After Hours

Avett's New "Aggressive" Approach Merely Hinted

2012-02-11T16:24:00.000-05:00

Rumors of a new "aggressive" Avett Brothers were greatly exaggerated.

Last night at the intimate Sunset Cove amphitheater under unexpected clear skies, The Avett Brothers opened their 2012 tour in one of the few outdoor arenas the boys will being seeing during the next several months.

A new album, under the long-distance tutelage of Music Buddha Rick Rubin, is due at any minute, but no date has been set. The new songs, in particular "The Once and Future Carpenter," adds to the boys' quality repertoire.

However, there seems little evidence of a harder sound from Rubin's influence other than a heavier bass and lower harmonies on some of the new songs. The Brothers have successfully melded folk, pop punk and Americana into an entertaining formula and, at last night's show, the band displayed why their are becoming a touring favorite. There was plenty of energy (almost to the point of perkiness) and communal sing alongs for the faithful.

But a My Morning Jacket or R.E.M-shift along the rock slide rule is not in the making. Maybe the album is different.

Still, a good time was had by all. They are nice boys and are quite likable.

Eddie Vedder Brings His Uke To Florida

2012-01-30T20:25:00.000-05:00

Once Eddie Vedder gets off this Hawaiian outcropping, he will be hitting the road this spring for a solo tour with his trusty ukulele. Avoiding the clubs and the arenas, the laser-eyed Vedder will be playing the pricier "performing arts centers."

Eddie will hit Florida in May after the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Closer to home, Vedder and his uke will be playing the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets go sale this Friday, February 3rd, for a cool $80 a head.

April 11 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Pearl
April 13 - Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theater
April 16 - Albuquerque, NM @ Kiva Audotorium
April 19 - Tulsa, OK @ Brady Theater
April 22 - Houston, TX @ Jones Hall for the Performing Arts
April 25 - San Antonio, TX @ Lila Cockrell Theatre
April 27 - Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall
April 30 - Dallas, TX @ The Music Hall at Fair Park
May 3 - New Orleans, LA @ New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
May 8 - Jacksonville, FL @ Moran Theater
May 10 - Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
May 13 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Broward Center for the Performing Arts
May 16 - Orlando, FL @ Bob Carr Performing Arts Center

Miami Finds Its Grassroots and a Growing Music Festival

2012-01-23T19:07:00.000-05:00

For the 6 million-plus folks living in South Florida, finding a music festival to call one's own has been a losing proposition. The ill-fated Langerado bounced around to several locations before succumbing to the Great Recession. Repeated attempts to bring Langerado back have languished.

However, a new festival is making a strong bid to correct all that. The Virginia Key Grassroots Festival features an eclectic, foot-stomping lineup for February 9th through the 12th on Virginia Key in south Miami. Music varies from roots rock, bluegrass, hip hop, blues, zydeco, funk, world and just about everything in between. Headliners include: Chaka Khan, The Del McCoury Band, Arrested Development, Fishbone, Jim Lauderdale, Beausoleil and Donna the Buffalo.

The festival location, on an island in Biscayne Bay, is damn near perfect for its beauty. The festival will also feature camping on site for those wishing for the true grungy festival experience.

For the denizens at After Hours headquarters, Del McCoury really caught our eye along with the scheduled Saturday performance of the sacred steel aficionados The Lee Boys. Several years ago, The Lee Boys filled in for Robert Randolph at Langerado and blew the flaps off the tent.

Four-day tickets will set you back set you back a Benjamin while single-day tickets run $30 to $35.

Black Keys, Radiohead To Headline Coachella

2012-01-09T20:15:00.002-05:00

Stellar lineup for the just-leaked Coachella lineup. In addition to Radiohead and Black Keys, Bon Iver, St. Vincent, Mazzy Star, Jimmy Cliff, Cat Power, Shins, and Feist round out what looks to be a terrific festival.

Gregg Allman To Tour Florida In January

2011-12-31T13:47:00.001-05:00

During a time when we only see our celebrities on the beach or causing trouble, Gregg Allman is putting together a 6-stop tour of Florida this January. Six Shows! Spanning from Pensacola to Hollywood, the mini-tour provides an up-close look at this master bluesman.
For your listening pleasure, a studio performance of "Low Country Blues." Soul-stirring music.
Gregg Allman Florida-Plus Tour
01/10/12

Montgomery Performing Arts Center

CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

01/13/12

Jacksonville, Florida

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

01/20/12

Melbourne, Florida

King Center for the Performing Arts

CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

01/21/12

Savannah, Georgia

Johnny Mercer Theater

CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

You Don't Need a Weatherman - just Jeff Tweedy

2011-12-15T21:13:00.000-05:00

"You don’t need a weatherman
To know which way the wind blows"

Wilco's Jeff Tweedy stops by the hometown television station to talk a little hirsute weather.

MMJ Melts Faces, Warms Hearts, Saves Souls

2011-12-12T22:39:00.000-05:00

Jim James, photo by pbpulse.com

Rock and roll has always been about salvation.

It has always been about redemption, deliverance from the mundane, the oppression, and the repetitiveness of the daily grind. It is a release and an escape.

My Morning Jacket's Saturday night show at the Boca Raton's cozy Sunset Cove Amphitheater was all this and more. Jim James and Carl Broemel's twin guitar attack created a pure rock and roll moment. There were more than a few times where all one could do was thrown your hands to the heavens and bask in the music's glory.

The publicly-owned amphitheater, which is one of the more obscure and quirky venues in South Florida, was populated with a small (think large private party) but appreciatively hazy crowd. The small attendance did not affect the band's stellar performance. It was an arena show and we all had floor seats.

The Louisville-based group featured cuts from each of their six albums during the past dozen years. The majority of the songs came from the band's excellent spring release "Circuital." The band was tight and funky, but, James, the charismatic frontman, was the focus. From his searing guitar licks to his penchant for wearing capes, James demanded your attention.

Opening the night was Delta Spirit who will most likely be headlining these types of shows next year after their new album is released in March.

Rarely has South Florida seen two strong bands play on the same bill. For those willing to venture out to west Boca, their efforts were greatly rewarded.

It Is Time To Start The Top Ten Season

2011-12-09T16:33:00.000-05:00

Tis the season for your Top Ten albums, songs, concerts and whatnot. After Hours favorite Tristan Clopet jumps out of the gate with a quality album list. Above is his cover from The Black Keys' "El Camino" album from his renowned Living Room sessions. "El Camino" will camp out on most lists this year including Tristan's and the After Hours HQ. Lykke Li's spring release "Wounded Rhymes" is Clopet's intriguing top pick.

MMJ, Radiohead, Avetts, Elvis Headline SoFla Concert Season

2011-12-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

With a break in the weather here, the world's itinerant musicians are headed to South Florida and we are the beneficiaries. Two of the best live bands going, My Morning Jacket and Radiohead, will be visiting and providing must-see shows on the peninsula during the next several months.

There are several "wild-card" shows on the agenda - with Dan Hicks at the intimate Bamboo Room and the Nashville duo, The Civil Wars, - that deserve the discerning music fans attention.

Dec. 5th - Daryl Hall & John Oates - Hard Rock Live
Dec. 6th - Paul Simon - Hard Rock Live
Dec. 9th - Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers - Bamboo Room
Dec 10th - My Morning Jacket w/ Delta Spirit - Sunset Cove Amphitheater
Dec. 15th - John Ralston - Bamboo Room
Dec. 15th - Dar Williams - Lyric Theater
Dec. 15th - Alice Cooper - Hard Rock Live
Dec. 17th - Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks - Bamboo Room
Dec. 29th - Matisyahu - Kravis Center
Dec. 30th - Jan. 1 - Cee-Lo Green, Boys II Men, Pete Wentz - Orange Drive Miami Beach Music FestivalJan. 2nd - B.B. King - Kravis Center
Jan. 6th - Donna the Buffalo - Revolution Live
Jan. 12th - Bob Seger - Bank Atlantic Center
Jan. 14th - Galactic - Revolution Live

Jan. 18th - Gregg Allman - Hard Rock Live
Jan. 26th - G Love and Special Sauce - The Culture Room
Jan. 28th - Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band - American Airlines Arena
Jan. 28th - The Kills - Revolution Live
Feb. 2nd - Keb' Mo - Lyric Theater
Feb. 3rd - John Prine & Sara Watkins - Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Feb. 4th - Patti LaBelle - Kravis Center
Feb. 4th - The Civil Wars - The Culture Room
Feb. 23th - The Saw Doctors - Revolution Live
Feb. 10th - The Avett Brothers - Sunset Cove Amphitheater
Feb. 24th - Doobie Brothers - Hard Rock Live
Feb. 27th - Radiohead - American Airlines Arena
Mar. 3rd - Dropkick Murphys - Pompano Beach Amphitheater
Mar. 9th - Henry Rollins - Spoken Word - Revolution Live
Mar. 10th - Big Head Todd & the Monsters - The Culture Room
Mar. 16th - MuteMath - Revolution Live
April 25th - Elvis Costello and The Imposters - Hard Rock Live
June 15th - Roger Waters: The Wall Live - BankAtlantic Center

Taking The Tumblr - After Hours On The Move

2011-09-23T21:42:00.001-04:00

After a long respite and finding the Blogger format unforgiving, I am shifting After Hours to Tumblr. Hope to see you there.

