Friday, June 30, 2017
VINTAGE CLIP: Watch A Full U2 Concert From Syracuse in 1987
As the first leg of U2's "Joshua Tree 30th Anniversary World Tour" closes this weekend in Cleveland, Ohio, we found a full concert of the band during the original tour of the record in 1987. The video comes from the band's show at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. Take a look.
Read Our Live Review of U2's Recent MetLife Stadium Concert
Listen to Our Essential U2 Playlist on Spotify
Swet Shop Boys on 'Colbert'
Watch Britain's Swet Shop Boys make their American TV debut with "T5" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Dave Chappelle Freestyles with The Roots on 'Fallon'
Dave Chappelle was a surprise guest on The Tonight Show Thursday night and he freestyled with his old friends The Roots. Take a look.
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Live Review: U2 at MetLife Stadium
"We must be awake in order to dream," Bono told the crowd at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium during the first of two sold out shows at the venue. Dreaming happened to be the motif that carried U2 through their setlist as they finally brought the Joshua Tree 30th anniversary tour to the New York-area.
Listen to Our Essential U2 Playlist on Spotify
The Joshua Tree, the Irish band's landmark fifth record was about America. The America for the fortunate and the desperate. The American dream and if it still was alive in Reagan's country. It was about the idea that four dreamers from the North Side of Dublin could become the biggest band in the world. Nearly all of the dreams that U2 set out for they have achieved and the America they wrote about 30 years still faces many of the same problems it did then as it does today. It wasn't a political record but an album about everyday people trying to achieve a common dream -- truth, justice, prosperity.
As the band have aged, the songs have stood the test of time and many of them were played for the first time in 30 years in Jersey on a picture perfect summer night.
Walking out to The Waterboys' "Whole of the Moon," the band took a stage that mimicked the shadow of a 45-foot tall Joshua Tree that stood proudly on the stage as it was connected to a 750-foot-long screen.
The houselights went down and on the "Tree Stage," U2 thunderously opened with "Sunday Bloody Sunday," and "New Year's Day," as their main staged loomed in the background and the massive Joshua Tree haunted them. The spotlights were on the band on the annex stage to symbolize some of the early clubs they played -- even though this is one hell of a massive audience that could not physically fit in any club. The story of this tour lies in the setlist as Bono introduced "Bad," which has not been played in New York in decades, he talked about how they were a garage band that started playing in America at clubs like New York's The Ritz, now Webster Hall, and how there were "17 people there." The first four songs, including "Pride (In the Name of Love)," were all the songs that helped U2 get to The Joshua Tree record and create it, the next portion of the night would be the album itself.
Embracing their legacy, the band played their seminal album from cover to cover. As "Where the Streets Have No Name" began, the massive screen behind them on the main stage turned red like it did on the first tour of the album. High def visuals of American landscape went with every song used and were created by French artist JR and longtime U2 photographer Anton Corbijn, both of whom were in attendance Wednesday.
The record came alive for the first time in three decades and after each song, the band would embrace each other as if they just won a World Cup. The dream they wanted to achieve when they created the record that would define the 1980s and their career was achieved and it grew up before our very ears. "These songs don't belong to us anymore, they belong to you," Bono said.
The 11 songs shook the MetLife to its core and emotions ran wild for each person in attendance. For many of the songs, especially the slower tempo ones like "Red Hill Town," "Running to Stand Still," "Mothers of the Disappeared," Bono's voice has never sounded better. The band looked fresh and vibrant as if the tour, just 19 nights in on a 21 stop North American leg, has not affected them. Bassist Adam Clayton smiled throughout the show and notable quiet bandmate, drummer Larry Mullen Jr., was in a playful. Yet, like the record, the talents and musical wizardly of The Edge sometimes overshadowed Bono's massive spotlight.
