, and a lot of warmth to it. I feel like this record sounds more like what you get when you see us perform.”
“This record was all about capturing a moment, and there are some special full moon moments that I think we captured on tape,” adds Nelson. The moments in particular that are captured on this record was the time on tour over the summer months during which Nelson wrote the album’s 14 songs in the back of the band’s tour bus.
“Wasted is a snapshot of this last summer on tour when I wrote most of this music,” he says. “It was the summer of debauchery. I was socializing a little too much and not really being true to myself. So the whole record was a snapshot of me making one of the many mistakes I’ll likely make throughout my life. There were a lot of pressures on the road and there are a lot of people who view touring as just one big party. I started staying out until 4 in the morning. It was like summer camp. It took a toll on me. I soon realized I wasn’t really being myself and I had a big wake-up call and it’s during that time that I wrote this record.”
But, Nelson is quick to add that Wasted is not just about a summer out of control; it’s about the idea of wasting your time, your life, your creativity, and reminding yourself to stay true to your values and ideals, and for Nelson and his band that’s always been about family, positivity, and spreading love and happiness to others. “There are a lot of definitions for the word wasted; it’s not a one dimensional record. It’s meant to be listened to and internalized. There is a lot of sentiments about missing loved ones and being on the road, and even some political and military hints in there,” he says of the lyrical matter.
Adds drummer Anthony LeGorfo: “It’s really a road record. We did 18 weeks straight on tour in the summer and that can kind of waste anyone. I think it’s also great to listen to while you’re driving down the road. And because Lukas wrote it at one time, I think this record is more cohesive than the last one. By being on the road together so long, we really improved as a band and got tighter and you hear that on this record. These songs are really jammy and fun to play live.”
“We have a lot of new instruments on there that we haven’t really used before, like the Wurlitzer, the Hammond B3 organ, Dobro, and lap steel guitar… That was Moose’s influence,” says Nelson. “Moose plays on all tracks and Cowboy Eddie Long (steel guitar) on most of them. We really extended the family beyond our core four on this record”. Along with Moose, Cowboy and the rest of the core that includes Percussionist Tato Melgar and Bassist Corey McCormick , the band also brought in Lukas’ sister Amy on two songs “Wasn’t That Great?” and “Can You Hear Me Love You?”
That said, at the core of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real and Wasted is what their fans know and love best. Rock n Roll that speaks from the heart . “First and foremost we’re just people in a rock n roll band and this is a rock n roll record indicative of that,” adds LoGerfo.
The Candy Opinion: The son of a famous come legendary father, just gets on with it. Along side him are a superb band, great music, and real excitement. And with Neil Young as a 'mentor' I can't wait to see how this show unfolds over time.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Wasted. (mp3).
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Background: Brandon McHose is one of those rare exceptions. Brandon McHose is a guitar wizard who coincidentally, is an exceptional singer/songwriter.
Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Brandon was introduced to the guitar by his Father, a once aspiring guitarist himself. Having access to the rich history of his Dad’s record collection, Brandon was exposed to legendary recording artists of all kinds, ranging from the Beatles, to the Stones, to The Who. This was a kid with outstanding skills in all that he chose to pursue including Track & Field, which culminated in a full scholarship to Drake University. It was at this point in his life that he came upon the realization that his true love and passion lied in music, and after conferring with his folks, left Drake. The family sought professional advice by taking up a meeting with the Assistant Chair of the Guitar Department at the famed and respected Berklee School of Music in Boston. Brandon auditioned for the professor whose professional opinion was, essentially, that the level of his skills and talents were far beyond that of a typical student and recommended that the best road for him to take, was to not spend four years in college, but rather to immediately embark upon a career in music. Brandon took the advice and chose the city of Austin, Texas as the ideal environment in which to hone his craft. During this time, Brandon built quite a name and following for himself playing the regional club circuit while recording two CDs.
After five years in Austin it became apparent that a move to a major market would provide the next calculated step in pursuit of a performing/recording career and Brandon chose to relocate to the vibrant city of Chicago. It is here that he can now continue to evolve as a guitarist, songwriter and recording artist engaging the services of some of the city’s finest studios, producers, engineers and musicians.
Brandon McHose is a bit of an anomaly, equally adept in finger-picking an acoustic guitar or in spanning the breadth and array of music in playing blistering rock, blues or jazz infused guitar, and/or everything in between. His songwriting style continues to evolve – combining sophisticated chords with perfectly placed bursts of brilliance on the guitar intertwined with undeniable vocal hooks. Brandon McHose, with all this talent will, in relatively short order, attain prominence and notoriety in Chicago and throughout the mid-west from fellow guitarists, fans, radio and record labels alike ultimately ‘making it’ on the national stage.
The Candy Opinion: Tend to agree that outstanding guitarists that are also at their best singing don't come along that often. Brandon also makes it all seem so easy which has put him firmly on our radar.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Just Say When. (mp3).
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Background: Drive down a barely noticed dirt road, in the shadow of Mt. Tamalpais or deep in the hills of gold rush country. Turn right at Granada, left when you hit Havana, and you’ll find there’s a party going on. There’s a bike-powered sound system, a friendly mosh pit, blasts of bright brass, skanking bass, flamenco flourishes, and a big slice of madness that’s simultaneously the musical cure for alienation and loss.
At the center is San Francisco’s LoCura, a band that crafts upbeat anthems and chronicles the round-trip travels of Latin and American sounds. Movement between continents informs the lush variety of LoCura’s tunes on Semilla Caminante (release: April 17, 2012), inspired by ida y vuelta, the notion in flamenco of musical forms that have traveled to the New World and returned transformed. “We mix everything from funk to son cubano into our own songs, to show how diverse our communities have become and to show the common roots these different styles have,” smiles LoCura singer Katalina Miletich. “Semilla Caminante, the idea of ‘traveling seed,’ is a reminder of this movement, this interchange, and of the creative resistance that continues to transform our lives and is tangible in our musical expressions.”
LoCura’s jubilant sound of resistance and restored connections will be traveling up the West Coast this spring, as the group embarks on its first major tour of the region. Cities include San Diego, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Sacramento.
April 18th- Santa Barbara @ Red's Bar
April 19th- San Diego @ the Kava Lounge w/ Quetzal Guerrero
April 20th- LA @ the Mint w/ Very Be Careful
April 21st- Fresno @ Audie's Olympic
April 22nd- Santa Cruz @ Moes Alley w/ Los Pinguos
April 27th- Oakland @ The New Parish w/ Bang Data
April 28th- Sebastopol @ Aubergine w/ Bang Data
The Candy Opinion: Biggest challenge having listened to the album, was what track to feature, so I chose Squatter's Song because it highlights a good number of facets from a band that has so much going on at any given time. Like this and you will love the rest!
