I’m pretty sure his album sales total for “Thriller” will never be topped by anyone… ever. And his influence and style is imitated everywhere. Move over Elvis, make some room in Rock and Roll heaven for Michael. This is a pretty decent tribute video for y’all.
Good Old War "Only Way to Be Alone"
Some bands can boast a good lead vocal that can carry even the most mundane songs into memory. And then there is Good Old War. Keith Goodwin, Tim Arnold (Days Away) and Dan Schwartz carry a three part harmony better than the Pernice Brothers ever did. The vocal harmonies here are stunning. This came out last year, but it’s one of those albums that will hook you immediately. It skirts the edges of folk-country and pop, with strong melodies and magical chord changes throughout. Starting out with the Paul Simonesque “Coney Island” all the way to the gospel-tinged “Stay By My Side” the entire album doesn’t have a wasted track. Fans of The Jayhawks and Limbeck will find plenty here to like from the driving “Looking For Shelter” and jaunty “Weak Man” to the solid guitar strum and lyric of “I’m Not For You.” Not playing it safe, the band jangles “We’ve Come A Long Way” as a carousel waltz ballad. A real treat — just listen.
My Space | Good Old War Direct | emusic
Gladshot "Burn Up & Shine"
Gladshot is a New York City band lead by Debbie Andrews and Mike Blaxill, two musicians who’ve gotten together to prove that literate, finely-wrought pop can spring from the combination of two quite distinct musical minds. The opening tune “Fabulous Friends” is packed with charming harmonies in the chorus. Blaxhill’s roots-rock vocal and understated rhythms on “Early Light” leave room for his well played guitar riffs to stand out. Andrews beautiful vocal takes center stage with “He Was Gone” a slow torchy pop song. It’s Andrews’ stage experience here that gives a few tunes a jazzy finish. Much of the album is best exemplified by the duo singing together on “All I Want Is You” which has a sweet innocence that sounds genuine and is loaded with enthusiasm. The Motown-like “Like The Angels Do” offers a contrast of soft keyboard chords and sharp guitar riffs. The music bounces along like a soft breeze and Burn Up & Shine is one of those albums that make for great summer driving.
“Fabulous Friends” conceived and directed by Matthew K, featuring Joe Butler of the Lovin’ Spoonful as infomercial host
Looking for tickets at a concert?
Some of the best music is notoriously difficult to get good seats for. In some cases a ticket broker can help you find what you’re looking for. One example is the Coldplay show on July 25 in Alpine Valley Music Theatre in Wisconsin. You will have a hard time unless you try a broker with Alpine Valley Music Theater Tickets.
Sometimes you can plan ahead, like at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, in Hyannis, MA. the best shows are coming up in July and August. The new wave party band, B-52’s will be there on Saturday August 1st. And those old men, The Beach Boys (i.e. Mike Love and Bruce Johnston) make an appearance on July 19th. If you’d like tickets for these shows check out Cape Cod Melody Tent Tickets.
One of the biggest summer venues is the Bank of America Pavilion in Boston. Classic rock acts like Debbie Harry and Blondie on August 8th, The Moody Blues are there on August 25 and The Pretenders are showing up on August 12th. Some of these bands will not be around forever, so get a chance to check out the Back Of America Pavilion Tickets.
This post has been sponsored by acheapseat.com
Bob Evans "Goodnight, Bull Creek!"
Bob Evans is one of those rare imported artists that is worth searching for and treasuring. The Australian singer/songwriter Kevin Mitchell, frontman for the Aussie band Jebediah took on the name “Bob Evans” for his solo material. His last album, Suburban Kid was a year end favorite a few years ago, produced by Brad Jones (The Shazam, Marshall Crenshaw). The album was recoreded in Nashville, Tennessee with Jones producing once again. Bull Creek is the name of the southern suburb of Perth where Mitchell grew up. The opener “Someone So Much” is majestic farewell to a childhood friend. Much of the music is instantly catchy and full of those jangling guitars, as evidenced by the single “Pasha Bulker.” The theme of the album is growing up and out, “Hand Me Downs” has smart hooks in the chorus that draw you in and keeps you listening. The wistful “Wintersong” is a lovely ballad that leads to the brilliant “We’re A Mess” – with flowing psyche-pop guitars, multi-tracked vocals and hand claps, all in the name of insecurity. The light and breezy “Power Of Speech” is a sweet bossanova duet with vocalist Melissa Mathers. Every track is wonderful here and it’s recommended to seek this album out. Right now it’s only available as an import (not even on Itunes in the USA yet), hopefully it will find it’s way stateside soon.
My Space | Amazon | Bob Evans Website
If you’d like to hear the older material, check out lala.com which has
Crying in my Sleep and Suburban Songbook