Surfer Blood To Play Respectable's This Saturday

2011-07-13T21:37:00.001-04:00

After touring through Europe and criss-crossing the U.S. several times during the past two years, West Palm Beach's indie rock heroes, Surfer Blood, will be playing a hometown show this ~~Friday~~ Saturday night at Respectable Street. The band earlier reported on their social media that the show was Friday.

The four-piece band is playing a rare local show before hitting the road this fall, including a one-month stint opening up for the Pixies. The Warner Bros. artists will spend most of their time along the eastern coast this fall before heading to England in December to play an All Tomorrow's Parties festival.

The easiest way to catch them will be Friday in West Palm at Respectable's. Ironic T-shirt and skinny jeans optional.

Tristan Clopet Makes The Album For The Summer

2011-06-25T13:42:00.001-04:00

After Hours favorite Tristan Clopet has created an outstanding summer album. An album destined to be played loud, speeding along the coastal highway with the windows open and the warm, fresh air blowing through your hair.

From the bright guitars of the opening track, "A Summer in Sussex," through Clopet's signature soaring vocals, the Miami singer-songwriter has created a delicious indie pop album. It is Clopet's best work yet - a real breakthrough in his art.

Clopet's first long player is entitled, Name It What You Want, and is the result of four months of work with both LA-based producer Raymond Richards (Local Natives) and NY-based producer Justin Gerrish (The Strokes, Vampire Weekend). The result is a spacious mix of infectious rock that masterfully incorporates a wide range of instruments and sounds. The album mixes the best of British Indie Pop melodies with Clopet's blue-eyed soul, funky guitar riffs and beat-crazy nature. The LP features several Beatlesque flourishes that can't help but bring a smile to the listener.

Favorite tracks include the wonderful single, "A Chat with My Brain;" the breezy "When You Were Younger;" and the ambitious "Toutes Directions." I have been humming this album for the past week.

Clopet is giving fans a chance to name their own price for LP from his website. iTunes is also featuring the album at its standard price. In another nod to our social media-based world, Clopet had 7 of his Facebook friends back him up on vocals on the album's opening song. Currently, Clopet is touring major eastern and midwestern cities in support of the album. Looking forward to Clopet's return south.

Goblin Review

2011-05-11T01:53:00.007-04:00

Right off the bat I'm going to say that Goblin has some of the most shocking lyrics ever put on a major label's CD, is a long trip into a dark psyche that part of you wants to escape and finally is one of the best rap albums in recent years.

Tyler, the Creator is seen by some as the savior as hip hop, and by just as many as a destroyer of values and moral codes. Music and controversy has been married for long back when people called rock "the devil's music." The one I remember most is Eminem, the rapper who gladly scared middle America with his dark lyrics. Eminem's influence is like a stamp on the album, felt from the rape/murder fantasy lyrics of "Tron Cat" to the various alter ego's Tyler has. The alter ego's, known as Wolf Haley, Tyler and Dr. TC, are the focus of the album. Not simply okay with keeping his alter ego's to their own songs they begin to invade other songs slowly taking over the (mostly) sane Tyler until he reaches a breaking point that leaves him a wreck but with the possibility of being saved from himself.

If you only buy one song off this album get Yonkers, which has gotten over 8 million hits on YouTube. Filled with great beats and clever lyrics it grabs you from the beginning with it's proclamation "I'm a f**king walking paradox, no I'm not." It's a perfect little slice of the insanity that has turned Tyler into a cult success. The real surprises are the more slow songs that Tyler is surprisingly good at "Her" tells the tale of Tyler being in love with a girl who complains to him about her boyfriends to him but still stays with them. It's a weirdly sweet song, that reveals that Tyler may not be the psycho he pretends he is. On the other side is "She" that while sounding like a John Legend/Kanye West team up, tells the dark story of Tyler spying on a girl through her blinds and escalating to murder and rape, in that order. The hook on this one is especially nice courtesy of Frank Ocean (who I also heartily recommend).

"Tron Cat" is probably the most shocking song on the album and it where Wolf begins to invade the song and Tyler loses contact with himself. The slow piano under the beat only fleshes out the horrifying lyrics and even Tyler seems shocked by what he's said. Golden in which Tyler manages to bring himself if only for a moment of light is a great way to end the album with some actually touching lyrics. It becomes clear that Tyler is no more then a scared teen who plays the psycho card for attention. Rather then feeling tricked, you feel pity for him and root for the guy who killed someone last track. It's weird and it somehow works.

When the album fails though, it fails hard, the opening and title track "Goblin" is subpar and it doesn't help that in the lyrics Tyler reminds us of the much better Bastard intro. The track "Radical" has been a hit at live shows and it should probably stay there, meant to incite mosh pits it just kinda sit there on the album. "B***ch S**k D**k" (my that's a lot of asterisks) is supposed to be a parody of bad rap, but lacks the fun energy of Tina from Bastard and is just bad rap instead of a parody. "Window" is okay, but it seems to be more about Tyler showing off his friends then making good music. Nothing wrong with that, but eight minutes of that can get grating.

Goblin is already being talked by some as that album. The one's that played by 21st anarchists as they burn down a school. However I think Tyler deserves a critical listening by us blogging hipsters with our flannel and our suave mustaches. That's because if you actually take some time to scratch off the grime there's gold in these hills.

The Wolf Pack Descends

2011-05-06T14:48:00.003-04:00

If you read any music blog, magazine, newspaper or flyer you've probably heard about Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All. A collection of rappers, beat makers, producer and even a RnB singer. They've taken the indie world by storm with Pitchfork loving them and appearing on the covers of several big magazines. They've appeared on Jimmy Fallon, got a record deal and there's talk of a TV show. It's another story of a small group getting very big, very fast. We've seen it countless times in the music business. The thing that makes Odd Future different though is that they have attained this level of fame without selling a single album.

The group looks more like a group of skaters hanging out in a parking lot then superstars, mostly because that's what they are. The majority under drinking age their youngest, Earl, being 15 at the time he made his first and only album, they bring a mix of over the top excitement and awkward shyness.

Odd Future has released several mixtapes all for free on their Tumblr. The mixtapes quality range from Hodgy Beats' so-so Dena Tape to Tyler the Creator's amazing Bastard. Over all twelve mixtapes were made available for free over a two year period. Even groups like Wu-Tang have trouble getting that many albums out. It's a stroke of marketing genius though, anyone who hears about Odd Future can become a fan in a few easy clicks.

The music industry isn't all about the music though, from day one each member has updated their fans on Twitter, Tumblr and a multitude of silly youtube videos that not only keep them connected, but help them keep their fans attentions. Odd Future fans will stay up all night checking tweets and posts just for a new photo, new song or even a new album that gets dropped without any warning.

Tyler the Creator's new album Goblin comes out May 10th and as his first pay album and among a leak of the full album the odds are stacked against him. It still seems to see if the fanbase they've created, mostly made of internet savvy teens, will back him up now that it's pay to play.

SunFest Day 3: Sound Mix Abandons Gregg Allman

2011-04-30T14:13:00.000-04:00

Gregg Allman deserved better.

The sound mix for Allman's Friday Night SunFest show was as muddy as the Delta. And, at times, Allman's distinctive vocals were buried so far down in the mix that they only could be found with a Geiger counter.

Once again, Gregg Allman deserved better. And so did the audience.

The venerable bluesman is touring to support his first new album in more than a decade, Low Country Blues. If you don't have this album, stop right now and buy it. It is required music.

Allman and his six-piece band covered songs from the Allman Brothers, his past solo work the latest album during the 80-minute set. The band started ragged with the aforementioned sound mixing debacle and with its own internal struggles with playing together on Allman's latest work. Halfway through the set, the band found its footing and ended the show with a rousing version of "Statesboro Blues." Percussionist Floyd Miles spelled Allman of his vocal duties for two funky Chicago blues tunes, which were one of the highlights of the set.

Recovering from his liver transplant from last June, Allman was playing his seventh show in the past 10 days and he was showing his 63 years. Allman has just started a younger man's tour for the next five months. The tour will make stops at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, Bonnaroo and the European festival circuit. This Sunday, the band will be in Memphis for the Beale Street Blues Festival.

With that wonderfully whiskey baritone, Allman is all bluesman. I only hope to hear him again when sound mix arises to the quality of the performer.

I'm Famous For These Glasses Baby

2011-04-29T00:04:00.005-04:00

Cee-Lo Green has had a rough time, getting booed off Coachella doesn't go down easy. I'm sure having a number one pop song and a Grammy nomination ease the pain. I'm talking about the brilliant NSFW hit that we've mentioned many times before on this very blog. As the crowds gathered, we all had the same question on our lips... well my mom did because she made a five dollar bet that he wouldn't. Will he sing those forbidden words?

The answer to the five-dollar question was no, well kinda. I should probably back up. As Cee-Lo made us wait around twenty minutes after his starting time, we joked about what was keeping him. Marty said that he was backstage watching the walls drip. As the lights dimmed and Cee-Lo's all-girl band took the stage, the man himself came on the P.A. introducing himself as "The Lady Killer." He started off with his earlier songs when he was still with rap group Goodie Mob, who joined him on stage, as Cee-Lo paced in the background providing a line or two as his homies spit their rhymes.