After the 50 minute runtime of The Joshua Tree, the band retreated for a quick break and returned for a seven song encore. The third act of the two hour gig was the songs that brought them success and creative spark post-Joshua Tree. Opening with the poignant "Miss Sarajevo," the song about a woman growing up in the conflict in Bosnia in the 90s which they had done with the late Luciano Pavarotti (whose voice was used on a backing track for the 2017 live version) was altered to be about a woman growing up in refugee camp in Jordan. As visuals of the camp were shown, a banner of the young lady was carried in the lower bowl of the stadium. It was then onto the hits like "Beautiful Day," "Vertigo," "Elevation," before they got serious again.
It's a beautiful day indeed😍 #U2JoshuaTreeTour2017 pic.twitter.com/2hUOuLRnhb— MetLife Stadium (@MLStadium) June 29, 2017
Bono, who would thank everyone in his crew, band, the audience but also the families of his band and his family, notably the women. Addressing that the future is indeed female, they dedicated "Ultraviolet (Light My Way)," to all the women in attendance.
Closing with "One," and the brand new and unreleased song, "The Little Things That Give You Away," it was time to say goodnight to The Joshua Tree so that it may be planted in the hearts and minds of another crowd for another show.
This tour wasn't a regular U2 tour, it wasn't about the hits, it wasn't about the band, it was about their legacy. Given that 30 years ago they first started playing stadiums in America and 30 years later can do it again with the same relevance is a feat most bands wish they could sustain.
"Thanks for giving us a great life, thanks for sticking with us," Bono said multiple times during the night as he has said many times in the past since the Vertigo tour of 2005/2006. That great life is the dream realized, the dream four young guys from the North Side of Dublin took a risk to try and achieve.
History will say they did. Proudly.
The Horrors Detail New Album
The Horrors will release their new album, their fifth, V, hence the title, in September. The record was produced by Paul Epworth who in the past has worked with Babyshambles, London Grammar, Plan B, and U2.
Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the new single, "Machine."
01 Hologram
02 Press Enter to Exit
03 Machine
04 Ghost
05 Two Way Mirror
06 Weighed Down
07 World Below
08 Gathering
09 It’s a Good Life
10 Something to Remember Me By
02 Press Enter to Exit
03 Machine
04 Ghost
05 Two Way Mirror
06 Weighed Down
07 World Below
08 Gathering
09 It’s a Good Life
10 Something to Remember Me By
Quick News
In September, for one night around the world, Black Sabbath will screen their documentary / concert film, Black Sabbath: The End of the End, which chronicles the metal icons final concerts which took place last year in Birmingham, England, where they hail from. In recent news, former drummer Bill Ward spoke to Rolling Stone about how he has made peace with his former bandmates after not wanting to tour or make a new record when they reunited in 2011. "I've gone through a lot of tears. I've grieved the loss of three of my best friends. I've grieved the loss of their company, their words, their laughter, their joy, and above all, their music. ... I've grieved the loss of the fans, and I've grieved the pain of what all this has created," he said. "I can't afford to have resentment. I can't afford to be angry. I can't afford these things spiritually or physically. So I knew I had to be rid of them."
Sad news to report, Afghan Whigs and Twilight Singers guitarist Dave Rosser passed away Tuesday after a battle with colon cancer. The Whigs posted the news on their Facebook page. Rosser joined the Whigs in 2014. Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, and bandmates.
Arcade Fire announced the tracklisting to their upcoming LP, Everything Now, which arrives next month. Take a look, below:
1. ‘Everything_Now’ (continued)
2. ‘Everything Now’
3. ‘Signs of Life’
4. ‘Creature Comfort’
5. ‘Peter Pan’
6. ‘Chemistry’
7. ‘Infinite Content’
8. Infinite_Content’
9. ‘Electric Blue’
10. ‘Good God Damn’
11. ‘Put Your Money On Me’
12. ‘We Don’t Deserve Love’
13. ‘Everything Now’ (continued)
Liam Gallagher took to Twitter Thursday morning to announce the tracklisting to his solo debut, As You Were, which arrives in October. Take a look, below:
01 Wall of Glass
02 Bold
03 Greedy Soul
04 Paper Crown
05 For What It’s Worth
06 When I’m In Need
07 You Better Run
08 I Get By
09 Chinatown
10 Come Back to Me
11 Universal Gleam
12 I’ve All I Need
Kendrick Lamar spoke to Big Boy on 92.3 radio in LA Thursday morning and said that the title of his new album, Damn., was going to be called What Happens on Earth Stays on Earth, which is what Kid Capri shouts out on songs "Element" and "Duckworth." He also ranked his albums:
1. Damn
2. Good Kid in a M.A.A.D. City
3. To Pimp a Butterfly
4. Section 8.0
Wolves in the Throne Room Announce New LP
Wolves in the Throne Room will return with a new album this September called Thrice Woven.
Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below:
01 Born From the Serpent’s Eye
02 The Old Ones Are With Us
03 Angrboda
04 Mother Owl, Father Ocean
05 Fires Roar in the Palace of the Moon
02 The Old Ones Are With Us
03 Angrboda
04 Mother Owl, Father Ocean
05 Fires Roar in the Palace of the Moon
Burn Announce New Album
Reunited hardcore titans Burn will release their new album, Do Or Die, in September. It is their first full length record since 2001.
Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below.
1. Fate
2. Ill Together
3. Flame
4. Beauty
5. Dead Identity
6. Do or Die
7. Last Great Sea
8. New Morality
9. Unf*ck Yourself
10. Climb Out
2. Ill Together
3. Flame
4. Beauty
5. Dead Identity
6. Do or Die
7. Last Great Sea
8. New Morality
9. Unf*ck Yourself
10. Climb Out
Brie Larson Tries to Join Haim on 'Funny or Die'
Haim fan actress Brie Larson stars in a new skit for Funny or Die where she tries to join the sister band as their "fourth" sibling. Take a look.
Queen on 'Kimmel'
Queen + Adam Lambert were on Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier in the week and performed "I Want It All," "Don't Stop Me Now."
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
VINTAGE CLIP: Stone Roses at Coachella 2013
Following reports that Manchester icons The Stone Roses have split up for the second time, we look back at this VINTAGE CLIP of "This is the One" from their 2013 Coachella headlining set.
Slaves Perform "Shutdown" at Glastonbury
Watch Slaves perform "Shutdown" during last weekend's Glastonbury festival in England.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Quick News
The Stone Roses may have played their final show over the weekend, nearly a year after headlining Madison Square Garden for the first time. Following their gig in Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland, singer Ian Brown told the crowd: “Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy that it happened.” The Roses, who reunited in 2012 after decades of not playing together, released two singles in 2016, and there were rumors of a new record that was allegedly arriving this year. However, judging that their is nothing slated on their calendar following this weekend, the reports indicate that they are done again.
Interpol are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their acclaimed debut, Turn on the Bright Lights, with a series of concerts this summer around the globe. Now, the band will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of their third record, Our Love to Admire, their final with bassist Carlos D., in August with a massive reissue. Take a look at the trailer, below:
We’re excited to announce ‘Our Love To Admire’ will receive a special 10th anniversary release on Aug 18th... https://t.co/KnaIJKvhpV pic.twitter.com/w0fZtMtTry— Interpol (@Interpol) June 26, 2017
Every six years, Glastonbury takes one year off so Worthy Farm, the active dairy farm the festival is held can recover and function. However, festival curator and organizer Michael Evans said that if "a certain band" reunites, he would look to push the one year sabbatical. While he never specified who that headliner could be, rumors are that the names being tossed around are Oasis, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd.
Live Pix: Demolition Hammer at Gramercy Theater
On Saturday night, Bronx, New York metal band Demolition Hammer played a sold out Gramercy Theater and our very own RICH D SMOOV was on hand to capture the action.
Vince Staples & Guests on 'Fallon'
Vince Staples was backed by The Roots Monday night and joined by special guests Damon Albarn, Ray J, Kilo Kish, as they did "Love Can Be" on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Nine Inch Nails on 'Twin Peaks'
During Sunday's episode of Twin Peaks, fans noticed that Nine Inch Nails were the latest band to perform at the Bang Bar on the show. Take a look at the band in action performing "She's Gone Away," on the David Lynch series.