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Squatter's Song. (player only).
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This is Tom Scott live at The Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, CA, USA back in 1979. These are the notes in full that came with the recording (grateful thanks to the person who penned them) - This recording comes from the archives of the Golden Bear night club in Huntingon Beach, California. At the time, the Golden Bear was the oldest running night club in America open since the mid 1920's. Eventually earthquake building codes made it too expensive to upgrade, and it was eventually torn down. Everybody from Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Doors have played at the Golden Bear.
I was a frequent patron of the Golden Bear, and I recorded many shows at the venue. Eventually I became friends with the sound board guy, and we began trading some tapes. This recording is one of those tapes. Like many of the Golden Bear tapes, this one isn't a complete show. After 47 minutes, it cuts off. Since the Golden Bear usually ran 60-70 minute sets, it's very likely that the last 15-20 minutes are missing.The concert was recorded from the sound board on the house cassette deck in mono.
Tom Scott's professional career began as a teenager, as leader of a jazz ensemble Neoteric Trio, and then as a "first-call" (i.e. high-demand) session musician. He has dozens of solo recordings for which he collected thirteen Grammy nominations (three of which he won). He also has numerous film and television scoring credits, including composing and conducting the score for the movie 'Conquest of the Planet of the Apes'. He has also appeared on records by such diverse artists as George Harrison, The Grateful Dead, Paul McCartney, Steppenwolf, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Joni Mitchell, Blondie, Eddie Money, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, The Blues Brothers, Quincy Jones, Carole King, Olivia Newton-John and Frank Sinatra.
Source: Soundboard.
Sound Quality: Very good mono mp3@320kbps.
Genre: West coast jazz, jazz fusion.
Set: Majority of set.
Set List:
01 Car Wars
02 Dirty Old Man
03 Band Introductions
04 Street Beat
05 Shadows
06 Introducing ''Hittin' on Six''
07 Hittin' on Six
08 Heading Home
Line Up:
Tom Scott: Saxophones
Carlos Rios: Guitar
David Garfield: Keyboards
Neil Stubenhaus: Bass
Vinny Colaiuta: Drums
This is Traffic live in concert at the Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, New York, USA back on the 26th June 1970. The concert was broadcast live on the excellent WNEW-FM.
In late 1968, Traffic disbanded, guitarist Dave Mason having left the group for the second time prior to the completion of the Traffic album. In 1969, Steve Winwood joined the supergroup Blind Faith, while drummer and lyricist Jim Capaldi and woodwinds player Chris Wood turned to session work, Wood also joining Blind Faith's drummer Ginger Baker in his post-Blind Faith group Ginger Baker's Air Force for their first album.
In the beginning of 1970, after the demise of Blind Faith, the band having lasted barely six months, Winwood returned to the studio ostensibly to make his first solo album, originally to be titled Mad Shadows. He recorded two tracks with producer Guy Stevens, "Stranger to Himself" and "Every Mother's Son", but yearned for like-minded musicians to accompany. Inviting Wood and Capaldi to join him, Winwood's solo album became the reunion of Traffic, and a re-launch of the band's career.
As did most of their albums, it featured influences from jazz and blues, but the version of the traditional English folk tune "John Barleycorn" also showed the musicians attending to the same strains of folk baroque and electric folk as contemporary British bands The Pentangle and Fairport Convention.
Five live versions of the then brand new album are performed in this the second performance of the evening along with earlier material, in what is an incredible piece of the bands history.
Source: FM Broadcast.
Sound Quality: Very good stereo mp3@320kbps.
Genre: Progressive rock, psychedelic rock, folk rock, jazz fusion.
Set: Full Late Set.
Set List:
01. Tuning
02. Scott Muni Intro
03. Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring
04. Every Mother's Son
05. Medicated Goo
06. John Barleycorn
07. Pearly Queen
08. Stranger To Himself
09. Empty Pages
10. 40,000 Headmen
11. Freedom Rider
12. Feelin' Good
13. No Time To Live
Line Up:
Steve Winwood - organ, guitar, vocals
Jim Capaldi - drums, vocals
Chris Wood - sax, flute, keyboards
Web: Official Steve Winwood HERE, Jim Capaldi HERE, Chris Wood HERE.
Background: This is the second single from Australia's Pets With Pets, titled "Acid Girls." Recommended for fans of Ratatat, Wavves, Japandroids and Sonic Youth. The group are currently making their first rounds in the U.S. including last week at SXSW, before heading to New York City to play the Aussie BBQ at the Bell House in Brooklyn.
Staring in late 2006 with a home recorded EP, Zayd Thring is Pets With Pets. In 2007 he took on a drummer, the first of many that define the group over the years, and started playing shows as a band. From the start, Pets With Pets have garnered attention from the likes of NME, and have gained a cult following.
Last year saw the band releasing Saturday Aquatic Pixie Acid, released on Sensory Projects, to critical acclaim. Alongside Zayd is bassist Ash Buscombe from Witch Hats, Will Macfarlane on synthesizer from The Shocking Pinks (who were signed to DFA Records) and Alex MacFarlane on drums.
The Candy Opinion: What a modern day Amon Duul II might sound like, well that's what occurred to us first, it's more than that of course, adventurous and yet minimalist, easily said but difficult to do.
Web: Bandcamp HERE. Listen: Acid Girls. (mp3).
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Background:Ghost of Chance are an experimental rock band based in New Haven, Connecticut. The group's distinctive style is characterized by subtle time signature changes and sonically open experimentation set to surrealist lyrics. Ghost of Chance's sound takes its influence from 1960s psychedelica, '70s glam, math rock and post-punk while maintaining the shimmer of classic pop sensibilities. All of this adds to the unique yet familiar sound that Ghost of Chance have cleverly cultivated.
Ghost of Chance began as a collaboration between Jayson Munro (The Striders, Noisette, Deluxe) and George Moore (Duvet Cover, Noisette) in 2008. The two sent back and forth demos and ideas for a project that had no name and really no direction. After awhile the two came up with the name, based on a William Burroughs Novella, and a direction. The group's first album was crafted and recorded in the sweltering confines of an attic apartment during the summer of 2009. Moore and Munro re-recorded demos and created several songs in the studio, attempting to embody the chaotic spirit of the novella. After completing the band.s first album, Moore and Munro started the Ghost of Chance live band. Their live set consists of Jayson on guitar and vocals, George on guitar and keyboards, Dave Corsak on bass, and Mark Niciu on Drums. The live band brought new dimensions of vibrancy and controlled chaos to the mystical contours sketched out in the recordings.
