MOG - Sclerodactyl's Posts

Mog Blog #15: Ain’t No Easy Way

Sclerodactyl — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:46:32 GMT

So about a month ago I was listening to local radio when I heard that Black Rebel Motorcycle Club would be making their way through town. I immediately rushed to the ticketmaster website, and then to all the local (largish) venues to try and find show/ticket information. Nada, nothing, zilch. No one had any information (at least not the usual suspects) and I was left in the dark. A few weeks later I found out it was not a “regular” show and it was not at a place where I would have ever expected. Turns out it was a private show sponsored by Jack Daniels and tickets had to be won and were not for sale. I tried my hardest the week before the show, listening to the radio, working my connections, trying desperately to get some tix to see BRMC do their thing live. Once again, nada, nothing, zilch. In an act of desperation the night before the show, I logged onto the dreaded MySpace for the first time in about 5 months and reduced myself to begging for tix via a MySpace message. Much to my delight and surprise I got a reply from Dan (who shall now be referred to as Dan the Hero) who put in contact with tour manager Grant (who shall now be referred to as Grant the Savior). A round of blackberry-tag later, Grant confirms that I am on the guest list with a pair of tix for the show and I couldn’t be happier…. Not the safest way to score tickets, but it sure was a good fight.

The show itself was all I could have asked for. London’s own The Duke Spirit opened the show and won over a new fan. In advance of the show, local radio had been playing a song by The Duke Spirit, and I have to admit I was not so impressed. When I got to the live show however, I was won over by how tight the band was and how strong lead-singer/new-rock-goddess Liela Moss’ voice was outside of a recording studio. It was very refreshing to see that the band outperformed their recorded material by a mile.

After the opening act, I didn’t win a BRMC-autographed guitar, but I still was excited for their set – and they didn’t disappoint. The band took to the stage and came out flying, playing two tracks from their latest LP Baby 81 in succession: 666 Conducer and Berlin. Rarely taking time to address the audience, the band instead chose to pummel us with rocker after rocker. A brief cool-down came in the form of some acoustic songs, largely from the Howl LP (Fault Line, Shuffle Your Feet), courtesy of Mr. Peter Hayes. The full band quickly switched back into rock mode and played out the set, ending with a blistering version of "Whatever Happened to My Rock & Roll (Punk Song). They also tore through a 3 song encore (Spread Your Love, Steal A Ride, and All You Do Is Talk), much to the delight of everyone in the over-stuffed house.

After the show, I was hanging out on the back patio and saw Pete Hayes mingling with the crowd. After fending off some local groupies, he ducked inside but returned shortly with his guitar. I didn’t pursue him to see what was happening, but I can only imagine groupies were being softly serenaded somewhere. Instead I chose to stay near the backstage door and have a chat with Grant the Savior, who was kind enough to put me on the list for the show & hook me up with a set-list after the show. A good conversation with some traveling road stories ensued and I made sure to let Grant the Savior know how much I appreciated the tix to a great show.

Once again, Thanks Dan the Hero for pointing me in right direction and thanks to Grant the Savior for letting me be one of the 750 people in the place that only held 600.

Mog Blog #14: Rising Up & Rising Down

Sclerodactyl — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:50:27 GMT

The Roots - Philly legends, Hip-Hop veterans, and one of my favorite musical outfits – have recently released their 10th LP, Rising Down. As is typical with a Roots release, and due in large part to their self-financed web community Okayplayer.com, there has been much internet buzz (and some snark) about the new record. And while the boards at Okayplayer are not always a reliable source, the album is also posting good numbers with all of the journalist and music reviewer types who have heard the album and chosen to write about it. Don’t have time to read all the reviews? Fortunately Metacrtic.com has already taken the time to filter, condense and metascore said reviews HERE

If you do have time to read anything though, I would suggest two recent pieces of journalistic excellence (refreshing in these cut-and-paste times). This one HERE by the folks at the NY Times explores the background of The Roots psyche as they were recording and are now promoting Rising Down. And THIS PIECE, which is referenced in the NY Times article, further explains The Roots unique position in the current music marketplace, and paints their relationship with their current label (Def Jam) in a not-so-warm-and-fuzzy light.

As for the album itself, I of course purchased it the first week of release (29 April 2008) and would highly recommend it. The tone is much the same (but perhaps even darker) than their previous effort Game Theory, and except for a few places where the hooks don’t work so well (Get Busy, Criminal) the music is pure listening satisfaction. Black Thought once again establishes himself as the best rapper alive that you haven’t heard boasting about being the best rapper alive, and bandleader (and timekeeper) ?uestlove guides the band through some of the most banging beats the roots have ever produced. This record could quite possibly provide the soundtrack to your summer, if only you give it a chance.