Flaming Lips Cover Bowie at Glastonbury
Watch The Flaming Lips cover David Bowie's "Space Oddity" at Glastonbury.
The xx Perform "Angels" at Glastonbury
Watch The xx perform "Angels" during their Saturday Glastonbury set at Worthy Farm.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
QUICK SPINS
SZA – Ctrl
The long-awaited debut from Top Dawg Entertainment’s top
queen has finally arrived and SZA slices through every stigma any woman in
hip-hop has ever faced. Arriving with one of the best debuts in recent memory,
the rapper blends R&B, soul, funk, into her autobiographical LP. Featuring
Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Isaiah Rashad, among others, she pulls her
influences from Tupac to the Fugees to Odd Future to give the new school a
taste of the old in an artistic manner.
FINAL GRADE: A
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Murder of the Universe
The second of three albums coming this year from the
powerful and masterful Australian psyche band hears them progressing their
vision just a bit further.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Portugal. The Man – Woodstock
It has been over four years since Portugal. The Man have
released a new record which makes it the longest gap between music releases
this band has had. That being said, the band take all of their influences from
The Beatles, Oasis, and Wu-Tang and blend them together while still using their
musical fingerprints to create a solid record that attracts new fans and
pleases older ones.
FINAL GRADE: B+
The Drums – Abysmal Thoughts
Hands down the best Drums record since their fantastic 2010
debut. Johnny Pierce brings his surf rock meets 80s New Wave sound to new
heights and clarity with his most succinct and sharpest lyrics as of yet. A
perfect record for fun in the sun and sulking in a corner – which is the total
opposite but Pierce makes it possible.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Color Film – Living Arraignments
Glassjaw, United Nations, Head Automatica frontman Darryl
Palumbo debuted Color Film in 2014 and since then, the project has remained
quiet until earlier this year when they announced they were finally putting a
record out. Living Arraignments is a New Wave record done right for the 21st
Century. Unlike the poppy neo-New Wave sound he created in Head Automatica,
Palumbo makes Color Film’s music a bit more dramatic but just as interesting.
FINAL GRADE: B+
London Grammar – Truth is a Beautiful Thing
The long awaited sophomore record from the moody London trio
has arrived and singer Hannah Reid sores beyond all expectations on how she
utilizes her voice. The lengthy record is a lot to digest in one sitting and her
lyrics about breakup and hope resonate with anyone but it is how she showcases
that unique voice of hers that captures everyone’s attention. The record does need a song that needs to be
not dramatic and a pop single but maybe we can hold out hope for those on album
No. 3.
FINAL GRADE: B
Lana Del Rey – Lust For Life
It was pretty bold for Del Rey to name her third record
after the iconic Iggy Pop album of the same name but she separates herself from
the pack. She still brings the moody and dark tones of her previous LPs but
this record does project the sound of hope and someone yearning to be heard.
FINAL GRADE: B
Beth Ditto – Fake Sugar
The long awaited debut album from the former Gossip
frontwoman gives us something that is not only her most personal work to date
but something of a glam, funk, country, pop record. Ditto tries it all on Fake
Sugar and succeeds most of the time.
FINAL GRADE: B
Roger Waters – Is This The Life You Really Want?
After nearly 20 years, the former Pink Floyd bassist has
returned with a new solo album and it comes at the perfect time. Waters’ timing
could not be more perfect. With everything that is going on in the world, the
outspoken activist has channeled his anger in a record that is both a gift to
fans but much needed for our era.
FINAL GRADE: B
Slowdive
After 22 years, Slowdive return with a new album that marks
their unique shoegaze sound going into a new era.
FINAL GRADE: B
Royal Blood – How Did We Get So Dark?
The British rock duo return with their second record and
pick up right where they acclaimed debut left off. Packed with more thunderous
riffs and stadium sized songs, Royal Blood are one of the only true new rock
and roll bands around and they don’t even have a guitar.
FINAL GRADE: B
Ride – Weather Diaries
21 years since they last graced us with their pioneering
shoegaze sound, Ride returns right where they left off. This go around,
however, it feels as if Andy Bell took some of the queues he got while playing
in Oasis and crafted some anthems for the jilted generation.