The groups second album, A Simple Beast, began as an effort by Munro to write a series of songs about the wild desolation of Chernobyl after the tragic 1986 nuclear disaster. As time went on, Munro adhered less directly to the specific concept but continued to write songs that conveyed the eerie combination of vacancy and unchecked wilderness found in Chernobyl today. Moore, working in his own modest home studio, wrote two songs that similarly capture this aura. The album.s title, A Simple Beast, references the inscrutable animal beings that have adapted themselves to Chernobyl.s poisoned landscape.
The group is currently in the process or mixing their third album, "Be My Void," which is scheduled to be released July 2012. Prior to this release, the band will be sporadically releasing singles off "Be My Void."
The Candy Opinion: What on earth is an experimental rock group? Well these people are, which is fine and as for time signature changes, well we spotted one in the drumming! Seriously this is a fine and fresh rock song that more than suggests we are on to a class act here.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: I Feel Fine. (mp3).
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Background: Sid Bernstein is on a musical mission...
Ever since the beginning of his career as a music promoter, booker and manager in the Bronx in the 1940's, Sid Bernstein's been blurring the boundaries between cultures and communities by simply sharing the sounds he loves with everyone his life touches. From migrating uptown Latin bands downtown, to opening the doors for a British Invasion, ushering radio personalities from the public ear to the public eye, and bringing Beatles to baseball stadiums - Sid's love of music and tireless support for the artists who create it have not only enriched cultural history but united a whole world in song.
Now, seventy years later, at the seasoned age of 93, Sid Bernstein would like to share with you some music of his own. Coming soon is a new collection of songs which have meant the most to him over the years - now as sung by Sid himself!
"Sid Bernstein is a wonderful person who was instrumental in introducing the Beatles" - Paul McCartney
"Sid Bernstein is a legend in this business. He helped define an era in music by bringing the people an array of artists that changed the times" - Lenny Kravitz
"Sid Bernstein is the quintessential gentleman promoter. He is part P.T. Barnum, part Donald Trump and part Henry Kissinger. His life is filled with the colorful, the implausible and the enormously entertaining" - Geraldo Rivera
"Sid Bernstein is one of those unique individuals.... He's been able to swim in the entertainment's shark-infested waters for years unscathed. He's one of the good guys" - Dick Clark.
The Candy Opinion: Please, please, please, check Sid Bernstein doing his own thing out! La Vie en Rose is a wonderful song that he gives new life to. This is just a taste of a man who has been in the music business longer, than pretty much every Beehive Candy visitor has been alive (and we have featured prog rock here, so some of our visitors are dinosaurs). Wonderful, just that.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: La Vie en Rose (mp3).
Background: Under one roof in New England's Pioneer Valley, Darlingside came together with five songwriters, a mandolin, a cello and violin, guitars and drums, a chorus of voices, and a van named Chauncey. Holed up in their home between a cornfield and the Connecticut River, they forged a seamless, exhilarating sound at the intersection of rock, classical, and folk music. The band is currently rolling out an innovative subscription album, Pilot Machines, and shaking rafters along the eastern seaboard with their vibrant live shows.
Darlingside traces its diverse sound to an eclectic array of musical origins: Harris picked up the cello at age six, and appeared twice on NPR with his classical piano trio. Auyon spent a year-long travel fellowship studying the traditional music and instruments of Brazil, Turkey and Ireland. Don toured nationally as a boy alto, and later worked as a singer-songwriter on sunset boat cruises in Maine. Dave began singing and arranging music in college, then spent two years learning guitar as a street musician in Boston and abroad. Sam took up drums at the age of seven and developed an intricate style that draws on his rock, celtic, and jazz backgrounds. Together, the five close friends are a powerhouse of vocal, instrumental, songwriting and performing talent.
Following 2010's self-recorded EP 1, Darlingside teamed up with producer Nathaniel Kunkel (Sting, Crosby and Nash, Maroon 5) in 2011 to turn their house into a hi-fi recording laboratory and playground. The result was Pilot Machines, an insistently melodic collection of new songs that feel both familiar and ground-breaking. The band is now in the midst of an ambitious release, with three 7" records and a string of exclusive pre-release events ramping up toward the full-length album in Summer 2012.
The Candy Opinion: Good, feisty, pop come rock music, sometimes keeping it simple works, as is the case with Darlingside.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Still. (mp3).
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Background: Those fine people at Hidden Shoal Recordings are excited to announce the release of new single ‘Manatoc Enters The City / The Long Fall’ by musical experimentalist and long-time Robert Pollard collaborator Todd Tobias, taken from his forthcoming debut solo album Medicine Show.
‘Manatoc Enters The City / The Long Fall’ is a multi-part mini-epic that offers a tantalising taste of Medicine Show’s shadowy steampunk dystopia. The track kicks in like a panic attack, a dizzying flurry of organ and toms alternating with lurching guitar. The chaos soon calms, but builds in intensity again as a massive detuned riff pummels your ears into submission. The final coda is an exercise in unwinding as the song’s tight, muscular coils begin to lose their tension.
The single comes with a bonus ‘B side’ called ‘Crystal Palace People’ taken from the soon to released bonus EP Night Above Ground. A lilting and intimate electro-folk ballad, ‘Crystal Palace People’ is a glimmering, soft-focus comedown after the A side’s rush - only to become unhinged in its closing moments as the recording is chewed and slurred.
“A psychedelic boat ride that leads to a poorly lit and wicked place, where even the nursery rhymes of youth become foreboding...” - AllMusic on Circus Devils’ Ringworm Interiors.
The Candy Opinion: Take a deep breath, hold on tight and hit play. This flows at a mighty rate with a whole lot going on, slowing only to remain a mighty instrumental piece. Powerful and very listenable.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Manatoc Enters The City (mp3).
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Background: Boston has always been indie rock’s best-kept secret. Launching the careers of acclaimed artists such as The Lemonheads, Guster, and The Hush Now, you never know which band will break next. Well, look no further!….Meet Cowgill, one of the more brilliant groups to grace your ears in recent memory.
Formed in June 2011, Cowgill is the perfect combination of indie rock and folk rock, recommended if you like The Decemberists, The Shins, Fleet Foxes, Dr. Dog and The Airborne Toxic Event - combined with the catchy hooks and melodies of The Beatles. With the release of their debut single, “Plans,” the group is ready to take on the world with guitar, mandolin(?), and trombone(!) in hand as they fight for the hearts of music fans.
“Plans” showcases the band’s impressive range, opening with a gorgeous piano line closely followed by a rocking string section groove, slowly building to seriously thumping drums in the outro. Lead singer Paul Cowgill’s vocals are sublime, blending indie and folk influences with a touch of pop sensibility.