If bonus content is your thing, forego buying the record in stores and head on over to iTunes where purchasers get 1) the satisfaction of actually paying for music and helping to support the struggling music industry and larger economy, 2) the iTunes album-only bonus track “Birthday Girl” featuring Patrick Stumpf of Fall Out Boy, and 3) Detailed song-by-song, blow-by-blow liner notes written by ?uestlove himself, delivered to you in .pdf format, and not available in the physical CD booklet (more on that maneuver if I find the time)

Mog Blog #13: Holla!

Sclerodactyl — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:48:50 GMT

G. Love and Special Sauce have now been doing it for over a decade, and they only get better with age. They rolled into Columbus OH on MLK day and provided their own brand of hip-hop-blues-funk for what looked like a sold out crowd. The highlight of the show for me though happened before the show when I bumped into G at a local eating establishment. He was cool and hooked us up with backstage passes. As for the show itself... awesome as usual. The band was the tightest I've ever heard them, and the addition of a full-time keyboard player really rounds out (and fattens) their live sound. The setlist provided a good mix of classic G. Love (Blues Music, Cold Beverage, Rodeo Clowns) as well as a good selection of songs from their latest record, Lemonade (Can't Go Back to Jersey, Holla!, Rainbow). Throw in some Freestyles, Hip-Hop (Gin & Juice) and Classic Rock (Beatles, Lou Reed)tags, and you've got the recipe for a good night of G. Love and Special Sauce. The current tour runs through the U.S. until Spring - after which GLASS will hit up Australia & Europe (with label boss Jack Johnson) - be sure to catch a show near you.

Mog Blog #12: Vanishing

Sclerodactyl — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:13:58 GMT

After 22 years of rocking their balls off, underground giants Anthrophobia finally are calling it quits. I was lucky enough to be in their hometown (Reading, PA) to catch their farewell show. The 7+ hour marathon show featured 16 bands playing their take on Anthrophobia songs, plus a multi-media look at 'Phobia through the years. Of course Phobia also rocked through a marathon 45 song set list that featured songs and the original members from every era of the band. The show was also filmed for a documentary/live DVD which will be available sometime next year through Frank Phobia's drp records label. The show was really special for many people and the crowd that gathered featured many players in the East Coast indie rock, hardcore & metal scenes. It was a good night and a fitting end to a band who dedicated their entire lives to rock and roll.

If you dig some heavy stuff every now and again and aren't yet hip to the genius that was Anthrophobia, you can download some free tunes at their website http://www.anthrophobia.com

Mog Blog 11: The Annointed One

Sclerodactyl — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 03:35:29 GMT

For $5 American greenbacks I was able to catch a high-energy show by Ted Leo & the Pharmacists this fair evening. I didn't have too many expectations going into the show, but I figured at the very least it would keep my mind off the imminent arrival of In Rainbows. What I got, was well worth my price and then some TL & TP ripped through a high-energy set of songs from both the present and the past. Although the supporting crew wasn't very tight this evening, they managed to pull off the show and get away with it - in part because Mr. Ted Leo writes ridiculously awesome songs, and in part because Mr. Ted Leo plays with a fervent energy which captivates the audience and distracts the critical mind from something as mundane as timing issues. Somewhere in between the power chord onslaught, Mr. Leo also found time to engage in comedic banter with the audience. During the encore, he proceeded to perform a pretty good solo rendition of Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark", which was jokingly (or maybe drunkenly) requested by an audience member earlier in the show. All in all, the show was good and the real crime is that Bad Religion was booked at another venue in town on the same night. It's likely that the same punk-rock audience had a hard time choosing between the So. Cal. stalwarts of punk, and an insanely cheap show by Ted Leo and his pharmacists.

Mog Blog 10: Jigsaw Falling Into Place

Sclerodactyl — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:43:23 GMT

So unless you've been living under a rock for the past week, you've by now heard that the new radiohead album will be available to the people of Earth in approximately 36 hours. The first gajillion people will be able to get the download starting 10 October 2007. I'm still waiting for my instructions on how to acquire the tracks which comprise the album. You see, like many rabid Radiohead fans, I opted to purchase the extravagant "Disco Box" version of In Rainbows which includes a 2 disc version of the album on both CD and Vinyl plus a fancy booklet, artwork, and packaging. As a big spender, I too am entitled to participate in the bandwidth olympics as I compete with a gajillion other creatures as they simultaneously attempt to download the new record on Wednesday and overwhelm the Inter Web. I make this blog in eager anticipation, and so I can join the many who have already rushed to the their respective blogging corners to say their piece (or peace) about the gracefulness of Radiohead.

The lack of instructions with less than 36 hours to go makes me nervous.