But as they were ushered off stage Cee-Lo started to go into soul - where he really shines. His voice really is an amazing thing to listen to, even on CD, which is probably why he's judging on a show called The Voice. He quickly changes between styles from the soul powered "Crazy" to a very rock version of "Run." Cursing like a sailor all the way through Cee-Lo brought hit after hit to the people of Palm Beach.

At the end, though, people were still expecting the song they came for, and he knew it. Kicking it out as his finale, he relied on the audience to sing the oh-so essential part, never actually uttering the phrase. The crowd didn't care and who really should? Despite that, it's still got a killer hook. Even better, he ends it with an awesome and seamless transition into "Rock The Casbah," mash up artists, get on it!

Cee-Lo delivers an impressive show for anyone. Going from rap to soul to rock, he'll deliver something for everyone. As we left the show, my mom was handed five dollars. Damn technicalities.

SunFest Day 1: Avett Brothers and the Lyrics that Sing

2011-04-28T16:25:00.000-04:00

By Emily J. Minor
I live with two grown men who are gaga over music. Our son, now 20, was getting an music allowance back way back in early middle school. Forget cash for taking out the garbage, how about another Gorillaz download? My husband - Mr. After Hours Music Proprietor Marty Minor himself - has resisted the iPhone for one simple reason: he couldn’t put all his music on it.

This might seem like one of those “blessings” all the hyper-happy like to talk about.

The Minors are so hip! We’re all so groovy. Yet, here I am, paying the monthly iTunes account, stuck in some sort of unsettling music limbo.

I am not resistant to retro; I embrace it.
Consequently, their music is way over my head.
My under-the-counter kitchen radio is set on NPR and the local oldies station. (Well, station choices in West Palm Beach are to blame for the latter, but that’s a whole other - what do they call this again? - blog post.)

It might be spring, 2011, but I still like James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac and really old Linda Ronstadt.Oh! And The Avett Brothers. I love The Avett Brothers, big time.

The Avett Brothers - two of them are really brothers, which makes me happy for their mom - are adorable. They are full of energy. They appear physically fit, which leads me to believe they eat their vegetables. And they gave a REALLY, REALLY FUN show Wednesday at SunFest. I drank three beers in their honor!

The best thing about The Avett Brothers isn’t the banjo or the bass or that one guy who plays the cello almost like it’s a guitar.

It’s their lyrics.

Scott Avett and his little brother, Seth, can write. Really write.

Funny lyrics. Happy lyrics. Lyrics that make you cry.

Somber lyrics. Sensitive lyrics. Lyrics that make you sing.

I hate to be too old-fashioned, but I think The Avett Brothers are a little bit John Prine and a little bit They Might Be Giants and a little bit Barenaked Ladies and a whole lot of them, all rolled up into something fresh and new and fun.

Every time I listen to them, I just feel happy. And Wednesday night, it was especially nice.

SunFest's Here! Time To Find A New Band

2011-04-25T22:17:00.000-04:00

The roadies are here. They are setting up the multiple stages as there are only a few hours left until SunFest begins on Wednesday night.

While most of the well-meaning music fans have mapped out their headliners (After Hours will be visiting The Avett Brothers, Cee-Lo and Gregg Allman), there a multitude of up-and-coming bands and regional acts to check out. Hell, that is the beauty of a music festival - to blithely stumble upon a band that becomes a favorite.

During a sugar-like craving for sweet, pop music, two, early opening acts - both based in South Florida - have piqued the interests here at AF HQ.

The product of an Irish schoolteacher and her musician father from India, Sarah Packiam plays a sultry acoustic pop that includes flourishes of Irish folk and Indian music. Now based in Miami Beach, Packiam is now recording her debut album of indie world folk in Miami's Cutting Cane Studio. Packiam is opening the show Thursday night (5:15 p.m.) at the main Bank of America stage.

The southern-infused pop rock of The Gallery is as catchy as one of their hook-laden songs. Formed in Massachusetts, the quartet has been based in West Palm Beach for the past three years. The unsigned band just released their first EP and continues to tour around the country. The band has the unenviable slot of 12:15 p.m. Saturday as the first band of the day at the Tire Kingdom Stage.

Ready for the Breakout: A Chat with Tristan Clopet and His Brain

2011-04-18T21:56:00.000-04:00

After Hours favorite and Miami singer-songwriter Tristan Clopet has found his voice - and his groove - with his new single, "A Chat With My Brain." With that, Clopet will be finding a much larger audience in 2011.

Clopet's previous recordings are a pleasant and intoxicating mix of blue-eyed soul and rock/funk thumpers. On this new single, and the new album coming out next month, Clopet has found his indie rock groove and it's terrific. With the song and the album, the Toronto-born singer worked with indie producer Raymond Richards, who gained well-deserved praise for last year's superb Local Natives debut.

The song, driven by piano and drums, creates enough room for Clopet's vocals to soar. The chorus features a great, addictive hook. It is one of the best indie pop songs you'll hear this year. I have been humming it for the past week.

With the release of the new single, available for download on iTunes, Clopet took some time to chat about his music, the recording process and creativity's breeding ground.

After Hours: The new song, "A Chat With My Brain" is more of a straight-ahead Indie rock sound than your past recordings. Was that a conscious decision to go in that direction or more of an organic process?

Tristan Clopet: It was a conscious decision to try to be more organic in my songwriting. To really extract from a natural place. I felt like I've really come into my own on this record. Feels really good.

AF: How did you hook up with Raymond Richards and how has that been?

TC: We were fortunate to have a few options for this album. One day I was thinking about our immediate future and had Local Natives on in the background. It suddenly occurred to me that the sound of the new songs were very similar to the feel of Gorilla Manor. So I got on the internet and looked up who did it, emailed him and he really loved the demos. We talked on the phone, hit it off and the rest is history.

AF: After two EPs, this is your first album coming out in May. How has the recording process changed for you?

TC: You know, not a lot. Obviously, its a different animal playing with the red light on and one gets better at it over time but the process itself is pretty much the same. I value the opinons of everyone in the room and I encourage a really healthy, lighthearted mood. Creativity really needs a healthy breeding ground. Great performances tend to come in between belly laughs.

AF:What was the best show you saw during the past year?
TC: Beach House at the Fillmore was great. As was Foster the People at SXSW. The latter is a new band that should be making some noise this coming year.

Clopet will be touring this summer in support of the album. Keep tuned for upcoming dates.

Vinyl Dreams on Record Store Day

2011-04-15T15:09:00.000-04:00

I received my education from Haffa's Fine Used Records in Athens, Ohio.

In that small, grimy basement store, I learned the passion, joy, despair and the cold hard realities of buying and selling used vinyl. I discovered Miles Davis, Tom Waits and the cutout bin there.

It was a beautiful way to kill that hour between classes and to watch, in fascination, as the used vinyl was sorted for rejection or acceptance for a quarter or two. The best records were bought for a buck. I sold vinyl there when I needed money. Spent it there when I had it.

For me, Haffa's was a portal. A transmitter linked to a much wider world. A world of musicians playing in smoky clubs and sweaty, downtown bars - and all the excitement, rebellion and freedom it represented to me. I wanted to drink it all in - like it was coming from a fire hose. It made me want to leave my cave and take a look around. I can't thank Haffa's enough for that.

Saturday is Record Store Day and the festivities at Haffa's start at 11 a.m. Record Store Day is a national celebration - and remembrance - of the wonderfully-unique culture that inhabits the independent record store. Most stores feature in-store performances and special album/EP releases.

I will be paying my respects to Top Five Records in Lake Worth - a great, vintage vinyl and CD place. Cash only. Singer-songwriter and Local Hero John Ralston will kick off the full day of in-store performances at 1 p.m.

Chocolate Drops Hit Florida, Tropical Heatwave

2011-04-11T21:14:00.000-04:00

Unbelievably cool band and NPR favorite, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, are headed to the Sunshine State next month for stops in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando before helping headline WMNF's 30th Tropical Heatwave extravaganza.

The truly eclectic Chocolate Drops play traditional, black banjo/fiddle music with a definitive modern twist. The result is damn near magic. The Boone, North Carolina trio update traditional music with soul, blues, and, at times, a beatbox. Fiddle Rhiannon Giddens, classically trained in opera, touches your soul whenever she sings.

The trio plays the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale on May 11th. The next night, they head to Mickey City to rock The Plaza Theater.

On Saturday, May 14, the Drops will help headline perhaps the best Tropical Heatwave lineup evah in Tampa for the legendary WMNF community radio station. The Carolina Chocolate Drops open up for Cracker (?!?!?!!!!) at the El Pasaje Plaza. After Hours' heroes, Lauris Vidal and The Whigs, also help round out a solid lineup of great music of a warm, Florida night.

Langerado Lives!!

2011-03-08T23:04:00.000-05:00

South Florida's beloved and beleaguered music festival, Langerado, is back.

Two years after the popular festival closed up shop, promoters announced that Langerado will re-appear this fall as a two-day festival. The October 8th & 9th musical festival will return to the location of its best days at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida.

Promoters are promising a "diverse collection of artists from indie rock to electronica to modern roots" encompassing 22 acts. The first line-up announcement is set for June 1st. Special "on faith" tickets are $75 for two-days of undetermined music. After the acts are announced, the advanced tickets go up to a throat-clearing $150 for the two-day festival. This will be the first autumn dates for the festival, which usually ran during the March spring breaks.