Cowgill is Paul Cowgill (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), Mike Truskowski (Piano, Backup Vocals, Trombone), Dan Weissman (Mandolin, Backup Vocals, Trumpet), Leeann Hackett (Violin), Ryan Rivers (Bass Guitar) and a temporarily rotating cast on drums.
On May 17th, Cowgill unveils “Side One" of their debut full-length album,
Planted, celebrated with a hometown CD release show at The Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge, MA. Get ready to meet your new favorite band…it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
The Candy Opinion: Well constructed indie rock to be technical. Plenty of heart and passion added to make this one fine song, reminds us a little of UK indie rock from way back, however as that was mainly class stuff, no harm with the comparison.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Plans. (mp3).
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Background: As a teenager, Lauren Edman was too shy to practice her singing exercises at home, but she grew up to be a woman with the moxie to perform on Apollo Amateur Night where contestants are routinely booed offstage. Lauren’s seductively spare solo debut It’s Always the Quiet One is a prismatic and intimate self-portrait. It’s a starkly vulnerable album that peeks under the veneer of shyness and examines the inner struggles of someone courageously and coyly grappling with the societal and personal manifestations of being soft-spoken.
Lauren is best known for her singing and songwriting on the track “Afterthoughts” from Sleepthief’s 2006 electronic album The Dawnseeker. At the time, she was a relatively unknown talent with a passion for trip-hop featuring ethereal but strong female vocalists. The Connecticut native moved to New York City around that time with the plan of making an album of her own music, but in the years that followed she struggled to find a balance between producing the music that played in her head and paying the rent. “I wrote a lot of these songs at around 3AM while working night jobs and living in a tiny, dingy bedroom in Queens,” she says. She later joined shoegaze band For Every Story Untold, with whom she currently gigs and records. The dual aesthetic trajectories of these disparate influences—the angelic electronic atmospherics of trip-hop and the earthiness of the shoegaze aesthetic inform It’s Always the Quiet One. The album begins with a minimalistic electronic direction that morphs to an organic and rustic sensibility in its second half. The title It’s Always the Quiet One succinctly frames the album’s thematic bend, and throughout the album Lauren examines her experiences and feelings while being thought of as the “quiet one.”
It’s Always the Quiet One is bookended by “Wasting” and “She’s Not Here.” The sonic texts in between chronicle Lauren finding peace within by not letting her natural disposition stifle an expressive life. “’Wasting’ is about questioning yourself,” Lauren explains, “but I think of ‘She’s Not Here’ as a celebration.” It’s a song about someone loving you for who you are and allowing yourself to feel that love and reciprocate it, a tender confessional of someone getting out of their head to feel what’s in their heart. In the song she pens an intimate scene with the following lyric: She knows the sound of the snow on the road/ as the cars drive by when there's no one home/ He gives her shirts that he's worn for a day/so he stays with her/ while she hides away. “It’s all true, about me sitting by myself in my room,” she says. “I can finally accept that this is who I am, and it’s okay.”
Lauren's latest album, It's Always the Quiet One, will be released on March 27th, 2012.
Beehive's Considered Opinion: Absolute quality, beautiful vocals and musical arrangements, with songs that take you to different personal places, totally recommend checking her music out.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Sweet Girl. (mp3).
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Background: Shreveport, Louisiana natives and alternative rock/pop band Super Water Sympathy have released their debut album “Vesper Belle”, a collection of songs blending traditional alternative rock with the band’s self-made genre of “Water Pop”. The genre, described by the Louisiana natives as “a synthesis of classic symphonic ambience with modern ethereal anthems” also pays particular attention to lyrical value and the support of an ethereal synthesis of guitar and keys.
Formed in 2010 and consisting of brothers Billy and Clyde Hargrove (bass and guitar, respectively), Ryan Robinson (drums), Jason Mills (keys), and Ainsley Hughes (vocals), the group clicked from the start, sharing a similar vision of the sound they wanted to create. By fostering and combining their individual strengths, they’ve produced an impressionable and unforgettable music experience like no other.
After traveling and garnering acclaims in the Southwest, Super Water Sympathy is set to hit the road for a nationwide tour in support of the album. In July, they will be performing as part of the coveted Vans Warped Tour after Tour founder, Kevin Lyman “played the record for 30 people this week, to see if [he] was crazy to think they were so good…[he] was not.”
3/17/12 Atlantic City, NJ - St Patty's Day Fest
3/19/12 Savanah, GA - Wormhole
3/20/12 Atlanta, GA - Smith's Olde Bar
3/21/12 Atlanta, GA - Red Light Cafe (Acoustic Show)
3/22/12 Starkville, MS - Dave's Darkhorse
3/23/12 Pineville, LA - The Brewhouse
3/24/12 Natchitoches, LA - Bourbon Creek
3/28/12 Houston, TX - Scout Bar
3/29/12 San Antonio, TX – The Tonic Bar
3/30/12 Gallup, NM - The Juggernaut
3/31/12 Tucson, AZ - Skrappy's
**APRIL TOUR**
4/2/12 Prescott, AZ - Whiskey Row (Acoustic Show)
4/3/12 Phoenix, AZ - The Rogue Bar
4/4/12 Phoenix, AZ - The Lost Leaf
4/5/12 Los Angeles, CA - Amplify
4/6/12 Los Angeles, CA - Viper Room
4/7/12 Las Vegas, NV - Freakin Frog
4/9/12 San Luis Obispo, CA - Linnaea's Cafe (Acoustic Show)
4/10/12 Atascadero, CA - Last Stage West
4/12/12 Stockton, CA - The Plea for Peace Center
4/13/12 Sacramento, CA - Shine Coffee and Art
4/14/12 San Francisco, CA - Brainwash
4/17/12 Reno, NV - Knucklehead's Bar and Grill
4/18/12 Eugene, OR - Sam Bond's Garage
4/19/12 Seattle, WA - Sky Lark Cafe & Club
4/21/12 Seattle, WA - Rat & Raven
4/22/12 Seattle, WA - King Cat Theatre
4/25/12 Boise, ID - The Shredder
4/26/12 Boise, ID - Knitting Factory Concert House
4/27/12 Jackson Hole, WY - Town Square Tavern
4/28/11 Salt Lake City, UT - The Green Pig Pub
Beehive's Considered Opinion: This song reminded me of Heart to start with (in a good way) however the band positively stamp their own mark on the song, which really is a delight.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Cherokee. (mp3).
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Background: Brooklyn-based shoegaze / post-rock outfit LUFF amp up the support of their forthcoming EP with the release of its lead single, the swervy, spangled gem, "Through Here Like Our Fathers." Shifting from crashing chords to cleanly picked notes in the blink of an eye, the single reveals the quartet skillfully working a tightrope between imagining an avian history of our winged brethren and lamenting where their path has brought us today.