Mog Blog 9: Y'all Know Who

Sclerodactyl — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 02:19:44 GMT

I'm proud to announce that I have finally replaced my copy of The Roots Come Alive (which was stolen from me a few years back). I'm excited because I'm speaking of the 2CD Limited Edition, Out of Print version, and not the generic 1 disc "highlights" version (which is still in print and available in stores). Any time I pick up an out of print version of anything, I get excited - however I'm doubly excited in this occasion because this album absolutely knocks. This set is culled from various tour stops in France while The Roots were (arguably) at the height of their popularity (this was the tour and album which followed the highly-successful Things Fall Apart). Highlights of Disc 1 include 'Adrenaline!' which delivers exactly what the title promises, 'The Ultimate', which is also adrenaline charged, and a rollicking 17+ minute version of 'You Got Me' featuring Jill Scott long before anyone outside of Philly and the Neo-Soul scene knew who Jill Scott was. On disc two, 'What You Want', 'The Lesson - Part III (Its' Over Now)', and 'Ya'll Know Who' deliver some bonus studio goodness.

For those of you who don't have to have the Out of Print version like my obsessive-compulsive self does, I recommend checking out the still available (and equally awesome) single disc version of 'The Roots Come Alive'. For those of you treasure hunters who don't have the 2 disc version yet... Keep diggin'.

Mog Blog 8: Recycled Recipes

Sclerodactyl — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 15:10:50 GMT

Well folks, sometime between last week (8/7/07) and next week (8/21/07) you have a chance to pick up a new EP by Donavon Frankenreiter. This is six-song run through mellow(er) cover versions of songs ranging from Dylan to Wilco. The EP became available on iTunes last week, and should find its way to indie stores on CD and colored vinyl by 8/21. Also, for anyone on the East Coast, look for Donavon to play some shows this week in association with Billabongs new surf film: Trilogy. You lucky folks in OCMD and Va Beach will get treated to this Thursday & Friday of this week.

Mog Blog 7: Damn its been a busy June-July

Sclerodactyl — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:33:01 GMT

So I have just been bleeding money over the last month and a half (and scooping up some damn good music in the process). The photo above reflects all of my musical acquisitions over the afforementioned time period. For those not on the album cover tip, here's the list (in no logical order), and my ratings [based on one listen each and a scale of #(1) - ######(5)]:

The Beastie Boys - The Mix Up ### (3)

Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris #### (4)

The White Stripes - Icky Thump #### (4)

The Traveling Wilburys - Collection ##### (5)

Andre 3000 - Class of 3000 Soundtrack #### (4)

Velvet Revolver - Libertad ### (3)

Interpol - Our Love to Admire #### (4)

Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare ###1/2 (3.5)

This list is noticeably missing the new records by the Smashing Pumpkins (Zeitgeist) and T.I. (T.I. vs T.I.P.), both of which I haven't been able to afford as of yet. Also on my horizon are new records by Unkle (War Stories) and Donavon Frankenreiter (Indie-Store & iTunes only release). These are both released on this coming Tuesday 7/24/07. I sure hope the Christmas season isn't as chock full of good stuff as the mid-season was... I'll have to take out a loan to afford my music habit.

Mog Blog 6: Fake Empire

Sclerodactyl — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 04:21:45 GMT

P.S. (as in pre-script) here marks the first blog about a band you may not have heard of yet. Hooray for me and my wanna-be indie cred.

So I wandered down to the old music house to see a might good rock & roll outfit known as The National. (Granted these guys aren't exactly new to the scene, they got some pretty high marks for their 2005 record 'Alligator') This was my first exposure to them live, and I must say I was impressed. The band was tight, the arrangements impeccable and the songwriting above par. These guys are a solid band and put on a spectacular show. Listening to them live, you get a sense that these guys listen to a lot of U2 and bands that must have influenced Interpol (namely Joy Division). The frontman also had a pretty good Michael Stipe-ish stage presence going on, though as the evening grew long and the beer sat in the belly, walking was no longer his strongest suit. Coming to a more high profile gig near you, these guys will be playing the 9:30 club somewhere's around Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. Check em' if you can... I highly recommend it. Also their new album is available in stores right this minute.