The festival left Markham Park after the 2007 event when Broward County received numerous complaints about lax drug law enforcement at the show. The 2008 event was moved to the remote Seminole Big Cypress Indian Reservation in the Everglades. The 2009 festival was planned for downtown Miami, but was quickly cancelled due to poor ticket sales.

After Hours HQ is cautiously optimistic and thinking about getting new concert chairs.

Band You Should Know: Sam Friend

2011-03-06T15:15:00.001-05:00

Photo by Jorge Velasquez

In an age where music has been whittled down to invisible bits and bytes, Miami singer-songwriter Sam Friend builds his pop-infused Americana with the skill of a master carpenter.

Crafting captivating songs about love and loss, Friend uses a variety of instruments from classical strings to a mandolin. His voice is reminiscent of early Conor Oberst and James Mercer of the Shins with a touch of Thom Yorke. Friend is bound to be a player in the anti-folk scene for years to come.

Friend will be performing Saturday, April 12th at the Art Walk in the cooler-than-cool Miami Design District. Friend, who is currently recording in NYC, will be performing at The Garden Lounge, 191-A NE 40th Street, Miami. Music starts at 7:30 p.m.

The Miami/Dade native took some time from recording to discuss with After Hours his new album, finding the right sounds and the liberal return policy at Radio Shack.

AFTER HOURS: I guess one of the obvious questions is, “How does a University of Miami jazz student become an indie folkster?”

SAM FRIEND: Simplest answer is I always basically was, way before I knew about the term. And still am, an indie folkster. I’m totally cool with that. Jazz was the thing that you did during school hours. I was never one of those people who placed jazz above all music. It’s super hard on all levels, no question, but there have been great players in all genres. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re any good. I connect with music at the source. And that has little to do with perfection and execution. That stuff can help, of course. Oh man though, jazz can say so much when it’s working.

AH: You open your latest album, Lady Madly, with the "environmental" recording of a street scene and end the album with a recording of you singing in what sounds like a separate room. What is the attraction for you of these non-traditional recordings?

SF: A lot of that’s the Seattle thing. There’s a real sense out there that music should be honest and gimmicks are transparent. There’s emphasis placed on finding time to let things develop at their natural pace, easing in. That and all those ambient infused moments on records I listened to growing up were a big influence. Especially on mindset and approach when giving Lady Madly her parenthesis. In retrospect, they act as a reminder that these songs came out of real things. Things like people reading this article right now even. I guess that be boring though, to hear someone reading, unless you’re John Cage. The beginning of Lady Madly is a reception outside the Henry Art Gallery at UW. One girl says, “I feel like she wants to.” That’s where it starts. For the finale, I bought a tape recorder at Radio Shack, walked home, recorded a live take in a bathroom, walked back to Radio Shack and returned the recorder.

AH: Your music welds together many different types of musical genres and beats. It is not unusual to hear a rock guitar riff, strings, and pop harmonies over an Americana stroll that gives a nod to a reggae beat. Is this a conscious decision to expand the vocabulary of your music or is it an organic evolution?

SF: Mostly organic. Not to say I don’t think about what I’m doing. I’m a thinker. But the vast majority of what I write that makes it into my shows and on my records are ideas that happen when the thinking stops. Not on purpose, just fleeting creative energy that happens when it happens. And so if something works, it works. I don’t know how people write in one style all the time. My attention drifts. I like the idea of making songs that reflect an entire record in each song. Not in the way of changing things abruptly as to confuse, but to take the listener through various ideas without them noticing the shift until they’re already there.

AH: Growing up and living in Miami-Dade, does the exile nature of the residents (snowbirds, refugees, retirees and fortune-seekers) and the multiple cultures of the area influence your music?

SF: Sure. But not the way you might expect. As a young guy, I spent time in West Virginia, where my mother’s from. So that seed was planted early. And growing up in Miami, I felt an attraction to the idea of music that I couldn’t touch. Like British rock and American folk. It was difficult for me to identify with a lot of the Latin influences in music that are prevalent in the area, so I think it kind of intensified my connection to the music I was into. And it was hard to find at record stores, so that probably added to the allure. But I have to say, recently I’ve come around and learned to really get into all the unique convergences of cultures down here and the music that comes out of all the vibrancies.

AH: You have been recently recording in NYC, are you preparing a new album? EP? single? With the continual flux of music business, how does an artist move forward in this uncertain environment for the music industry.

SF: I think that’s a good question. For me, it’s about putting myself in a position to continue creating. And this music industry allows that. I got into this game because I was moved by the power of music early on. And I felt a kinship with the people who made it. So far, I’ve been able to continue making music and continue learning how to do it. To answer your question, it’s going to be a document of style including songs I’ve been writing since my last release, and I’m calling it Spirit Mirror.

AH: What was the best show you saw last year?

SF: Chris Thile and Michael Daves at Rockwood Music Hall in New York City. Both these guys are the real deal. I had just got in from Chicago, and was playing the same venue days later. It wasn’t too cold yet, and Max Fish was still open. It was interesting to catch that rural associated sound in the most major of metropolises. The whole crowd was right there. The room’s energy really resonated to the rafters. I was buzzing.

Sam Friend - Part of the Show from Adam Fairholm on Vimeo.

"Part of the Show" - iTunes

Avetts, Cee-Lo and MGMT to Play SunFest; New Music Night Dies a Quiet Death

2011-03-03T20:07:00.001-05:00

Rumors confirmed and so much more.

The Avett Brothers, Cee-Lo and MGMT (say what?) are the announced headliners for the 2011 SunFest in West Palm. The festival line-up has a little something for everyone - perhaps one "must see" and at least a couple "check outs" for the discerning music fan. It is a worthy lineup.

Today announcement also marks the end of New Music Night at SunFest. This noble, but inconsistent, programming experiment brought several great, young bands through the area to the attention of few. I'll classify it a success for the sole reason on providing the introduction to The Whigs.

More to come on the music as the festival approaches. However, it should be noted that After Hours HQ is happy to see the return of Ziggy and is thinking that Gregg Allman's set may be something special.

More SunFest Acts Leaked: Toad & Fire on Saturday

2011-02-26T16:36:00.000-05:00

Two mainstream, feel-good bands, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Earth, Wind & Fire, are the latest to announce their appearance in the upcoming SunFest in West Palm Beach.

I have always had a soft spot for the laid-back pop harmonies of Toad. The late 80s/early 90s radio stalwarts will take up the 2:30 p.m. slot on SunFest Saturday, April 30th, where beach chairs will be de rigueur.

Venerable Earth, Wind and Fire are Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and you need to check them off your all-time list. They will also be performing SunFest Saturday.

It is expected that SunFest will release a partial lineup soon. It appears the festival is waiting to see how the rest of the festival lineups shake out before making any announcements.

“Walk On The Ocean” by Toad the Wet Sprocket (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

Jeff Beck To Play SunFest!

2011-02-23T20:46:00.001-05:00

Although West Palm's SunFest has been mum on its 2011 musical lineup, the acts are starting to make their own announcements for the five-day waterfront festival.
UK Rock God Jeff Beck will be helping close out SunFest by performing Sunday, May 1. The time and the stage of Beck's guitar pyrotechnics have yet to be set.
With less than 9 weeks before the 29th annual music and art festival, SunFest has yet to release any names. The rumored Avett Brothers's appearance during the festival's opening night on April 27th has not been confirmed but the date remains open on the brothers' website. Still have a good feeling about that one.

Paleface Interview Before Florida Tour

2011-02-13T20:13:00.003-05:00

Photo by Staton Carter

As the North Carolina-based duo begins its five-date Florida tour, Paleface, the duo and its namesake guitarist, continues its push from the perimeter of the music scene to a spotlight.

Probably best known for his associations - such as learning songwriting from Daniel Johnston, influencing Beck and Kimya Dawson, helping create the anti-folk scene and writing for the Avett Brothers - the high-energy Paleface with drummer/partner Monica "Mo" Samalot is drawing well-deserved attention with their latest album, One Big Party. The album is joyous neo-folk being drawn through a classic rock filter. The catchy-as-hell shuffle, "Rock N Roll' (featured below) will leave you blithely humming for days.

Before heading to Florida, Paleface gave After Hours a few moments to discuss music, touring and the popularity of duos:

AFTER HOURS: You have been most closely associated with the “anti-folk” label, what does that term mean to you? How would you classify your music?
PALEFACE: Anti-folk was a term jokingly used by folk musicians in New York who were into punk and couldn't get gigs at the established folk clubs in the city who just wanted Baez and Seeger re-runs. Because it was the new folk music, it ended up taking over and those old clubs that didn't adapt closed. I see that music everywhere - its really just folk music that knows the past but wants to do something itself that's new. M

y music is just my art so I don't really need to classify it in general. If people can feel something or be moved by it then I'm happy.
How your approach to music or the music business changes with the digitalization of music? Has touring become more important during this time when the music business is in such upheaval?

Touring is the most important thing. It's the only way to earn a living doing music at the moment. Some are lucky enough to get money from advertisers which can really help supplement. 20 years ago that would have been unthinkable - the kiss of death for any band or "serious" artist. Now it's commonplace.
It's weird when something you grew up with disappears in front of your eyes.The rock star dream is still out there but its pretty limited to the american idol wanna-be types now. Probably not anymore Kurt Cobains to be heard from. And not too many people underneath that make a great living either. It's kinda all or nothing these days - like the rest of the country - fewer and fewer people are getting the pot of gold. But things could change when you least expect them to so- Who Knows!?!