The upcoming EP, Maybe It's Just Sleeping, will be unleashed by the band on their own imprint, Delicious Noise. It’s a grievous love letter to the lost; a clutch of disquieting, powerful tracks that cover the intense and universal post-grief process within an ethereal melodic sensibility. Written in the aftermath of the tragic losses of vocalist / guitarist Sheila Sobolewski's mother to a fire and lead guitarist Robin Pickering's step-mother to suicide, the heavy themes in the record's lyrics are balanced by nimble, thoughtful arrangements and production. LUFF conjure a bleary-eyed sense of hope that stands just out of time, interlocking cascading, shimmering arpeggios with quicksilver guitar chords and a tight, sinewy rhythm section. Muscular guitar interplay and lush atmospherics not only co-exist, but play off each other elegantly.
LUFF will continue to perform in their home base of NYC, while moving toward the release of their EP April 17th.
Beehive's Considered Opinion: Over used expressions such as haunting or hypnotic are oh so easy to apply here. Well they apply so lets just accept the fact.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Through Here Like Our Fathers. (mp3).
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Background: Glam rocker & classic pop maven Edward Rogers is set to release his fourth solo album, Porcelain, in the UK and Europe on 4/2/2012 via Bucketfull of Brains with distribution by Proper Music Distribution. Porcelain, which was released last November in the US via Zip Records, is comprised of eleven sonically distinctive compositions that were written and recorded within an 18-month period. “The title of the album,” explains Rogers, “directly reflects the emotions represented in the songs and my mood during the writing process – rage, love, broken friendships, good days, bad days…fun days.”
Porcelain was ultimately penned by Rogers, but the album draws upon the talents of notable kindred spirits including: Don Piper, the celebrated songwriter and bandleader (contributed co-production); James Mastro, a founding member of both The Bongos and Health & Happiness Show and who currently records and tours with Ian Hunter (contributed guitar); Don Fleming, the frontman for Velvet Monkeys, B.A.L.L., and Gumball and who has produced Sonic Youth, Teenage Fan Club, and countless others (contributed guitar); Sal Maida, a member of Cracker who also performs with Roxy Music and Sparks (contributed bass); Ira Elliot, drummer for Nada Surf and Bambi Kino (contributed drums); Pete Kennedy, one half of the folk/pop duo The Kennedys who is currently on tour with Nanci Griffith (contributed guitar); Konrad Meissner, who frequently works with The Silos and Graham Parker (contributed drums); Joe McGinty, who has worked with everyone from the Psychedelic Furs to Ronnie Spector and who is also the mastermind behind the Losers Lounge series of all-star tribute shows (contributed keys); and Claudia Chopek, who has toured and recorded with Moby, TV on the Radio, and Bruce Springsteen among others (contributed violin and viola). This unique assortment of disparate talents bring a vibrant musical life to Edward Rogers' creative vision and add another dynamic chapter to an already impressive body of work.
The now New York-based Rogers, who spent the first twelve years of his life in Birmingham, England, says "I'm motivated by the urge to make music and express myself, rather than by some abstract idea of being some kind of pop star, so I feel like I'm making music for the right reasons."
Beehive's Considered Opinion: Having read the above I was expecting something quite retro and yes there are elements on this song that remind me in part of Lou Reed in days gone by, however this song is immediate and modern sounding and pretty fine as well.
Web: Facebook HERE. Listen: Porcelain. (mp3).
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Background: From their website we read - The neyBuzz is a collective of some of the most talented musicians in the San Francisco Bay area. The collective is a pool of constantly revolving talented musicians, artists, dancers and visionaries to bring a sound imprint of the Bay Area at the moment.
The neyBuzz family firmly believes in the power of sound to transmit information and engage the mind to nurture the human spirit. We assemble our alternative sound through our shared spirit, history, experiences and laughter.
And the unifying result can be labeled everything from Dub, Soul, funk, Indie to feral Rock.
Beehive's Considered Opinion: Turn this one up a bit louder to hear all that is going on. An exceptional piece of music that is stylish, natural and demonstrates top notch musicianship that totally captivates.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Rhumba International. (player below only).
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Background:Ira Lee produces some of the most bizarre and haunting music we have ever heard. Yet, somehow the bizarre produces a result of unexpected beauty and addiction. We first listened to Ira Lee a couple years back in Montreal when the idea for Lovely Hearts Club first came to fruition. Now, years later, we see the evolution of his multi-talented character which has transcended from upbeat piano pop to dark and experimental R&B.
Combining key elements of underground hip hop in the style of Bus driver and MC Chris with the raw and obscure vocal style of rock icon Tom Waits, Ira Lee is onto something – and it’s something we love.
Though we first knew of Ira Lee in Montreal, he is quite the traveller – and it shows in his music. The track we’re featuring here, for example, is titled “Drinking Alone In Paris”.
His latest video is titled “Seven Days in Amsterdam”, and features beautiful cinematography immediately bringing to mind the films of Larry Clark. Ira Lee is an artist across many mediums including film, comedy, visual art, and music…we can’t wait to see what he’s going to come up with next! (courtesy of Paper Garden Records).
Beehive's Considered Opinion: There is something in this song that has had me listening again and again. Part disturbing even threatening and yet it just draws me in as a story over an unfolding instrumental piece.
Web: Facebook HERE. Listen: Drinking Alone in Paris (feat. Scream Dream Baby). (player below only).
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Background: Beehive Candy received this message a few days back from previously featured The Hussy - I'm writing to tell you about the new Hussy LP, Weed Seizure! Tic Tac Totally is releasing it on 3/20/12. It follows the band's sold out debut LP "Cement Tomb Mind Control" (Released less than a year ago in May 2011), which garnered the band comparisons to many of the finest Goner and In The Red alum (Ty Segall, Oblivians, Jay Reatard). Weed Seizure expands on the debut's sonic carnage, while staying true to the band's unique perspective on bash-em-up-spit-em-out garage-trash for short attention spans. It hinges on hints of psych, noise and pop wreckage. Think the crude force of The Oblivion's meets the pop-centric mind of Ty Segall...with alternating guy/girl vox, and an insane live show (fire, push ups, crowd surfing...). Ben Lyon's artwork channels The Hussy's countless acid trips and blood pressure drops perfectly, like some telepathic visuals from the centre of a blackout dream. Impose recently premiered the first video from the LP for "Undefined". Three more videos from the LP are expected throughout the year. All feature a different look into the band's psyche. The record will be distributed physically and digitally by Revolver/Midheaven in the USA and P.Trash in Europe. The LP comes with a download code.