FINAL GRADE: B
Fleet Foxes – Crack-Up
The Seattle lo-fi band return with a record that makes you
wonder if nature had a soundtrack what would it be? The answer: Crack-Up.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Dan Auerbach – Waiting on a Song
The Black Keys frontman goes solo for the second time with a
blues record that gives him a little more room to breathe from his main band.
Auerbach has a command over his songwriting but still sticks to the style we
have all grown accustomed to.
FINAL GRADE: B-
KMFDM – Yeah! EP
The fact that KMFDM are still creating pulse pounding beats,
songs, and heavy riffs as they get older is an accomplishment on its own. The
German industrial legends return with an EP that still sticks to the blueprint
of what they have created over the years but also pushes them into the modern
era as well as making them one of the most aggressive and loudest acts still
around.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Jeff Tweedy – Together At Last
The Wilco frontman goes solo and crafts an Americana record
that only he could make.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Alt-J – Relaxer
It is a new Alt-J record. Have you heard the previous two?
Well, then you also heard their latest.
FINAL GRADE: D
Phoenix – Ti Amo
The French alternative rockers return with a new record and
take inspiration from Italian disco, which they carry, that motif out through
their entire collection of latest tunes. However, the issue with this album is
that they should have hired Giorgio Moroder or Nile Rodgers to aide them with
how to create a funky sound because this record not only lacks energy it takes
such an exciting subgenre that is full of life and kills it.
FINAL GRADE: D
Highlights of Foo Fighters Glastonbury Set
Watch highlights of the Foo Fighters Saturday night set at Glastonbury including "Times Like These," "Run," "The Pretender," "My Hero," "Something From Nothing," Queen's "Under Pressure," and "Everlong.
Radiohead Full Glastonbury Set
Watch Radiohead's full Glastonbury performance from Friday night at Worthy Farm.
Liam Gallagher Full Glastonbury Set
Watch Liam Gallagher make his solo debut at Glastonbury where he paid tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack and those who perished in the recent London high rise fire singing Oasis' "Don't Look Back in Anger.'
Friday, June 23, 2017
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Playlist
Our June playlist is here, so take a listen to our 26-song random musical musings for the month.
Recommended Reading: Frank Turner 'Road Beneath My Feet'
Frank Turner is constantly busy. The singer / songwriter always seems to be on the road and when he is not on touring, he is writing and recording music so he can go tour. Yet, in 2015, he managed to squeeze in a book about his life and career.
Read Our 2012 Interview with Frank Turner
Turner, who used to front the hardcore band Million Dead, opens the book with the end of the British band and how he had to figure out what he was going to do when they wrapped up their 2005 tour. After getting home, he started making music on his own and would become more successful as a solo artist singing punk and folk tunes than he did screaming his face off in the hardcore band. The Road Beneath My Feet chronicles his life couch surfing to playing to no one at gigs to headlining some of England's biggest arenas and then the world's biggest stage when he performed as part of Danny Boyle's 2012 Olympic opening ceremony in London.
Listen to Our Essential Frank Turner Playlist on Spotify!
Turner chronicles the drug fueled parties he attended to the shoulders he has rubbed against to sleeping on floors and trying to not get ripped off doing what he loves -- making music. If you are thinking about being in a band or want to go be a solo artist, this is the text book.
Great Soundtracks: 'Rushmore'
In 1999, Wes Anderson's second film took audiences and critics by storm. Rushmore was the story a privileged teen filled with angst trying to get what he wants -- attention from a woman. While the film was a success and launched the careers of Anderson and star Jason Schwartzman to the main stream, the movie's soundtrack also reignited the interest of the leader of Devo -- Mark Mothersbaugh.
The soundtrack was originally intended to just have Kinks songs on it but when Anderson and the studio allegedly couldn't secure the rights to all of the songs, Mothersbaugh, who worked with the director on his debut, Bottle Rocket, stepped in. Mothersbaugh composed the score and produced the soundtrack which featured The Kinks, John Lennon, Cat Stevens, Unit 4 +2, Faces, The Who, and Zoot Sims. The music compliments the quirkiness of the film and also helps you relive some scenes.