Your new album is more upbeat, having more of a classic rock foundation with pop overtones, than your previous work. What brought about this direction

I thought of the last 3 records as kind of a trilogy. A Different Story was kinda of like an indie-americana album and The Show Is On The Road was like a DIY folk record....One Big Party just kinda happened that way - an american classic rock goodbye if you will - i tried to picture the songs going out over a large audience and how they would sound to the person in the parking lot. Would they be able to recognize the song from there? Would it travel that far? I think that's one of the reasons classic rock has lasted so long - it traveled through the air well.
With your second album as a duo, do you have an explanation on the current popularity of man/woman duets such as She & Him, Jenny and Johnny, Mates of State, etc.?

ECONOMICS!

You have been on tour since October in support of One Big Party, do you travel well together?

We are both thankful to be doing what we are doing. It gets hard sometimes with the long drives but it comes with the territory - its accepted and expected that its not all going to be roses and parade rides.
Thank you for coming to Florida. At times, we feel like we are off the beaten path with regards to seeing quality bands live. What can people expect when they come out to see you in Florida?

We'll try to have as much fun as possible playing and hopefully people will join in with us.

2011 Florida Tour

Joining Paleface through the Sunshine State will be After Hours favorite Lauris Vidal.

Feb. 17: DeLand, FL @ Nest

Feb. 18: Gainesville, FL @ Durty Nelly's

Feb. 19: Tampa, FL @ Ella's Folk Art Cafe

Feb. 20: Orlando, FL @ Will's Pub

Feb. 24: Delray Beach, FL @ Dada

Feb. 25: Fort Lauderdale, FL @ The Monterey Club

Paleface - "Rock N Roll" from DUKE STREET on Vimeo.

“Rock N Roll” by Paleface (mp3)(iTunes)(Paleface Online)

South Florida Concert Outlook: Bright Eyes Return to Miami

2011-02-02T23:08:00.001-05:00

In one of the more anticipated concerts at After Hours HQ, Bright Eyes returns to Miami this spring in what may be Conor Oberst's last turn with the ocular moniker. The prolific songwriter has indicated that this may be the last going around for this musical formation.

Bright Eyes and Oberst have been a favorite since I saw the band in 2003 in a theater in Little Havana, Miami. The show was a revelation. Oberst sang his clever and heart-breaking lyrics with his trademark lament. Also, the boy could rock. Simply, a great show.

Looking forward to seeing the boys again 8 years later and possibly for the last time. Although Conor will continue recording with his own name and with other groupings of musicians, it will be nice to see Oberst's original sobriquet one more time. Bright Eyes is touring to support their album, "The People's Key" which is a return to Oberst's original weird folk-punk sound. The album is currently streaming on NPR.

“Shell Games” by Bright Eyes (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

The concert schedule for the first half of 2011 is looking better than many recent months in SoFla. We are seeing some After Hours favs, such Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, play larger venues as their careers move forward. Others are happy there is a casino nearby.

Whatever your preference, go see a show. It is definitely worth it.

2/10 - Zach Deputy - Culture Room
2/11 - Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers - Revolution
2/12 - Broken Social Scene - Revolution
2/12 - Flogging Molly - The Fillmore
2/12 - Indigo Girls - Culture Room
2/18 - Sister Hazel - Revolution
2/19 - Johnny Winter - Culture Room
2/20 - Ozzy Osbourne - BankAtlantic Center
2/24 - Paleface and Lauris Vidal - Dada, Delray Beach
2/25 - Keller Williams - Revolution
2/25 - Paleface and Lauris Vidal - The Monterey Club, Fort Lauderdale
2/26 - Miami Blues Festival (Bobby "Blue" Bland) - James L. Knight Center
2/26 - Leon Russell - Culture Room
2/28 - Gipsy Kings - Hard Rock Live
3/2 - The Expendables - Culture Room
3/2 - Bright Eyes with Cursive - The Fillmore
3/3 - John Mellencamp - Broward Center for Performing Arts
3/4 - Lynyrd Skynyrd - Hard Rock Live
3/5 - Grace Potter & the Nocturnals - Culture Room
3/7 - Ra Ra Riot - Culture Room
3/8 - Kid Rock - Hard Rock Live
3/9 - Streetlight Manifesto - Culture Room
3/17 - Corey Smith - Culture Room
3/17 - Kiss - Hard Rock Live
3/18 - Colin Hay - Broward Center for Performing Arts
3/20 - Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - The Fillmore
3/24 - Citizen Cope - Culture Room
3/27 - Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) - Culture Room
3/31 - Rush - BankAtlantic Center
4/5 - moe. - Culture Room
4/6 - FURTHER with Phil Lesh & Bob Weir - Mizner Park Amphitheater
4/8 & 4/9 - The Radiators - Revolution Live
4/9 - Robert Cray Band - Parker Playhouse
4/10 - Jerry Garcia Band - Revolution
4/13 - Boz Scaggs - Kravis Center
4/13 - Lady Gaga - AmericanAirlines Arena
4/14 - Robert Plant - Hard Rock Live
4/16 - Bill Frisell - Colony Theater, Miami Beach
4/23 - Jimmy Buffet - Cruzan Amphitheater

4/29 - Interpol - The Fillmore
5/17 - My Chemical Romance - Revolution (Sold Out)
6/11 - Katy Perry - BankAtlantic Center
6/29 - U2 - Sun Life Stadium
7/15 - Sade - BankAtlantic Center

Lauris Vidal's Cross-Country Adventure

2011-01-14T07:47:00.002-05:00

There is an incredible purity with Lauris Vidal. A purity in his passion for music and his commitment to music made in Florida.

Then there is the pure jubilance that emanates from the Florida local and After Hours hero Vidal when he plays. He is frantic, soulful and extremely talented. He is also full of joy. You can feel it when you meet the man.

It was that evident joy which turned the WMNF studio in Tampa into a great living room party. Vidal closed out the final Wednesday Sonic Detour with AH contributor Duncan Strauss with five rollicking in-studio songs from his latest EP, Better Part. It was a musical highlight of the year.

As part of his commitment to the great music being made in the Sunshine State, Vidal is taking his annual Citrus Circuit Tour on the road through Florida before heading across the deep south and across the country and back. Vidal will be sharing the bill with Ricky Kendall and Michael Claytor, both veterans of Gainesville's growing scene. All three are playing in support of new albums.

After the rapid fire tour through the country, Vidal and his good friend and musician Kelley McRae will be performing at Talking Animals festival on April 3rd in Lowry Park in Tampa.

Do yourself a favor and go and see Lauris Vidal. Good times are guaranteed.

“Killing Fields (Live)” by Lauris Vidal, live at the WMNF studio, 12/29/10 (mp3)

CITRUS CIRCUIT TOUR DATES

**with DEVON STUART of the TAKERS

FRI 1/14** ORLANDO, FL MCRANEY’S TAVERN

SAT 1/15** TAMPA, FL NEW WORLD BREWERY

SUN 1/16 VALDOSTA, GA TBA

MON 1/17 TALLAHASSEE,FL MOCKINGBIRD CAFE

TUE 1/18 BILOXI, MS TBA

WED 1/19 NEW ORLEANS,LA REDEEMER HOUSE CONCERT

THU 1/ 20 BATON ROUGE, LA THE HAVEN ART GALLERY

FRI 1/ 21 HOUSTON, TX SUPER HAPPY FUN LAND

SAT 1/22 AUSTIN, TX ROBBIE CARROLL’S HOUSE PARTY PARTII

SUN 1/23 SAN ANTONIO, TX TBA

MON 1/24 SAN ANTONIO,TX TBA

TUE 1/25 AUSTIN, TX CAROUSEL LOUNGE

WED 1/26 AUSTIN, TX CHEER UP CHARLIE’S

THU 1/27 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK THE BLUE NOTE

FRI 1/28 LITTLE ROCK, AR TBA

SAT 1/29 LAMAR, MO CURLESS HOUSE CONCERT

SUN 1/30 KANSAS CITY,MO TBA

MON 1/31 TBA TBA

TUE 2/1 GREENVILLE, MO GREENVILLE COLLEGE- THE BLACK ROOM

WED 2/2 ST LOUIS, MO TBA

LAURIS VIDAL & RICKY KENDALL

THU 2/3 INDIANAPOLIS, IN HOUSE SHOW TBA

FRI 2/4 CHICAGO, IL TBA

SAT 2/5 ANN ARBOR, MI TBA

SUN 2/6 YOUNGSTOWN, OH LEMON GROVE CAFE

MON 2/7 BALTIMORE, MD HOUSE SHOW TBA

TUE 2/8 NEW YORK, NY ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL

WED 2/9 BROOKLYN, NY ROOTS CAFE

THU 2/10 WASHINGTON, DC KAUFMAN HOUSE SHOW

FRI 2/11 SAVANNAH, GA SWEET MELISSA’S

SAT 2/12 ORLANDO, FL BACKBOOTH

Looking Back on 2010

2010-12-31T22:56:00.003-05:00

As this year ends it's time to look back and see the good and the bad.