The band will be embarking on a sizable Midwest and East Coast tour in March and April as well as a trip to the West Coast during May and June. The most exciting dates are with Ty Segall, White Fence, Bare Wires, Night Beats, and the stop at WFMU for the band's second live performance there...this time on Terre T's excellent garage-punk show The Cherry Blossom Clinic!
The Hussy also have two brand new 7"s on Italy's Goddbye Boozy (Home to Ty Segall, Mikal Cronin, BBQ, etc...) and Eradicator records available now. These are the band's fourth and fifth 7"s. Two more 7"s will follow the Midwest/East Coast Tour on Evil Weevil Records and Slovenly's subsidiary Black Gladiator. Expect those in May or June.
Beehive's Considered Opinion: Time to crank things right up with a touch of Hussy mayhem. Total no nonsense, crazy energy, get leaping about folks!
Web: Bandcamp HERE. Listen: Stab Me. (mp3).
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Background: The West London (original home of Beehive Candy - no deserved bias here eh?) Grunge-Punkers Katalina Kicks have been destroying British stages with their blend of heavy-hitting rock since 2009 and now promise to bring their energy and aggression to stages in Canada for Canadian Music Week.
The self-funded 3-piece are the epitome of the DIY model. With a heyday pointing back to proper British punk, fused with garage rock and grunge, they mean business. They live to play. Hard. And play to live. Harder.
The trio is fronted by Ian George, who belts it out until his throat bleeds while hammering his Telecaster--the man is not messing about! Kam Kappa, blazing beat-maker, provides thunderous rhythm reminiscent of Bonham, Moon & Grohl. J Creswell is the filth merchant, with cowboy boots and a vintage Rickenbacker, a serious party animal--everything you expect in a bass-player.
Well known for their wild on and off stage antics, banned from the World-famous 100 Club for stage destruction (ironically the original "home of punk"), touring extensively across the UK in 2011, headlining a sell-out CLUB NME show at the famous London venue KOKO; and renown for staging crowd pleasing mini soap-operas every time they appear on stage, the band has the music and the swagger to carry it off.
The band's debut album The Return of Montague Rotter was recorded in Baker Street's Air Edel Studios and released in the US in July 2011. The debut single "145" received critical acclaim, was featured as Track of the Day in Clash Magazine, and was play listed across the UK, receiving numerous 5 star ratings, as well as a feature in the Financial Times's howtospendit.com.
Beehive's Considered Opinion: Whilst we have the energy switched right up, Katalina Kicks also demonstrate their finesse at the art of rock'n'roll/punk/grunge, prepare to be blown out of your room.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: C Bomb. (mp3).
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Background: Brooklyn-based production duo Javelin has announced the digital release of their two limited edition 12'''s Javelin and Javelin II, out on April 17 with Luaka Bop. Now collector's pieces, Javelin and Javelin II were held to 500 copies each and never made the light of a widespread digital day. Taken together, the EPs contain some live set staples and fan favorites including the ferocious 8-bit homage 'Soda Popinski,' 'Beyondce,' and the sublime statement of intent 'Radio.'
Javelin (cousins George Langford and Tom Van Buskirk) originally released the 12'''s on Thrill Jockey, before signing with Luaka Bop to release their genre-hopping LP No Más and last year's western-inspired Canyon Candy EP. From Providence warehouse parties to Brooklyn warehouse parties to performances at the Whitney Museum, tours with Yeasayer, Girl Talk, Matt & Kim, and sets with Little Dragon and QuestLove, Javelin has carved out a niche uniquely their own. The duo has put its distinctive touch on tracks for Cee-Lo, Warpaint, Future Islands, Darwin Deez and Health and done production work for hip-hop moguls and pop divas.
Beehive's Considered Opinion: Quirky ? You bet, plus different and just such a great song.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Soda Popinski. (mp3).
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PLEASE - IF YOU CAN SPARE US A MINUTE OR TWO - GO TO THE TAB ABOVE - 'MARCH 2012 PLEASE READ'.
*** UPDATED - 14TH MARCH 2012 ***
Project Stealth - For All True Music Lovers and All Of Our Friends!
Friends of Beehive Candy hopefully will read this and understand why we have taken this pretty sudden change of direction.
Beehive Candy knows where it's roots are. We have grown in terms of interest and regular visits thanks to you our friends. Our focus on new music and emerging bands or artists will remain.
As regards the older rarities we have featured in the recent times and the past, well we need to consider how these can be shared without upsetting those we have genuinely sought to support by cutting out the money grabbing bootleggers.
Please accept that currently we cannot re-upload deleted or missing files. As Scarlett said in "Gone With The Wind" .............. (what? you don't remember, well OK then just watch this old space).
SXSW comes around again and Austin, Texas is well and truly on the musical map for a few days. Along with many others our inbox has been filled with a good many messages for numerous artists heading that way, this is our little selection, we could not fit everyone in, so randomly chosen from our favorites list are the following acts...
Background: El Paso quintet The D.A.'s debut album You Kids!, recorded by Justin Leeah (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Conor Oberst and the Mystic River Valley Band, Girl In A Coma), is 10 tracks of pure bliss – impeccably produced pop set apart by its merging of electronic sounds, soaring trumpet and bare bones rock instruments. Each lovingly-crafted track transcends the synth-pop formula, laden with personality by odd flashes of weirdness – whether it be secretly recorded barroom banter or glitchy chirps at the end of “Big Woman."
You Kids! has impressively bottled The D.A.’s live sound. Frontman Tyler Dudley has been known to hang from rafters, barking like a madman. Keyboards either titter in pleasure or shudder in fear at the wrath of synth maestro Cesar Muñiz. Michael Frisbey’s trumpet– alternately sad and buoyant – cuts through the din of chugging guitar, Steven Escargaza’s earworm bass, and Evan Tremper’s driving drums.
“If I was a manager or label, I would snatch these little twinks up and make them rich twinks,” tweeted a bowled-over JD Samson of Le Tigre during The D.A.’s opening set for her side project MEN in April. The D.A. has also shared stages with such indie darlings as Yelle, Foster the People, Twin Shadow, Crystal Castles, Mister Heavenly, Holy F##k, Miniature Tigers, Pomegranates and Prefuse 73. This spring they more than held their own on a bill with MSTRKRFT, CSS and Beach Fossils at El Paso’s first-ever Neon Desert Music Festival.
Upcoming shows include support for Gardens & Villa, Electric Guest, a DJ set for Of Montreal and Deerhoof, and several performances at Austin for SXSW.
