Yeah, say what you will about Ringo but he was the most influential drummer of all time. Before him, you couldn’t even remember a rock drummer by name. When you are learning about drum fills and technique, you don’t start with Neal Peart (Rush) or even John Bonham (Led Zepplin). The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will honor the Beatles drummer with the Award for Musical Excellence on April 18 during induction ceremonies for the class of 2015. Patrick Berry at Salon.com has this great article about the many ringed one.
Celebrate Record Store Day!
Looking to find a local record store? Search here!
10% OFF all NEW CDs, MAGAZINES, AND IN-STOCK VINYL listed in the POWER POP/ALT COUNTRY ONLINE STORE and 20% OFF all USED CDs.
Visit www.koolkatmusik.com
Rough Trade: On April 18th at 12:30 p.m. we’ll be cutting a record live with Sondre Lerche at the Rough Trade store in Brooklyn. It’s a thrill to be a part of Rough Trade’s fantastic Record Store Day event, and we hope you can be there.
Vagrant Records is pleased to announce four vinyl releases exclusive to Record Store Day on April 18, 2015. All on 180g, Vagrant will be releasing The Hold Steady’s two classics Boys and Girls in America and Heaven Is Whenever, as well as Blitzen Trapper’s Live Harvest and Justin Townes Earle’s Live At Grimey’s. Visit Vagrant
The Grip Weeds “How I Won The War”
The Grip Weeds “How I Won The War”
Going way back to the roots, the Grip Weeds were named after John Lennon’s character Private Gripweed from the 1967 film How I Won The War. Using the movie’s anti-war theme as a starting point, they signed with Jem Recordings and put out a masterful concept album, thanks in large part to lead singer/drummer Kurt Reil , his wife guitarist Kristen Pinell, his brother Rick Reil and bassist Dave DeSantis. The band doubles down on the rich psychedelic prog sound that started with Strange Change Machine.
The prog-pysche rock starts with the colorful title track, a combination of explosive melody lines with a drum-reverb drenched guitar chorus. A mix of The Byrds, Yes and Cream all wrapped up in one. “Rise Up” is a rougher garage approach, Kurt’s aggressive lead vocal is contrasted by the bands smooth harmonies.
Although there is a lot to go through (17 monster tracks) the jangling hooks are all over “Life Saver” and the dream-like “Other Side Of Your Heart.” You’ll get more familiar Grip Weeds buzzing guitar sound with “Force of Nature,” and Kristin get to sing lead on the mid-tempo “Over and Over.” We also have a nice tribute to the band’s first signed label “Rainbow Quartz.” The band also throws in a few instrumentals to pad things out, but we do close with a great cover of The Beatles’ “The Inner Light.” I always look forward to the Grip Weeds music and this album is pure shock and awe. Highly Recommended.
Grip Weeds Direct | Amazon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhyaFZez1Us
George Usher & Lisa Burns “The Last Day of Winter”
George Usher & Lisa Burns “The Last Day of Winter”
George Usher is a veteran unsung rocker who was dealt a near fatal illness that sapped his strength and ability to even play a few years ago. Using his time to write songs, he was met by friend Lisa Burns and eventually they decided to collaborate on this album. Aided by a top notch studio team; guitarist Dave Schramm (The Schramms), bassist Sal Maida (Sparks), producer Pau Naumann, and engineer Eric Ambel (Del Lords, Nils Lofgren, solo) both George and Lisa pour out their collective hearts here.
“Wake Me When Tomorrow’s Here” has that fantastic Usher jangle and although Lisa’s gentle vocal dominates most of the compositions, George is content doing the backing vocal. “Depression Glass” continues to set the mood, almost like a country ballad, about the fleeting time we all have. “Lost In Translation” features Lisa’s soulful croon similar to a Stevie Nicks, with its melancholy folk pop. Next we get a big standout in “My Precious Wisdom,” George sounds a lot like Stephen Stills here with a wonderful piano melody played by Dylan Maida. “The Ferryman’s Name” is another standout, with jangling goodness and one of the better duets on the LP. The subject of mortality is common in music, but here Usher sings from the first hand experience that’s sure to resonate with listeners. After a long cold winter, this is a perfect document by two talented musicians.
Singles: Peter Lacey, Propeller and The Roaring Juniors
Peter Lacey “Wayward Song”
Peter Lacey’s music has been compared to that of Brian Wilson, sharing a similar talent for harmonies and lush musical arrangements. This is a wistful dream of a song, which brings to mind The Moody Blues.
Get the vinyl at Pink Hedgehog Records
Propeller “Wish I Had Her Picture/Can’t Feel These Things”
Propeller delivers this FREE 2 song-single that really impresses. Crunchy guitars that form dense rhythms and hook filled choruses meant to be served loud. Enjoy!
Roaring Juniors “See You (All The Time)” and “Sweet Marie”
Ann Arbor, Michigan band brings us a old school music in the jangling tradition of The Rubinoos. These tracks will be on the bands next full length Perennials. This is a great preview that just gets me excited for the upcoming LP this spring.