Best Album of the Year

Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Well Kanye sure showed us. Not only was he the laughing stock of pop culture for most of the year, his tweets throughout only furthered his descent into the butt of every joke. Then he released Fantasy and everything changed. All at once the world remembered why we kept Kanye around, he makes some of the best music in the rap community. Fantasy took the next step, combing amazing piano solos, great strings and some kick ass beats of course to make one of the most diverse and appealing albums of the year. Sure Kanye may be crazy, but he's just the right kind.

Best New Band of the Year

Earth Program- Invade!

Earth Program's first album Invade was almost my album of the year. It's so well done and so well thought out it seems like it was made by a much older band who has been experimenting for years. It's great to know that there's good smart odd rockers still out there ready to take over the mantle bands like Oingo Boingo or the Talking Heads dropped back in the 80s. Earth Program is not only a shining light for Chicago music, but music in general.

Most Disappointing Album

Weezer- Hurley

Oh Weezer, what happened to you. It seems like the once saviors of alt rock have abandoned the church of the geeky to party with frat boys. Repetitive guitar solos and even worse lyrics make this the final nail in Weezer's coffin.

Best Album Coming Out Next Year

Pogo- Remix The World

Amazing remixer Pogo, best know for his Disney remixes is about to release his first legal to sell album. Not just okay with the normal beats and boops most techno artists use he has decided to travel to some distant country, record sounds from there, and then remix them into music. It's all based off his amazing Gardyn song. I wait with baited breath for what may be the most innovative album of 2011.

Radio Is The Sound Salvation

2010-12-27T22:23:00.000-05:00

For a year-end wrap up, After Hours contributors Duncan Strauss and marty will be appearing live on WMNF Radio on Wednesday, December 29th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Listen to us online here. Or if you are tooling around the Tampa Bay area (you lucky dog), check us out at 88.5 FM. We will be playing some of our favorite songs from the past year and years past. In the second hour of the show, we will have AH favorite Lauris Vidal in the studio for music and questions.

Feel free to call in at 813-239-9663 or email us during the show with your requests.

As always with WMNF, this will be radio as it was meant to be - eclectic, fun and full of passion. Plus, it will rock your bones.

As Mr. Elvis says, "Radio is a Sound Salvation"

“Radio Radio” by Elvis Costello, live at the Cleveland Agora, 12/5/77

Avett Brothers To Open SunFest 2011?

2010-12-08T18:45:00.000-05:00

In an email blast to its members, concert database Jambase reported that those sweet-sounding folk rockers, The Avett Brothers, will open the 2011 SunFest in West Palm on Wednesday, April 27th.

This encouraging information about the favored festival appears to be premature. SunFest isn't saying a word. The Jambase page has been scrubbed. But that doesn't mean it is not true.

Such a booking makes sense and is a welcome look for the upcoming SunFest. I believe it - just sayin'. Can't wait.

“Head Full Of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise” by The Avett Brothers (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

Fame Is Now Injectable

2010-11-22T18:59:00.003-05:00

My Chemical Romance has gotten a bad rap. The first single off their last album "The Black Parade" has been mocked endlessly, they've been lumped into the genre of emo which they are none to happy with and they've been going through drummers like Grateful Dead going through keyboardists. So with all these image problems My Chemical Romance has thought long and hard and come up with an answer to all of it.

"F them all."

Their new album Danger Days is brash, loud and unreserved, it's straight up punk from an unlikely source. Masquerading as a radio broadcast from the wasteland as a energetic DJ gives cryptic comments and fortune cookie type phrases like "louder then god's revolver and twice as shiny." It's kinda weird, but it sets the stage for the album great.

The album is a collection of hits and misses. Songs like "Na Na Na" really set the tone for the album, somewhat anarchistic, somewhat silly, and absolutely no feeling sorry for yourself. Any resemblance of deep thought is replaced by pure fun, which I think is a wise move. After three albums of trying to be deep and only succeeding once these guys are much better when they let loose. Another highlight is "Party Poison" a great rock song that I can see taking radio by storm and I'm sure you'll be seeing it in a whole lot of movie trailers for years to come. It just has an immediately recognizable sound that you keep going back too.

"SING" is the ballad on this album and it's reminiscent of the rock ballads of the 80's and I'm sure it'll feel right at home at the amphitheatres the band usually plays in. "Planatary (GO)" is probably my favorite song on the album, from the slow, paranoia inducing opening to the heavy hitting chorus it's just a great song and one I hope isn't ignored.

Like I said there's misses too, "S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W" will probably win my award for most skipped song of the year. It's boring, meandering and it can't decide what it wants to be. In fact the three song after it suffer from just not being too memorable, you may enjoy them while listening to them, but after that you'll probably never hear them again. They're not bad, they just bring nothing new to the table.

Despite the misses, this album is great. It's not going down in history as revolutionary or as a look into the human soul. It'll be remembered as a album that rocks hard and that's good enough for me.

Second Opinion

"Danger Days" is the bastard child of an 80s hair band and a 90s pop/punk band (i.e. Blink 182). It is good-time "aggressive rock." High harmonies and grinding guitars. The album's high points rocked a car stereo of a sunny day. The rest was forgettable.

“Planetary (GO!) by My chemical Romance (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

Modern Sounds in New Psychedelica

2010-10-17T15:45:00.099-04:00

photo by joe capozzi

The Flaming Lips played one of the most expansive, outrageous shows 500 people will ever see. With a visual assault geared for thousands, the Lips ended their current U.S. tour with this sparsely-attended show in western Boca Raton last night.

If there was a show to "phone one in," this one was it. An add-on show, a make-up date from the last minute cancellation from May's SunFest show. But the Lips are wonderfully weird professionals and it was easy to tell why these guys have been blowing people's minds for the past 27 years.

Quite appropriate for a band legendary in their visual prowess, the Lips entered the amphitheater stage through, let's be frank here, a glowing vagina on a 25-foot high video screen. The image, obviously tied to the band's latest album, Embryonic, was randy and unsettling - just like all good rock shows.

The video screen and the surrounding proscenium of lights created the atmosphere for frontman Wayne Coyne's tight and bombastic brand of psychedelic rock. The band was tight, with a special nod to guitarist Steven Drozd, and appealing.

Coyne exhibited his chops as an ultimate showman. There were balloons, confetti cannons and Wayne's bubble ride across the crowd - despite its small size.

Despite the thrilling psychedelic journey with the Lips, the biggest surprise of the night was opening band, Morning Teleportation. The five-piece band from Portland played a fun and trippy psychedelic rock. The young men have been gaining some notice during their year of opening for http://www.cagetheelephant.com/ and the Lips.

No album yet - there is talk about a spring release. I can imagine that they will score some prime slots in next summer's festivals.

“I Can Be a Frog” by The Flaming Lips (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

Reasons For Falling In Love With The Constellations? Let Me Count The Ways...

2010-09-16T13:27:00.086-04:00

By Duncan Strauss

Apart from falling in love with a person, there are few experiences more thrilling and meaningful for a music fan than falling in love with a new band.

Of course, a chief component of this swooning jolt is the sense of discovery--Wow, I've never heard these guys before and I LOVE 'em!--a powerful feeling whether you're 12 or, let's say, 52. And, I'm guessing, older than that, regardless of whether that number ends in "2."

A case in point for me lately: Atlanta-based band The Constellations. Lemme set the scene. It's West Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this year -- it's April 28, when the local music fest (which, in the ensuing days, would offer the likes of Ben Harper, Rise Against, Patti Labelle, ZZ Top, B-52s and was slated to feature Flaming Lips, before illness forced their cancellation) SunFest was presenting New Music Night, headlined by Weezer.

To be honest, and perhaps heretical, I didn't care much about Weezer, but I was excited to sample the new bands, a coupla of which -- Gringo Star (great name, no?), These United States -- I had heard, or at least, heard of. But otherwise it was, for me, a sumptuous new-band buffet. My response to the first few bands I saw was lukewarm, or worse, and then I took my place at the back of the grassy field facing the Tire Kingdom Stage (you heard me), where there were maybe a few dozen other concert-goers, as the Constellations eased into their set.

I was immediately intrigued by the funky, soulful racket the band was kicking up, struck that there were seven members--and amused that among this septet, there were two back-up singers. I mean, that's a rock star gambit, a Sting move. But here's a new band that even most music aficionados haven't heard of, that can't be making any dough to speak of on the road -- still, they have not one, but two back-up singers. Hilarious. And interesting.

Not as interesting as the performance that unfolded. It was rock, soul, R&B, hip-hop, funk -- and quickly added up to way more than the sum of those parts. It was peppy, swinging, sexy, feisty, magnetic. It was messy, greasy, irresistible fun.

It was a raucous house party, yet it didn't take long to see that the host--in this case, lead singer Elijah Jones, was deftly controlling the chaos, the frontman equivalent of the guy who throws a giant bash, and while keeping the drinks and stories coming is also subtly surveying the scene to keep the tipsy gal across the living room from knocking over the antique lamp, or the pair of blotto, increasingly grumpy guys from throwing any punches 'til they step outside.

Indeed, Jones has charisma to burn, and while he projects an image of the whirling-dervish party animal, he also knows exactly what he's doing (if he's crazy, he's crazy like a fox), and more to the point loves what he's doing. Also, his manner suggests catholic tastes in music, and vast knowledge -- he probably has a better, broader music library than you or I do, combined.