3.14 Houston, TX @ Super Happy Fun Land
3.15 Austin, TX (SXSW) @ Texas Rockfest Main Stage (7th and Neches)
3.16 Austin, TX (SXSW) @ Hole In The Wall (Echo Cloud Productions Showcase)
3.16 Austin, TX (SXSW) @ Trophy's (NSN Showcase)
3.16 Austin, TX (SXSW) @ Ponderosa Live (Tradewind Showcase)
3.18 El Paso, TX @ Tricky Falls (w/ Of Montreal, Deerhoof)
3.19 El Paso, TX @ Lowbrow Palace (w/ Electric Guest)
Beehive Say: This is a charming lively song, a little quirky in a good way. It's the only song from them we have heard and if we were at SXSW it would have us racing to their first set without a doubt.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Pastels. (mp3).
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Background: LA-based sister trio HAIM are comprised of bassist Este (24), lead guitarist Danielle (22), rhythm guitar, keyboard, and percussionist Alana Haim (19), the girls spent their childhood playing in a family band, and are able to seamlessly switch from instrument to instrument with complete confidence and ease, all while singing in three part harmony. Influenced by Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush, Eurythmics, Aaliyah, and TLC, HAIM was featured in two separate Nylon pieces this month, with the site calling their songs "bizarrely good," noting, "They're all gorgeous and have serious style, but you know what? That doesn't even matter, because these girls are really talented musicians." HAIM will be making their SXSW debut this March with more performances to be announced.
After years of playing with their parents, the girls decided to strike out on their own, adding drummer Dash Hutton to round out their live show. "I think we still have the structure of old-school rock," says Alana. "But the R&B adds the spice." Danielle has previously toured with Jenny Lewis, Cee-lo Green, and Julian Casablancas. Over the past few years, the band has opened up for Julian Casablancas, Ke$ha, Grouplove, No Age, The Bird And The Bee, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and Chief. This month HAIM played four incredible sold out LA shows including sets with Cold War Kids, Mini Mansions, Milo Greene, and Electric Guest.
3/13 - Austin, TX- French Legation Museum @ 1pm
3/15 - Austin, TX - Plugged in Showcase - Red Eyed Fly @ 8pm
3/16 - Austin, TX - Neon Gold Showcase - Karma Lounge @ 8pm
3/17 - Austin, TX - Cantora Showcase - Lambert's at 10pm
Beehive Say: Wonderful three part harmonies that are complemented by a superb mix of instruments, excuse the cliche but this is one act to really watch out for, and some!
Web: Facebook. Listen: Better Off. (mp3).
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Background: Oh Mercy, headed by songwriter Alexander Gow, is a young indie rock band with real talent. For their latest album, Great Barrier Grief, the group treamed up with Mitchel Froom (Crowded House, Elvis Costello) to record eleven tracks of evocative acoustic pop. The record was inspired by the idea of "the classic albums and songwriters who soundtrack our lives." Timeless in feel, Great Barrier Grief is a confident, purposeful album with the occasional bird noise thrown in.
The album received critical acclam, debuting at number 13 on the Australian ARIA album chart and nominated for two ARIA Awards. Abundant with singles, the album was featured on Triple J radio Australia, 3fm in The Netherlands and added to college radio stations across America while the bizarrely subtle video clip for the single “Stay, Please Stay” quickly surpassed 200,000 plays on YouTube.
Oh Mercy have toured consistently since 2009, growing a devoted audience through their own sold out shows, in support of Kaiser Chiefs, The Vaccines, Temper Trap, The Triffids and Crowded House and on the festival stage at Splendour In The Grass, Laneway and the Big Day Out.
2012 will find Oh Mercy in America for the third time in many years, with shows in Los Angeles, Austin and New York. Alexander remembers his last SXSW trip, “Austin was very cold. It was there that I bought beers as big as my face for one dollar.”
3.14 Austin, TX @ The Studio
3.14 Austin, TX @ Joe's Crab Shack
3.16 Austin, TX @ Maggie Mae's - Official Sonicbids SXSW Showcase
3.17 Austin, TX @ Maggie Mae's - Aussie BBQ
3.21 Toronto, CAN @ Hard Luck
3.22 Toronto, CAN @ Library Bar
3.24 Toronto, CAN @ El Mocambo - Aussie BBQ
3.25 Brooklyn, NY @ The Bellhouse - Aussie BBQ
Beehive Say: In the crowded indie rock market place, stand out bands are seemingly hard to spot, Oh Mercy stand out for us with their down to earth songs, excellent musicianship and pleasing vocals.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Stay, Please Stay. (mp3).
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Background:Bonfire Nights' make swirling moody psych-pop: a clash of surf and synth, shoe-gaze with purple haze, Virginia Plain meets Jesus & Mary Chain.
With mantra like drones, shaking bones and sweet candy overtones, Bonfire Nights like to blur the boundaries. Formed by Steve, Ruth and Nicole in 2010, the band split their time between London and their hometown of Brisbane, Australia.
Adopting a minimalist ethos, the band recorded their first self-titled EP on a four-track analogue tape machine. While the approach was modest, the outcome was an eclectic mix, ranging from the menacing “Own Worst Enemy” to the sparse and dreamy fuzz of “Leave Yourself Open.”
The EP has received early kudos from Australian, Japanese, South African and British Radio. The video clip for single "Own Worst Enemy" also received rotation on Rage - the primary Australian music television program. While the track was also voted into the ‘Hot 100’ tracks of 2010 for Australian station 4zzz FM.
After a highly successful UK tour supporting Scottish indie rockers Sons & Daughters, the band are again looking to foreign shores as they plan tour dates to coincide with their official SXSW 2012 showcase.
3.13 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live - AACC Showcase
3.16 Austin, TX @ German School - Dart International Showcase
3.16 Austin, TX @ Treasure Island - Official SXSW Showcase
3.17 Austin, TX @ Maggie Mae's - Aussie BBQ
3.24 New York, NY @ Lit Lounge
3.25 Brooklyn, NY @ The Bell House - Aussie BBQ
Beehive Say: Some bands can make it seem all so simple, whilst crafting fast moving and changing arrangements. Case in point here, and a very fine song as well!
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Own Worst Enemy. (mp3).
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Background: Combining fuzzed out pop melodies with the distorted punk attitude of late 1970's New York, Brooklyn's Beast Make Bomb craft songs informed by twenty-something college life in urban grit. Powerful yet tastefully delicate vocals by Houston native Ceci Gomez croon over distortion driven guitars (Glenn VanDyke), warm bass lines (Sam Goldfine), and locked down up-tempo drums (Hartley Lewis) on the band's two premiere EPs, Skinny Legs and Sourpuss. Bringing a pronounced energy and sonic solidarity to the stage, Beast Make Bomb's roots lay firmly at the intersection of indie pop and punk rock, inhabiting a city known for spawning the pioneers of both.
