This Saturday (October 11) two fantastic Virginia bands will once again share the same stage as Charlottesville’s Sons of Bill team up with the Wrinkle Neck Mules in the Mules’ hometown of Richmond, Virginia for what promises to be a can’t miss show at Toad’s Place.  [ticket info]  These two bands have played together on numerous occasions in the past, but for fans of Sons of Bill and the Wrinkle Neck Mules it has been too damn long since we last saw them together.  Saturday’s show will mark the first appearance for the Mules here in the Old Dominion in over a year and given the friendships that exists between the two bands this should be a special night indeed.

Over the weekend I had an opportunity to interview the lead singers for both bands and today I’m giving you my interview with the Wrinkle Neck Mules’ Andy Stepanian, who currently resides in Houston, Texas.  [Andy is pictured second from the right above]  I’ll be presenting Part 2 of this post, featuring my interview with S.O.B. front man James Wilson tomorrow.  In addition to having MP3s from both bands, we’ve also got a pair of tickets to giveaway to see the Mules and Sons of Bill this Saturday at Toad’s Place in Richmond, Virginia.  To register to win, drop a big “Yee-haw!” in our comments section.  I’ll be announcing the winner this Friday at noon.  The winner will be drawn at random and will be notified via email.   [interview with Andy Stepanian after the break] »Read More

Popularity: 15% [?]

Last night I went to the opening of the new tapas restaurant on West Main, ‘Si’, and afterwards headed upstairs to the inaugural show at the venue formerly known as Starr Hill. With quite possibly (IMHO) the dumbest venue name ever, I had admittedly pretty low expectations. The space is great, though almost identical to Starr Hill. The only differences aside from paint and wall hangings was the position of the bar, which was moved to the left side. I actually like the bar where it is now. It’s much bigger and easier to see the band.

I’ll make some caveats here but the sound is still atrocious. »Read More

Popularity: 23% [?]

If there’s one thing keeping me from heading out to The Bridge to see the opening night party for this month’s art show there, then it’s this little band from North Carolina.  These guys are another out-of-the-blue discovery that I luckily stumbled upon after staring at the list of upcoming Gravity Lounge shows.  The New Familiars are from Charlotte, NC and while most of the support they’re gathering is mainly of a regional nature, folks are beginning to take notice outside the friendly confines of the Tar Heel State.

One reviewer put it this way:

“Blending influences ranging from Woody Guthrie and the Grateful Dead to Kings of Leon and Ryan Adams, the Charlotte band delivers a mix of acoustic folk, bluegrass, rock and blues with a visceral intensity to match their raucous live gigs.”–John Schacht, Creative Loafing

I was hoping to bring you something in MP3 form to let you listen for yourselves, but you’ll just have to stop by the band’s MySpace page to hear their sound.  In particular, check out their version of the Motown classic “My Girl”.  (I always enjoy hearing a new take on a familiar classic).  The New Familiars perform at the Gravity Lounge Friday, October 3 at 7pm with special guest Zach Orion from Crozet.  $8.  This will be followed by the Dressy Bessy show at 10pm.  I could end up spending the night at Gravity.

[The New Familiars photo by Jeff Hahne]

Popularity: 17% [?]

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The bands Birdlips and Birdmonster performed last night at the Gravity Lounge.  The crowd was small.  The bands soared.  We sang and played along.  It’s why we came.  [My thoughts after the break.  Plus we’ve got a song from Birdlips (”Dream Within a Dream” from the band’s debut album Cardboard Wings) and WNRN’s live on-air interview and performance from Birdmonster, both in MP3 form, for your listening pleasure.] »Read More

Popularity: 18% [?]

I kept wondering when the Avett Brothers and Crackerfarm were going to team up for another video.  I wonder no more.  On Tuesday Paste got the exclusive first broadcast of the new Avett Brothers’ video for “Murder in the City” from the band’s latest six-song EP The Second Gleam.  Here it is.  I Gleam.

This is the second time I’ve featured this song on MUSE and in both instances it’s hard for me not to mention my own brother.  It’s a ying-yang, Castor and Pollux kind of thing.

“I wonder which brother is better / Which one our parents love the most / I sure did get in lots of trouble / They seemed to let the other go / A tear fell from my father’s eyes / I wondered what my dad would say / He said I love you and I’m proud of you both / In so many different ways”.

“Always remember there was nothing worth sharing / Like the love that let us share our name”.  [video for “Murder in the City” after the break]

[photo by Crackerfarm]

»Read More

Popularity: 18% [?]

In recent years Canada has become a virtual hotbed for new music.  And while most of the publicity goes to indie rockers like Wolf Parade, Broken Social Scene, and Arcade Fire, Canadian artists have also been making waves in the Americana music scene as well.   One such band that has been making a name for itself is the Vancouver, British Columbia-based band, The Clumsy Lovers, who join the Duhks, the Be Good Tanyas, Fred Eaglesmith, and Blue Rodeo in an ever-growing list of praise-worthy Americana artists from the land of the red maple leaf.

The band features Chris Jonat on bass, Jason Homey on banjo and mandolin, Rebecca Smith on fiddle, Tyler Thompson on drums, and Trevor Rogers on guitar and harmonica, and their upbeat, eclectic sound combines elements of bluegrass, progressive country, and rock (with hints of reggae and Celtic thrown in for good measure).  The Clumsy Lovers have been labeled by some as being the “best damn dance band in the Northwest” and they’re currently touring the U.S., raising a lovely ruckus at each and every tour stop.