But The Constellations is far from a one-man band, and as I became swept up in the magic carpet ride of their SunFest performance, it was because all the musicians on stage locked into a blissed-out whole, forming a huge beckoning finger, luring the listener into the fold.

Literally, in my case. As they galloped deeper into their set, I gradually moved from the back of the grassy area closer and closer to the stage--that's how mesmerized I was, and if they'd played any longer, I might well have climbed on stage with them.

Which would've been awkward. It doesn't appear they're looking to expand their ranks, but I thought afterwards they did remind me a bit of Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros, an even larger collective, though much as Sharpe & company seem to be a buzz band of the moment -- I'd say tapped into the zeitgeist, but I'd have no idea what that means -- I find The Constellations more soulful. And more fun.

As soon as I got home that night, I searched online for The Constellations music, learning a debut album, "Southern Gothic," was on the horizon--but downloaded the song that was available, "Felicia," a wonderfully funky number propelled in part by Jamie Gordon's spirited electric piano. I've since played "Felicia" a bunch of times on the Wednesday Sonic Detour on WMNF, and enthusiastically sung the band's praises on-air each time.

And "Southern Gothic" more than lives up to the expectations created by the live adventure: it offers much of that vigorous chaos and genre-traversing--this thing travels from Tom Waits (in the homage-more-than-cover "Step Right Up") to a guest turn by Cee-Lo, who's featured on "Love Is A Murder"--but is delivered with a firm, unifying hand by producer Ben H. Allen (Animal Collective, Gnarls Barkley).

Then, over Labor Day Weekend, my crush on the Constellations only deepened when I saw them at Bumbershoot, the Seattle music and arts festival celebrating it's 40th anniversary (I started going 19 years ago). Semi-interesting coincidence: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros were also there, performing about five hours after The Constellations.

This set was longer, bigger, more colorful--better. From launching the show with the hypnotic "Setback" (I suspect I won't be the first, nor last, to note that this song is a kindred spirit, sonically, with "Tomorrow Never Knows") The Constellations were a blast, whether churning out the extended Waitsian extravaganza, "Step Right Up," rendering a cover of "Let's Dance" brimming with as much percolating fun as any version I've seen Bowie himself perform (and highlighting that another not-so-secret Constellations weapon is Wes Hoffman, whose bass lines are as big as his 'fro, which is saying something) and nearing the finish line with a smokin' "Felicia." And even when their time was up, they squeezed in a quick cover of "I'm Waiting For My Man."

Jones was, once again, screwy-captivating, including between-song patter that ranged from first impressions of Seattle to noting that -- when he peeled off his jacket, revealing a hideous, mostly-yellow floral shirt --"I dress like a pedophile," and generally keeping things moving, as he kept moving.

And he moves with something of a swagger, mild enough so it's not off-putting, but pronounced enough so it underscores everything else: Elijah Jones was born to front a band--not just any band, mind you, but a band with as much horsepower, and as many gears (and as many members!) as The Constellations.

Which brings us, finally, to a couple of key questions: Are The C onstellations the most original force to arrive on the national music scene? No, although the way they encompass and combine genres, and sometimes styles from different eras, is enormously refreshing -- few bands, old or new, can touch them when it comes to chemistry, and alchemy.

Question two: can they change the world? Again, no, but for an hour or so -- listening to "Southern Gothic" or, especially, catching them live -- they can change you, making you feel carefree, transported and deliriously happy. And, that's why I fell in love with The Constellations.

The Constellations will be making a significant Florida run with the following Sunshine State shows:
October 3, 2010 - Vinyl Music Hall, Pensecola, FL
October 4, 2010 - Jack Rabbits, Jacksonville, FL
October 5, 2010 - Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
October 6, 2010 - State Theater, St. Petersburg, FL
October 7, 2010 - The Social, Orlando, FL

“Felicia” by The Constellations (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

Listening for The Tin Hearts

2010-09-02T22:42:00.000-04:00

There is something magical about the mixture of folk, country and blues. Something hardscrabble, dusty and soulful. Call it Americana or alt.country or whatever. It is the music of my home, my youth and my continued passion.

Not surprising, I count My Morning Jacket, The Felice Brothers and Wilco as guideposts for my fervor. Mix in some Blitzen Trapper, Band of Horses, Hayes Carll and some Ryan Adams and you have a well-rounded playlist of modern Americana.

It is time to add another to the list. The Tin Hearts, based out of Columbus, Ohio, is a welcome addition to the club.

The tight, five-piece band plays honest, hard-working music that will keep the honky tonk lights burning until dawn. However, it is Matthew Sullivan's gritty vocals and harmonica work that make the band stand out. Like the aforementioned bands, The Tin Hearts possess a rollicking honesty that will take them far.

After releasing their self-titled debut album last year, The Tin Hearts will release their second album, "No Good Deed," on Singing Moon Records on September 10th. I can not wait to hear more from this up-and-coming band of musicians.

“Times Like These” by The Tin Hearts (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

The NSFW Song of The Summer Mania Continues

2010-09-01T20:16:00.001-04:00

A great version by AH hero, Tristan Clopet, in the latest installment of his Living Room Series.

Cee-Lo's Shawshank Redemption from Dallas Observer on Vimeo.
The obligatory mash-up.

And, of course, the official video drops.

You can keep a good song down.

The NSFW Song of The Summer

2010-08-29T11:00:00.000-04:00

Joining the growing chorus, I can not get enough of Cee Lo Green's NSFW summer hit. From its neo-pop/soul intro to its infectious and ribald chorus, the song is a joy and demands repeated plays.

Using the quintessential two-word expletive as the title and driving force, Cee Lo tells the common tale of a girl falling for a more upscale guy - a theme passed down for generations including rock classics, "Satisfaction" and "Rosalita." Also, does he really cite Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield?"

Much like "Hey Ya!" led both soccer moms and their brood to "shake it like a Polaroid picture," this song has the goods to unite us all behind this immediate reproach for the times.

Too much analysis already. Just get in the car, roll down the windows, blast the stereo and let Cee Lo do the talking.

“Fuck-You” by CeeLo Green (mp3)(Buy)

The Summer of Our Discontent

2010-08-24T21:42:00.000-04:00

These are the dog days of the our summer of discontent.

The typical bread and circuses have not been so satisfying - especially when you are short on the bread. There is plenty of anger to go around, but apparently not enough to get folks off the couch.

It is hard times, my friends. But its been worse and its been crazier. As Brother Jimmy was fond of saying, it is time to "break on through."

To help us on the ride, I offer this crunchy little gem from The Greenhornes, The Cincinnati-based band is better known as being Jack White's bandmates for his unstriped diversions. But Jack knows his stuff. These guys are the real deal. This track from their 2002 album Dual Mono is a garage-fueled thrill.

“Hard Times” by The Greenhornes (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

The Soulful Funk of Tristan Clopet

2010-07-31T13:57:00.004-04:00

There is a lot of blue-eyed soul in Tristan Clopet.

Blue-eyed soul wrapped around an infectious, hardcore funk.

Toronto-born, Miami-based Clopet and his band, the Juice, often get compared to Red Hot Chili Peppers, circa 1991, and justifiably so. On his latest EP, Purple, Clopet spits out his lyrical rap over that wonderfully nasty rock/funk groove that the Peppers did so well.

But there is more going on here than emulation. Clopet's soaring vocals and searing guitar sets him apart.

His voice is not as gritty as Anthony Keidis of the aforementioned Peppers. It contains the soulfulness that Steve Winwood and Robert Palmer perfected. Listening to the EP, one will also be briefly reminded of Faith No More, Arrested Development, John Legend and even U2. The funk/rock blaster, Superficiality Is A Sin, has joyfully kept with me for the past month.

And the man can play guitar. Just like ringing a bell.

Clopet, who is currently in the studio working on new material, is selling his EP online with the internet-friendly "pay your own price" policy. It is also available at iTunes and Amazon. Give a working musician so love and treat yourself to some badass funk.

“Superficiality Is A Sin” by Tristan Clopet (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

http://tristanclopet.com/

Family. Redefined. Again.

2010-07-23T13:27:00.000-04:00

A South Florida homage to the The Sopranos.

Because every family needs an intro theme....

West Palm's Surfer Blood Heads Out To World's Festivals

2010-07-05T16:31:00.002-04:00

The fresh-faced local music heroes, Surfer Blood, is about to embark on the summer of their lives.

The lo-fi, indie-pop group will soon head north to NYC to begins its six-week sprint around the globe playing mid-afternoon sets at all the best festivals. West Palm's Surfer Blood is hitting the big time.

Most often compared to Weezer, Pavement and Japandroids, Surfer Blood cranks out a laid-back, guitar-driven rock that employs liberal use of reverb in its lo-fi production. Formed just over a year ago, the band's first single, "Swim," drove the blogs crazy last fall. Their initial album Astro Coast is classic indie pop and was well received - an 8.2 and Best New Music tag from Pitchfork.

The band starts its festival run at NYC's Siren Festival and then onto Chicago for the Pitchfork Festival. After stops in Australia and Japan, the Florida Boys hit the European summer music festivals before closing out August at the UK's Reading and Leeds festivals.

