Fresh Bread

Toubab Krewe - Coda 04.21.06

Ashville, NC's newest sensation is Toubab Krewe.  Justin recomends them.  Apparently, so does Superfly.

Toubab Krewe blend west african rhythms and instraments with rock and roll, producing an infectious toe-tapping sound.  I downloaded their self-titled debut album from e-music a few weeks back...it gets plenty of spins on the breadPod II.

Other than the fact one of the band members was wearing a Cantona-styled Manc jersey, the show was excellent.  I would also add it seems as if only the percussionist is having a good time on stage...however, If you have any interest in world/african music, definitely check out the Krewe.

Stream Toubab Krewe songs on their Myspace page

Umphrey's McGee - Grand Central Terminal 04.21.2006

Umphrey's McGee played a free set at lunchtime in midtown yesterday.  In conjunction with the Green Apple Music Festival, a few artists agreed to perform during the day with Saving Big Mama Earth in mind.

Wooks, suits, and tourists alike were witness to an upbeat, jovial performance from Umph...a very good 45 minute set indeed.  These types of shows are why I moved to NYC.

Umphrey's McGee's lastest album, Safety in Numbers, hit stores earlier in the month.  Although I wouldn't consider it as good as Anchor Drops, the band's sophomore effort does feature an incredible guest - HUEY.  Listen to Huey and the Boys on this catchy, perfect-for-summertime song.

Women Wine And Song.mp3

the rest of my pics here

Stale Bread - Umphrey's McGee @ Nokia Theater 02.17.06

It's Just A Plant - Keller Williams

(pic courtesy of Cavalier Daily)

Some people consider today a holiday.  I'm working.  Since I can't be at home enjoying the fruits of mother nature, I'll listen to a couple of tracks by my fellow Virginian, Keller Williams, to keep me in the mood until I go to the Jammy Awards tonight.  These sbd mp3s come from Keller's 4.20.2002 performance at the Sommerville Theater in Mass. 

t 02 - Its A Plant >.mp3

t 03 - > Loop >.mp3

t 04 - > Legalize It.mp3

t 08 - Sally Sullivan > Surrender > Sally Sullivan.mp3

I've been a big fan of Keller's since I saw him summer of '01.  He's a freak of nature - amazing guitarist, brilliant mouth flugel-ist, creative loop-er of sound effects, and a satirically poignant lyricist. 

Download more live Keller Williams on the Internet Archive

Umphrey's McGee, Bela Fleck/tones, To Perform For Free

From Jambands.com

As previously reported, on both April 21 and 22, a number of artists will offer free performances outside New Yorks Grand Central as part of Green Apple's EarthFair. The set times are as follows:

Friday, April 21

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals: 12 PM

Umphreys Mcgee: 1 PM

The Mutaytor with Mickey Hart and Baaba Maal: 5 PM

Martin Sexton: 6 PM

Saturday, April 22

Constant Wonder: 11 AM

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones: 12 PM

Assembly of Dust: 1 PM

Ben Taylor: 2 PM

Jonah Smith: 3 PM

Art Brut - Bowery Ballroom 04.04.06 plus Acoustic mp3s

   

A week and a half ago, I finally caught live Art Brut.  I was ready...just like Art Brut was before every song. 

This band from South London released a critically acclaimed album last year, Bang Bang Rock and Roll.  The album is chock-full of excellent music.  I love the catchy no-nonsense punk-pop delivered by lead vocalist Eddie Argos.  There is an incredible amount of likability in him...he seems like a dude you would run into at the pub...drunk and talking smack about your favourite footy team if it isn't the same as his.

The highlights for me were "Emily Kane", "Rusted Guns of Milan" - which Eddie claimed was about his insecurities as a lover, and "Good Weekend". 

Peep this acoustic Art Brut show from my birthday last year, 10-25-2005

Planet Claire FM SBD

Bang Bang Rock N Roll.mp3

Formed A Band.mp3

Modern Art.mp3

Moving To L.A.mp3

My Little Brother.mp3

Rusted Guns of Milan.mp3

These Animal Menswear.mp3

Picture of the Day

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! - Bowery Ballroom 04.14.06

Everything Brooklyn Vegan says about last nights Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! show I agree with (everything except skipping the "Clap Your Hands" track at the beginning of their cd). 