The band’s next concert appearance takes place right here in Charlottesville as the Clumsy Lovers perform tonight at the Gravity Lounge.  Showtime is at 7pm.  Tickets are $10 advance or $15 at the door.  The band’s most recent album Smart Kid (Nettwerk) was released in 2005.  The band’s yet-to-be titled new album should be coming out very soon.  [Listen to “London Bridge” from Smart Kid below.]

Listen:
MP3:  Clumsy Lovers–”London Bridge”

Popularity: 17% [?]

The rumors of a comeback kicked into high gear earlier this summer when three of the members of Phish appeared on stage together at the Rothbury Music Festival back in July.  Well now those rumors have become a reality as Phish has announced it is indeed getting the band back together.  The band’s first three shows will be held at “The Mothership”, aka the Hampton Coliseum, on March 6, 7, and 8, 2009.  The announcement came via this video which was posted earlier today on Phish’s website.

According to the band’s website additional shows throughout 2009 will be announced soon.  The Hampton Coliseum shows will mark the first time that guitaritst Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon, keyboardist Page McConnell, and drummer Jon Fishman have performed together since their farewell show at Coventry, Vermont back in 2004.

A limited number of tickets are now available via the band’s online ticketing system.  [for info click here].  Tickets go on sale to the public on Saturday, October 18 at 10am.  I’m guessing they will sell out in less than an hour.  Phish is back.

Popularity: 18% [?]

My Brightest Diamond,  A Thousand Shark’s Teeth (Asthmatic Kitty)

Ethereal and quirky, My Brightest Diamond’s sophomore release, A Thousand Shark’s Teeth, is their best yet. Moving away from her classical roots, singer Shara Worden adds an edge to her warbling soprano that pairs nicely with the fuzziness of an electric guitar. Lush orchestration provides a theatricality to the band’s arrangements, evoking an operatic landscape complete with surreal stage scenery. This album isn’t just entrancing, it’s downright cerebral. If you ever wondered what would happen if Tom Waits and Björk were to dance the tango, well, this is it.

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Mirah, That Old Days Feeling (K)

It’s hard to compare That Old Days Feeling to Mirah’s previous releases, since it’s not really a polished album, but a collection of rarities and unreleased songs.  There’s a charm in its light-heartedness, however, guaranteed to win over new fans as well as long-time devotees.  Mirah’s no stranger to experimental music- her sweet tones can be heard on several tracks by Indie darlings The Microphones/Mt. Eerie as well as on the collaborative Songs from the Black Mountain Music Project (2003). This album demonstrates her musical range: from the sunny ska-like “Slighted” to sexy “Dreamboat” and introspective “The Place,” this album is full of surprises.

Dana hosts Melodic Mayhem, Friday nights from 1 -3am on WTJU 91.1FM or at wtju.net

Popularity: 17% [?]

September 30:  A Song for the Day.  The Buena Vista Social Club–Candela

In many ways this serves as a companion piece to our latest mix tape offering.  I was thinking of autumn and autumn songs when suddenly the thought of “fall colors all ablaze” ran through my head.  The fiery reds, oranges, and yellows just a few weeks away along the Blue Ridge.  The fire of my woodstove.  One last campfire before the burning heart of autumn turns to the blue polished steel of winter.

In thinking about the blaze of autumn, this song came to me almost immediately.  If you need reason #125 to love Ry Cooder then how could you not include the wonderful collection of Cuban artists and songs that is Buena Vista Social Club.  I was drawn to “Candela”.  To hear Ibrahim Ferrer sing “Look mama, I’m burning / Look call the fire-brigade, tell them to put out the fire / Look, I’m burning up / But I don’t want to stop”.  The band only serves to create an inferno.

All ablaze in autumn with Buena Vista Social Club.  [live video for “Candela” after the break] »Read More

Popularity: 17% [?]

The great thing about writing on music in Charlottesville is the fact that it never ceases to amaze me the kind of talent this town possesses and the kind of talent that makes its way into to town.  Everyday I discover someone, something, or some music that “blows the doors off” and “peels back the paint”.  (Sometimes I speak strangely).

Three weeks ago, I’ll admit it, I had never heard of the band Dressy Bessy.  If the name had come up in conversation I would have assumed you were talking about a baby doll and I would have taken one slow, calculated step away from the discussion.  As it turns out though, the band actually took its name from a 1970’s baby doll.  True!  So for those of you in the know, forgive my ignorance.

Dressy Bessy is a five-piece power-pop band from Denver, Colorado.  Frontwoman Tammy Eaton reminds me of a red-headed Blondie for the 21st Century.  Guitarist John Hill is also a member of The Apples in Stereo.  And as a whole Dressy Bessy sounds like a whole hell of a lot fun.  How should I describe what I’ve heard in three weeks time?  How about “psychedelic pop candy for those living on the edge of a punk rock world”.  Dressy Bessy performs at the Gravity Lounge on Friday, October 3.  It’s a late show with special guests Squaaks from Baltimore, MD.  10pm.  $5.

Dressy Bessy’s latest album, and fourth to-date, is Holler and Stomp (Transdreamer).  The album hit stores on September 16 and is available on CD and hot pink vinyl!  “Simple Girlz” is the first single from the new album.

Listen:
MP3:  Dressy Bessy–”Simple Girlz”

Popularity: 15% [?]