Portugal. The Man Sing with PS22 Chorus
Portugal. The Man have been in and out of New York City in recent weeks promoting their new album, Woodstock. One of the stops they made was to Staten Island to visit the famed PS22 chorus where they sang their single, "Feel it Still" with them. Take a look!
Check Out Our Recent Live Review of Portugal. The Man at Rough Trade in Brooklyn.
Quick News
AS YOU WERE Pre-order from midnight LGx pic.twitter.com/0B2RXGGZJr— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) June 22, 2017
Liam Gallagher has revealed the cover to his debut, As You Were, on social media. Take a look at it, above. According to his website, the album will be out in October.
Next month, Eric B. and Rakim will reunite and perform together for the first time in over 20 years. The iconic duo will perform at the Apollo Theater.
Speaking to TMZ, Havoc opened up about the passing of Prodigy of Mobb Deep. The rapper's partner passed away at 42 suddenly in Las Vegas earlier in the week. He was driving with his kids in the car when he got the news. "The road manager was just crying like I never heard before and I just had to hang up the phone," Havoc said. "I'm on a highway, I can't pull over, I can't do nothing. I could have crashed with my kids in the car. I'm still just fucked up."
In August, Guided By Voices will release their 24th album, How Do You Spell Heaven. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:
1. The Birthday Democrats
2. King 007
3. Boy W
4. Steppenwolf Mausoleum
5. Cretinous Number Ones
6. They Fall Silent
7. Diver Dan
8. How To Murder A Man (In 3 Acts)
9. Pearly Gates Smoke Machine
10. Tenth Century
11. How Do You Spell Heaven
12. Paper Cutz
13. Low Flying Perfection
14. Nothing Gets You Real
15. Just To Show You
Ariel Pink will release his new album, Dedicated to Bobby Jameson, in September. Take a look at the cover, below.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Jeff Tweedy Returns to 'Meyers'
Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy returned to Late Night with Seth Meyers Tuesday to perform another track from his main band. Take a look as he plays "I'm Always in Love."
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Live Review: Portugal. The Man at Rough Trade
Just days after releasing their new album, Woodstock, their eighth, Portugal. The Man performed a last-minute in-store performance at Rough Trade in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Read Our 2011 Interview with Portugal. The Man
The Portland, Oregon via Wasilla, Alaska band were just in the city two weeks ago for two sold-out shows at the 3,000-plus Terminal 5, yet on Tuesday, just under 300 fans got in for the intimate performance featuring their new touring line-up.
Opening with "Purple Yellow Red Blue," the fans, who many waited in the blistering sun all day for the 45-minute show, screamed the words back to the band. Singer John Baldwin Gourley, dressed like Bernie from Weekend at Bernies, we are kidding but he could have passed, didn't speak much to the crowd and let his bassist and co-founding member Zach Carothers do all the talking in between tracks.
In a set that featured many of their previous hits like "So American," "Modern Jesus," "Evil Friends," clearly got the most applause but they worked in new tracks like "Feel It Still" and "So Young," into their starkly lit set.
Listen to Our 2009 Interview with Portugal. The Man
To see this band through the years evolve in their style and sound as well as in popularity, these smaller in-store appearances are more than just reliving the old days of this band, who are still as hungry as ever, but a moment to savor something that could never happen again.
Live Pix: Defenders of the Old Festival
The Defenders of The Old Festival took over Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn Saturday and featured a slew of bands like Nasty Savage, Mindless Sinner, Nekromantheon, Night Demon, and more.
Take a look at RICH D SMOOV's pix.
Live Pix: Vader / Internal Bleeding at Webster Hall Marlin Room
On Friday, Vader and Internal Bleeding took over the Marlin Room of Webster Hall. It was Long Island metal band Internal Bleeding's first NYC show since the tragic passing of drummer and FDNY member Bill Tolley.
Our Rich D Smoov was on hand to get slammed around in the pit. Take a look.
Internal Bleeding
Vader