I was so stoked to get a ticket Friday....off ticketweb...for face value...because I snoozed when these shows went on sale and missed out.  I hadn't seen CYH since last August at the South Street Seaport.  Last night, I saw a band that was just as good but even better.  Their sound has become very thick and rich...polished.  They seemed road-tested but were visably glad to be have returned to NYC.  the Bowery was ecstatic to have them back. 

"Is This Love", "Satan Said Dance", and "Country Teeth" were especially rowdy down in front.  The setlist was:

Set List (04/14/06)

Let the Cool Goddess Rust Away
In This Home on Ice
Graceful Retreat
Is This Love?
The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth
Details of the War
Gimme Some Salt
Wet Dynamite
Lost and Found
Cigarettes
Satan Said Dance!
Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood

encore:
Clap Your Hands!
Me & You, Watson
Heavy Metal

Quirky New Zeland band the Brunettes opened.  Lead singer Heather's brillant smile and neverending legs barely overshadowed their brand of eclectic indie-pop. 

the rest of my pics here

my pics from CYH 6.20.05 - Gothamist's Movable Hype 3.0 at the Knitting Factory

T.J.I.F. - 04.14.06

Thank Jah It's Friday Saturday!!!

A day late but no less sweeter.  This is a hot show from Steel Pulse.  My bro Alex got me into them by playing his Earth Crisis tape over and over.  We used to listen to it while we did our paper route...for the record, he's the only one to brake a window. 

Please enjoy this amazing set from the Paradiso in Amsterdam 11.26.1983   

If you don't own one of the following (and you like the mp3s below) run out and buy em:

Earth Crisis

True Democracy

Smash Hits

01 George Jackson.mp3

02 Biko.mp3

03 Blues Dance Raid.mp3

04 Soldiers.mp3

05 Rally Round The Flag.mp3

06 Handsworth Revolution.mp3

07 Chant A Psalm.mp3

08 Sound System.mp3

09 Macka Splaff.mp3

10 Drug Squad.mp3

11 Ravers.mp3

Filler is from NYC 7.12.1984

14 Roller Skates.mp3

Gorillaz w/Special Guests - the Apollo Theater 04.06.06

Crazy-ass cartoon band Gorillaz ended their Apollo Theater residency last night, closing out the five night stand at the famed theater in Harlem (max capacity 471).  I can't think of a better way to mark my first visit to the Apollo.  the Gorillaz were joined throughout the night by all the artists who guested on the massive Demon Days album - De La effin' Soul, Neneh Cherry, Ike Turner, and Roots Manuva.  Actor Dennis Hopper received the loudest response by the audience when he performed vocals on "Fire Coming Out of the Monkey's Head".  Further, the band was joined by a kid's choir in addition to an adult choir on different songs.

My take - despite sometimes finding myself a little bored with the music, I truly enjoyed the evening.  As a memorable event, it ranks up there.  "Feel Good, Inc" was the highlight for sure.  I lost something in the translation of the album songs to live songs.  In addition, they were filming the entire show...It would be great if it were released on dvd.

ULTIMATE NIGHT HIGHLIGHT - Walking into the theater next to David Gilmour.  wow.

UN-HIGHLIGHT - the overbearing ushers...they were hounding people about cameras and...and...cell phones - even people just texting or reading their screens....

This week Damon Albarn hinted we may have seen/heard the last of Gorillaz.  It'll probably end up being a "hip-hop thing" - retiring and then returning triumphantly to the cheers of fans...

T.J.I.F. - 04.07.06

  THANK JAH!!!!  More crucial songs from This Is Reggae Music - the Golden Era 1960 - 1975

You Can Get It If You Really Want.mp3 - Desmond Dekker's take on the classic Jimmy Cliff song.  this was a #2 song in the UK in 1970.

Come Into My Life.mp3 - This was released on Jimmy Cliff's "Vietnam" single (another awesome song) in 1970

Pop A Top.mp3 - This song by Andy Capp (no relation to the cartoon) is one of the first "Dub" records.  Performed by Lynford Anderson as Andy Capp.  Reportedly, Anderson works for the United Nations.

Guava Jelly.mp3 - Houston-born Johnny Nash commissioned Bob Marley to write songs for him.  This was one of the first songs Bob presented to Nash who released it in the U.K. in 1972.  Another great version of this song is from the Bob Box Set, Disc #2, as part of an acoustic medley (if you don't have it you are on crack)

Stale Bread - TJIF containing other songs from this box set