Odds and Ends
- I feel obligated to steer you to iTunes for the new White Stripes tune “Icky Thump.” Jack and Meg, representin’ da Ick! This is true Ickmusic. Preview it here.
- Zack has a sweet post on his blog, Gonzo’s Music-o-Rama. It’s Prince’s ‘Camille’ album, a collection of songs he sings as that helium-voiced horn-dog (you know, like “Housequake” Prince).
- Go check out Aikin’s cool music blog, Licorice Pizza, where he discusses the new Wilburys reissues and Robert Johnson, among a lot more.
- Stereogum recently posted a cool tune by ex-Mott the Hoople man Ian Hunter, with guest vocals from Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. Go grab it before it goes away.
- Lablogotheque has a video of the Shins busking in the streets of Paris, singing my favorite tune of theirs, “Gone for Good”, among others.
McDowell Mountain Profile: The Neville Brothers
Photo by Beate SandorNow we’re getting to the really fun part. I’m excited as hell to say that I’m gonna see the Neville Brothers on Friday! As I mentioned in another post, I saw them at a cool festival in May 1996 called Laguna Seca Daze at the Laguna Seca Race track in Monterey, California (a festival that also included a “Being There”-era Wilco). I remember a really amazing moment as they were playing a version of the Dead’s “Fire on the Mountain” as the sun was setting (nope, not “Fire on the Bayou”). There were rolling green hills behind the stage, and around the bend on a distant hill road came a red fire truck with lights on and the faint sound of the siren. Amazing imagery (pfffffffssstt – pass it on!). Mindblowing dude! 😉
So where do you even start with the Nevilles? They are an institution in their hometown of New Orleans. Brothers Ivan, Aaron, Cyril, Art and Charles released their first record as the Neville Brothers in 1977 (self-titled). The brothers were active prior to that. Most notably, Art was a founding member of soul/funk pioneers the Meters. For a full bio, check out their site. So thirty years later, here they are still going strong, touring as ambassadors for their suffering city. As New Orleans Jazz Fest kicks off this weekend, I’ll have the honor of catching the Nevilles here in my home, Arizona. I consider myself very privileged.
The Neville Brothers –
Yellow Moon(mp3) – live in KBCO studios, Boulder- Pick up some Neville Brothers albums.
- Check out a sweet video of the Nevilles performing “Tell It Like Is” with guests Greg Allman and Bonnie Raitt.
Previous MMMF Profiles: Gelatinous Groove | 2 Tone Lizard Kings | Tea Leaf Green | Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
McDowell Mountain Profile: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
Next up on the big stage Friday: Vermont band Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. Grace leads the band with her killer soulful voice and a Hammond B3. The Nocturnals are made up of Scott Tournet (guitar), Matthew Burr (drums), and Bryan Dondero (bass). The fine folks over at Hidden Track swear by her, and they are true aficionados of today’s jam scene, so I’m looking forward to the live GP & the Nocturnals experience. Judging by a recent live show I checked out on Archive, it should be good.
So this summer will see their third release, This is Somewhere. Here’s a sneak peak at one of the tracks…
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals –
Ah Mary(mp3)Watch Grace & the Nocturnals tear up “Mystery Train”.
Previous MMMF Profiles: Gelatinous Groove | 2 Tone Lizard Kings | Tea Leaf Green
ManaMana: for the kids
My 3 year old daughter’s favorite commercial of the moment is one with the “manamana” song (can’t even remember what product they’re advertising). No idea on the origin of the song, but a co-worker thinks it may be a Muppets creation. Anyone?