Scarlett’s New Album
You know, after hearing this Listening Party stream of Scarlett Johansson‘s album, color me impressed. Not that I expected her to release a pile of garbage like Paris Hilton, but you never know what to expect with the actress turned singer debut album (did I just call Paris Hilton an actress?). But ScarJo’s got a lot of impressive things going with this album: first of all, Anywhere I Lay My Head is essentially a Tom Waits cover album – 10 of the 11 songs are Waits songs. Secondly, it was recorded here, at Dockside Studio, deep in Louisiana bayou country. And thirdly, she brings in quite the supporting cast: David Bowie sings on a tune, TV on the Radio producer David Sitek produces, and also appearing are Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zimmer, and Sean Antanaitis from Celebration.
Anywhere I Lay My Head is released on May 20th.
Album Stream Playlist
1. Fawn
2. Town with No Cheer
3. Falling Down
4. Anywhere I Lay My Head
5. Fannin Street
6. Song for JoClay Pigeons – John Prine on Austin City Limits
I was catching up on some recorded episodes of Austin City Limits this afternoon, and came across a goldmine: a repeat of the John Prine / Amos Lee episode that aired about 2 years ago. It was John’s version of “Clay Pigeons” that really affected me, and led me to the original songwriter, Blaze Foley. I wrote about that day here.
I checked YouTube back then for the Prine ACL version, but no go. And today, after seeing John’s amazing performance again, I checked again, and lo and behold, here it is. I trust there’ll be a few of you who are just as affected as I was.
Prince’s Big Weekend in SoCal (Coachella, Leno)
Looks like our boy Prince had one his best weekends in a while – since last year’s Super Bowl Sunday at least. Friday night he debuted a new chicken scratch funker called “Turn Me Loose” on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (vid below). And last night, as Saturday’s Coachella headliner, what does he go and do? Brings out Morris for “Jungle Love” and “The Bird”; brings out Shelia E. for “The Glamorous Life”; and debuts a live cover of – get this – Radiohead’s “Creep”! Wha-wha-whaaat?
I hope the DAT recorders were rolling (don’t tell the purple one!)…
Set List (thanks T.):
The Bird (performed by Morris Day) /
Jungle Love (performed by Morris Day) /
Glamorous Life (performed by Sheila E.) /
Instrumental Jam /
1999 /
I Feel For U /
Controversy (with snippet of “Housequake”) /
Little Red Corvette /
Musicology /
Cream /
U Got the Look /
Shh /
Anotherloverholenyohead /
Creep (Radiohead cover) /
The Arms of an Angel (Sarah McLachlan cover performed by backup singers) /
7 –> Come Together (Beatles Cover) /
Purple Rain /
Let’s Go Crazy[redlasso id=’e5a48730-b64b-4791-ab0e-ceae86507fb4′]
New Tunes: Bridges and Powerlines
I hadn’t heard of NYC’s Bridges and Powerlines until they hit my inbox. But it’s a great sign when a song grabs me by the 00:03 second mark, which this one did. After the intro, a “Road to Nowhere”-like rhythm eases in, and what ensues is four minutes of quality power-pop.
The band formed back in ’05, and is made up of singer Andrew Wood, bassist Keith Sigel, guitarist Jon Crockett, and drummer Pete Mucek. Their first full length album, Ghost Types, was released just yesterday (April 22). I haven’t had the opportunity to take in the whole album yet, but if this very strong opener is any indication, you’re gonna want to dig a little deeper into these guys.
Bridges and Powerlines – Uncalibrated (mp3)
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Buy Ghost Types on: emusic, itunes, insound, tonevendor
Review: In Tucson with David Hidalgo and Louie Perez
This past Sunday, I jumped on I-10 East and headed down to Tucson for a Dave & Louie show. Dave & Louie being David Hidalgo and Louie Perez, two members (and the main songwriters) of Los Lobos. The atmosphere and show format could not have been cooler: two 45 minute sets of music followed by a Q&A session – where audience members could step to the microphone and ask questions. Did I step to the mic? But of course! More on that later.
Sunday’s Tucson show was the final stop on a short seven city tour of the West, celebrating almost 40 years of writing songs together.
Coming Right Up: McDowell Mountain Music Festival
For those of us in the southwest U.S. who can’t make it to Prince’s Coachella debut this weekend, a great alternative exists with the 5th annual McDowell Mountain Music Festival in Scottsdale.
I’ll be heading out Friday to see the Subdudes, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, and Friday headliner Gov’t Mule.
Saturday’s lineup includes the John Butler Trio, Blues Traveler, the Wailers, and J.J. Grey & Mofro.
So grab the sunscreen (forecast of 90 degrees), hit the noon to 4pm happy hour ($2 beers), and catch some quality tunes with Ickmusic! (or Pete, as I’m known in these parts)…
My Morning Jacket’s Evil Urges
I want to be the 840th blogger to post the new My Morning Jacket single, “Evil Urges”! I don’t know how it sounds to you folks, but it sounds like Jim James is channeling his inner Prince here? However you wanna swing it, cool tune all around, in my opinion.
My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges
From the forthcoming album of the same name, due out June 10th.
Sad News: RIP Danny Federici (1950-2008)
Danny Federici, Bruce Springsteen’s organ, keys, and accordion player for the last 40 years, passed away Thursday afternoon after a three year battle with melanoma. My prayers and warmest condolences go out to Danny’s Family and the E Street family.
Rest in Peace Danny.
- Bruce Springsteen.net
- A nice tribute from Ben at Deeper Shade of Soul.
Ickmix 3
‘Tis time for another Ickmix. This is my best one yet, if I may toot my own horn. Toot.
Take a little trip with me, yah? Oh and check my fancy intro.
Download Ickmix 3 (57MB, 41:38)
Playlist :
1.“Brother Lee” – Citizen Cope
2. “Revolution Rock” – The Clash
3. “Freedom Park” – Marah – from 20,000 Streets Under the Sky
4. “Big Fish” – Giant Sand
5. “Hey Truckers” – Andre Williams & the Sadies- Amazon
6. “Helicopter” – M. Ward
7. “John Allyn Smith Sails” – Okkervil River
8. “Parachutes” – Pearl Jam
9. “Teresa” – Los Super Seven
10. “Panama” – Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons
Austin City Limits Festival Lineup Announced
Yippee kay-yay MF’ers! The Austin City Limits Music Festival lineup has been announced, and it’s a doozie. Check out the list of artists after the jump.
I have my 3-day pass already. Who’s with me?
And who lives in Austin and wants a music blogger sleeping on their floor?? 😉
Ready for the lineup? Deep breath and…