Unless you caught Surfer Blood's raucous show at Lake Worth's Propaganda club last week, it will be awhile before the boys head back into to town. Until then, oh the sights they will see.

“Swim” by Surfer Blood (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

South Florida Concert Update: The Black Keys Thunder Into Town, Kevin Barnes visits Lake Worth

2010-06-25T17:05:00.000-04:00

On the heels of its release of one of year's best albums, alternative bluesmen, The Black Keys, has joined the southern swing of the Kings of Leon tour and is bringing the best rock show of the summer to South Florida.

Friday night, September 17th, at the Cruzan Amphitheater will feature some of the best rock out there, anywhere. The Akron-based The Black Keys - singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney on drums - will be joining After Hours favorites, The Whigs and Kings of Leon. The prospect of this show may be the only way to survive this too unbelievably hot summer.

In the meantime, I'll keep listening to their breakthrough album, Brothers. Muscle Shoals, where the album was recorded, has left its patented swamp feel to this outstanding recording. If my iPod had grooves, I would have worn them out with this album.

Lake Worth is looking to jump start the area concert business with its own festival - the First Annual Lake Worth It festival. To be held in Bryant Park, Of Montreal's Kevin Barnes will headline a bevy of bands including local guitar hero, John Ralston. Buying now instead at the gates for the August 7th festival will save you a sawbuck.

Also, Billy Corgan and his whoever he is hanging with has sold out the Revolution. Fanboys can still try StubHub. Vampire Weekend returns to the Fillmore in Miami Beach on October 13 - a safe distance after hurricane season. Tickets on sale today for the general admission show.

June 26 - The Juan MacLean (Respectable Street)(Tix)

July 2 - Hole (The Fillmore Miami Beach) (Tix)

July 3 - Black Kids (Respectable Street) (Tix)

July 4 - Paper Tongues (Fourth on Flagler) (FREE!)

July 8 - Sleigh Bells (Respectable Street) (Tix)

July 10 - Black Violin (Revolution) (Tix)

July 20 - Smashing Pumpkins (Revolution) (SOLDOUT)(StubHub)

July 23 - Seu Jorge (The Fillmore Miami Beach) (Tix)

July 31 - Robert Plant and The Band of Joy (Bayfront Park Amphitheater) (Tix)

August 7 - Kevin Barnes (Lake Worth It Festival) (Tix)

August 10 - Lilith Fair (Cruzan Amphitheater) (Tix)

August 25 - Natalie Merchant (Broward Center) (Tix)

September 17 - Kings of Leon, The Black Keys & The Whigs (Cruzan Amphitheather) (Tix)

October 2 - Rush performing Moving Pictures in its entirety (Cruzan Amphitheater) (Tix)

October 10 - Vampire Weekend (The Fillmore Miami Beach) (Tix)

“Everlasting Light” by The Black Keys (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

“Harvest Moon” by Of Montreal (mp3)

Weird Cover Wednesday: Something About You

2010-06-16T21:34:00.001-04:00

This is not just a cover, it is a reclamation project.

Cary Brothers' sweet duet with Dutch-through-LA singer Laura Jensen of Level 42's "Something About You" is a revelation. The familiarity of the song is not readily apparent. The stripped-down cover brings this tune up from the saccharine depths 80s English pop to become a simple gem.

Brothers, who is probably best known for his contribution to the Garden State soundtrack. included this tune on his enjoyable second album, Under Control, which was released this spring. Fortunately, there is not a synth to found during the entire 3:46.

“Something About You” by Cary Brothers (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

Five Video Friday: My Favorite Music Videos

2010-06-04T00:05:00.003-04:00

Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground- White Stripes

The White Stripes always blow people away with their music videos with director Michel Gondry at the helm. But this simple video often gets overlooked in favor of Fell In Love With A Girl or Hardest Button to Button. But it's simplicity doesn't stop it from being one of the best videos I've seen.

Around The World- Daft Punk

By all accounts what should have been a boring music video not only manages to entrance you with the well choreographed dance that if you look deeper actually has a cool surprise for you.

Going On- Gnarls Barkley

Going on takes choreographed dancing to the streets and makes it belong. With tight editing so every bounce, sway and gesture is in time to the beat it's hard not to dance along with this video. I must have watched it a hundred times and I still don't get tired of it.

Eighth Wonder- Lemon Demon

Come on, you knew he would show up. My favorite band and my favorite director Neil Cicierega does what may be the simplest music video I've seen. By taking one frame for each beat he makes a trip through the a forest of lyrics, mongooses and shacks seem like a grand adventure.

Keep Fishin'- Weezer

What can I say, I'm a sucker for both the Muppets and Weezer. With classic

Muppets feel, this video made me flashback to childhood.

Weird Cover Wednesday: Ben Lee does 'Ben Lee'

2010-06-02T18:13:00.004-04:00

Back in 2001, Indiana punksters, The Ataris, unleashed a caustic chorus about Australian former pop punker and current singer/songwriter Ben Lee with "Ben Lee". Very blunt and to the point, The Ataris let loose by proclaiming, "To me you're some just some ugly prick who got lucky/ cause he knew the Beastie Boys and I can't stand it." They also riff on Lee's dating of Claire Danes and his general good fortune, whether deserved or not.

What makes this special is when the victim of the call-out covers the taunt. Very cheeky - Ben Lee covering "Ben Lee."

“Ben Lee” by The Ataris (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

“Ben Lee” by Ben Lee (mp3)

South Florida Concert Update: U2 Bails, Sleigh Bells Head South

2010-06-01T20:18:00.010-04:00

Bono's mysterious back injury has postponed U2's North America tour, including its July 9th stop in Miami, and put a large hole in the summer concert plans for the SoFla faithful.

However, there are several new concerts that will go a long way in filling that musical void. Although these shows won't feature stadium-size stages, they will allow a closer look at some of the best up-and-coming bands around.

The biggest excitement is reserved for blog darlings, Sleigh Bells. The Brooklyn duo's fuzz guitar/pop vocals combination has the hipsters drooling over themselves. They may just be right. See them July 8th at West Palm's Respectable Street.

June 2 - Imogen Heap (The Fillmore Miami Beach) (Tix)

June 4 - Jethro Tull (Mizner Park) (Tix)

June 5 - Citizen Cope (The Fillmore Miami Beach) (Tix)

June 8 - Yes & Peter Frampton (Kravis Center) (Tix)

June 10 - Lynyrd Skynyrd & Bret Michaels (Cruzan Amphitheater)(Tix)

June 16 - Silversun Pickups, Against Me & Henry Clay People (Sunset Cove)(Tix)

June 26 - The Juan MacLean (Respectable Street)(Tix)

July 2 - Hole (The Fillmore Miami Beach) (Tix)

July 3 - Black Kids (Respectable Street) (Tix)

July 8 - Sleigh Bells (Respectable Street) (Tix)

July 9 - U2 (Sun Life Stadium) (Tix) (CANCELLED)

July 10 - Black Violin (Revolution) (Tix)

July 23 - Seu Jorge (The Fillmore Miami Beach) (Tix)

July 31 - Robert Plant and The Band of Joy (Bayfront Park Amphitheater) (Tix)

August 8 - Lilith Fair (Cruzan Amphitheater) (Tix)

August 25 - Natalie Merchant (Broward Center) (Tix)

September 17 - Kings of Leon (Cruzan Amphitheather) (Tix)

October 2 - Rush performing Moving Pictures in its entirety (Cruzan Amphitheater) (Tix)

ROADTRIP SPECIALS

Taking the long trip out west under the Roadtrip Specials for the week as two of the major summer festivals announced bands this week.

August 14-15 - Outside Lands Festival at Golden Gate Park in San Fran. Kings of Leon, The Strokes, My Morning Jacket, Social Distortion & Al Green headline the two-day fest. (Tix)

September 4-6 - Bumbershoot! Great festival in Seattle, featuring Bob Dylan, Weezer, Hole, Neko Case, Jenny Lewis, The Whigs and just about everyone else. (Tix)

Video Friday - Finding Your Focus

2010-05-28T15:21:00.008-04:00

The Greek goddess of victory, Nike, and her corporate namesake has smiled down once again on a fat Dutch progressive rock flautist.

Nearly forty years after Providence smiled down on Thijs van Leer to make his wild, wonderful, yodelling guitar

jam a worldwide hit, it is starting all over again.

Thanks to this shoe video for the 2010 World Cup (and

its 10 million views and counting), the Netherlands-

based Focus is once again heading back to the world

charts. It does help when the incredibly slick

commercial debuts in 32 countries.

For me, listening to Focus' "Hocus Pocus" reminds me

of when I started really listening to music for the first

time. Just an eight-year-old listening to the FM radio

late at night like I was caught behind enemy lines,

listening for news from the front.

Plus I liked the yodeling part.

“Hocus Pocus” by Focus (mp3)(iTunes)(Amazon)

Weird Cover Wednesday: The Gourds- Gin and Juice

2010-05-26T22:45:00.003-04:00

Acoustic covers of rap songs are comedic gold. It's a proven fact. So when country band The Gourds tunes up their banjos and drops some rhymes courtesy of Snoop Do-double g, magic is made. So roll down the window of your Ford truck, spill some Jack D for your homeboys on the ranch and ride off into the sunset on some funky beats.

“Gin and Juice” by The Gourds (mp3) (iTunes) (Amazon)