• Julian Casablancas
    Pop

    Julian Casablancas – who knew?

    Wow, did this one come out of nowhere. I’d never come across Julian Casablancas‘s post-Strokes solo stuff until just last week, when I heard it on a local indie AM station. I seeked out the record, and was amazed. Great…

  • Rock n' Folk

    New Tunes from What Laura Says [mp3’s]

    Here are a couple of free & clear tastes from the forthcoming album (June 8th) by local band doin’ good What Laura Says. Below the tunes is a trippy newly released video – a “dubbed-out tanpura remix” from the new…

  • Rock

    New Gaslight Anthem: “American Slang”

    Over the last couple of days, not only did Jersey’s Gaslight Anthem join Facebook, but they also released their first single (and title track) from their forthcoming album American Slang. Stoked! This means not only will we all be rocking…

  • Rock

    I Shall Be Released from The Last Waltz

    The Last Waltz – best concert film of all time? Certainly right up there. When I stumble upon it on TV, like I did tonight, there’s no way I can turn away. Thanksgiving 1976. The Band. Bob Dylan. Van Morrison.…

  • Ick's Pick,  Laid Back

    Ick’s Pick: Josh Rouse’s El Turista

    I knew next to nada about Josh Rouse before hearing of his new album El Turista a couple weeks ago. The review I read spoke of laid back Latin-inspired rhythms, the kind of vibe Stan Getz and João Gilberto exuded.…

  • Phish Colorado 88 cover
    Jam

    Phish confirmed for Telluride Town Park

    If the ticket gods are kind, then come August 9th and 10th, I’ll be in one of my favorite places on earth – Telluride, Colorado – to see Phish! My first Phish show was 20 years ago, when Phish came…

  • Oldies

    Elvis Presley’s first Ed Sullivan Appearance

    I finished up Peter Guralnick’s “part one” bio of Elvis Presley last week, a book called Last Train To Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley. It’s a fascinating and exhilarating look at “50’s Elvis,” including his first TV appearances in…

  • New Orleans

    Ya-Ka-May, the new album from Galactic

    It took a listen to Sirius Jam On this afternoon to clue me into the fact that there’s a new Galactic record out – focused on the music of New Orleans (their hometown). “Bounce,” to be specific – an “energetic,…