Mog Blog 5: My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down

Sclerodactyl — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 03:10:08 GMT

I shouldn't need to tell anyone of the importance of CBGB's to the music scene of NYC (or of the Earth, for that matter). So while out looking for new music, I couldn't help but get some new old music. This record (CBGB Forever) is a compilation put together by Little Steven Van Zandt and showcases acts (both 'new' and 'old') that were/are instrumental in promoting the 'spirit of CBGB'. On top of that, proceeds from the album go to defray the legal costs that are embattling the club and its 'creator/owner' Hilly Kristal. From O.G.'s like The Damned, Blondie, and The Ramones to 80's heroes like The Talking Heads and U2, to new school acts that embrace the punk ideology (Green Day, Rancid)... this disc delivers. Perhaps because the compilation was put together who 'knows' music (Little Steven also puts in a turn as performer on The Chesterfield Kings "I Don't Understand"), or perhaps because there is truly something magical about CBGB's and its famous roster of performers; but this is one of the best put-together compilations to come out in recent memory. Despite not fairing so well on his hit cable program last Sunday night, Little Stephen sure did something right with this compilation. Can't miss track include: The Ramones "My Brain is Hanging Upside Down" U2's "Beat on the Brat" (a Ramones cover) Rancid's "Time Bomb" and the classic punk-anthem by the Dead Boys "Sonic Reducer"

Mog Blog 4: Testify

Sclerodactyl — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:57:48 GMT

O.K. so in case you haven't heard, recently reformed Rage Against The Machine is planning something. Nobody (except insiders) knows what yet, but they have set up a new website to let us all know that they are planning something. You can peep that here: http://www.ratm82407.com/

For the lay: In approximately 4.75 days (on Monday 11 June 2007, if I did the math right) something will be announced or will happen... Then again in 78 days (24 August 2007), something else (i'm assuming a larger announcement or event) will happen.

Because its so easy to speculate, I'm think this will either be a new album or a tour. Best case we get both. You never know with the boys from RATM though, they could be planning something else that is way bigger or much different from a tour or album. Guess we'll find out more on Monday.

Mog Blog 3: No Such Thing

Sclerodactyl — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:05:41 GMT

Today (5 June 2007) marks the release of the second solo record by Mr. Chris Cornell. I've been a fan of this person since his Soundgarden days, and was hugely excited when his first solo record (1999's Euphoria Morning)was released. I remember at the time that critics loved it and fans hated it. I was somewhere in beetween upon first listen. 8 years later, the album has grown (and is still growing) on me, and I have only good things to say about Euphoria Morning. With the release today of Carry On, I am once again unsure what to expect from Mr. Cornell. I have heard "the Bond song" (You Know My Name), and I have heard a live acoustic rendition of Michael Jackson's Thriller-era classic Billie Jean - both of which will be included on the new album. If I were to base my judgment of Carry On on just the two tracks I have heard, I'd say that this one will have to grow on me as well... If the folks at Amazon come through and get me my shiny new record on release day, I'll know by the end of the day. In the meantime... Carry On.

Mog Blog #2: I Got A Story To Tell

Sclerodactyl — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 18:44:34 GMT

Last evening while out & about on the town, I managed to score original copies of the two albums that comprise what I consider the "Official" Notorious B.I.G. discography. Ready to Die (pictured above) and Life After Death (pictured below) are both excellent examples of mid-late 90's hip-hop. All of the post-humous albums that have been released and make up the full Biggie catalog pale in comparison to these two classic (as far as I'm concerned anyway) records which were actually conceived and recorded while the man was still alive (Although Life After Death was released after Biggie's death). I was holding down a job at a record store at the time of Life After Death's release.... man that was an event. I don't know if it was the circumstances (Biggie's death), the um "demographic" that tended to shop in the mall I worked in, or if L.A.D. was really that huge of an album, but damn if that wasn't one of the busiest days we ever had in the store. I haven't worked in a record shop in a few years, but I imagine with the rise of Big Box stores, iTunes, and on-line retailers like Amazon, record releases aren't events anymore. What I do know, is that these two albums effectively showcase the greatness that was Mr. Christopher Wallace. From the hits to the slept-on's... these two albums are how hip-hop records should be done. I'm happy to (finally!) add them to my collection, and I'd recommend anyone to to do the same.

Mog Blog 1: Welcome to the Sclerodrome

Sclerodactyl — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 15:50:44 GMT

Here marks the first edition of my music blog... which is easy enough to do. The tricky part is going to try and be clever and put something here from time to time that is relevant and has substance.

The best laid plans... So my plan is to use this outlet as a means to chronicle my music finds & purchases - both new releases and lost treasures/oldies-but-goodies from used record/cd shops. Hopefully (if I have any readers anyway), I can put some of you on to new stuff, or at least poison your minds with my ever-widening musical tastes. At the very least it will be some free advertising and (mostly) good press for a range of artists (some of whom likely need the free advertising, some of whom EVERYONE knows about).

No matter what happens with this here blog area, at least I've put the plan to print, and y'all know where I'm jumping off from... So kick back, keep your arms inside the safety bars at all times, and enjoy the ride.

Mog Blog #2 in a minute.