Formed as NYU students in 2009, Beast Make Bomb have toured the country in support of several acts, including Cold War Kids, Tokyo Police Club, and The Whigs. The band was also featured at Rolling Stone Magazine's 2011 SXSW showcase, sharing the stage with Queens of the Stone Age. This year, the garage-pop quartet is returning to SXSW to play a string of dates in the midst of their southern tour.
3.15 Austin, TX @ Kebabalicious, 3pm - Vagabond Showcase
3.15 Austin, TX @ Fados, 8:45pm - Rethink Pop Music Showcase
3.16 Austin, TX @ Liberty Bar, 11:30am - Mightier Than Sword Showcase 3.16 Austin, TX @ Budare's, 6:15pm - Generic Mammal Party
3.17 Austin, TX @ House of Commons, 10:45pm - Generic Mammal Party
3.21 Washington, D.C. @ DC9
Beehive Say: There is a freshness to this band and song that reminds me why I enjoyed punk and new wave the first time around. Sadly it also reminds me how old I am getting, still if I need reminding of that, then at least I get to enjoy fabulous music along the way.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: It Snowed Last Night. (mp3).
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Background:Bunny West was born on a locomotive, raised on a reservation, and steeped in salvation. The spirit of Bunny West comes alive through a style of music all her own. With ten years of playing and writing music under her belt, she has dipped her toes into every style of music and fused all of these to create her own fresh sound. Whether she draws inspiration from Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Etta James or The Black Keys, Bunny West’s distinct, chillingly powerful voice lies at the root of her music.
Her hard work and dedication has culminated into a brilliant debut album, to be released later this Spring. After working as a bartender and playing weekly gigs at Piano Bar and Hotel Café in Hollywood, Bunny West was able to pay for sessions out of her own pocket. Brother Sal, along with friend, engineer and co-producer Geoff Neal, lent a hand to get the album done in just four days. The tracks were all recorded live, within three takes and finished with limited overdubbing. Her sound is raw. Her sound is unforgettable.
As an introduction to her beautiful voice, she has recorded a video covering "Run to the Hills" by Iron Maiden. It's Bunny's voice that brings out the sincere hurt and pain in the lyrics and gives the song a whole new perspective.
Los Angeles, CA @ Piano Bar (every Monday)
3.14 Austin, TX @ SXSW - The Section 101 Launchpad (12:30 p.m.)
3.14 Austin, TX @ SXSW - Red Shed Tavern (5 p.m.)
3.17 Los Angeles, CA @ The Escondite (12 p.m.)
Beehive Say: I used to occasionally go out for a drink or two with a Parisian called Guy who was a massive Iron Maiden fan. What Guy would make of this I do not know, but after the decibels he inflicted on me, I am just glad I can here this incredible version of the song.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Run To The Hills. (mp3).
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Background: NY-based multi-instrumentalist Delicate Steve, (aka Steve Marion) has premiered his first single 'Africa Talks To You' from his sophomore album Positive Force, due out on May 15 with Luaka Bop. Written, played, recorded, and mixed by Marion, Positive Force is an interplanetary step forward from the bedroom sounds of his debut Wondervisions.
What remains true on Positive Force is Marion's dedication to hyper-melody-- put simply, the ability to make you ready and able to sing his wordless songs. But everything is bigger here on the LP. It is a planet onto itself, a world to immerse yourself in. Wondervisions put Marion on the map, as it won praise from New York Times, Spin, American Songwriter, with the song "Butterfly" recently named one of the best singles of 2011 by NPR. Delicate Steve has shared the stage with Yeasayer and Lee Ranaldo, and toured extensively last year including dates with Battles, Ra Ra Riot, Cut Copy, Akron Family, and the list goes on and on.
3/14 Austin, TX [SXSW] - Blue Theatre (Blow Up) - 4:40pm RSVP nihao@caoker.com
3/16 Austin, TX [SXSW] - Music Makers Lot Terror Eyes -3pm
3/16 -Austin, TX [SXSW] - Takoba (Shout Out Out) - 6pm
3/17 Austin, TX [SXSW] - Mohawk Outside (Panache Showcase) - 9pm
3/18 Denton, TX - Rubbergloves
3/22 Boise, ID - Treefort Music Festival
3/24 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive
3/25 Omaha, NE - Slowdive
3/26 Milwaukee, WI - Mad Planet
3/27 Muncie, IN - The Center Stage
3/28 Pittsburgh, PA - Belvedere's
3/29 Harrisburg, PA - 29th Stage on Herr
Beehive Say: Superb instrumental mix which has atmosphere and is carefully layered, so you get to hear and enjoy all of it without having to sit and concentrate.
Web: Official HERE. Listen: Africa Talks To You. (mp3).
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Background: Washington DC-based quartet Deletes Scenes has announced appearances at SXSW '12 and a set East coast tour dates in support of their sophomore Young People's Church of the Air LP. With performances currently underway, the band will appear at this coming weekend's Savannah Stopover and Orange You Glad Festivals. Earlier this year, Deleted Scenes embarked on a nationwide tour with art-pop group A Lull, including Daytrotter, Quit Mumbling and LaundroMatinee sessions along the way.
Their newest collection of songs originated in frontman Daniel Scheuerman's basement and was recorded at the Garden Center in Hockessin, DE, with Nick Krill (The Spinto Band) and Birdseed Shirt producer L. Skell. Young People's Church of the Air mixes themes of family, love, death, and joy incorporating studio sounds and home-recorded lo-fi noise. Deleted Scenes has shared the stage with Cursive, Wild Nothing, Abe Vigoda, Black Kids, The Antlers, Medications, and Matt and Kim among others, and has performed at SXSW, CMJ, and Pop Montreal.
3/14 - Austin, TX: DC Does Texas SXSW Party at Lovejoy's
3/14 - Austin, TX: Audio Perv/Sophistic Arts SXSW Party at Peckerheads on 6th
3/14 - Austin, TX: STPP Does! Does! Does! SXSW Showcase at Casa Chapala Downtown
3/15 - Austin, TX: Popantipop SeaNow! SXSW Showcase at Brew Exchange
3/15 - San Antonio, TX: The Big Spill Music Festival at Korova
3/17 - Austin, TX: Red Ryder Showcase Swan Dive
3/19 - Atlanta, GA: 529
3/20 - Durham, NC: The Pinhook
3/21 - Philadelphia, PA: Kungfu Necktie
3/22 - Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's
3/23 - Baltimore, MD - The Talking Head @ Sonar
3/24 - Newark, DE - Mojo Main
4/20, Washington, DC - Comet Ping Pong
Beehive Say: Mood music, with differing beats and atmospheric vocals, we just cant help but get hooked on this song, that draws you in, even if you try to resist. The song builds beautifully and fly's the flag for bands who continue to dare to be different.
Web: Blog HERE. Listen: Bedbedbedbedbed. (mp3).
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